Former Shelby Chief Wilson faces 6 felonies
Thursday, August 4, 2016
Oceana’s
Six felony counts were handed down Tuesday morning to former Shelby Village Police Chief Bob Wilson. Wilson, 62, of 2560 S. 80th Ave., Shelby, was arraigned by 78th District Court Judge Kevin Drake on one count of embezzlement $50,000 to $100,000 and five counts of motor vehicle code — false certification. Wilson told Wilson Drake that he was not working and had no income, and Drake appointed Shelby attorney Tim Hayes to represent him. Bond was set at $10,000, 10 percent and was posted. Wilson declined to comment following his arraignment. According to the court complaint, the embezzlement charge alleges that Wilson, as an agent or employee of the Village of Shelby, converted for his own use without consent money or personal property having a value of more than $50,000, but less than $100,000. The other five counts allege that Wilson performed false certifications on separate occasions between June 10, 2015 and Sept. 23, 2015. The warrant for Wilson was issued July 25, 2016 by state Assistant Attorney General Oronde Patterson. The investigation was made by the Michigan State Police. The beloved and sometimes embattled Wilson was fired by the Shelby Village
WILSON FACES 6 FELONY CHARGES continued on 6a
INSIDE THI
S WEEK
Two sections 24 pages
Herald-Journal
$1.50
Oceana County's weekly news source since 1869 Oceana County Veterans Affairs millage renewal YES
NO
4,075
1,211
YES
NO
3,818
1,465
YES
NO
3,188
2,002
YES
NO
2,592
2,257
YES
NO
721
924
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Mast
Martin
Phillips
Blohm
Gustafson
Oceana County Ambulance millage renewal
Byl
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Mast, Martin, Phillips take primary elections
Oceana County Council on Aging Levy
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Oceana County operating levy for 10 yrs.
Shelby schools building bond defeated Craig Mast, Michelle Martin and Mary Lou Phillips were the winners of the three most contested races in Tuesday’s primary election following the final vote tally at the Oceana County Building in Hart early Wednesday morning. Mast won by a nearly 3-1 margin over second-place finisher Tim Priese to advance unopposed to November to be the next Oceana County Sheriff. Martin had a 469-vote
Blohm, Gowell claim road commission seats Byl, Gustafson fend off county board challengers
margin of victory over second-place finisher Lori Green for the Oceana County Drain Commissioner seat, and Phillips had an approximately 2-1 margin of victory over second-place finisher Gail McDonald Schulte to advance unopposed to the Oceana County Treasurer’s seat.
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Shelby Public Schools building bond proposal
PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS
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continued on 3a
MCF asks county for loan to assist with reconstruction
All revved up
By John Cavanagh
Herald-Journal Writer
A short-term loan to keep the Oceana County Medical Center reconstruction project on schedule might be coming from the Oceana County Board of Commissioners. MCF Director Greg Wilson asked the county board July 28 if it could float the MCF approximately $700,000 to keep the third phase of the reconstruction project on schedule. Wilson said construction crews are set to begin demolition of the 1960s era building in a few weeks. Because of a funding shortage, Wilson said one idea was to split up the project, but that would delay its completion until November 2017 instead of June next year. Wilson also said splitting up the project would lead to cost increases, and asked the board for a line of credit. “So we’re just asking for funds to help us pay for Phase 3 of that project,” Wilson said. “Obviously, we’re only going to use what we need.”
Hart Car Show draws large crowd as custom and classic cars fill downtown More than 130 vehicles of all makes and models from a variety of era’s filled downtown Hart Saturday, July 30 for the annual Hart Car Show. Organizers were extremely pleased with this year’s turnout. “We had a nice mix of vehicles,” Gary Deuling of Hart NAPA Auto Parts and co-organizer of the show said. We had cars from the 1920s and older as well as a few 2015 models and everything in between, Deuling added. This year’s show featured 20 categories for show entrants to compete in; including Best of Show, which was awarded to Art Jeffries and his customized 1931 Ford Model A. Top, car show visitors check out one of the newer model cars on display. A trio of car show attendee’s, right, admire the souped up chrome engine of a Willys 2-door Coupe owned by Al Rose. Below, car show attendee’s peek in the window of a 1948 Ford Wagon owned by Bob and Donna Petrusha as they check out the cars wooden headliner. Additional Hart Car Show pictures on Page 11a.
MCF SEEKS RECONSTRUCTION LOAN FROM COUNTY continued on 7a
SLSDA chamber hires Lisa Fleury as new director
Andrew Skinner • Oceana’s Herald-Journal
Elbridge Township holds up action to withhold Walkerville Fire payments By John Cavanagh
Herald-Journal Writer
Any action regarding the withholding of payments to the Walkerville Area Fire Department was put off by the Elbridge Township Board July 26 until it receives a response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request that is due tomorrow (Friday, Aug. 5). Although some audience members at last week’s special meeting wanted the township board to enact
a resolution approved last winter to withhold payments, Elbridge Supervisor Craig Herremans thought it would be better to wait. “If we don’t get it, we’ll have to take the next step,” Herremans said. Herremans and Leavitt Township Treasurer David Kruppe, as individuals and not township representatives, filed the FOIA request with
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WALKERVILLE FIRE PAYMENTS continued on 6a
Walkerville Area Fire and Rescue grants 2006-2016 Grant type total grant federal share Fire prevention trailer $42,530 $40,404 SCBA Air compression system $44,000 $41,800 Extrication equipment $33,250 $31,588 Recruitment/retention $159,899 $64,517 3 TIC cameras $18,850 $17,620 PPE washer/dryer $18,500 $17,620 Totals $317,029 $213,872
INDEX Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8a Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . 9-11b Court, Cops, Gov’t . . . . . . . 5b Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . 10a Oceana in the Summer . . B1,8
Outdoor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Social . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Viewpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7b 4b 9a 3b 4a
local match $2,126 $2,200 $1,662 none $8970 $880 $7,765
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The Silver Lake Sand Dunes Area Chamber of Commerce appointed Lisa Fleury as its new Executive Director. Ms. Fleury offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication and a Master of Business Administration degree with an emphasis on Economics and Marketing. A 24 year resident of Oceana County, Fleury has an extensive Fleury background with area non-profit organizations and served on the management team for 2010 Census operations overseeing recruitment in 10 West Michigan counties. Fleury is currently employed with the Volunteers of America Michigan as a Veterans Employment Specialist. She is a strong advocate of buying local and hopes to add value to chamber members through business related programming. According to the chamber board, Fleury brings a lot of enthusiasm for promoting the Silver Lake Sand Dunes area to the world and will be visiting chamber members in the up-coming months. Fleury is available at the Chamber of-
FLEURY NAMED SLSDA CHAMBER DIRECTOR continued on 6a
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• August 4, 2016 • Oceana’s Herald-Journal
Wilson faces 6 felony charges
from Page 1a
Council last January amid allegations he performed salvage vehicle inspections without turning over inspection fees to the village. He had been suspended without pay in late December by village Administrator Chelsea Stratil after she had received an anonymous tip regarding Wilson’s salvage vehicle inspections. Stratil said in January that her internal inves-
tigation determined that Wilson, as an agent of the village through his role with the police department, had been performing salvage vehicle inspections without the village’s knowledge and any revenue generated from the inspections was not turned over to the village. Wilson also was forced to resign as police chief in July 2007 and accepted a severance pack-
age a month later. The move outraged many community members and prompted resignations and recall elections of council members serving at the time. New Era resident Tim French was later hired as chief and resigned after serving just over a year. Wilson was rehired as police chief in April 2009. If convicted, Wilson faces a maximum 15-year prison sen-
Maxine’s Closet Back to School give away planned for Aug. 12
tence and/or a $25,000 fine or three times the amount embezzled on the embezzlement charge. The false certification Plans for the 8th annual Maxine’s Closet Back to School event charges carry a maximum 1-5 years prison sentence and/or are well underway. The kickoff will be take place Friday, Aug. $500-$5,000 in fines. A proba- 12. This year’s event will take place at 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Shelby ble cause hearing on the charg- Middle School. Attendance for this event has climbed significantly over the last es is set for 3 p.m. Aug. 15. several years. In 2015, over 700 children were served, mostly from Shelby and Hart school districts. The event will again feature new and gently used clothing, new packages of socks and underwear, new backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last) to help assist area families with back to school needs. There will also be a resource fair, connecting families to area community resources. “We will again have a food truck on hand beginning at 10 a.m., which will help area families with groceries,” event co-organizer Kristen Bisard said. Registration for the food truck will be held in the middle school parking lot. The Shelby Public Schools food service program will again be providing a free breakfast and lunch for all children in attendance. There are many ways to become involved with Maxine’s Closet mission. School clothing in gently used condition (no rips, stains, excessive wear) in children’s and teens sizes are needed. New packages of socks and underwear, new backpacks and school supplies are also appreciated. Arrangements can be made for pick up or donations may be dropped off to Shelby United Methodist Church. People can also drop off clothing and/or other supplies Thursday, Aug. 11 at Shelby Middle School between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Funding to assist with purchasing supplies is always appreciated. Checks may be made to Maxine’s Closet and sent to 68 E. Third St., Shelby, MI 49455. Volunteers are also needed. Help with sorting and setting up clothing and supplies is needed Thursday, Aug. 11 at the middle school and volunteers are also needed Friday, Aug. 12 to help with the distribution. If you or your organization are able to help, contact Bisard at 231-730-2359 or Laurel Sawyer at 231-3270852. Be sure to “like” Maxine’s Closet on Facebook. Maxine’s Closet was founded in 2009 to help students with their back to school needs, so that they might begin the new Andrew Skinner • Oceana’s Herald-Journal school year in confidence. The project was named after the late Maxine Martin, who along with her husband Bill, who survives her, volunteered for many local organizations, especially those honored during assisting children.
Johnson retirement open house
Past and present Oceana County Board members along with family, friends, co-workers and her old boss all took part in a retirement open house for former Oceana County Administrator Sue Johnson Friday, July 29 at the Oceana County Courthouse. Johnson, left, was awarded a proclamation from the State of Michigan signed by Governor Rick Snyder, State Senator Goeff Hansen and State Rep. Jon Bumstead for her 39 years of employment (8 years as county administrator) with the county. Johnson was also given a resolution by the county board at her last board meeting Thursday, July 28. Former county board Chairman Larry VanSickle and current board member Larry Byl each spoke about how they enjoyed working with Johnson during her many years with the county. Also expressing how much he enjoyed working with Johnson was her former boss, retired Oceana County Administrator Paul Inglis, pictured above.
What do you have to sell? Consider the Classifieds! Oceana’s Herald-Journal Downtown Hart • 873-5602
Walkerville fire payments
from Page 1a
the fire department earlier last month. They received a notice for a 10-day extension to respond to the request July 22 as allowed under the FOIA act. They are seeking financial records they say were initially requested as quarterly reports in February and March, but as of the July 26 special meeting, hadn’t been received. They also claimed there is approximately $500,000 in grants received by the fire department that have
never showed up in the fire department budget. The Walkerville Area Fire Department is actually a fire authority consisting of Elbridge, Colfax and Leavitt townships along with the Village of Walkerville. Each of the four units appoints two representatives to serve as fire board members who govern department operations. Walkerville Area Fire Department Administrator Jerry Frick, who also is the elected Walkerville Village president, said the fire authority agreement dictates that the fire board has complete authority to operate the department. He said it was agreed to at the last fire authority annual meeting that from Page 1a Kruppe would work with the clerk to improve the Quickfice, 2388 N. Comfort Dr., Hart, Books program so the clerk MI 49420. Her office hours are could provide quarterly reports Monday and Wednesday from 7-11 a.m., Thursday from 4-8 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and by appointment. Call, 231-873-2247, in advance as hours could vary due to holidays and work schedule. Fleury replaces former chamber director Deanna Helmlinger who left the chamber to pursue a full-time opportunity with the Oceana County Road Commission.
SLSDA chamber hires new director
to the townships, but that never happened. According to Frick, all grant money received is accounted for in the fire department’s annual audits. He also said he does not receive any compensation to apply for and administer the grants when received and called the current situation political. Frick said he is working with the fire board attorneys and that Herremans and Kruppe should receive some of the requested information by the Aug. 5 deadline, adding that not everything requested will be provided as it would take months to assemble. “They’re advising us what to do and where to go,” Frick said of the attorneys. Any future steps are expected to be discussed by the township board at its next regular meeting Aug. 9.
INSIDE THIS WEEK
Football season is back
Hart’s return to varsity action highlights week 1 Page 2b
Thursday, August 25, 2016
‘Down on the Farm’ in Hesperia Page 6a
10th annual ‘Clean Sweep’ sees record turnout Page 3a
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Judge upholds embezzlement, false certification charges against Wilson By John Cavanagh
Herald-Journal Writer
Wilson
No record could be located by state officials confirming that vehicle identification numbers (VIN) were properly checked as required during multiple salvage vehicle inspections performed by former Shelby Village Police Chief Bob Wilson.
That was the testimony from one of three witnesses called to the stand during an approximately two-hour long probable cause hearing for Wilson in 78th District Court in Hart Monday. In the end, district court Judge Kevin Drake ruled State Assistant Attorney General Oronde Patterson presented enough evidence to support the six felony charges and ordered that
the case be sent on for trial in 27th Circuit Court. Wilson, 62, of 2560 S. 80th Ave., Shelby, was charged earlier this month with one felony count of embezzlement $50,000 to $100,000 and five felony counts of motor vehicle code — false certification. He is accused of converting money collected for performing salvage vehicle inspections to his
own use and performing false certifications on five vehicles between June 10, 2015 and Sept. 23, 2015. Wilson was fired by the Shelby Village Council last January following an earlier suspension amid allegations he performed salvage vehicle inspections without turning
WILSON FACES EMBEZZLEMENT CHARGES continued on 12a
4-H participation up this year Caution stressed around swine at this year’s Oceana County Fair By Amanda Dodge OHJ Contributing
writer
Steady participation in Oceana County 4-H has always been a hallmark of the program, and this year it has been punctuated with a marked increase. Oceana MSU Extension 4-H Program Coordinator Lori Cargill said Monday that 340 youth are enrolled to participate in this year’s 145th Oceana County Fair, with 70 as first-year participants. That is an increase of approximately 20 more total participants than last year according to Cargill. Adding that this is the “first time we have really looked at the number of first year
The body of drowning victim Steve Bruce, 62, of Hart was recovered during a Lake Michigan search last Wednesday, Aug. 17. Bruce, a Hart area realtor, had been missing since an Aug. 14 fishing accident on the lake, which also claimed the life of 53-year-old Brian Waslusky, also of Hart. The recovery of Bruce was made during the afternoon with the help of the Michigan State Police Dive Recovery Team with the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office Marine Division. Bruce’s body was transported to Spectum Health in Grand Rapids for autopsy. The recovery was made just out in front of the Little Point Sable Lighthouse near the bottom of the lake in 78 feet of water, sheriff’s office Lt. Craig Mast said. State police and an Ottawa County Marine deputy used side scan sonar and developed a possible target in locating Bruce. From that target, the state police used an underwater robot to confirm what they had found was indeed Bruce’s body. “There was some difficulty bringing Mr. Bruce’s body to
2ND DROWNING VICTIM RECOVERED continued on 12a
participants. It is kind of astonishing to us.” Those participants work hard every year in preparation for this week’s county fair which runs through
Saturday, Aug. 27 in Hart. Here they get to show off the culmination of their efforts in raising animals or completing projects. Outside of the biggest awards
for those that show animals, including grand and reserve champion in each animal area, they also get to see what price their project animal draws at auction. “The biggest thing is that our small market program has moved up its auction time. The auction is now
“This year
we are dealing with swine influenza. There have been no reported cases at this time, but that is subject to change if any symptoms arise in the swine at the fair,”
— Lori Cargill Oceana MSU Extension 4-H Program Coordinator
at 5 p.m. Saturday to try and ease some of the traffic congestion for fair patrons that want to get into the grandstands that night and also to reduce the noise so that people can hear the auctioneer,” Cargill said of the one hour time change to the auction. “Also the poultry project has returned and we are able to have live birds on the premises,” she said. “We did not have that last year due to avian influenza.” After an outbreak of swine influenza, where media outlets reported two people contracted the illness from one infected animal, at the Muskegon County Fair, Cargill said they are on high alert to keep that from happening at the Oceana County Fair. “This year we are dealing with swine influenza. There have been no reported cases at this time, but that is subject to change if any symptoms arise in the swine at the fair,” Cargill said. She went on to explain that swine influenza
4-H PARTICIPATION UP AT COUNTY FAIR
continued on 7a
Dolph Eisenlohr, top, sits on top of a chicken cage outside of the poultry barn Tuesday morning, Aug. 23 as he waits for his birds to be checked in. Left, Matthew Brimmer helps escort a pig down the loading ramp and into the swine barn and the Oceana County Fair. Andrew Skinner • Oceana’s Herald-Journal
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Body of 2nd fisherman recovered from Lake Michigan
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INDEX Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8a Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5b Court, Cops, Gov’t . . . . . . 5-6b Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . 10a Oceana in the Summer . . B1,8
Outdoor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C1 School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4b Social . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9a Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3b Viewpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4a
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Hesperia students return to classes Monday
While the majority of Oceana County schools won’t begin classes until Sept. 6, Hesperia Community Schools students will begin classes next Monday, Aug. 29. The Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency (NCRESA) has received a start time waiver and all schools within the NCRESA service area will begin classes before Labor Day, superintendent Vaughn White said. For Hesperia students, Aug. 29 will be a full day of classes. The start time for kindergarten through fourth-grade students will be 7:50 a.m. and classes will dismiss at 3:15 p.m. For students in grades five through 12, classes will begin at 8:05 a.m. and dismiss at 3:15 p.m. Children in kindergarten, first and second grades will not be dropped off at their bus stop without an older sibling or acknowledgement that a parent or guardian is at home. White noted that there will be some bus driver route changes and asks that people be patient the first few weeks of school while the new drivers become acquainted with the new routes and children. All students should arrive at their assigned bus stop at least five minutes before their scheduled pick-up time. The district is expected to officially hire a new elementary interventionist at its Sept. 19 board meeting. Denise Short will begin the school year with the intent to hire, White said.
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• August 25, 2016 • Oceana’s Herald-Journal
Wilson faces embezzlement charges
the money over to the village. During Monday’s preliminary hearing, Elizabeth Canfield of the Michigan State Police Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) Services Unit testified that the LEIN computer system tracks and retains all queries entered into the system for five years. She had been given a sampling of some of the VIN numbers from inspections allegedly performed and signed off by Wilson, but the system showed no record of any of the numbers ever being entered. Michigan Department of State Regulation Manager Steve McConnell told the court that the law requires the up to $100 fee collected for salvage vehicle inspections to be turned over to the inspecting officer’s employer and that disbursements are worked out between the employer and the inspecting officer. He said the average inspection can take two to four hours to complete, but Wilson’s inspection reports indicated he was completing almost all his inspections in two hours. McConnell said that when inspections are completed quickly, it tends to throw up a “red flag.” Shelby Village Administrator Chelsea Stratil was the first to testify. Stratil told the court that she had received an anonymous tip regarding Wilson’s salvage vehicle inspections and that Wilson had performed approximately 700 inspections between December 2013 and November 2015. After starting an internal investigation, Stratil said she consulted local officials before ultimately contacting Lt. Dave Johnson of the Michigan State Police. She testified that she initially did not know Wilson was certified to perform salvage vehicle inspections, but had noticed there was a blank line item for
Employee training grants available
Nearly $20 million in grants are available for Michigan businesses to fund employee training through the 2017 Skilled Trades Training Fund. The competitive grants, launched in 2013, have proven to be such a popular and sought-after resource that the funding pool has been increased for 2017 by over 35 percent. Michigan Works! West Central will host employer information presentations on STTF prior to the application period, which begins in September. An employer information presentation will take place Monday, Aug. 29 at the Hart Community Center (behind city hall), 407 State St., in Hart at noon. Lunch will be provided. “Local employers who have training needs may be eligible for financial assistance through STTF and should start assessing training needs and preparing an application soon,” says Paul Griffith, executive director of Michigan Works! West Central. STTF is designed for shortterm training programs and can be utilized by private companies or non-profits with a Michigan presence. The training also includes USDOL registered apprenticeships. Trainees must be Michigan residents age 18 or older who are current or future full-time employees of the company. Interested employers in Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Newaygo, Oceana, and Osceola counties must apply through Michigan Works! West Central. Since STTF’s inception in 2014, Michigan Works! West Central has helped secure nearly $900,000 for businesses in Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Newaygo, Oceana, and Osceola counties, which equates to nearly 1,000 employees receiving training. Interested companies can visit www.michworkswc.org/ resources-data/sttf for more information or call 231-6600285. Those interested in attending the Hart presentation must RSVP to Merri Bennett at 231-583-2029 or at mbennett@michworkswc.org.
inspection fees in the Shelby Village audit. Stratil told the court that Wilson admitted to performing inspections, but could not produce any verbal or written agreements allowing him to keep the fees. During cross examination by defense attorney Tim Hayes, Stratil identified John Heykoop as the person who tipped her off to Wilson’s salvage vehicle inspections. She said she learned that Wilson had been certified since 1995 to perform inspections, but did not interview any previous council members during her investigation to see if there was some type of agreement for Wilson to keep the fees. Stratil said it was her understanding that all salvage vehicle inspection fees collected belong to the village first. Wilson’s $10,000, 10 percent bond was continued. He waived his circuit court arraignment following Monday’s
2nd drowning victim recovered
from Page 1a
the surface because the waves on Lake Michigan were between 4-6 feet, which made it very difficult to operate in,” Mast said. “Divers were eventually used to raise the body to the surface where it could be brought on board a boat and brought to shore.” Bruce, Waslusky and a third man identified as Russell Pierce were fishing approximately one mile off the lighthouse shoreline the evening of Aug. 14 when Bruce and Waslusky went into the water in an attempt to retrieve a fishing net that had been dropped overboard while attempting to net a large fish. Neither man was wearing a life jacket.
preliminary hearing and a circuit court pretrial conference is set for Sept. 12. Wilson was previously forced to resign as police chief in July 2007 and accepted a
severance package a month later. The move outraged many community members and prompted resignations and recall elections of council members serving at the time. He
was rehired as police chief in April 2009. If convicted, Wilson faces a maximum 15-year prison sentence and/or a $25,000 fine or three times the amount em-
from Page 1a bezzled on the embezzlement charge. The false certification charges carry a maximum 1-5 years prison sentence and/or $500-$5,000 in fines.
Pentwater Scouts collect 700 pounds of food during annual spring campout Page 3a
Thursday, April 13, 2017
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Falcon teams fall to Shelby in season openers
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INSIDE THIS WEEK
Plethora of Easter Egg Hunts set for Saturday across Oceana
• Team pictures • Season previews • Team schedules •
Page 11a
100-plus expected to take part in ‘Show Us Your Taxes President Trump’ Tax Day March
Wilson case unresolved; continues toward trial
Rally to take place in Pentwater beginning at 10 a.m.
More than 100 people are expected to take part in a “Show Us Your Taxes President Trump Tax Day March” Saturday, April 15 in Pentwater. Concerned citizens will gather at the Pentwater Village Green to demand that President Donald Trump release his tax returns. The Tax March in
West Michigan Region Director for Sen. Gary Peters, Peter Ross Dickow. Despite promises throughout the presidential Pentwater is one of over 100 marches taking place across the country Saturday to demand transpar- campaign, President Trump still has not released his tax returns, bucking decades-old norms. Every ency and accountability from President Trump. The march will begin at 10 a.m. and will travel ‘SHOW US YOUR TAXES from the Village Green through town. Speakers PRESIDENT TRUMP’ continued on 6a will include local activist Deb Del Zoppo and
Former Elbridge Supervisor Walt Wheeler dies suddenly
A plea offer for former Shelby Village Police Chief Bob Wilson will remain on the table just prior to his scheduled trial on embezzlement and motor vehicle inspection fraud late this month. The case remained unresolved at a final pretrial conference hearing in 27th Circuit Court in Hart Monday, April 10. Michigan Assistant Attorney Wilson General Oronde Patterson said he would leave previously offered plea deals on the table up until April 24. The trial is set for April 26-28. Wilson, 62, of 2560 S. 80th Ave., Shelby, was arrested in August 2016. He is charged
Springing open
Longtime Elbridge Township Supervisor Walter Wheeler died unexpectedly Monday, April 10. Wheeler served as township supervisor for 24 years and was also the township treasurer for over nine Wheeler years. In addition to his positions with the township, Wheeler also served on the Hart Public Schools Board of Education, was the chairman of the Oceana County Chapter of the Michigan Township Association, spent some time on the Oceana County Road Commission board and was currently serving on the Oceana County Planning Commission. A lifelong farmer, Wheeler was the owner of Wheeler Farms in addition to being a retired teacher at Shelby Public Schools. Wheeler is survived by his wife, Karen; four children; and numerous grandchildren. A private family service is planned.
WILSON CASE HEADING TO TRIAL continued on 6a
Tornado drill next Wednesday
Fris steps down from Shelby School board seat to take district position
A consolidation move by Shelby Public Schools has led to a vacancy on the Shelby Board of Education. L o n g time board member Doug Fris recently resigned his board seat to become the district’s Fris new operations director. His annual salary will be $52,000. According to Superintendent Dan Bauer, the district has been working toward consolidating the management of its transportation, building and grounds, custodial and maintenance departments and ended up posting the position of operations director. Because the primary responsibility will be transportation, Bauer said, “it was important to hire someone with experience with school bus transportation, working with children, and someone who had personnel
FRIS LEAVES SCHOOL BOARD FOR DISTRICT POSITION continued on 6a
Oceana County’s emergency responders will participate in a state-wide tornado drill next Wednesday, April 19. Sirens from throughout the county will be tested during the drill at 1 p.m. Pentwater Fire Department Chief Terry Cluchey told the Pentwater Village Council April 10 that the Pentwater department will participate in additional siren tests throughout the summer. The tests will be conducted at 10 a.m. on the first Monday of each month from May to September.
Battle Creek man seriously injured in dune crash
Andrew Skinner • Oceana’s Herald-Journal
Wild purple crocuses bask in the Saturday sunshine April 8 in Benona Township. Recent rainy weather mixed with patches of sunshine and the ever coveted warm weather have helped area plants come to life after falling dormant over the winter.
Village receives AA-plus bond rating PENTWATER — A AA-plus bond rating was received by the Village of Pentwater for bonds to cover the village street improvement costs. Village representatives were scheduled to close on the bonds April 12. Once the closing is completed, the village will receive $2,049,631.41 and a bond premium. Village Clerk/Trea-
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surer Colleen Moser said the interest rate will be 2.567 percent. In her written report to council, Moser noted that the principal and interest payments will be $215,000 for each of the first two years and are expected to drop to an average of $160,000 a year for the remaining years. She noted that a strong economy, strong finan-
INDEX Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8a Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9b Court, Cops, Gov’t . . . . . . . 5b Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . 10a Outdoor . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10b
School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4b Social . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9a Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1-3 Stuff to do . . . . . . . . . . . 11a Viewpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4a
cial management, strong budget performance and budgetary flexibility as being contributing factors to the bond rating. Moser pointed out that the rating could be impacted if the village fails to maintain balanced operations, weakened financial management practices or weakened budget flexibility.
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A Battle Creek man was transported to Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids with a serious back injury following a singlevehicle accident on the Silver Lake Sand Dunes April 8. According to the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office accident report, Brandon Latt Mcelhenie, 25, of 10693 I Dr. N, Battle Creek, Mich. was traveling north near the flat area of the dunes in a 2016 Yamaha UTV when he jumped a small hill. The report indicates the vehicle became airborne and travelled approximately 24 feet before impacting the ground hard on its front end. The report further indicates the vehicle flipped over and made a second impact approximately 14 feet away. It then flipped once more before landing on its wheels and finally coming to a rest 32 feet away. Mcelhenie was unconscious when good samaritans arrived on the scene, the report said. A passenger in the vehicle was uninjured.
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6a
• April 13, 2017 • Oceana’s Herald-Journal
Wilson case heading to trial
Andrew Skinner • Oceana’s Herald-Journal
with six felony counts, which include one count of embezzlement $50,000 to $100,000 and five counts of motor vehicle code — false certification. The embezzlement charge alleges that Wilson, as an agent or employee of the Village of Shelby, converted for his own use without consent money or personal property having a value of more than $50,000, but less than $100,000. The other five counts allege that Wilson performed false motor vehicle
from Page 1a
certifications on separate occasions between June 10, 2015 and Sept. 23, 2015. He was fired as the village police chief in January 2016. If convicted, Wilson faces a maximum 15-year prison sentence and/or a $25,000 fine or three times the amount embezzled on the embezzlement charge. The false certification charges carry a maximum 1-5 years prison sentence and/or $500-$5,000 in fines.
Making waves
A lone boater makes wave on Silver Lake Saturday afternoon, April 8 as he speeds around the 673 acre lake.
Fris leaves school board for district position management experience. We advertised the posting in local newspapers as well as MLive. We had nine applicants. Four of the applicants met the criteria we set above. We had a committee interview the four
candidates. The committee determined that all four candidates could do the job. However, one candidate rose to the top above the others because of his school bus driving and management experience. He
‘Show us your taxes President Trump’
from Page 1a
major presidential candidate since President Nixon has released his tax returns. “Because we have not seen President Trump’s full tax returns, the American public still does not know where Trump’s income came from, and who he is indebted to, and we still do not know if he’s cheated the system by not paying his fair share,” organizers said. “Through the presidential campaign he told the American people he would release his tax returns and come clean about his business dealings, and he didn’t. And now, even with all the public pressure, he still refuses to do so. He claims we don’t care about his tax returns. Yes, we do! I want to know what he is hiding,” Pentwater resident Duane Reed said. With the FBI’s recent announcement that they are investigating the Trump campaign’s ties to the Russian government and as Russia’s involvement in the 2016 presidential campaign continues to emerge, there is more motivation than ever to demand that President Trump release his tax returns. They could give the American public a definitive answer about his ties to Russia, event organizers said.
was Doug Fris, who has served on our school board.” Fris has worked as a bus driver for Hart, a dune car driver for Mac Woods Dune Rides, and a motor coach driver. At the end of April, Fris will retire from his branch manager position at Fifth Third bank in Hart where
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Family Tree Adult Foster Care, Inc., from Page 1a he’s worked for 34 years. His start date with Shelby Public Schools will be May 1. The district has posted the school board vacancy. The term will expire at the next school board election in November 2018.
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Beyer auction Service inc. Hesperia, Mi 49421 231-854-1187 or 877-306-Sold Beyer auction/re/MaX river valley accepting consignment year round. 3 Sale Barns available For consignment auctions. pickup available
Saturday, April 15th 9am Sharp...Rain or Shine! Webster Park (next to Hesperia Community Library)
3 Age Groups will have separate areas: Pre-Kindergarten;
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Walkerville superintendent/principal candidates narrowed to 3 Page 3a
Thursday, April 27, 2017
Two sections 24 pages
Oceana’s
England explodes for 5 goals in Shelby win over rival Hart
Herald-Journal
Walkerville Fire Authority gives nod to budget
Money to pay bills should be available soon
By John Cavanagh
Herald-Journal Writer
Andrew Skinner • Oceana’s Herald-Journal
Area residents filled the Elbridge Township Hall Saturday morning, April 22 as the township boards from Colfax, Elbridge and Leavitt and the Walkerville Village council reviewed and approved the 2017-18 fiscal budget for the Walkerville Fire Authority.
WALKERVILLE FIRE BUDGET APPROVED continued on 6a
Page 3a
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ELBRIDGE — Applause all around could be heard following the budget approval by the Walkerville Area Fire and Rescue Authority during its annual meeting at the Elbridge Township Hall April 22. The 2017-18 fiscal budget’s approval actually took two votes by the four gov-
Silver Lake chamber, visitors bureau to seek joint director
Hart BioPure facility hosts Earth Day open house Page 3a
Wilson takes plea deal, averts trial
Former Shelby Village Po- seeking $70,000 in restitution, lice Chief Bob Wilson could but the matter will be reviewed spend up to six months in jail and any restitution amount will once he is sentenced on two be set following a hearing also convictions June 5. set for June 5. In a plea agreeWilson, 62, of ment last Friday, 2560 S. 80th Ave., April 21, Wilson pled Shelby, was arrested guilty to one count of in August 2016. He motor vehicle code was charged with six — false certification felony counts, which and an added count included one count of embezzlement of embezzlement $20,000, but less $50,000 to $100,000 than $50,000. The and five counts of Wilson plea heads off a jury motor vehicle code trial that was sched— false certification. uled to start this week. All oth- The embezzlement charge aler counts were dismissed. leged that Wilson, as an agent As part of the plea agree- or employee of the Village of ment, the state attorney gen- Shelby, converted for his own eral’s office is recommending WILSON TAKES that any up front jail time be PLEA DEAL capped at six months. The atcontinued on 6a torney general’s office also is
Walsworth remains located along lakeshore near Pentwater
Location, location, location
Where are the prime morel spots in Oceana?
The body of what police believe are the remains of Ryan Richard Walsworth, 50, of Mears, were discovered on the Lake Michigan shoreline south of Pentwater last Saturday morning. According to Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast, sheriff’s office deputies were dispatched at apWalsworth proximately 11 a.m. to the Lake Michigan shore in Section 22 of Pentwater Township just a little south of the Pentwater
Hint: nobody’s telling
By Mary Beth Crain
OHJ Contributing Writer
If morel hunters were realtors, they’d never sell a single property. Yes, when it comes to these prized mushrooms, it’s all about location. But revealing where that location is—well, that’s like a magician giving away his secrets. You’d be breaking some sort of sacred law. “Morel hunters will tell you where they buried money before they’ll give away their mushroom spots,” laughs Mike Mull, a highly successful morel gatherer since childhood. In the back room of Larsen’s Ace Hardware in Hart, Mull, a jovial, bearded fellow in cap and jeans, takes time out of his busy schedule as a store sales associate to talk about mushrooms. And not just morels. Any and all mushrooms. Armed with his personal bible, The National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms, Mull is himself a walking encyclopedia of mushroom facts. “I’m never without my book,” he says. “I keep it in the car. And whenever I go mushroom hunting, it’s with me.” That’s because there are literally thousands of varieties of mushrooms out there, and you have to be able to distinguish the safe from the dangerous. You also might like to know the many types that are as tasty as morels.
WALSWORTH continued on 6a
MSP • Contributed photo
MSP seeks help in identifying larceny suspect
THE HUNT IS ON FOR MORELS
continued on 7a
Andrew Skinner • Oceana’s Herald-Journal
Mike Mull of Hart forages through a section of woods in Hart Township for morels Friday, April 21.
Troopers from the Michigan State Police, Hart Post, are seeking assistance from the public in identifying a suspect wanted in connection with a larceny that took place in Shelby Township. The state police released photographs of the suspect and suspect’s vehicle. Anyone who might know the suspect’s identity are asked to contact Trooper Trevor Beck at the Michigan State Police Hart Post. Beck can be reached at 231-873- 2171 Ext 0212 or by e-mail at beckt4@michgan.gov.
Shelby school bonds, Hart City council seats top area ballots Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 2 Voters in various parts of the county will head to the polls next Tuesday to make school millage decisions while City of Hart voters will decide a write-in race for two council members. Shelby Public Schools Shelby School District voters will face the biggest questions as the school district seeks
approval for two bonds for school building improvements. The bigger of the two questions will be for voters to approve a $17.115 million bond to be used for improvements to the three school facilities in Shelby. The improvements would include a small addition to the northeast end of the high school to accommodate
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middle school students as the high school would become a 7-12 grade building. The current middle school would also have an eight classroom addition built to its southwest corner, and the building would be converted into an elementary building. Thomas Read Elementary would be converted completely into the Early
Childhood Center and see its oldest section of the building on the north side demolished. All buildings would have secure entryways constructed and technology improvements. Improvements to the high school roof and track are also in the plan. The New Era Elementary building in New Era would be closed and sold. The second part of the proposal is a separate bond request for a $2.63 million for an addi-
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tion to the south end of the high school gymnasium. The space would not only provide an area for the wrestling program practices, which currently uses the high school cafeteria, but for other uses as well. Hart City Council After having no candidates file for the two available seats on the Hart City Council earlier this year, the city now has three men seeking the seats through a write-in vote. They include
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incumbent Jason LeFever, Edward Simon IV and former councilman Steve Hegedus. Newaygo County Regional Education Services Agency The Newaygo County Regional Education Services Agency (NCRESA) will put before Oceana County voters living in the NCRESA distr-
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6a
• April 27, 2017 • Oceana’s Herald-Journal
Andrew Skinner • Oceana’s Herald-Journal
Walkerville Area Fire and Rescue personnel and members of the public look on as the Colfax, Elbridge and Leavitt township boards and the Walkerville Village council discuss the department’s operating budget. After some discussion and the rearranging of some funds the budget was approved.
Walkerville fire budget approved ernment units making up the authority. Money to pay department expenses should be available after bank deposits clear which was expected to take seven to 10 days, Leavitt Township Treasurer David Kruppe said. The first vote for the slightly more than $200,000 budget ended in a 2-2 tie with Colfax and Leavitt township representatives voting yes, and Elbridge Township and Village of Walkerville representatives voting no. After the fire administrator’s line item was increased from $0 to $3,000, all four entities voted to approve the budget. The authority is made up of Colfax, Elbridge and Leavitt townships along with the Village of Walkerville. Board members from the different entities have been at odds not only with each other, but with the department itself for the past several months. A statement on the department’s Facebook page last week indicated firefighters were willing to walk off the job April 27 if the budget wasn’t approved. The meeting began with an introduction statement read by Elbridge Township Trustee Jeff Buter. “We’re going to discuss the
budget today with the goal to approve it,” Buter said. Buter went on to say that the townships had nothing to do with overspending by the department in 2016. He pointed to an early fire truck payment which he claimed was made by the department so Walkerville Village could purchase a tractor. Buter also pointed to an $8,000 expenditure made by the department for an attorney to address a Freedom of Information Act request, saying those two expenses totalled $34,000. He also said the four governing bodies which make up the authority received six different budget proposals from the department since January. “In summary, the fire department has run out of money due to the fire board overspending,” Buter said. “The fire department will have to tighten their belts for this year.” To balance last year’s budget, Buter said $22,000 needed to come out of the new budget. In addition to reducing the fire administrator’s budget, the authority also made cuts to weekend on-call pay for firefighters. Walkerville Village President and department fire administrator Jerry Frick took exception with Buter’s comments
from Page 1a
Audience members, left, applaud Walkerville firefighter Brian Hintz, far right, after he told village and township representatives he was proud to be a member of the fire department and that he plans to continue to serve the area. Below, Walkerville Fire Administrator Jerry Frick looks on as Leavitt Township Treasurer David Kruppe discusses the proposed Walkerville Fire Authority budget for the 2017-18 fiscal year. Andrew Skinner • Oceana’s Herald-Journal
regarding the village, saying word. they were “false statements.” Questions also arose as to He also said the village was which entity should serve as never included in many of the the fire authority’s fiduciary as discussions over recent months it has been handled by Leavitt to which Colfax Supervisor Township for approximately Robert Wade replied the village eight years. Frick attempted was invited since the begin- to enter a motion that the Vilning, but that Frick had been lage of Walkerville serve as obstructive all the way. the fiduciary for the next two During the discussion period years,, but Kruppe said Leavitt of the first motion to approve, Township had just completed Elbridge Clerk Stephanie Van- the first of its two-year term Sickle asked if the fire board so an attempt to change fiduhad seen the proposed budget ciaries was moot. In the end, changes developed by town- the authority voted 3-1, with ship officials. Kruppe said the Walkerville Village voting from Page 1a fire board can present a pro- no, to amended the 2016 anposed budget, but it’s the fire nual meeting minutes to reflect Pier after workers at a nearby construction site reported what they authority which has the final Leavitt’s fiduciary appointment thought was a body on the beach. “Deputies did find the body of a white male laying just on the shore and partially covered in sand,” Mast said. “After further investigation, we are very confident that this is the remains of Mr. Ryan Walsworth, whom had gone missing back on Feb. 13 of this year. This location is approximately three miles south of where his truck was located on Feb. 14. An extensive search on both at Pentwaters only FULL SERVICE Salon & Spa land and water was performed at that time but we were not able to locate Mr. Walsworth until today.” The body was taken to Spectrum Hospital in Grand Rapids for an autopsy and positive identification, but Mast said they are very Salon & Spa confident the remains are that of Walsworth. “We ask that the public keep the family in their prayers,” Mast Open Mon. - Sat. 9am - 6pm said.
Walsworth
last year even though fire board in odd numbered years, and member and Walkerville Vil- that’s why there was no menlage Trustee Jim Yancey said fi- tion of it in the minutes. duciary appointments are made
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Wilson takes plea deal
from Page 1a
use without consent money or personal property having a value of more than $50,000, but less than $100,000. The other five counts alleged that Wilson performed false motor vehicle
certifications on separate occasions between June 10, 2015 and Sept. 23, 2015. He was fired as the village police chief in January 2016.
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INSIDE THIS WEEK
Thursday, June 8, 2017
Three sections 36 pages
Oceana’s
Herald-Journal
Silver Lake Friends annual meeting Saturday Page 12a
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Get in the SPEAR-IT!
Pirate distance runners finish 2nd three times at state meet; 4 school records fall Page B1
Complete details on the 44th annual National Asparagus Festival
• Arts and Crafts • Kidz Zone • Family Movie Night • Ryan Walsworth Spear-It 5K • Asparagus Farm Tour • • Taste of Asparagus • Joan Glover Royale Parade • Entertainment Tent • Asparagus Dinner • Fly-In/Drive-in Breakfast •
Former chief And the winner is… to serve Vicki Platt dons the crown 150 days as Asparagus Queen 2017 on 2 felony convictions By Mary Beth Crain
OHJ Contributing Writer
Former Shelby Village Police Chief Bob Wilson will spend approximately five months in jail after being sentenced on two felony conviction in 27th Circuit Court in Hart M o n d a y, June 5. L a s t Wilson April, Wilson pled guilty to one count of motor vehicle false certification and embezzlement $20,000 but less than $50,000. He was sentenced to serve nine months in jail on the false certification conviction and 12 months in jail on the embezzlement conviction with 150 days to be served immediately and credit given for one day served. He was also ordered to pay $70,000 in restitution and received 36 months probation. The restitution is to be repaid during the probationary period. All other charges were dismissed. Wilson, 62, of 2560 S. 80th Ave., Shelby, was arrested in August 2016. He was charged with six felony counts, which included one count of embezzlement $50,000 to $100,000 and five counts of motor vehicle code — false certification. The embezzlement charge alleged that Wilson, as an agent or employee of the Village of Shelby, converted for his own use without consent money or personal property having a value of more than $50,000, but less than $100,000. The other five counts alleged that Wilson performed false motor vehicle certifications on separate occasions between June 10, 2015 and Sept. 23, 2015. He was fired as the village police chief in January 2016.
This year, deciding who would be our new Asparagus Queen was definitely a tough call. In the past 10 years at least, the competition was thin. We’d gotten used to two contestants, maybe three. But this year, there were five hopefuls for the title, all pretty and witty and wise. And the judges—Mary Ann Carey, Carl Fuehring and Mary Lulich—were in conference a long time, giving the Oceana Drive Trio, the evening’s entertainment, lots of extra time to serenade the audience with their superb talents.
The June 3 event at Shelby High School began, of course, with the traditional banquet, which consisted of a mouthwatering array of asparagus appetizers. Then there were the speakers, sharing stories about the history of the National Asparagus 2017 Festival, introducing past queens, and generally warming the already enthusiastic crowd Asparagus Queen up a notch. Vicki Platt
PLATT CROWNED 2017 ASPARAGUS QUEEN continued on 3a
Andrew Skinner • Oceana’s Herald-Journal
Asparagus, above, is picked Saturday morning, June 3 in a Golden Township field. Below, pickers load freshly picked asparagus onto a truck.
Quality up, but quantity down as asparagus harvest hits midway point
This season’s first month of the asparagus har- since has produced some very quality asparagus. vest has shown that while quality is up, quantity “So far, the big plus up to this point has been is down. good quality,” Werling said. Although some growers lost some of the harvest Bakker pointed out that, historically, it is not unin early May, Michigan State University Extension usual to have an early frost, resulting in crop loss, Vegetable Educator Ben Werling and Michigan AsASPARAGUS HARVEST paragus Advisory Board Executive Director John HITS MIDWAY POINT Bakker both said the mild temperatures experienced continued on 7a
EMS officials continue on ambulance plan for southeast Oceana
In the bag
By John Cavanagh
Herald-Journal Writer
• Contributed photo
Microwavable bags of fresh asparagus are delivered to the Up North Farm Market in Pentwater.
Todd Greiner Farms presents ready-to-nuke asparagus By Mary Beth Crain
OHJ Contributing Writer
Todd Greiner just might be the patron saint of asparagus fans. Greiner Farms, the 2,000 acre family farm in Elbridge Township that “takes pride in growing, packing and shipping exceptional quality to their respected customers,” has recently unveiled their lat-
est product—microwaveable fresh asparagus in a bag. It’s the answer to prayer for those who love asparagus but don’t want to spend a whole lot of time cooking it. “We’ve thought about doing this for a couple of years,” says Greiner. “We wanted to make preparing asparagus more convenient for the consumer.”
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And convenient is the word. The asparagus comes pre-washed and trimmed in a bag designed to pop into the wave as is. The instructions couldn’t be simpler. • Do not open bag. Bag will self-vent. • Place in microwave this side up.
READY-TO-NUKE ASPARAGUS continued on 7a
Greiner
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With a July 1 deadline looming, officials at Oceana Emergency Medical Services, ProMed Ambulance and LIFE EMS are working to come up with a plan to continue ambulance service in the southeastern Oceana County area. ProMed announced earlier this year that it would discontinue providing ambulance coverage to Newaygo and Oceana counties. Townships affected by ProMed’s looming departure include Greenwood, Newfield and portions of Ferry, Leavitt and Otto townships. ProMed, which currently staffs just one ambulance to the area, cited low patient volumes, low reimbursement rates and higher costs of operating per patient for its reasons to discontinue its services. The ProMed employees who staff the existing ambulance service to Newaygo and Oceana counties will have an opportunity to transfer to ProMed’s Muskegon operations. “We are grateful for the support of the communities in Newaygo and Oceana counties for the past 17 years, however, the costs associated with running an ambulance service cannot be mitigated with
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“It was a very
difficult decision. We don’t like to pull away service like that,”
— Tom Schmiedeknecht ProMed President
community support alone,” said Tom Schmiedeknecht, president of ProMed, in a press release. Schmiedeknecht told the Herald-Journal that there was discussion with the three ambulance agencies and the community about the potential of creating a millage, but any millage request would have to be huge to pay for ambulance service, and he was doubtful it would be approved. He said LIFE EMS has toured the facility, but didn’t know what LIFE EMS’ current interest might be. “It was a very difficult decision,” Schmiedeknecht said. “We don’t like to pull away service like that. Oceana EMS Director Lance Corey
AMBULANCE PLAN continued on 7a
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