Feb 2, 2022 Daily News

Brick buying

Korean War veterans sells 100 bricks for Denny Craycraft Veterans Freedom Park

BRANDON SCHREUR bschreur@thedailynews.cc

BELDING — If you’re a veteran who lives in the Ionia or Belding area, there’s a good chance Bob Sayers has either stopped to talk to you at a restaurant or while you’re walking down the street.

And, during that conversation, it’s more than likely that Sayers has tried to sell you a brick.

Sayers, who lives in Ionia, is a Kore an War veteran who became involved with Belding’s Denny Craycraft Veterans Freedom Park in early 2019 after Cray craft helped him start getting some gov ernment benefits offered for veterans.

When Craycraft died in April 2019, Sayers knew he had to do something.

“I never met him (Sayers) until my dad passed away,” said Holly Noble, Cray craft’s daughter and the vice president of the Denny Craycraft Veterans Freedom Park Committee. “He came to me and said that he felt really bad because he

Continues on Page 3A

Unpublished wind ordinance dominates talk in Douglass Twp.

ELISABETH WALDON ewaldon@thedailynews.cc

DOUGLASS TOWNSHIP — The Dou glass Township supervisor apologized for a 2017 wind energy ordinance that was never properly noticed or pub lished as multiple residents voiced their concern during Wednesday’s township board meeting.

The Douglass Township Board vot ed 5-0 to approve a wind ordinance on Nov. 1, 2017. According to the ordi nance’s own language, “this ordinance shall become effective seven days after its publication or seven days after the publication of its provisions in a local newspaper of general circulation.”

The Daily News was unable to find that the ordinance was ever published by the township, which violates the township’s own ordinance wording, as well as the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act.

Continues on Page 3A

‘Good and faithful soldier, your job is not yet finished’

Greenville Purple Heart recipient details experience from ballistic missile attack

Standing proudly at attention in side a hangar at the Grand Ledge Army Aviation Support Facility, his teary-eyed family seated nearby, Sgt. Joseph Suchowolec, 37, of the Michigan National Guard waited with great anticipation as he was ap proached by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Upon hearing his name called, Joseph stepped forward, and after greeting him with a salute, Whitmer presented the Greenville resident with the nation’s oldest military award — the Purple Heart — during the Jan. 23 ceremony.

One of three soldiers to receive the medal on the day, each was rec ognized by the governor for injuries they sustained during the Jan. 8, 2020, Iranian ballistic missile attack while deployed at Al Assad Air Force Base in Iraq.

“I am honored to recognize these soldiers whose dedication and com mitment to their mission was clearly demonstrated by their actions while deployed in Iraq,” Whitmer said.

“On behalf of the entire state of Michigan, thank you for your service to our state and nation. You are the embodiment of bravery and valor and represent the best of us.”

For Joseph, the experience of receiving his Purple Heart from the governor is one he looks back on with feelings of both pride and affirmation.

“It validates what I went

through,” he told the Daily News. “The chaplain at the ceremony said it the best way. In his prayer, he said, ‘Lord, thank you for your protection of these soldiers. We thank you for your blanket of protection and your ongoing care for these servicemen.”

For Emily, his wife, the ceremony was equally as impactful.

“I am forever and always proud to stand by his side, but I stand a little straighter because he is being honored for the caliber of his spirit and the strength of his heart, for his sheer determination and humble

love for his country,” she said. “He could have paid the ultimate price, but this Purple Heart shows that God has said ‘good and faithful soldier, your job is not yet finished.’ That’s what this award means and I finally understood as I watched them pin the medal to his uniform.”

The prayer from the chaplain served as a sober reminder to Joseph, as while the ceremony of receiving his Purple Heart was a joyous one, the experience that led to

on

At left, from his home in Greenville, National Guard Sgt. Joseph Suchowolec, 37, displays his Purple Heart medal awarded to him by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer during a ceremony last month. — DN Photo | Cory Smith At top right, Suchowolec was given the Purple Heart for an injury sustained during a missile attack while stationed at Al Assad Air Force Base in Iraq on Jan. 8, 2020. At top center, Suchowolec smiles as his three children, from left, Elisabeth, 10, Katherine, 8, and Joseph Jr., 4, engulf him with hugs in October after he returned from his most recent deployment. At bottom right, Whitmer, left, pins a Purple Heart medal on Suchowolec’s uniform during a ceremony in Grand Ledge last month. — Submitted photos

From left, members of the Suchowolec family, daughters Elisabeth, 10, Katherine, 8, father and National Guard Sgt. Joseph, son Joseph Jr., 4, and wife Emily, joined by their cat, Totoro, and dog, Bourbon, sit together in their Greenville home. The is celebrating Joseph being awarded the Purple Heart medal, given to him in a ceremony by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last month for sustaining an injury during a missile attack while stationed at Al Assad Air Force Base in Iraq on Jan. 8, 2020. — DN Photo | Cory Smith

Tom Fedewa of Ionia, left, hands Bob Sayers, right, a completed form for the Denny Craycraft Veterans Freedom Park’s buy-a-brick fundraiser outside of Third Wave Coffee in Belding. — DN Photo | Brandon Schreur

STORY BY CORY SMITH | csmith@thedailynews.cc

GAS SURVEY

Area motorists are paying an average of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline, a 20-cent increase from the average price of $3.16 per gallon last week, according to a Daily News survey of 20 area service stations conducted Friday. The lowest price was $3.25 at Mobil in Stanton; the highest price was $3.39 at numerous service stations. Here is a list of the area gasoline prices surveyed:

IONIA COUNTY $3.39 average BELDING AGO $3.37

IONIA

Pilot Travel Center $3.39

LAKE ODESSA Shell $3.39

PORTLAND Tom’s Fuel Center & Wash $3.39

KENT COUNTY $3.36 average

CEDAR SPRINGS Speedway $3.34

GRAND RAPIDS Meijer (Knapp’s Corner) $3.39 SAND LAKE Wesco $3.34

ROCKFORD Marathon $3.38

MONTCALM COUNTY $3.35 average CARSON CITY Marathon $3.38

EDMORE The Depot $3.34

GOWEN The General Store $3.38

GREENVILLE Meijer $3.35 Murphy USA $3.35 Mobil $3.39

HOWARD CITY Exxon $3.37

LANGSTON Marathon $3.39

MCBRIDE Sunoco $3.34

SHERIDAN Shell $3.26

SIX LAKES Marathon $3.39

STANTON Mobil $3.25

POLICE REPORTS

GREENVILLE PUBLIC SAFETY

Officers responded to 7 incidents

Thursday, including:

• Domestic violence, 12:13 a.m., S. Webster.

• Snow removal impound, 2:08 a.m., S. Lafayette.

• General non-criminal, 8:39 a.m., W. Washington.

• Harassing communications, 3:23 p.m., S. Lafayette.

MONTCALM COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Deputies responded to 20 incidents Thursday, including:

• Fugitive, 2:29 p.m. State.

• Public peace, 5:47 p.m., Douglas.

• Domestic disturbance, 6:35 p.m., Lincoln.

• Agency assist, 11:44 p.m., Holland Lake.

MONTCALM COUNTY CENTRAL DISPATCH

There were no fire calls on Thursday.

Kim Barbara (Schalow) Horvath, age 65, of Belding, passed away on January 31, 2022, at Spectrum Health, Blodgett Campus following a long illness. She was born on December 25, 1956, in Ionia, Michigan, daughter of Merlin Barnabus and Darlene Dora (Marshall) Scha low. Kim graduated from Belding High School with the Class of 1975, and continued her ed ucation at Michigan State University, com pleting job-related coursework. She worked in several administrative capacities throughout her lifetime including over 20 years of service to the central Michigan field offices of the De partment of Agriculture. She also took great pride in having volunteered for the Michigan Department of Human Services as transpor tation services coordinator for clients in need of assistance getting to medical appointments, etc. Kim enjoyed spending time with family and friends, having bowled for more than 25 years in various leagues and would stop by Hillcrest Lanes to socialize with the staff and other bowlers, all of whom she considered friends. She loved to travel, making annual pilgrimages to Mackinaw City for the scenery and other highlights such as the trip across the

Thomas Feuerstein, born December 16, 1943 in Belding, Michigan, passed away at his home in Holt, MIchigan on February 2, 2022.

Tom graduated from Belding High School and was a standout player on their Varsity bas ketball teams. Shortly after his graduation he began dating the love of his life and future wife Alice Donovan. Tom began a 30 year career in law enforcement with the Belding Police De partment then shortly thereafter moved to In gham County where he spent the majority of his time. He retired from the Ingham County Sheriff’s Department in 1993.

Tom took great pride in the many accom plishments of his daughters and grandchil

Mackinac Bridge or a quick stop at the casino.

On a trip to New Orleans with friends to cel ebrate Mardi Gras, she became reacquainted with a former high school classmate, Stephen D. Horvath. They eventually married, and enjoyed 24 years together. While she loved an adventure, she was seldom happier than when she was sitting at home cuddling up for a snug gle and nap in her favorite chair with one of

her dogs, including her last pet, “Bing”, whom she loved, or pulling up to the table on a Sun day afternoon to play “Nickels” with her fam ily. After her health began to decline, she still spent time with family and friends whenever possible and looked forward to trying her luck at an occasional scratch-off ticket. Kim will be missed by all who knew her.

Kim leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Stephen D. Horvath; siblings, Merl (Patty) Schalow of Belding and Sue Schalow of Belding; and a special niece, Erin Robach of Saranac; and several other family members and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and a stepfather, Gary L. Livingston.

Private interment services are being planned to take place at a later date at Green Cemetery in Orleans Township. Please con tact the funeral home for additional informa tion at (616) 794-1300 or www.verdunfh.com.

To

US

Deborah Louise Fletcher, age 72, of Green ville, passed away on Saturday, January 29, 2022. She was born on July 23, 1949, the daugh ter of Robert and Joanne (Peloquin) Bigelow in Lansing. On August 30, 1969, she married the love of her life, Richard Fletcher.

Deborah enjoyed going to the casino, cook ing and going out to breakfast with her hus

band.

DEBORAH FLETCHER

She is survived by her husband, Richard, of Greenville; daughter, Jamie Mason of Beld ing; son, Scott (Judy) Fletcher of Ludington; step-sisters, Pattie Gorman and Sue Kowaske; and grandchildren, Payton Mason, Jackson Mason, Rachel Sweet, Zachary Fletcher and Jacob Fletcher.

UPCOMING AND PENDING

TODAY Jarrad Rose — 1 p.m., W.L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel, Saginaw.

Patricia Buchholz — 11 a.m., Stanton First Congregational Church. (Simpson Family Funeral Homes, Stanton)

SUNDAY Larry “Joe” Johnson — 6 p.m., Lux and Schnepp Funeral Home, Crystal.

MONDAY

Pamela Anderson — 1 p.m., Simpson Family Funeral Home, Sheridan.

TUESDAY Luella Coleman — 11 a.m., Dodge Fu neral Home, Middleton.

THURSDAY

Donna M. Robinson — 11 a.m., Shi loh Community Church, Orleans. (John son-Feuerstein Funeral Home, Belding)

RICHARD “RICK” BACON JR. Richard “Rick” Bacon Jr., 72, of Punta Gorda, Florida, formerly of Greenville, died Jan. 25, 2022, in Florida. Arrange

dren. He loved enjoying time with his family and many friends. Tom was predeceased by his cherished wife, Alice Feuerstein; his brother, Donald Feuerstein; and sister-in-law, Marlene Feuerstein. He is survived by his daughters, Traci (Tom) Dudley, and Kismet (Arend) Lock; grandchildren, Lauren (Dylan) Shearer, Katie Dudley, Taylor Lock, Jacob Lock; great-grand son, Jameson Shearer; sister-law, Carol Feuer stein; brother, Joe Feuerstein along with mul tiple nieces and nephews and of course his many bar friends.

A celebration of life will be planned in the Spring

Deborah was preceded in death by her sis ter, Pam Michels; brother, Kelly Gorman and her grandson, Joseph Fletcher. There will be no services at this time. Ar rangements in care of Lake Funeral Home of Ionia. Online Condolences can be made at www.lakefuneralhomes.com.

ments are pending at Hurst Funeral Home.

DONNA M. ROBINSON

Donna M. Robinson, 83, of Orleans died on Friday Feb. 4, 2022, in Greenville. Funer al services will be 11 a.m. on Thursday at Shiloh Community Church. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral at church. A complete obituary will be published on Monday by Johnson-Feuerstein Funeral Home, Belding.

Libraries see rise in book challenges, fueled by social controversies

JADA PENN | Capital News Service

Michigan has seen an increase in public library and school library books challenged by parents and patrons, especially titles re lated to the LGBTQ+ community, according to library officials.

The American Library Association says the critics argue that their intent is to pro tect children from exposure to explicit con tent and inappropriate language.

“George,” a LGBTQ+ novel by Alex Gino, is frequently the most-challenged book, ac cording to the association. It’s a children’s novel about a young, transgender girl.

The American Library Association re ported 156 book challenges in 2020, but of ficials have said the number for 2021 could be double or triple that. The 2021 report is expected to be completed in April.

Monday-Thursda

Friday

Deborah Mikula, the executive director of the Michigan Library Association, said the state’s 396 public library systems create and follow their own policies in consulta tion with their attorneys.

Most libraries have policies in place for handling such challenges, Mikula said.

“We all have a right to go to our library that is tax-supported, and if we pick up something or children bring something home that they find offensive, they can challenge that book,” she said.

Mikula said the increase in challenges stems from political reasons and that ef forts to improve diversity are not accepted in all households.

“If I don’t believe in diversity based on gender, where do I go first?” Mikula said, referring to some parents “who are upset by the presence of certain books in their libraries.”

If a complaint concerns school librar ies, which have experienced the largest in crease in complaints, “you would go to your school board,” she said.

Reasons for challenges includecontent with sexual abuse, conflict with religious viewpoints, profanity, drug use, alcohol ism, “divisive language,” racial slurs, rac ist stereotypes and “anti-police messages,” according to the national association.

The state association is seeing conser

vative viewpoints that are well-funded through organizations that are political in nature and that assert conservative family values, according to Mikula.

The 2021 Traverse Area District Li brary’s Pride Week display in the children’s department spurred complaints, according to youth coordinator Andy Schuck.

“Over the course of two weeks, we had five different calls from community mem bers about the display,” Schuck said. “They didn’t think it was appropriate for the kid’s department, but we kept the display.”

Despite last year’s grumblings, the li brary plans to have another LGBTQ+-re lated display in June, he said, adding, “I’m sure we will hear more complaints this year.”

Michigan is far from the only state with book challenge woes. Last month, for exam ple, a Virginia legislative committee killed a proposal requiring parental consent be fore their children could check out sexually explicit books at school libraries.

Also last month, a Tennessee school board banned “Maus,” the Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel about the Ho locaust, from its eighth-grade curriculum.

Thomas Morgan, a communications con sultant for the Michigan Education Associ ation, said students need to hear all view points and have a broad-based education to fully prepare for college and the workplace. The MEA is the state’s largest union of teachers and other school personnel.

“As an organization, we strongly support the First Amendment, and we believe that having a diverse education with a wide va riety of sources is the best course for Mich igan students. We strongly oppose politi cians trying to ban books — that’s wholly un-American,” Morgan said.

Thais Rousseau, the collection develop ment director at Capital Area District Li brary in Lansing, said she is seeing infor mal complaints from parents.

“Oftentimes it’s about items that they see on the news or that they’ve heard things about,” Rousseau said.

“They’re asking questions about their appropriateness for that part of the collec tion, and we explain that the library has items for everyone in our communities,” she said. If a family isn’t interested in those items, “we have plenty of other titles that we can help them find.”

THOMAS MICHAEL FEUERSTEIN

THE JUMP

When I was dead

When Tom Feeney, 53, woke up last year on May 20, he did not know he was going to die that day.

He also did not know he would be dead for 30 minutes and then rise again, so to speak.

Tom Feeney and his partner, Glen Powell, own Greenville Floral. I have known these two creative, kind, gentle spirits since they bought the store from my dear friend, Nelda Cushman.

On that Thursday, Tom had some tests done as he had been having sporadic chest pressure. All the tests turned out great and they were about to do a stress test to wrap it up. It was then that he no ticed more pressure. The doctor told him he was in the midst of a heart attack and sent him by ambulance to Spectrum Health Grand Rapids.

In the ambulance, he was told every thing looked great and not to worry.

Quickly, he remembers his room be ing full of doctors, nurses and busyness as his chest pressure got stronger. “I had no pain and even the pressure wasn’t bad.”

He recalls a nurse asking several times, “Shall we call it? Shall we call it?” His body was shaking all over and seemed banging out of control. This is how he describes it.

“I lost earthly consciousness. I can’t find earthly words to describe it. I slipped into another realm. Then I would regain consciousness. I couldn’t move anything. I felt like I was in a crashing airplane and everything was hammering all over my body. I had a heavy warmth on the center of my chest. There were lots of people in my room trying to save my life.”

“I saw a bright circle. Everything was red, blue, turquoise, purple and there was a bright light in the center of the circle. It seemed to be a portal and I was headed towards it, into it. I felt like

MAUREEN BURNS maureenburns@maureenburns.com

there was a veiled area and I was passing through it.”

As he shared with me, he had to stop as tears and emotion overwhelmed him several times.

“I was being shocked with paddles and being given CPR. A nurse was on top of me, performing CPR. I felt zaps. It seemed like a tug of war was going on, lots of back and forth. I definitely felt my life was being taken from me. I felt a voice within me tell me to surrender and I’d be okay. A warmth feeling of love felt like it was inviting me. I knew it was God and my creator was with me.”

“The CPR and the paddles didn’t work. I felt I would go between this heavenly veil and back to my earthly life. It felt like I had large broken pieces of glass falling off of me, behind me, to wards earth. Nothing mattered. Not one earthly thing mattered. I was okay with going forward and not coming back. I felt like I was home. I was free.”

“It seems here on earth so much holds us down like a heavy weight. I felt like the weight of the world was gone, just like that. I felt pure love, like I was finally home and whole. I felt complete, light as a feather.

“Since I have ‘come back,’ I have been hyper-sensitive. I am very emotional much of the time.”

As Tom was going through this or deal, doctors asked his mother about his final wishes. “He has been 30 minutes

with no pulse or heart beat. We can try a clot busting medication, but it could kill him.”

At this point, Tom’s mother fell on her knees, asking Jesus to please save her son’s life.

After the med, his heart began to beat immediately. At this point, they rushed him into surgery, gave him three stints and found his heart had 80% and 90% blockage. They warned the family he could have brain damage and would most likely be brain dead.

The next morning, Tom woke up and they took him off life support. He was completely clear headed and remem bered everything. His memory of this experience has never changed. Doctors and nurses visited him all that day, each sharing that it was a total miracle that he lived and had his clear mind. His heart and brain showed no scarring or damage.

“This was the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. I have not one negative thought about it. It doesn’t feel real. I don’t feel real. I realize now that earthly problems are no worry for me. We should all let things go, have faith, be happy, because when it’s over, it’s really over on this earth. It’s a new beginning. You take nothing with you except the love and I felt that strongly. This isn’t permanent, so why are we living like it is? There is so much nega tivity in this world. We could be a nicer society.”

“If I had been at work when this happened, I would be dead. I feel I lived to tell people my story, to affirm there is life after death. I hope this helps one person. We are headed to great things. It will blow your mind.”

In the florist business, Tom works with death every day. He is finding he is not alone. Others have experienced things like this. He finds others are

hoping for a sign that there really is life after this. Tom is happy to assure them. I thank God for sparing Tom Feeney. Our world needs his message. May God continue to bless him.

Unpublished wind ordinance dominates talk in Douglass Twp.

from Page

“I’m curious, did you guys know 2017 didn’t exist, or that you messed it up and that it wasn’t legal?” asked town ship resident Melissa Bannen during public comment on Wednesday.

“Didn’t have a clue,” Supervisor Ter ry Anderson responded.

“OK, because I feel offended by you up there yelling at us that if we referen dum this (pending new wind ordinance) it’s going to go back to 2017,” Bannen said.

“I felt a little silly because Elisabeth at the newspaper knew about it way be fore I did,” Anderson said. “It’s news to us and I apologize for that. I felt a little silly about it myself.”

Anderson confirmed with Bannen that she is correct that if residents choose to referendum the township’s currently pending wind ordinance after it’s approved by the township board, the township will not revert to the 2017 or dinance.

However, the township board stopped short of voting to formally rescind the 2017 ordinance, despite a request from Kay Scott of Sidney Township.

“We have an opportunity for this board to do the right thing,” Scott said. “I’m not hearing the right thing from your lawyer. Are you willing to rescind 2017 tonight by a voice vote? And if not, why not?”

Board members did not respond.

“That’s our answer,” Scott declared The topic of the never-published or dinance dominated public comment of Wednesday’s meeting.

In response to case law cited by town ship attorney Ron Redick, who called the 2017 ordinance never being properly noticed or published “much ado about

nothing,” Douglass Township resident Julie Weipert cited the case law of For est Hill Energy Fowler Farms versus Bengal, Dallas and Essex townships. The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled against those three Clinton County townships in that lawsuit.

“This was an ordinance that was vot ed on and passed without a large majori ty of the citizens of Douglass Township being made aware,” said Weipert of the 2017 ordinance. “This is evidenced by the insufficient notice of public hear ing whereas the township itself was not even identified in this notice, as well as the fact that the notice of adoption was never published at all. Ultimately, this

deprived the public of the right to ref erendum, an action which would have been taken just as it was with the previ ous 2020 ordinance.

“The ordinance specifically states, ‘This ordinance shall become effective seven days after its publication or seven days after the publication of its provi sions in a local newspaper of general circulation’ — an action which was nev er taken,” Weipert summarized.

Ben Reynolds of Douglass Township also responded to Redick’s comment to the Daily News that courts are apt to re ject “technical deficiencies” if a certain amount of time has gone by.

“How long does it take for a lie to

become truth?” Reynolds asked. “How long does it take a wrong to become right before nobody will contest it? Wrong is wrong. I don’t think a nickel should be spent on legal fees by the township fighting to keep that ordinance on the books. It should just go away.”

Also during Wednesday’s meeting, Keith Phelps of Douglass Township called the Daily News “a tabloid” for printing a personal opinion column ti tled “Beware of township corruption” by Renee Smith of Evergreen Township last Saturday (the Daily News publish es a variety of opinions on its weekly Views page and anyone is welcome to submit a column).

“This article was spot on for who is really corrupt — it is the Douglass Township Energy Coalition the Mont calm County Citizens United and their supporting attorneys, plus the Daily News are the ones who are really cor rupt,” Phelps said. “The Daily News will be printing the anti’s response to this meeting no later than Friday or Saturday.”

Korean War veterans sells 100 bricks for Veterans Freedom Park

from Page

didn’t help my dad before he passed on in getting recognition for the park and things like that.”

Around the same time, the Veterans Freedom Park launched a buy-a-brick program as a fundraiser for the park. Those wanting to honor a friend, fami ly member or business can purchase a customized brick with up to three lines of text for $50 that are placed in front of one of the many monuments in the Belding Veterans Park.

Wanting to honor Craycraft’s mem ory, Sayers began selling bricks to any one and everyone he could think of who lived around the local area.

“A lot of people know me,” Sayers said. “(When I’m talking to someone), I’ll hand someone a pamphlet and it’s kind of a starting point of talking about the war and stuff.”

Now having been at it for a little less than three years, Sayers has officially sold his 100th brick for the park.

“He will drive down the roads around Belding or Ionia all the time,” Noble said. “If he knows that there’s somebody who’s a veteran, he’ll just go for it. He’ll go right up, knock on their door and start talking to them about the bricks.”

The 100th buyer was Tom Fedewa of Ionia. Fedewa bought the brick for his son, Scott, who served in the Iraq War.

“I kind of thought it was a good idea to get one for my son. He was kind of tickled about it,” Tom told the Daily News. “I think he (Sayers) tried to get me to buy one a while back, but I didn’t

think anything of it at the time. This time, he got me.”

Having passed the 100th brick bench mark, Sayers doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

“I don’t get around quite as much as I used to, but I still sell them once in a

while,” he said. “Only once a week,” Noble added with a laugh. “He still manages to sell one at least once a week, and sometimes more than that.”

For Noble, seeing Sayers step up in such a significant way for the park and

bring in approximately $5,000 worth of donations is something she and the rest of the Veterans Freedom Park Commit tee are grateful for.

“We, as a board, really want to thank him,” she said. “He’s an invaluable as set to the park. Just invaluable. He’s there at every event, relentlessly. It doesn’t matter what it is. He’ll be there. If we need anything, he makes sure that he’s present for it and helping however he can.”

When stopping at the Belding Amer ican Legion or VFW Post 4406, Noble says she’ll often find an envelope with a brick order form from Sayers that’s al ready there waiting for her.

“I’ll just see envelopes (with the or ders) hanging on the wall,” she said. “I’ll go get it and there’s also a candy bar (that Sayers) put inside of it.

“We can’t thank him enough,” she continued. “We try to say thank you to him and we try to do things, but he just tells us that he’s going to get some more bricks for us. It’s amazing. He’s a part of the park.”

During the warmer months, forms for buy-a-brick are available to fill out inside a box at Veterans Freedom Park. Forms, opportunities to donate and t-shirts or hoodies that are available for purchase can also be found online at beldingveteranspark.net. Those looking to get further involved can also contact the Veterans Freedom Park over the website.

“I want to thank people for buying a brick and for their donations,” Sayers said.

“I feel I lived to tell people my story, to affirm there is life after death. I hope this helps one person,” Tom Feeney said. — Submitted photo

Douglass Township and Montcalm County residents hold up signs stating “Recall,” “Recuse” and “Referen dum” during public comment at Wednesday’s Douglass Township Board meeting. — Submitted photo

Bob Sayers and Tom Fedewa stand with the Denny Craycraft Veterans Freedom Park Committee outside of Third Wave Coffe in Belding. Sayers has sold 100 bricks for the park’s buy-a-brick fundraiser, the 100th one going to Fedewa. — DN Photo | Brandon Schreur

The Douglass Township Board listens to public com ment on Wednesday, from left, Treasurer Amy La per, Clerk Ronda Snyder, Supervisor Terry Anderson and Trustee Pat Althoff (Trustee Tom Jeppesen was absent). — Screenshot

Thank you!

Thank

The family of Vera Bullard

wishes to thank all her friends and family for the flowers, donations to hospice, and kindness shown at the time of her death.

Vera was truly blessed to have such a wonderful circle of friends and a loving family.

-Kathy and Jo

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Things To Eat

Sheridan VFW

Saturday February 5th Swiss S t e a k s u p p e r S e r v i n g m a s h e d p o t a t o v e g e t a b l e c o l e s l a w o r c o t t a g e c h e e s e R o l l a n d d r i n k C h i l d r e n 1 0 a n d u n d e r $ 5 $ 1 0 S e r v i n g 4 p m 6 p m

Wanted To Buy I buy, sell, and service new/used appliances 40 years experience 616 585 1709

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a

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screening, physical and

gerprinting Rate of pay

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to:

Ranch Style 2 Bedroom,

Bath Home, Basement with Walkout PLUS 35.20 Acres of open and woods mixture, Great Hunting, with Fishing Stream. Outbuildings.

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Lawn & Garden

A 1 Lawncare and Snowplowing

R e s i d e n t i a l a n d c o m m e r c i a l Now accepting regular clients or a s n e e d e d D r i v e w a y s p a r k i n g lots sidewalks salting Call A 1 L a w n c a r e a n d S n o w p l o w i n g G r e e n v i l l e ! 6 1 6 7 5 4 7 7 6 2

Things To Eat Sheridan VFW

B r e a k f a s t e v e r y S u n d a y 7:30am 10am A full menu to or d e r f r o m i n c l u d i n g f r e s h m a d e Belgium waffles and biscuits and gravy

Farm Produce Red russet and yellow potatoes f o r s a l e , 5 0 l b f o r $ 1 2 W i n t e r s q u a s h a v a i l a b l e a s w e l l Crawford Farms 6085 W Cannonsville Rd Lakeview 989 831 8304

Commercial Rental/Lease O f f i c e / b u s i n e s s s p a c e f o r lease in the Village of

Josh Halfman Transportation Director Carson City Crystal Area Schools 213 E Sherman St Carson City MI 48811 or email jhalfman@cccschools org F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , p l e a s e

H E A V Y E Q U I P M E N T O P E R A T O R W A N T E D : P o s i t i o n available for a heavy equip ment operator Job respons i b i l i t i e s i n c l u d e o p e r a t i n g loaders excavators dozers s c r e e n e r s a n d o t h e r m i n ing equipment MSHA certi f i e d i s a p l u s b u t n o t a r e q u i r e m e n t S o m e e x p e r i e n c e o r e d u c a t i o n r e q u i r e d 4 0 h r s / w e e k plus overtime and full bene f i t s i n c l u d i n g h e a l t h i n s u r a n c e , d e n t a l & v i s i o n o p t i o n s , l i f e i n s u r a n c e , 4 0 1 k w i t h e m p l o y e r m a t c h , a n d paid vacation Please apply in person at Timpson Tran s p o r t ; 3 1 7 5 S e g w u n A v e L o w e l l , M I 4 9 3 3 1 M o n d a y F r i d a y 8 a m 5 p m O r e m a i l r e s u m e t o I n f o @ T i m p s o n T r a n s p o r t c o m o r f a x t o ( 6 1 6 ) 8 9 7 5 9 0 5

INSURANCE CSR Burr and Company Insurance Stanton MI

C

www.MerrittAuctionService.com 616-754-9437

CITY COUNCIL CITY OF GREENVILLE Montcalm County, Michigan

Councilperson Moss, supported by Councilperson Cunliffe, moved the adoption of the following ordinance:

ORDINANCE NO. 22-02

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 46, THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND MAP OF THE CITY OF GREENVILLE, MONTCALM COUNTY, MICHIGAN FOR THE PURPOSE OF REZONING CERTAIN LANDS FROM THE C-2, GENERAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT TO THE NORTH LAFAYETTE DISTRICT.

THE CITY OF GREENVILLE ORDAINS:

SECTION 1

The Zoning Ordinance and Map of the City of Greenville, Montcalm County, Michigan which map is incorporated by reference in the Zoning Ordinance for the City of Greenville, pursuant to Section 46.132, shall be amended so that hereafter the lands described below within this Zoning Map Amendment shall be zoned and included in the North Lafayette District on the Zoning Map.

The parcels to be rezoned are:

052-235-001-00 052-235-004-00 052-235-005-00 052-235-006-00 052-235-009-00 052-235-012-00 052-235-014-50 052-235-016-70 052-235-019-00 052-235-020-00 052-235-021-30 052-235-023-00 052-235-024-00 052-235-026-30 052-235-026-60 052-235-027-00 052-235-028-00 052-335-037-60 052-340-001-00

052-340-001-50 052-340-005-00 052-340-007-00 052-340-008-00 052-340-009-00 052-340-010-00 052-340-011-00 052-340-011-50 052-340-012-00 052-340-013-00 052-340-015-00 052-340-016-00 052-340-017-60 052-340-019-50 052-340-021-50 052-340-022-00 052-340-024-00 052-410-001-00 052-410-003-00

052-410-004-00 052-561-002-00 052-561-007-00 052-568-003-50 052-569-002-00 052-574-002-50 052-574-003-00 052-574-006-00 052-574-006-50 052-700-005-50 052-700-010-00 052-700-012-00 052-700-012-50 052-700-013-50 052-700-015-50 052-705-001-00 052-705-002-00

SECTION 2 Publication and Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective upon the expiration of seven days after publication of a notice of ordinance adoption in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Greenville.

YEAS: (6) Scoby, Cunliffe, Barrus, Moss, Linton, and Johnson

NAYS: (1) Lehman ABSTAIN: (0) ABSENT: (0)

ORDINANCE DECLARED ADOPTED.

CERTIFICATION

As the duly appointed City Clerk, I certify that this is a true and complete copy of an ordinance adopted by the City Council of the City of Greenville, Montcalm County, Michigan, at a regular meeting held on February 1, 2022.

Norice Thorlund Rasmussen, City Clerk

Introduced: January 4, 2022 Adopted: February 1, 2022 Published: February 5, 2022 Effective: February 16, 2022

y s t a l T o w n s h i p i s a c c e p t i n g

for a Full Time DPW e m p l o y e e A p p l i c a t i o n s a r e a v a i l a b l e a t t h e C r y s t a l C o m m u n i t y C e n t e r o r e m a i l a t c l e r k @ c r y s t a l m i c o m A p p l i c a t i o n s m u s t b e s u b m i t t e d b y M o n d a y F e b r u a r y 7 2 0 2 2 b e f o r e 3 p m

B u r r & C o m p a n y S t a n t o n i s looking to hire a full time Person al Lines Dept, Customer Service Representative H o l d i n g a P r o p e r t y / C a s u a l t y a g e n t l i c e n s e i s a p l u s ; w e a r e willing to train an unlicensed ap plicant who agrees to attain th e license if hired P l e a s e s e n d y o u r r e s u m e t o t m c i n t o s h @ b u r r c o m p a n y c o m

CITY COUNCIL CITY OF GREENVILLE Montcalm County, Michigan

Councilperson Moss, supported by Councilperson Johnson, moved the adoption of the following ordinance:

INDUSTRIAL PARK DISTRICT ORDINANCE

ORDINANCE NO. 22-03

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 46, THE ZON

ING ORDINANCE AND MAP OF THE CITY OF GREEN VILLE, MONTCALM COUNTY, MICHIGAN FOR THE PURPOSE OF REZONING CERTAIN LANDS FROM THE IND, INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT TO THE INDUSTRIAL PARK DISTRICT.

THE CITY OF GREENVILLE ORDAINS:

SECTION 1

The Zoning Ordinance and Map of the City of Greenville, Montcalm County, Michigan which map is incorporated by reference in the Zoning Ordinance for the City of Greenville, pursuant to Section 46.132, shall be amended so that hereafter the lands described below within this Zoning Map Amendment shall be zoned and included in the IPD, Industrial Park District on the Zoning Map.

The parcels to be rezoned are:

052-002-007-01 052-720-006-00 052-720-022-00 052-002-008-00 052-720-007-00 052-720-026-00 052-693-030-00 052-720-007-50 052-720-030-00 052-693-035-00 052-720-008-00 052-720-031-00 052-693-035-20 052-720-011-00

052-720-032-00 052-693-035-30 052-720-012-00 052-720-034-00 052-720-001-00 052-720-014-00 052-720-041-00 052-720-001-10 052-014-014-10 052-720-050-00 052-720-002-00 052-720-014-20 052-720-051-00 052-720-003-10

052-720-015-00 052-720-052-00 052-720-004-00 052-720-016-00 052-720-053-00 052-720-005-00 052-720-019-00 052-720-054-00 052-720-005-50 052-720-020-00 052-722-001-00 052-722-001-10

SECTION 2 Publication and Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective upon the expiration of seven days after publication of a notice of ordinance adoption in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Greenville.

YEAS: (6) Scoby, Cunliffe, Barrus, Moss, Linton, and Johnson

NAYS: (1) Lehman ABSTAIN: (0) ABSENT: (0)

ORDINANCE DECLARED ADOPTED.

CERTIFICATION

As the duly appointed City Clerk, I certify that this is a true and complete copy of an ordinance adopted by the City Council of the City of Greenville, Montcalm County, Michigan, at a regular meeting held on February 1, 2022.

Norice Thorlund Rasmussen, City Clerk

Introduced: January 4, 2022

Adopted: February 1, 2022

Published: February 5, 2022

Effective: February 16, 2022

NORTH LAFAYETTE DISTRICT ORDINANCE

Special Meeting of the Bushnell Township Board

Date: Thursday February 17 2022

Time: 6:00 p m Location: Sheridan Community Center 205 St Clair St Sheridan MI 48884

1 Call to Order

2 Invocation 3 Pledge of Allegiance 4 Public Comment On Agenda Items (limited to 3 min / person)

5 New Business

a Township Rules of Procedure

6 Old Business

C

written attorney opinion exempt from discussion or disclosure by state or federal statute regarding marihuana businesses (2/3 Roll call)

7 Public Hearing Regarding Marihuana Businesses within the Township: The public will be given

to comment

public hearing (limited to 3 min / person)

8 Old Business Continued

Marihuana Businesses

Public Comment on Non Agenda Items (limited to 3 min / per son)

Board Comments

Adjournment

Agenda Subject to change Published 2/5/22

y tails regarding this position are available online at www city ofionia org under Employment Opportunities ADA/EO employ er

Legals

STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT MONTCALM COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent's Estate CASE NO 2022 34380 DE Court Address: 625 N State Street Stanton MI 48888 Court Telephone No : 989 831 7316

Estate of: Teresa Marie Laura, Deceased Date of Birth: 09/27/1954

Court Address: 625 N State Street Stanton, MI 48888 Court Telephone No : 989 831 7316

Legals

Estate of: Teresa Marie Laura, Deceased Date of Birth: 09/27/1954

TO ALL CREDITORS: N O T I C E T O C R E D I T O R S : T h e d e c e d e n t T e r e s a M a r i e L a u r a d i e d 1 1 / 1 6 / 2 0 2 1 C r e d i t o r s o f t h e d e c e d e n t a r e n o t i f

Legals

Gerald

Elizabeth E Stubbs P55594

Attorney

Shelby

586 532

2/5

AREA LOCALS

FEB. 8, 15, 22 & MAR. 1, 8

LAKEVIEW CHRONIC DISEASE PATH WORKSHOP Tamarack District Library MSU Extension with Christi. PATH (Personal Action Toward Health) is a six-week work shop designed to support individu als living with chronic conditions. The workshop meets 2 1/2 hours, once a week for six weeks. Call (989) 352-6274 to reserve a spot. 12:30 to 3 p.m.

FEB. 3 GREENVILLE FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT Flat River Communi ty Library. 4:15 p.m. All ages.

Gerald

Personal

Crystal

Elizabeth E Stubbs P55594

PUBLIC NOTICE Special Meeting of the Bushnell Township Board Date: Thursday February 17 2022 Time: 6:00 p m Location: Sheridan Community Center 205 St Clair St Sheridan MI 48884

45700 Village Boulevard Shelby Township, MI 48315 586 532 9100

The Township Board will discuss deliberate and potentially take action on the following:

Published 2/5

Township Board rules of procedure Marihuana businesses

As part of the special meeting, there will be a public hearing re garding the regulation of marihuana businesses within the Town ship

I f y o u n e e d a s s i s

Township Clerk

(subject to change)

the office of the Township Clerk

FEB. 5 TURK LAKE POLAR PLUNGE FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS Law Enforcement Torch Run are volunteers with a goal of raising awareness and over one million dollars for athletes, participants, and volunteers. Register at plungemi.org.

FEB. 6 BELDING BELROCKTON MUSEUM IS OPEN Do you know what year the Belrockton was built, or why, or who built it? Come find out from 1-4 p.m. located at 108 Ha nover St. with handicap accessibility in the rear of the building. Admission is free. Take a step back in time with a visit to all 3 floors of the museum and rediscover Belding.

PURSUANT TO MCL 117.3(k) THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF AN ORDINANCE ADOPTED ON FEBRUARY 1, 2022, TO AMEND ARTICLE V, “MARIHUANA ESTABLISHMENTS” OF CHAPTER 10 “BUSINESSES” OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GREENVILLE BY RENAMING ARTICLE V “MARIHUANA BUSINESSES”; DELETING SECTION 10-201, “PROHIBITION OF MARIHUANA ESTABLISHMENTS”, AND ADDING DIVISION I, “MEDICAL MARIHUANA FACILITIES.”

GREENVILLE CITY COUNCIL ORDINANCE NO. 22-04

The above referenced ordinance:

TO ALL CREDITORS:

N O T I C E T O C R E D I T O R S : T h e d e c e d e n t T e r e s a M a r i e L a u r a d i e d 1 1 / 1 6 / 2 0 2 1

C r e d i t o r s o f t h e d e c e d e n t a r e n o t i f i e d t h a t a l l c l a i m s a g a i n s t the estate will be forever barred u n l e s s p r e s e n t e d t o G e r a l d L a u r a p e r s o n a l r e p r e s e n t a t i v e o r t o b o t h t h e p r o b a t e c o u r t a t 625 N State Street Stanton MI 48888 and the personal repres e n t a t i v e w i t h i n 4 m o n t h s a f t e r the date of publication of this no tice

Gerald Laura Personal Representative 1121 S Senator Road Crystal MI 48818

1. Generally allows and regulates Medical Marihuana Facilities pursuant to the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act

2. Renames Article V to encompass all marihuana businesses

3. Deletes Section 10-201 that previously prohibited marihuana establishments

Elizabeth E Stubbs P55594 Attorney 45700 Village Boulevard Shelby Township MI 48315 586 532 9100 Published 2/5

4. Adds a licensing requirement for medical marihuana facilities

5. Defines which medical marihuana facility types are authorized in the City

6. Provides an application procedure and requirements for the administration of licenses

7. Provides a review procedure for license applications

8. Provides general and specific operational requirements for medical marihuana facilities

9. Provides standards for approval, renewal, transferring, revocation and amendments of licenses

10. Provides for enforcement and penalties for violation of the ordinance

The full true copy of the ordinance may be examined at in the Municipal Complex, Office of the City Clerk, 415 S. Lafayette Street Greenville, Michigan.

Norice Rasmussen Clerk/Finance Director

Published 2/5/22

PURSUANT TO MCL 117(k) THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF VARIOUS ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS ADOPTED ON FEBRUARY 1, 2022 TO ADDRESS MEDICAL & ADULT USE MARIHUANA USES

GREENVILLE CITY COUNCIL ORDINANCE NO. 22-01

The above referenced ordinance:

1. Repeals Section 46-101 in its entirety

2. Allows certain adult use marihuana establishments and certain medical marihuana facilities as uses permitted only with special land use approval in the Industrial Zoning District

3. Designates which marihuana establishments are allowed in various districts and review process for each

4. Designates certain buffers between facilities, establishments and other uses

5. Creates the North Lafayette Zoning District and the Industrial Park Zoning District

6. Amends uses subject to site plan review

7. Revises home occupations for primary caregivers

8. Revises rules for the personal use of marihuana under the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act

9. Adds language to prohibit an extension of an expired site plan for a medical marihuana facility and a marihuana establishment

10. Adds language for the regulation of signs in the North Lafayette and Industrial Park Zoning Districts

11. Adds new definitions of School, Enclosed Locked Facility, Primary Caregiver, Qualifying Patient and Specialty Medical Grower

The full true copy of the ordinance may be examined at in the Municipal Complex, Office of the City Clerk, 415 S. Lafayette Street Greenville, Michigan. Norice Rasmussen Clerk/Finance Director

Louise Belyou Township Clerk

Township Hall 2983 E Boyer Rd Fenwick, MI 48834 (hours by appointment)

A copy of this notice, and the meeting agenda (subject to change) may be obtained by emailing the Township Clerk at bushnelltwp clerk@cmsinter net {19633 001 00134040 1}

This notice is posted in compliance with the Open Meetings Act PA 267 of 1976 as amended; and the Americans With Disabilit ies Act (ADA) Published 2/5/22

TOWNSHIP OF DOUGLASS

COUNTY OF MONTCALM MICHIGAN

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWNSHIP ORDINANCES AND SUMMARY OF THE REGULATORY EFFECT THEREOF

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on February 2 2022 the Township Board of the Township of Douglass adopted Ordin ance Nos 168 169 170 171 and 172 The following is a sum mary of the principal terms of the ordinances:

1 Ordinance No 168 The ordinance provides for the issuance of citations for violations of Township ordinances that are desig nated as municipal civil infractions, and provides procedures for the issuance and processing of municipal civil infraction citations

2 O r d i n a n c e N o 1 6 9 T h e o r d i n a n c e a m e n d s t h e T o w n s h i p Anti Noise & Public Nuisance Ordinance by providing that viola tions thereof are subject to municipal civil infraction penalties in cluding certain fines

3 Ordinance No 170 The ordinance amends the Township In operable Vehicles Ordinance by providing that violations thereof are subject to municipal civil infraction penalties including certain fines

4 Ordinance No 171 The ordinance amends the Township Re fuse Ordinance by providing that violations thereof are subject to municipal civil infraction penalties including certain fines

5 Ordinance No 172 The ordinance amends the Township Or dinance that adopted the State Construction Code, by providing t h a t a v i o l a t i o n o f a s t o p w o r k o r d e r i s a c r i m i n a l m i s d e m e a n o r , b u t t h a t o t h e r v i o l a t i o n s a r e s u b j e c t t o m u n i c i p a l c i v i l i n f r a c t i o n p e n a l t i e s i n c l u d i n g c e r t a i n f i n e s 6 Effective Date Each of the above ordinances will become ef fective March 7 2022

A copy of each ordinance may be inspected or purchased at the D o u g l a s s T o w n s h i p o f f i c e s 3 5 2 1 W M c B r i d e s R o a d S t a n t o n M i c h i g a n d u r i n g T o w n s h i p o f f i c e h o u r s

Dated: February 5 2022

TOWNSHIP BOARD OF THE TOWNSHIP OF DOUGLASS 03061173 1 Published 2/5

FEB. 7,8,10 GREENVILLE AUDI TIONS FRCP is auditioning at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for the comedy, “What the Bellhop Saw”, written by Billy VanZendt and Jane Milmore. Director, Dennis Hess, is looking for varied cast from ages 14 and up.

FEB. 10 LAKEVIEW WILDERNESS JOURNAL PROGRAM Tamarack District Library will be hosting Kyle Randall, America’s premier, modern, sportman at 6 p.m. Call (989) 3526274 to reserve your spot.

FEB. 10 SIDNEY HERITAGE VILLAGE The Montcalm Heritage Village volunteers will meet at 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 10 in Rm510N on the MCC Sidney campus.  We are looking for more history buffs to join us in our continued effort to preserve and inform others about the mission of Heritage Village. The agenda will include information on upcoming maintenance projects, as well as plans for school tours and Heritage Festival. We invite all to join in our ongoing efforts. For more informa tion, contact Shannon (616-8949947) or Julie (989-328-1222) .

FEB. 15 LAKEVIEW NEW BIRTH OF FREEDOM, A MESSAGE FROM ABE LINCOLN PROGRAM Tama rack District Library will be hosting this program presented by Stephen Charnley, at 6 p.m. Call (989) 3526274 to reserve your spot. Presenter has asked masks be worn.

EATING OUT

FEB 11 BELDING DINNER The Belding American Legion Post 203 Auxiliary is serving dinner from 5 to 7:30 p.m. $12 sizzler, $12 chicken breast, $10 pollock fish, $8 ground round, all meals come with either a baked potato or french fries, choice of either cottage cheese or coleslaw, no salad bar at this time. We encourage you to call ahead for take-out orders, (616) 794-2841.

PURSUANT TO MCL 117(k) THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF AN ORDINANCE ADOPTED ON FEBRUARY 1, 2022 TO AMEND ARTICLE V, “MARIHUANA BUSINESSES” OF CHAPTER 10 “BUSINESSES” OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GREENVILLE BY ADDING DIVISION II, “ADULT USE MARIHUANA ESTABLISHMENTS”

GREENVILLE CITY COUNCIL

ORDINANCE NO. 22-05

The above referenced ordinance:

1. Generally allows and regulates certain Adult Use Marihuana Establishments pursuant to the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act

2. Adds a licensing requirement for adult use marihuana establishments

3. Defines which adult use marihuana establishment types are allowed in the City

4. Prohibits marihuana retailers, microbusinesses and other special adult use license types

5. Provides an application procedure and requirements for the administration of licenses

6. Provides a review procedure for license applications

7. Provides general and specific operational requirements for adult use marihuana establishments

8. Provides standards for approval, renewal, transferring, revocation and amendments of licenses

9. Provides for enforcement and penalties for violation of the ordinance The full true copy of the ordinance may be examined at in the Municipal Complex, Office of the City Clerk, 415 S. Lafayette Street Greenville, Michigan.

Norice Rasmussen Clerk/Finance Director

Greenville Purple Heart recipient details experience

it resulted in the most frightening moments of his life.

In recalling the events of Jan. 8, Joseph recounted his own prayer he had given two years pri or — not from the safety of an air hangar in Michigan, but while huddled in a bunker with his fellow soldiers as they watched missiles rain down upon them at Al Assad.

“As soon as the first missile hit and you felt that shake, you knew this was no ordinary missile strike, that this was no ordinary IDF (indirect fire),” he said. “It shook me to the core. At that point in time, I realized, this is real.”

Of the 16 missiles fired by the Iranians — a retaliatory attack from a previous U.S. drone strike to kill Iranian General Qasem Soleimani — 11 of them landed at Al Asad.

One of those 11 missile strikes resulted in Joseph receiving his purple heart, having landed a mere 110 yards away from his bunker, the resulting explosion shaking him “to his core.”

“My building alone, it separat ed the roof from the wall almost a foot, that’s how massive this con cussive blast was, even though we were behind big cement barri ers,” he said.

After three volleys of missile strikes over several hours, what has been deemed the largest bal listic missile attack ever against Americans miraculously resulted in zero casualties.

However, more than 100 sol diers and airmen suffered trau matic brain injuries — Joseph included — as he experienced a concussion from the closest blast.

It was a night neither Joseph nor Emily will ever forget, as de spite being more than 6,100 miles from her husband, she could do nothing but watch in horror as portions of the missile attack played out live on national news networks.

‘WE MAY NOT SURVIVE’

On Jan. 8, 2020, Joseph, on his third deployment with the Michigan National Guard having previously served in Iraq and Afghanistan, had little worry in his mind that anything may be amiss that day.

As a flight operations ser geant, Joseph would spend the majority of his time on various air bases from behind a desk.

As a flight tracker, It was Joseph’s job to track every flight out of the base, having spent thousands of hours since he first enlisted in 2004, tracking various aircraft, talking to the pilots, ensuring they made it to their destination safely.

“In all my time, I never expe rienced any loss of life, no loss of equipment, while tracking these aircraft,” he said. “So I think that kind of made me a little bit complacent, thinking that all deployments are going to be easy. We’d occasionally have some indi rect fire — motors, rockets — but they were always landing at least a half-mile from the base. That’s nothing, no big deal.”

As he left for that third deploy ment to Al Assad in December 2019, Joseph recalled feeling it would be another easy deploy ment.

“It’s going to be a cakewalk,” he recalled. “I was even talking to the new guys, one guy who just got out of training, and I told him, ‘you’ll never have to wear your body armor.’”

However, there would be noth ing easy about Jan. 8.

Not even three weeks into his deployment, Joseph said intel ligence at the base had revealed an attack from the Iranians was likely coming.

The U.S. drone strike had killed Soleimani just five days earlier on Jan. 3 at the Baghdad airport in Iraq and Al Assad had already begun preparing for retaliation.

“At first, they thought it was going to be a ground attack, so we were getting ready for that, get ting our weapons, putting body armor on, and we were told it might happen between midnight and 3 a.m.,” Joseph said.

As he was ordered to enter a bunker, Joseph then watched as 1,000 of the 2,000 soldiers sta tioned at the base were evacuat ed.

“We could watch, and we did, we watched hundreds of civilians and other military personnel be ing evacuated out of the base,” he said. “That didn’t seem normal.”

Not long after, Joseph was then informed that the base was no longer preparing for a ground attack, but a missile strike.

“This is not fun, now,” he said. “The first thought that went through my head was, ‘OK, are these going to be (smaller) rocket strikes?’ I don’t even think they truly knew what Iran was going to send at us.”

As it would turn out, the base had prepared for a volley of rockets to be lobbed at the base, each carrying at most a 60-pound warhead.

“They will leave maybe a small crater, two-foot deep, about sev

en-foot wide in circumference,” Joseph said.

However, as it would turn out, Iran had moved ballistic missiles carrying warheads weighing more than 1,000 pounds into place for a full bombardment of the base.

Per a report from CBS News, an army intelligence officer gave an assessment of the threat: “Their intention is to level this base and we may not survive.”

‘HUNKER DOWN AND PRAY’

Waiting in the bunker for hours, for anything to happen, at one point, Joseph said he and his fellow soldiers reached a point where they thought maybe an attack wasn’t coming after all.

“It was getting closer and clos er to that time where it was sup posed to happen, but nothing,” he said. “We were wondering if it was just a bluff.”

However, Joseph, the one sol dier in the bunker with an active access card for a local military communication channel, was asked to hand his card over to his platoon leader so they could receive an update.

“As they went in there, they were watching it, and they saw right across the channel … It was an ICBM (intercontinental bal listic missile) inbound — impact three minutes,” he said. “I wasn’t in there, but they looked at each other and said ‘run.’

Joseph recalled that as the three men sprinted for the bunker, one soldier made it to the bunker, another made it to the entrance of the bunker and one was outside when the first missile hit.

“They were big, big explo sions,” he said. “They shook everything. You felt it to your core, the vibration.”

At that point, all Joseph and his fellow soldiers could do was wait it out.

“We couldn’t evacuate,” he said. “There were so many mis siles coming in, we couldn’t evac uate. We had already evacuated some of our aircraft, so we were literally a skeleton crew.”

Through an opening in the bunker, Joseph watched as every few minutes a missile would strike the base.

“I’m sitting on the end of the bunker, so I could watch the mis siles coming in,” he said. “The one I saw, a full hit, about half a mile away … I had never seen anything that big in real life.”

Then, the missile that landed closest — just a football field away — came crashing down.

“They hit the hangar, de stroyed our aircraft, all of our extra parts and destroyed our ammo container,” he said. “It took everything out.”

As the ground shook around them and the soldiers collected themselves, Joseph said shrapnel, consisting of metal, cement and rock, battered across the outside of the bunker as he and the oth ers remained inside, continuing to pray that the missiles would keep their distance.

“In that moment, you just say, ‘God, please, no,’” he said. “That’s when you realize, that if that hit is closer next time, you’re not going to survive. If one’s closer than 110 yards, I’m not going to survive. So you just hunker down and pray that it doesn’t hit your bunker. You pray. You beg God, ‘please don’t let this be my time.’

“We could feel a lot of the heat — the fumes, smoke, every thing,” he continued. “Smoke came through into the bunker — burning chemicals, fuel from the aircraft, oil. To be honest, at that point in time, after that one, I looked up at the sky, and said, ‘God, if it’s my time, just take care of my family.’ I was prepared to go. I honestly thought I was done.”

54 MINUTES OF SILENCE

Meanwhile, half a world away, Emily had been preparing to enjoy dinner with her three children at her mother’s house in Greenville.

It was just moments before they would sit down together to eat when “Breaking News” flashed up on the television screen.

Emily watched at first with curiosity, then in horror as the report stated that El Assad was

under a missile attack.

She knew that’s where her husband was stationed.

What she didn’t know was anything else.

Not wanting to scare her chil dren, Emily acted as if nothing was wrong.

“I made the very conscious decision to reach up and turn off the TV,” she said. “I did not need the kids to be burdened with wor ry. So we went through dinner, but I don’t remember eating. I just remember pushing my food around the plate, talking about the day, watching everybody else eat.”

Emily admitted that what she was actually doing was counting down the minutes until she could turn the TV back on and poten tially watch for the fate of her husband.

Additionally, somewhere in the house was a letter from Joseph to his family — a letter every U.S. soldier leaves behind for family.

Within that letter was a final message from him to his wife and children, in the event he may not return home.

Twice previously, that letter had been joyously burned after Joseph returned from his deploy ments overseas.

But now the thought sat in the back of Emily’s mind that this time, she may eventually have to open that letter.

After dinner concluded, her children went upstairs to play and she resumed the breaking news broadcast.

As she watched the events un fold, Emily then experienced the longest eight minutes of her life.

At 6:41 p.m., she texted her husband, “Babe please tell me you’re safe. I saw breaking news about your base. Need to know you’re OK.”

At 6:49 p.m., Joseph texted back with a response of just two words: “I’m ok.”

“I was so relieved,” Emily re called. “I exhaled this full breath I didn’t know I was holding.”

She then texted her husband back, “Thank god. Nowhere near you? I love you.”

Emily waited. She then waited some more.

Facing silence from her phone, the thought of having to open that letter returned.

But after an excruciating 25 minutes, Emily was able to breathe another sigh of relief as Joseph responded.

“Love you too” Joseph texted back.

But as Emily continued to watch the news broadcast, she observed in real-time as the sec ond round of missiles suddenly struck the base.

“I’m being calm for the kids,” she texted.

“Footage is on every channel,” she texted again.

No response.

At some point in the news broadcast, it’s reported that Iran is claiming 30 U.S. service members have been killed in the attack.

“I’m sitting there with tears running down my face,” Emily recalled.

She then tries to reach Joseph once more.

“I’m scared,” she texted.

“Babe are you ok,” she texts again.

Emily feared the worst, that this time, her husband may not have been so lucky.

“I haven’t heard anything from my husband in about an hour,” she said. “At this point, I’m plan ning his funeral in my head. How do I tell the kids? How do we keep going? If he’s gone, how in the world do we get through this? I never felt the distance between us more profoundly than that night. To realize you are watching this footage and you could be watch ing your loved one being hurt or killed in real time ... I have never felt so helpless.”

It would be 54 minutes be tween texts before Emily would thankfully hear from her hus band.

Once again, the text contained the most relieving two words she could ask for.

“I’m ok,” he texted back.

Once the missile strikes finally came to an end, Joseph reassured his wife that he and everyone else with him were OK. The two

concluded their messaging that evening with texts of “I love you,” and “love you more.”

As Joseph prayed and prayed that evening, he now takes com fort in the fact that regardless of how far away they were, his fami ly was there for him — including his late mother, who had passed away only six months before his deployment to Al Assad.

“At one point I just sat there, and I prayed and prayed, and I knew my mom was there,” he said, fighting back tears. “At one point I felt this blanket of warmth wash over me in protec tion. I knew, that’s my mom. She’s here protecting me.”

A ‘FEELING LIKE NO OTHER’

It wouldn’t be for another nine months that Joseph would return to the United States, upon the conclusion of what he hopes to be his final deployment overseas.

When he arrived at the air port, the site of his wife waiting for him as he departed the plane was one he will fondly remember.

“As soon as I got off the air plane, walking down to get away from the gate, I don’t think I could breathe for about 15 to 20 seconds because of how tight her hug was and I didn’t mind,” he said. “That hug meant more than ‘I love you.’ I was safe. I was alive. I was real. It encompassed everything you could ever believe a hug could be.”

Once he arrived back in Greenville, Joseph had planned to surprise his children — who did not know he was returning — in the morning by making them breakfast.

However, as he walked in the door, his 4-year-old son, Joseph Jr., half-asleep in his grand mother’s arms, spotted his father.

“He saw me and he instantly wanted a hug, so I held him so tight,” he said.

Not wanting to be unfair to their daughters, Emily went up stairs and woke Elisabeth, 10, and Katherine, 8, so they could see who awaited them downstairs.

“I’m just sitting there in the chair and it was a dog pile for about an hour,” Joseph said with a smile. “I’m sitting there with all three kids piled up on me and that didn’t bother me in the slightest. That has to be the best feeling I’ve ever had.”

Two days after arriving back in Michigan, Joseph and Emily closed on a new home on Con gress Street, and not wasting any time, the family made quick use of the backyard fire pit.

For the third time, they came together to burn Joseph’s un opened letter.

“That was definitely harder to go through,” Emily said. “But because of the extremes we went through, it was also infinitely more calming and reassuring

that he was here with us and we are able to burn that letter. It’s really a feeling like no other.”

‘NO REGRETS’

Now back to living his civilian life, working as a line lead at Michigan Turkey Producers in Grand Rapids, Joseph said he relishes every minute he has with his family, though he remains committed to finishing out his tenure as a soldier for three more years until he’s served in the National Guard for a full 20 years and can retire.

Having originally been denied the Purple Heart, as it was first determined to be awarded only to those who had been medically evacuated from the base, Joseph was relieved when a doctor in Grand Ledge saw to it that he and his fellow soldiers would indeed receive their Purple Hearts.

To his shock, what he expected might arrive as a package in the mail instead came in the form of being delivered personally by Whitmer.

In meeting Whitmer, Joseph said the experience helped re store some of his faith in govern ment leadership.

“Before the ceremony, me and the three other people who were able to be there for our Purple Hearts, she met with us private ly,” he said. “She wanted to know more about us, to understand our perspective, to understand what we went through. She wanted the first-person perspec tive. Despite everything, she has been more for the military than I’ve seen of a lot of other gover nors. She first saw us off for our deployment ceremony and then she was able to be there for our Purple Heart. I will never forget that.”

While Joseph admits a con cussion may not appear worthy in the eyes of some, regarding earning the Purple Heart medal, he said the effects of that missile blast will carry on with him for the rest of his life.

“In the moment, it affected me,” he said. “I had ringing in my ears, a splitting headache, and at the base, I worked on a computer screen all day, which was terrible for me. For weeks, I had all these emotions, all this fear because we didn’t know what the follow-up was going to be. We were all still on edge, all the way up until about three to four weeks after the event.”

Additionally, Joseph said he was not able to follow the advice of the doctor who treated him.

“I was told to give myself two weeks of brain rest, but we’re responsible for Medevac — we can’t do that,” he said. “With my job, we couldn’t do that, the three of us doing that job. If a mission comes through, we have to be able to see it through and pass it to the rest of the pilots and crews.”

Joseph said when being observed at the base by medical personnel, he was informed he will suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), likely for the rest of his life, as a result of his experience.

“I still have nightmares and those will probably never go away,” he said. “I’ll probably have nightmares for the rest of my life, but you learn how to deal with it.”

Looking back on the experi ence, Joseph said he has no re grets about his decision to serve his country.

“I have no regrets, none,” he said. “It’s given me a lot of knowl edge and experience. I wanted to serve my country. My older broth er was active duty in the military for 21 years. He was infantry and I always looked up to him. By be ing in the National Guard, I still get to have my civilian life, but also serve my country. I always loved the thought of serving my country and giving back to the country that has given me so many freedoms. It’s the thing I felt I had to do.”

For Emily, despite experienc ing what is arguably the worst night of her life, she remains as proud as ever of her husband for earning his Purple Heart, following in the steps of both of her own grandfathers, who also earned Purple Hearts.

“For being a gung-ho military wife and being as supportive as I am, I would joke around with him that this Purple Heart seems like kind of a silly thing to award because, being a concussion, it’s like, ‘you have a booboo, here’s a medal,’” she said. “I just didn’t quite understand really what this represented — and then I went to the ceremony. It hit me. My husband, the person that I love the most in the world, could have died. I could have watched his death live on television. So I cried throughout the ceremony, realizing the importance of what was being awarded.

“We could have been at a cere mony with flag-covered coffins,” she continued. “The fact that he is still here is a miracle in and of itself. To go from joking around — ‘you’ve been injured, here’s a medal’ — to finally understand ing the importance of what has been done, it’s been a very hum bling experience.”

Texts between National Guard Sgt. Jo seph Suchowolec and his wife, Emily, on the evening of Jan. 8, 2020, showcase both the fear and love shared between the two as Joseph was under missile fire at Al Assad Air Force Base in Iraq while Emily watched the attack from home in Greenville unfold in real-time on a news broadcast. — Submitted photo

Starting third from left, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer stands with National Guard Sgt. Jo seph Suchowolec, 37, and his family after presenting him with his Purple Heart med al during a ceremony last month after he sustained an injury during a missile attack while stationed at Al Assad Air Force Base in Iraq on Jan. 8, 2020. — Submitted photo

AMY DICKINSON askamy@amydickinson.com

Co-worker’s remark goes very wrong

Dear Amy : “Carol” and I used to work very closely together. I still see her occasionally at work, and we usually enjoy a long catch-up.

When I recently saw Carol (from a distance) at the office, I noticed that she’d lost a significant amount of weight.

I had not seen her in months, so it seemed con ceivable that she had been working to lose weight.

I was with a client, but I wanted to say something to Carol before she left the office. Carelessly, I called out across a few yards, “Hi, Carol! You are looking good!”

When she turned and looked at me with a wane smile/grimace, I knew I’d made a mistake. I wanted to immediately see what was wrong, but by the time I was done with my client, Carol had left.

Usually as a rule, I do not comment on weight loss unless the other person brings up their own weight/fitness first.

Later that same day, I ran into another old co-worker. She informed me that Carol had taken ill in the previous months with COVID-19 complica tions and had been in a coma. It’s a miracle that she is alive and walking around now.

I was shocked and ashamed over what I said and the way I said it.

Is there anything I can or should say to apolo gize?

Maybe it’s better to simply say I’d had no idea what she was going through, and express my very genuine relief that she is recovering?

Help me find the words! — So Ashamed in Maine

Dear Ashamed : Please hum this phrase to the famous tune from “My Fair Lady”:

“The shame in Maine

Should not cause so much pain …”

To some extent, you seem to be blinded by your embarrassment and are making this encounter just a little bit about you.

You did not call out: “Hey, Carol, wow, you’re so thin! Way to go!”

You simply said, “You are looking good!”

Honestly, given the health-Hell she has been through, to have recovered enough to be at work is the very definition of “looking good.”

You should email, text, or call her. Say, “It was great to see you in the office. Susan mentioned how sick you’ve been! I had no idea, and I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope you’re on the mend and feeling a little better every day. I’d love to catch up when you feel up to it.”

Dear Amy : My closest friend has been virtually out of touch for almost two years — since her mother died.

I saw her twice the first year and not at all last year. I dropped off her birthday present so as not to disturb her — and she loved it.

The pandemic is partly to blame, but mostly she is focusing on work, and during the weekend she has her own routine. Interacting with others causes her anxiety to flare. For that reason, she is not even up for a five-minute phone call.

I’ve let her know that whenever she is up for see ing each other, to let me know, and that I won’t sweat it no matter how long it takes.

I send her innocuous text messages of love, usu ally once a week. She seems to prefer a single emoji.

While it has been difficult not to worry about her or to take it personally, I respect that she has let the majority of her friendships go, as she feels that is what she needs to do for self-preservation.

I miss her and care about her, but I don’t know what to do.

Any thoughts? — Patiently Loving from a Dis tance

Dear Patiently : Keep doing what you’re doing. Don’t press her to discuss her mental health. Share memes, text her about the latest show you’re binge ing, and yes — keep the channel open. You sound exceedingly understanding, patient and kind. Surely this is taking a toll on you, too.

Dear Amy : The competitive teenage girl (“Lonely at the Top”) who tried out for all the teams her best friend tried out for sounded obnoxious. Now she’s going after a slot on the ice hockey team, even though she has no experience, while her friend has been working hard for it.

I can’t believe you encouraged her. — Upset

Dear Upset : Male teen athletes are praised for their natural talent and competitive impulse. The same should go for girls.

I do think “Lonely” has a slippery slope ahead of her making the hockey team, however. Ice hockey is no skate in the park.

FRAZZ

2-5-22

● Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 through 6 without repeating.

● The numbers within the heavily outlined boxes, called cages, must combine using the given operation (in any order) to produce the target numbers in the top-left corners.

● Freebies: Fill in single-box cages with the number in the top-left corner.

In 1917, U.S. Congress nullifies President Woordrow Wilson’s veto of the Immigration Act; literacy tests are required.

Adrian 20/10/c 28/15/c

Alpena 21/16/sn 31/19/c

Ann Arbor 19/9/c 28/18/c

Bay City 21/15/c 29/20/c

Benton Harbor 24/15/sn 30/24/c

Chicago 21/16/s 31/14/c

Detroit 21/11/c 28/19/c

Escanaba 19/15/sn 30/11/c

Flint 23/13/c 30/22/c

Gaylord 19/19/sn 30/18/c

Green Bay 19/17/pc 28/9/c

Hillsdale 22/11/c 27/19/c

Houghton 15/13/sn 20/11/sn

Iron Mountain 14/10/sn 25/7/c

Ironwood 15/13/sn 16/5/sn

Kalamazoo 23/15/c 29/23/c

Lansing 24/16/c 31/21/c

Manistique 23/18/sn 28/11/c Marquette 13/11/sn

24/19/s

20/17/sn

20/13/pc

21/15/c

16/14/sn

21/13/c

21/11/c

ON WARMTH & COMFORT!

Keep your home warm all winter long and save up to 30% on your utility bill with a new American Standard Furnace.

Albuquerque 39/20/s

Anchorage 28/25/c 30/18/c Atlanta 47/30/s 51/39/s

Bismarck 38/12/c 24/14/pc Boston 26/8/pc 26/21/pc

Cincinnati 25/12/pc 38/20/s

Cleveland 22/13/c 35/21/pc

Dallas 42/24/s 49/27/s

Denver 46/20/pc 35/19/c

Helena 42/22/pc 39/23/pc

Honolulu 81/69/pc 82/68/pc

Indianapolis 21/11/s 33/20/pc

Las Vegas 61/41/s 66/40/s

Los Angeles 73/50/s 79/54/s

Miami 80/67/pc 80/67/pc

Minneapolis 25/12/pc 15/0/pc

Nashville 36/22/s 52/25/s

New Orleans 49/36/pc 55/41/s

New York City 29/17/s 31/28/s

Orlando 65/55/c

Philadelphia 30/18/s 37/27/s

Phoenix 68/43/s

Pittsburgh 22/9/c

Lowell Chocolate Stroll started 5 years ago as a Winter Event in Lowell to support local small businesses through the Winter Months. We wanted to give families something fun to do and shop local. People now come from all outlying areas to enjoy this event because it's FREE CHOCOLATE so who wouldn't?

Along with chocolate, the merchants have drawings for free products and one large drawing at the end of the event for Lowell Bucks.

Lowell Bucks are like a credit card to Lowell. If you receive $50 in Lowell Bucks you can spend them at any participating merchant.

You enter this drawing by picking up a punch card at any of the participating chocolate stroll merchants (which are listed on our FB page lowellchocolatestroll). Go to each merchant and receive a stamp on your punch card. When you fill 10 you can turn it in at any of the merchants on the punch card to enter the drawing.

Since the Showboat Social District opened, you can now order drinks

from any participating restaurant and walk the streets of Lowell shopping with your drinks. And on the riverwalk we have warming fires to stop, enjoy the river and stay warm while enjoying your drink:) Each participating restaurant will have drink specials listed on your punch card.

This event runs from 12-5 Saturday, February 12 but you can start shopping early @ 10:00 am when the stores open.

SPORTS

‘Getting it all back together’

Central Montcalm girls put up season-high 69 points, beat Fremont by 14 for third win of the season

ALEX FREEMAN afreeman@thedailynews.cc

STANTON — Before the final note of the National Anthem was played over the public address system, Maia Sexton scurried past her teammates and hurried toward the nearby trash can.

It was an unusual amount of pregame jitters that led Sexton to the trash can as she battled some nausea. It wouldn’t hold her out from the game though — the Central Montcalm ju nior was ready after her visit to the trash can.

“I felt a little nauseous, I’m usually nervous when I walk in but I’ve nev er been that nervous where it’s like I have to throw up,” Sexton said. “But after a little bit of like puke-rallying, I was good.”

Sexton took the opening tip for the Green Hornets and what ensued was their best offensive game of the sea son, scoring a season-high in points to hand defeat to conference-foe Fre mont, 69-55.

The Hornets started out hot on offense with nine points in the first three minutes, taking an early 9-2 lead. The Packers would call a timeout at the 4:30 mark and proceeded to score nine-straight points of their own, jump-started by a four-point play on the first possession out of the timeout.

The Packers led the Hornets for ex actly 23 seconds all game — this was their night. A three-pointer from ju nior Lauren Alexander put the Hor nets ahead for good in the game as they ended the first quarter with a 1714 advantage.

Sophomore Emily Putnam got her shot going in the second quarter to catapult the offense to 30 points at the half, leading 30-27. Putnam had three triples in the first half, leading the team in scoring with 11 points. It was the second game back in the lineup for Putnam after missing a stretch of four games in January and her father and head coach, Rob Putnam, was excited to get his youngest daughter back in the lineup.

“When she’s on the outside hitting shots and (Sexton) is inside scoring shots, we’re tough, I really believe that,” Putnam said. “Consistency from these two, we get it, we’re tough and if other girls fill it, it all works. That’s the game plan we came into the sea son with — Maia and Emily inside and outside and everybody else, when they’re open, get their shots. I guess I was right in that if we can do that, we’ll be really good and that happened tonight.”

Sexton had seven in the first half while battling her nausea but nothing would stop her in the third quarter. The Hornets pulled away from Fre mont with a dominant third quarter, outscoring the Packers 21-4 thanks to 10 points in the quarter from Sexton. She was getting fed constantly in the paint and no one could stop the 6-foot-2 center.

“I just played my game,” Sexton said. “Usually if there’s a big girl, I usually get nervous but I just played basketball tonight.”

After Sexton’s scoring barrage, she was called to the bench and made an other trip to the trash can. After get ting more out of her system, however, she turned around with a smile, sat on the bench for the rest of the quar ter and would play out the fourth, finishing with a team-high 22 points and 12 rebounds. Sexton has been a double-double machine this year and, while she’s always had the size, the third-year varsity player said this

summer she feels she leveled up her game.

“I think summer basketball at Northwood (University) and Gaylord kind of helped put it all together,” Sexton said. “There’s bigger girls at Northwood and Gaylord so it gets me prepared for our season. I think all of that and the harder teams get us ready for league games.”

Emily Putnam added 20 points, Al exander had 10 and senior Courtney Guelzo finished with nine points. It’s a standard group of who should be scoring for the Hornets but for it to all come together on Friday was special for Putnam to see.

“Everything worked tonight,” Put nam said. “It’s been frustrating for me and the girls, as well; we shoot re ally good in practice and it just hasn’t carried over to the games. We’ve had great looks in games and we just struggle to put the ball in the basket. We’ve changed a few things up in the last week-and-a-half in practice and I think it’s starting to click for all of them. It was a complete team effort to night, Lauren, Emily, Maia, everybody was hitting shots tonight.”

The Hornets have now won three of their last seven games after starting the season 0-7. It was a tough stretch but Putnam is seeing some encourag ing signs and he said the team is get ting back to what has worked in the past.

“We went away from the zone we

started with at the beginning of the season and went back to what we’ve always done — play man-to-man,” Putnam said. “It’s been a little bit get ting back into the groove … I thought we needed to change some things and we’re back to doing what we like to do. Tuesday against Ionia, we lost by 10 but we missed 16 shots in the paint and missed 10 free throws. We’ve had some close games, we’ve had some bad ones, too, but a lot of our close games we’re like, ‘Man, if we make a couple free throws, we win that game.’”

With a team of mostly juniors who were getting their first quality starter minutes at the start of the year, Sexton noted that the game is starting to slow down as the girls settle into their roles.

“We had a few injuries this season but in the beginning, we all were kind of nervous,” she said. “We have a very young team so we were scatterbrained but we’re finally getting it all back to gether.”

Putnam couldn’t ask for a game from his girls — it’s always nice to be playing the best basketball of the sea son in February.

“Tonight, I was really happy with our effort and just the way we played it,” he said. “They had some really nice shots, too, but overall it was a to tal complete game for us tonight. I’m beyond thrilled for tonight.”

The Hornets will host Reed City for their next game at 5:30 p.m. Wednes day.

Belding girls off to electric 8-0 O-K Silver start

AUSTIN CHASTAIN Achastain@thedailynews.cc

BELDING — Mix a young team unwill ing to back down from any challenge with the mentality of a family and add in one of the best players in the state. It’s a recipe for winning basketball.

It’s also a recipe that the Belding girls basketball team has been utilizing well through 13 games this season. All but one of the Black Knights wins (12-1, 8-0 O-K Sil ver) have been by double digits. The opener against Saranac was a 46-34 win and the lone loss was by two points against Green ville.

Since that loss to the Yellow Jackets on Dec. 10, the Black Knights have not stopped winning and doing so in dominant fashion. Case and point with Friday’s O-K Silver victory over Calvin Christian. The Black Continues on Page 2B

SPORTS ROUNDUP

BOWLING

IONIA GIRLS WIN, BOYS LOSE TO LANSING EASTERN: GIRLS: The Bulldogs’ girls team defeated Lansing Eastern on the road Tuesday, 29-1. Zoey Guernsey led the Bulldogs with high scores of 153 and 190. Chloe Witter added high scores of 142 and 165. RECORD: 4-2 overall, 3-2 CAAC-White. BOYS: The Bulldogs’ boys team fell to Lansing Eastern on Tuesday, 20-10. Sam Meyer led the Bulldogs with high scores of 183 and 237. TJ Cox had high games of 157 and 148. RECORD: 2-4 overall, 1-4 CAAC-White, NEXT: at East Lansing at 3:15 p.m. Thursday.

GIRLS BASKETBALL BRECKENRIDGE 40, MONTABELLA 26: The Mustangs fell to Breckenridge on the road Thursday. No individual stats were submitted. RECORD: 4-9. NEXT: at Coleman at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Central Montcalm junior Lauren Alexander goes for a layup while facing heavy pressure from the Fremont defense as she draws a foul in the first half of the Green Hornets’ 69-55 victory on Friday. — DN Photo | Alex Freeman

At left, Central Montcalm sophomore Emily Putnam splits the Fremont double team and puts up a layup for two of her 20 points on the night during the Hornets’ 69-55 victory on Friday. Putnam added four rebounds and three steals. At right, Central Montcalm junior Lauren Alexander pulls up from deep to hit one of her three triples on the night. Alexander finished with 10 points off the bench. — DN Photos

| Alex Freeman

At left, Central Montcalm senior Courtney Guelzo dribbles through her defender’s attempt at a steal during the first half of the Green Hornets’ 69-55 victory over Fremont on Friday. Guelzo had nine points, three steals and two rebounds. At right, Central Montcalm junior Maia Sexton gets the ball in the paint and scores an easy layup. Sexton led the Hornets in scoring with 22 points and added 12 rebounds, three steals and a block. — DN Photos | Alex Freeman

MIDLAND CALVARY BAPTIST 53, LAKEVIEW 44 (OT): The Wildcats fell to Midland Calvary Baptist on the road

The Belding Black Knights went 1-1 at Thursday’s wrestling tri meet at Comstock Park. Pictured is soph omore Jack Ward scoring a takedown on his oppo nent in the 189-pound weight class match. — Jamie McNinch Photography

The Greenville boys basketball team fell to Grand Rap ids Christian at home on Friday, 91-60. Pictured is ju nior Asher VanHaren going up for a block attempt on his opponent. — Jamie McNinch Photography

Belding sophomore Hope Kanouse drives the ball against the Calvin Christian defense Friday at Belding High School. Kanouse had 10 rebounds to go with four points in the win. — DN Photo | Austin Chastain

#OxfordStrong

Belding girls off to electric 8-0 O-K Silver start

Continued from Page 1B

Knights picked up the win 52-31 but did not have their best showing on the offensive end. So, head coach Shad Breimayer challenged his team to win the game on the defensive end.

“Probably the worst we’ve played this sea son — slow start, just lethargic all night and struggled shooting but we made up for it on the defensive,” Breimayer said. “We got de flections, we got steals, we got layups. I told the girls we’re going to have games like this where we struggle to score and have to make up for it on defense. They responded well and we got a ton of steals tonight.”

Belding jumped out with an early bucket from sophomore Brook Simpson. The star guard/forward scored four of Belding’s six points in the first quarter, leading 6-3 after the first frame.

Then the Black Knights went on a tear in the second quarter. Led by both the defense and Simpson, who had 14 points in the quar ter alone, Belding carried a 24-12 lead into the break and seemed to have some teetering momentum. The Squires (5-9, 4-4 O-K Silver) never seemed to be completely out of it until the final minutes of the fourth quarter.

Simpson led Belding again in the second half on both ends of the floor, deflecting pass es, rebounding the basketball, pickpocketing defenders and she utilized her speed to turn the steals and deflections into easy transition layups or set her teammates up for a shot.

There was even a pass halfway through the fourth quarter. Simpson stole the ball but it was knocked free by a Squire guard. Simp son scooped the ball and fired a behind-theback pass to freshman guard Alison Rock burn, who coasted for an easy layup.

Rockburn had six points and six rebounds on the night. She admittedly struggled on the offensive end, but she said she knew the de fensive end was going to win the game.

“I was trying to work a little bit harder on defense, but early in the game, I had some foul trouble,” Rockburn said. “So I made it a little tough. But towards the end of the game, we started working on harder on defense, and it helped us pull away a little more at the end too.”

Simpson nearly notched a triple-double with 32 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. She tacked on a block and the assist to Rock burn for good measure.

Fellow sophomore Hope Kanouse had 10 rebounds and steal to go along with four

points while junior Alayna Sims had six re bounds and two steals. Junior Grace Cooper had three rebounds, three assists and a steal to go along with two points. She missed time and returned to action earlier this week.

“Gracie Cooper has brought our level of play up offensively, she’s just so aggressive,” Breimayer said. “She’s aggressive defensive ly. She brings us up on both ends of the court. It’s nice having her back finally. … That helps us a lot having her back.”

The Black Knights face a gauntlet playing the conference’s best in the next three games — starting with a showdown against Sparta at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday at home. BHS then trav els to Comstock Park on Friday before travel ing to Sparta on Feb. 14.

Belding is going into the gauntlet of its season with the backing of a strong core of young stars — led by Simpson, Rockburn, Cooper, Kanouse and Sims among others. The team goes into each game breaking the huddle with one of two words: “Team” or “Family.”

The latter word is written across the Black Knights’ warmup shirts. It isn’t just a rallying cry in the moment and adrenaline of the game, it’s what the team lives by and

that mentality has translated to wins.

“We preach that a lot,” Breimayer said. “(Play) as a family, back each other up an have each other’s back when you’re out on the floor. We’re starting to get more of that camaraderie amongst the team like they’re starting to gel a little more than we started this year. … We use that to motivate the girls to play as a team and play as one unit.”

Briemayer added there is no drama on the team — everyone seems to get along with one another. Even with a long stretch of playing six games in two weeks, the Black Knights are keeping their attitude high and the ener gy for one another even higher — even when their legs are tired.

Rockburn said she has enjoyed the season to this point and it is a blast having the chem istry for both knowing where everyone is on the floor and being there for each other when games turn into struggles.

“It’s very important because when we’re all we’re having rough games, and one of us gets down on ourselves, we don’t start yell ing at each other all the time on the court,” Rockburn said. “We just try to pick each oth er up and work together as a team and start talking.”

from Page 1B

Thursday in overtime. Courtney Grant led the Wildcats with 12 points while Baylor Syrjala added 11 points. Mad ison Hart had nine points and Molly Willison led the defense and finished with eight points. COACH’S QUOTE: “Molly did a tremendous job defen sively on Midland’s high scorer until she fouled out.” — Jack Cribb. NEXT: at Vestaburg at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

COLEMAN 47, VESTABURG 30: The Wolverines lost to conference-leading Coleman at home on Thursday. Na talie Skowron finished with 18 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks to lead the Wolverines. RECORD: 3-9 overall, 3-6 MSAC. NEXT: home against Lakeview at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

BOYS BASKETBALL

CC-C 60, ASHLEY 20: The Eagles dominated Ashley on the road Friday. Mason Smith finished with 12 points while Jacob Stevens had nine. COACH’S QUOTE: “Everybody played well and it was a good team win.” — Cory Schneider. RECORD: 11-1 overall, 9-1 MSAC. NEXT: at Fulton at 5:30 p.m. tonight.

GR CHRISTIAN 91, GREENVILLE 60: The Yellow Jackets fell to Grand Rapids Christian at home on Friday. Trevor Zamarron led the Jackets with 27 points while Jaxon Ingles finished with 10. RECORD: 3-10. NEXT: at Forest Hills Northern at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

WRESTLING

BELDING 1-1 AT COMSTOCK PARK: The Black Knights went 1-1 at Com stock Park on Thursday for a tri meet, defeating Cedar Springs (43-30) but losing to Comstock Park (39-32). Belding wrestlers finishing the night with a 2-0 record included Blake Peasley (135-pound weight class), Anthony Szubinski (140), Bradley Winsor (145), Gavin Craner (160), Jack Ward (189) and Ethan Schmid (215). NEXT: at Godwin Heights O-K Silver tournament at 9 a.m. today.

The Greenville High School staff and students sported their #OxfordStrong shirts on Friday during the school day and the eve ning’s athletic events. The movement was organized primarily by the Oakland Activities Association, of which Oxford is a mem ber. All shirts, produced by E.A. Graphics out of Sterling Heights, were sold to schools and the proceeds from the shirts were donated directly to Oxford High School and its community. — Submitted photos

The Greenville girls basketball team joined with the Grand Rapids Christian girls bas ketball team at their center court for a photo with all members sporting an #Oxford Strong t-shirt prior to Friday’s basketball game. — Submitted photo

The Greenville varsity dance team sports their #OxfordStrong t-shirts prior to Friday’s boys basketball home game against Grand Rapids Christian. — Jamie McNinch Photog raphy

The Greenville varsity boys team poses for a photo with their #OxfordStrong t-shirts prior to Friday’s home game against Grand Rapids Christian. — Jamie McNinch Photography

Following a timeout, the Belding Black Knights break down the huddle against Calvin Christian on Friday at Belding High. The Black Knights always break down the huddle with the words “team” or “family” as a reminder of how they play for each other. — DN Photo | Austin Chastain

COVID may be here to stay, so many are weighing risks and moving on

MIKE WILKINSON | Bridge Michigan

COVID-19 is still raging across much of Michigan, with some of the highest rates of new infections ever recorded and many hospitals nearing patient peaks.

Outside those hospitals, though, much of Michigan has weighed the risks and concluded it’s safe to resume pre-pandemic activities. Highway traf fic is up, while crowds have returned to sports events, concerts, gyms, bowling alleys and work.

They’re folks like Cindy Anderson of Traverse City. A year ago, she eschewed restaurants and frequent travel, figuring doing so would keep her healthy and avoid COVID-19.

But in December, as infection rates rose, she calculated that it was more im portant to see her two children living in Switzerland and took a three-week trip to visit them.

“I just figured between being vacci nated and having had COVID, I’m going to take my chances,” said Anderson, a real estate broker. “I’ve got to go on liv ing.”

Amid signs omicron is less potent than other strains — and indications that the pandemic has already be come an endemic that isn’t going away many have begun to simply live with the virus, experts say.

And though economic activity is down, it’s experienced nowhere near the drop that other COVID-19 surges have spurred. Unemployment has fallen to 5.6 percent in Michigan, far below the peak of 23 percent in spring 2020, but still above the 3.7 percent in February 2020, before COVID struck.

“People are still going out to eat, they’re still getting carryout,” said Scott Ellis, president and owner of Michi grain Distillery in Lansing and execu tive director of the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association.

“I think more people are coming over to ‘we’ve got to move on,’ ” Anderson said.

There’s still a long way to go: On a recent Thursday night, Ellis said his dis tillery sold six drinks total.

On Jan. 15, 19,515 people attended a Red Wings game in Detroit, the hard est-hit city by omicron, and the next day

cert by country rocker Eric Church.

Mobility data and projections com piled by the federal government show roughly the same percent of people are out and about as before the pandemic, 80 percent.

As many as 31 percent of Michigan residents were staying home during the first blast of the pandemic in March 2020 and again during a deadly wave, accord ing to the data from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

At the Rochester facility run by the Older Persons’ Commission, member ships rose over 10 percent in the second half of 2021, adding 1,3’00 members, executive director Rita Cortland told Bridge Michigan.

After initially closing because of the pandemic — older people have long been the most susceptible to serious illness and death — the center first reopened with a huge outdoor tent in the spring of 2021. It slowly began offering indoor activities and patrons do have to wear a mask.

But on a recent afternoon the walking track had nine takers as others crowded around two pickleball courts. Other pa trons — all masked — were riding exer cise equipment.

“We’ve educated the public. They know what’s safe,” said Linda Vail, Ing ham County health officer.

Vail, who recently attended a Mich igan State University basketball game wearing two masks, said those venturing out are making a credible calculation: There are vaccines, boosters and better therapies than early in the pandemic.

The coronavirus pandemic is still hammering the nation and Michigan and though cases are falling in metro Detroit, they’re rising in northern Mich igan. The state is averaging over 14,000 daily cases of COVID-19, just below twice the previous peak in November.

But research shows that omicron is less likely to cause serious illness than earlier variants and vaccinations and boosters are doing a good job keep ing “breakthrough” cases out of the hos pital.

Perhaps, said Ellis, the distillery own er, people have heard that message and factored it into their decisions on wheth er to venture out. “People are saying ‘this isn’t as bad. I will risk it’,” he said.

Jarosz said he’s attending an in-per son conference in Traverse City in March on outdoor recreation. People will choose their level of comfort and communicate it to others with their lan yards: A red one indicates someone who is more cautious, like not welcoming a hug and is wearing a mask. Green lan yards indicate someone is more open to close contact.

It’s a recognition that people are mak ing their own choices. “We’re all adults,” he said.

Aubree Gordon, an epidemiologist at the University of Michigan, said she can understand those who feel that way but offers a caveat.

“I do think there is still danger as we head down the other side of the curve,” she said. “There will still be some bad outcomes.”

Already in January, 1,627 people have died in Michigan from COVID-19 and more than 4,000 are still in the hospital with the disease. And though cases ap pear to be in decline, Gordon said that doesn’t mean the surge is over.

For now, many businesses are getting hurt by worker shortages, not a lack of customers.

In northern Michigan, cases are soar ing again, in part by the recent spread of the far more transmissible omicron vari ant. It’s putting a dent in businesses, but not on the demand side of the equation.

At Short’s Brewing Co.’s pub in Bel laire, the virus knocked out enough staff that it had to close for parts of early Jan uary, said Christa Brenner, creative and marketing manager. But it wasn’t be cause no one felt like coming by.

“It seems like the demand is there,” Brenner said

It still surprises Andrea LaFontaine when she goes to pick up carry-out and enters a packed restaurant. But the for mer state representative who is now ex ecutive director of the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance said she’s not judging others who are making those choices, even after her own bout with COVID-19 last fall.

Twitter and other social media may still abound with outrage — against those wearing masks and others who are going to concerts. For LaFontaine, she said she’d love to do the latter, “but the thought of being in a crowd makes

No season for glare

Submitted by Catherine Skelton

I was driving to an appointment the week after Halloween last year. The roads were wet and slushy from an early winter snow event (snow event being the term that the radio station’s DJ used). It stuck with me because of his next words: “It looks like sunglass sea son is over.” Wait, what did he say?

No matter the season, we’ve all been in a car and experienced sunshine reflecting off snow or wet pavement. Oncoming headlights can make driving in the dark difficult.

We live in a world surrounded by visual noise. This noise is caused by one of four types of glare that we are exposed to on a daily basis. Glare is defined as a visual con dition in which the observer feels either discomfort or exhibits a lower performance in visual tasks. This occurs when too much light enters your eye and interferes with your eye’s ability to manage it.

Glare is any light source that interferes with your vision rather than helping you see. We can face four types of glare while driving: distracting glare, discomforting glare, blinding glare, and veiling glare.

• Distracting glare is caused by light re flecting off lenses. This type of glare can also be experience at night, causing halos around headlights, streetlamps, and signs. The result is annoyance, distraction, and eye fatigue.

• Discomforting glare is direct or reflect ed glare caused by everyday bright sunlight. Discomforting glare occurs in varying de grees of severity, but even milder degrees result in visual discomfort, eye strain, and fatigue.

• Blinding glare results from light reflect ing off smooth, shiny surfaces, such as wa ter, sand, or snow. This glare can be strong enough to block your vision, possibly to the extent that your ability to see is heavily com promised.

• Veiling glare occurs when light reflects off a car’s dashboard and onto the wind shield. These reflections make it difficult to see clearly while driving.

WHAT SOLUTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE VARIOUS TYPES OF GLARE?

There are three solutions that can help both alleviate the problem (the glare it self) and the aftereffects (eye fatigue or eye strain).

The first solution for both distracting and discomforting glare is anti-reflective lens es. With reflections gone, more light passes through your lenses for better vision with fewer distractions.

A second solution to glare while you are outdoors is photochromic lenses, such as Transitions®. Photochromic lenses react to the amount of UV light hitting your eye glasses, keeping your eyes protected from both distracting and discomforting glare un der a variety of lighting conditions.

The final solution, polarized lenses, can be beneficial in controlling all four catego ries of glare, depending on the amount of light available. Polarized lenses, whether prescription or non-prescription, will help lessen the visual discomfort and reflections. Dr. Rachel Hollenbeck of Grand Rapids Oph thalmology Greenville says, “Wearing quali ty polarized sunglasses year-round protects your eyes from reflections off water, snow, and roadways.”

Digital devices, driving, and Michigan weather means that we deal with glare daily. Glare has no season; as long as there is light, there will be glare. Tell your eye doctor about the situations where you struggle to see clearly. They will answer your questions and recommend the best solutions to make your vision as safe and comfortable as possible.

Grand Rapids Ophthalmology provides patients with expert, comprehensive care and the greatest depth of eye care services available in the region. Dr. Barrett, Dr. Hes sler and Dr. Hollenbeck are your Greenville hometown eye doctors — call Grand Rapids Ophthalmology to schedule your appoint ment today.

Cindy Anderson of Traverse City (in blue), enjoys a moment in the Swiss Alps in December. After weighing the risks of COVID-19 with the benefit of seeing her family, she and her husband Jake (front of sled) spent three weeks in December visiting two of their children who live in Switzerland. — Submitted photo

VIEWS GUEST VIEW

Improving options for those who need help

With the onset of the pandemic and related stresses — and even prior to the pandemic — mental health has risen to be a top priority for many.

There’s been a number of discussions surrounding the crimi nal justice system’s re sponse to those who are struggling with mental illness. Michigan joined this conversation early on and just recently took a major step toward adopting modern, more effective solutions to address mental health issues in the state — specifically within the criminal justice system.

In September, I joined Sen. Stepha nie Chang in introducing legislation to improve the state’s response to such emergencies. The bills received bipar tisan support from the Legislature and were formally signed into law at the end of 2021.

The new laws create grants to assist local units of government with imple menting alternative methods to dealing with mental health emergencies, such as sending unarmed mental health professionals to respond to behavioral health-related emergency calls. These people are highly trained to respond to these kinds of medical issues and can provide the necessary and helpful

resources needed to deescalate the situ ation and provide effective care.

This creates a much broader scope of response efforts and allows our already overworked law enforcement officers and mental health professionals to join hands and not only use resources more efficiently, but also increase the like lihood of a safe, positive outcome for everyone involved in the situation.

The new laws also help establish or expand programs that seek to keep peo ple suffering from mental health issues out of jail, and instead direct them to the care they need.

Nearly one in four people entering Michigan jails have a serious mental illness. Keeping people with mental health challenges in jail is expensive and over time has proven to be quite counterproductive. The goal is to encourage and help fund alternative re sponse and treatment options and will work to get people the appropriate care instead of just placing them in a cell.

These kinds of efforts are being used successfully across the country. Den ver’s STAR program is a pilot program that provides an individualized crisis response for individuals suffering from mental illness. The pilot has shown promising results, with 748 emergency calls that did not require police action or arrests. An estimated 61% of the people the program contacted were experiencing mental illness.

In Orlando, the Community Re

sponse Team has seen major success responding to hundreds of calls, some of which resulted in referrals to mental health institutions — situations were de-escalated, and no arrests were made.

One of the things that continuously comes up during my discussions with local law enforcement officers is the need to provide officers with more resources for when they find them selves in situations with someone who is struggling with their mental health. Most officers are aware when this kind of situation presents itself, though the nature of the interaction can quick ly change very drastically. Everyone wants to go home to their family at the end of the day and creating a team be tween our dedicated officers and highly trained health professionals increases the chances of that happening.

These new laws will change the way we respond to behavioral health emer gencies in Michigan. They acknowledge the overlap between criminal justice and mental health issues and take a deliberate step toward finding a better solution.

Sen. Rick Outman, R-Six Lakes, represents the 33rd state Senate District, which includes Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, and Montcalm counties.

The opinions expressed in the Guest View do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Daily News.

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The First Amendment

Congress shall make no law respecting an establish ment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

PUBLIC FORUM

letters@thedailynews.cc

Thanks for Family Fun Day donations

Dear Editor,

T he We Care for Kids Council of Montcalm County works to edu cate and prevent child abuse and to educate about safe sleep for babies.

We strive to make our children in the county safe. The Children’s Trust Fund of Michigan is our major fund ing source and we appreciate what we receive from them to promote our cause. We also have received funding from several local agencies or individuals. These funds allow us to provide more education on something we are very passionate about.

A special thank you goes out to: the Montcalm County Sheriff’s Depart ment, the Central Montcalm Commu nity Foundation, the Greenville Area Community Foundation, United Way of Ionia/Montcalm Counties, Apex Wind, the Central Montcalm Lion’s Club and Doug King.

Their donations will allow us to provide a Family Fun Day experience in the spring, coloring books and bracelets for the first and third graders in the county upon the completion of Protect Yourself classes, books, reusable bags with our logo, and other items that we may need throughout the year to help us promote and educate our commu nities. When we work together, we can create a safe community.

Sue Kearney, executive director We Care for Kids Council

Who’s coaching the coaches?

Dear Editor, In this case, the “coach” is the town ship supervisor and the “team” is the township board and sometimes the Planning Commission.

The coach will deny any collaboration between supervisors of adjoining town ships, but there have been way too many coincidences to make me believe that.

State of the State wasn’t always a prime-time speech

Many moons ago, the then-Senate GOP leader approached a Cap itol correspondent and asked him to read a new release before it was published. It was a reasonable request, but one that was quickly rejected. You see there is an unwritten rule in the journalism biz that reporters are not supposed to insert themselves into the political process.

Of course, not everybody has abided by the rule. Conservative columnist George Will often helped President Ron ald Reagan with his speeches.

And the word in our town is some re porters sat in the front of the Michigan Senate and when a particular bill came up they would send a thumbs up or thumbs down signal to the senators on how to vote on the pending legislation.

Don’t fool yourself. The human ego being what it is, it can be an intoxicat ing feeling to have someone in power come to you and seek your advice.

Can you say, “self-importance?”

So back to Sen Bob. Davis standing there with a press release in hand getting a fat “no thanks.” The reporter explained the origin of the unwritten rule. If he or she provided the advice and it was lousy guidance then, de facto, that reporter had influenced a political decision. And if the advice was right, he or she was still interfering because they had helped this politician which may have given that person an advantage over an opponent.

Either way, it’s a foul with harm. Reporters report the news. They don’t become part of it.

Having laid this all out, now comes a confession that the rule was violated many years ago and you can be the judge as to whether it was the right thing to do?

If you watched Gov. Gretchen Whit mer the other night deliver her fourth State of the State message, you watched live at 7 p.m. on Michigan Public TV.

But back in the 1970s when Gov. Bill

TIM SKUBICK skubickt@aol.com

Milliken was in office, he did not speak in prime time. The address was at 11 a.m. and while it was covered by TV, who the heck was at home to watch?

Since the Democrats controlled the Michigan House any thought of moving the speech to the evening was out of the question. Why should they give the GOP governor all that TV coverage when actual citizens had a shot at viewing it?

It was a harsh political use of power but not unexpected as it was the “right thing to do” if you wanted to deny the governor more positive publicity.

Eventually, after a record 14 years, Mr. Milliken left office only to be replaced by a Democrat Gov. Jim Blanchard.

Shortly after that happened, a cer tain Capitol correspondent approached the Democratic Speaker of the House Rep. Bobby Don Crim with a suggestion.

“What would you think about letting the governor speak at 7 p.m. for the SOS?”

Speaker Crim, now with one of his own in the governor’s seat, did not have to form a study commission to get the answer.

And so the new tradition of having the speech at 7 p.m. was hatched and lives onto this day.

So was that correspondent interfer ence in the process?

Technically the answer is yes, but as it is with all things, there is a rationale to consider before issuing a guilty verdict.

One of the missions of public TV is

to provide information that viewers can not get elsewhere. Commercial stations were not covering the speech at 11 a.m. but many did after the time switch was made.

Since the decision made by Mr. Crim has never changed, regardless of which party controlled the house or the governor’s office, it has not resulted in favoritism to one party or the other. So one could argue this was a win for everyone in the name of informing and educating the public on what the gover nor’s blueprint is for the new year.

This brings us to Gov. Whitmer’s address which was unique for not necessarily what she said, but what she didn’t say.

The governor was on a mission to avoid all the ugly controversies engulf ing the state and she made it clear from the get-go with this one line that set the tone for her entire address.

“My mission tonight is to focus on the things that unite us,” she told the TV audience.

That by definition automatically eliminated a serious discussion about what she was doing about COVID which, last time we checked, was still alive and well.

She gave it one paragraph in the entire 27-minute speech which was her right to do. She ended that paragraph by stating that she was confident that the state was on the right COVID path. And that was that.

Was the omission the right thing to do?

Because she said it at 7 p.m. at night and not 11 a.m., more informed citi zens such as you, can now answer that question as an eyewitness. This is why public TV sought the time change those many moons ago.

Tim Skubick is a syndicated political newspaper columnist who also anchors and produces the weekly PBS show “Off the Record.”

If that is the case, who’s coaching the coaches? Could it be a representative from Apex Clean Energy, the company that wants to put industrial wind tur bines in Montcalm County? Could be. Or could it be somebody from our county board? Possible. How about the county official known for “flipping the bird” to citizens that don’t fall in line with his way of thinking? Maybe. Might even be the personnel lawyers the supervisors use, paid for with our tax dollars. I don’t know. YET.

This is not an issue whether you’re for or against wind turbines. The backroom deals and plans made behind closed doors should be of great concern to everyone. The few get what they want at the expense of everyone else. Get involved. Go to township meetings and hold them accountable.

Ben Reynolds Stanton

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VIEWS

The Views page is an open forum for many viewpoints. Positions taken in syndicated columns, guest editorials, guest columns and letters to the editor, however, represent only the author’s views, and not necessarily those of this paper.

Rick Outman

Valentine brownie for Valentine’s Day

“The bus is coming! The bus is com ing!”

A quick glance down our small gravel road showed that the children were correct. The long-awaited trip had arrived. We were all at the end of the driveway, bundled up for chilly January weather, with six children and luggage in tow.

As the bus driver opened the doors along the side of the bus for Daniel to put in luggage, the children and I headed for the 35 passenger bus, which was already almost full with church family. We found several seats close to the back to host our family. The children were especially impressed to have a little table where four of them could sit while traveling. In no time we were all settled in (this time instead of five car seats to strap in, there were none) and we were headed down the road to pick up the Wengerd family.

On the move once more, we launched into our five-and-a-half-hour trip to Tul lahoma, Tennessee, where my cousin, Caleb, was getting married the follow ing day. He had lived in our community during all his growing up years, and had recently moved to the Mennonite church in Tennessee, now our entire church was invited, with most of us attending.

You know how it goes, before long the children were asking for homemade bologna with crackers or bean brownies we had brought along. Taking our little alarm clock from the tote bag, I set it on the table and told them that whoever wants to, can eat a little snack now, or if they wait another five minutes they can have a bigger snack. Jesse debated, the others said they’ll wait, finally, he de cided that that may be the better option. Five minutes later when they were all snacking we discussed various aspects of delayed gratification and how it can strengthen their character.

All of my 47 cousins hold a special place in my heart, and Caleb was no exception. With him being close to my age we spent more time together and also went to the same school. Now he found the rose of his life; Martha seemed to be the perfect fit in countless ways. Her light laugh and sunny outlook com plements Caleb’s steady, deep-thinking nature.

Here we were, traveling down route 1,

Brownie layer:

1 package chocolate cake mix

¾ cup cold butter

1 egg, slightly beaten

Filling:

8 ounces cream cheese

1 cup powdered sugar

1 cup whipped topping

Pudding:

3 cups milk

1 package (3.9 ounce) chocolate instant pudding

1 package (ounce) vanilla instant pudding

1 teaspoon instant coffee, optional

3 cups whipped topping

Chocolate shavings, optional

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large bowl cut butter into cake mix until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg, mix well.

Press into a greased 9-by-13 cake pan. Bake at 350 for 15 to 18 minutes or until set. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar, fold in 1 cup whipped topping.

Spread over cooled crust, refrigerate until set. In a bowl whisk together milk and both puddings.

Let stand for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.

Spread over cream cheese mixture. Top with 3 cups whipped topping. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. Delicious served with ice cream.

my heart swelled as I watched our three, four, six, and seven-year-olds, sitting sound the table with bright smiles, relishing the fact that we were having a bus ride at last. I too, was soaking in the moment, sitting next to Daniel, sharing a book on brain function, by Debbie Pearl. As a mom of grown children I am constantly on the lookout of learn ing new ways to equip my children to launch into life. The more I study, the more I am awed at the profound impact which is made on a child as a direct result of what he has been taught and experienced, those first years. We were intrigued with the tidbit we gleaned that, as a broken bone gets stronger than prior to the break, in the same way when a mistake has been made, and we learn from it, the brain is also strengthened. So, when we do make a mistake, let’s take heart. It’s not the end of the story, it’s only a step to make us stronger.

Sparrow Carson recognizes caregivers for quick response

Submitted by Sparrow Carson Hospital

CARSON CITY — Sparrow Carson Hospital is proud to recognize Karmen Bussell, RN, and Patrick Kane, RN, as its Caregivers of the Quarter.

Bussell and Kane were nominated for their quick efforts in life-saving pa tient care by helping a patient having a stroke receive urgent care in the Spar row Carson Emergency Department. The team provided the patient with ex cellent care without any delays.

The incident happened when a wom an ran into the hospital yelling that her husband was having a stroke at a nearby home. Bussell and Kane ran to the home with a wheelchair and found

the patient on the floor, lifted him into the wheelchair, and brought him to the Emergency Department.

Their nomination reads, “Pat and Karmen’s quick efforts made all the difference for this patient. They did ev erything perfectly and what could have been a terrible outcome, wasn’t.”

Bussell and Kane were presented with a certificate of recognition and tumbler filled with goodies from Spar row Carson administrators for their willingness to go above and beyond to provide the community with the lead ing-edge care. Please join us in congrat ulating and thanking Bussell and Kane for keeping our patients their top prior ity.

Alvah N. Belding Library seeks used books for upcoming sale

Submitted by Betty Jenkins

BELDING — The Alvah N. Belding Library is seeking donations of clean gently used books for the Friends of the Library’s upcoming book sale in April. Proceeds from the sale support the pro grams and services of the library.

Trustee and staff of the Alvah N. Belding Library appreciate the many donations from patrons throughout the year that expand and enhance the li brary’s collection. The following memo

rials have been added to the children’s collection.

Donations given in memory of Paul A. Conklin have purchased “The Mighty Mechanics’ Book of Marvelous Vehicles: Trucks, Tractors, Diggers & More,” “Tractors” and “Go, Go Trac tors” from Valerie Black, Five Little Monkeys Looking for Santa,” “The Fishermen, the Horse & the Sea,” “All the Fish in the World” and “Eyewitness

6B

Hurst Funeral Home is proud to introduce

Burns

Greenville community. Alicia earned a bachelor’s degree from the

and joined the Hurst team in September.

any time to assist families with funeral and

and marker and monument design. Please join us in welcoming Alicia to the Greenville community.

616-754-6616

Michael E. Hurst, Founder and

Alicia Burns, Funeral Director

Andrew J. Hurst, Owner and Funeral Director

AMISH COOK RECIPE: VALENTINE’S BROWNIE INGREDIENTS

Pictured, from left, are Chief Nursing Officer Monte Malek; Karmen Bussell, RN, Patrick Kane, RN; Julie Noreen, RN, Emergency Department Manager; and Mark Brisboe, Sparrow Carson president. — Submitted photo

‘Stranger in the Woods’ snowman

Libraries invite teens to solve mystery of stolen laptop

Submitted by Shanni Kerr

IONIA — Teens throughout the state are invited to solve a mystery and enter to win prizes from their lo cal library in the statewide MiLibrary Quest, which began Tuesday.

Winter Quest 2022 features the fic tional theft of a best-selling author’s laptop which contains the only copy of their new book. The thief has left taunting notes providing clues to where in Michigan he has hidden the laptop.

More than 100 libraries through out the state have each posted one of the clues on their website. Teens will search these websites to find the clues

and use the Travel Guide provided on MiLibraryQuest’s website to deter mine where the thief has hidden the laptop.

Participating libraries in Ionia and Montcalm counties include the Carson City Public Library, Crystal Communi ty Library, Ionia Community Library, and White Pine District Library in Stanton.

Teens can enter for the chance to win a prize from their local library when they have solved the mystery. The Ionia Community Library is of fering a “reward” of a $25 Amazon gift card to the winning sleuth.

MiLibraryQuest: Winter 2022 is the fourth biannual statewide quest. Fol

HOMETOWN NEWS

ST. OLAF COLLEGE DEAN’S LIST

NORTHFIELD, Minn. — Daniel Bloedow of Pierson has been named to the St. Olaf College dean’s list for the fall 2021 semester. The dean’s list recognizes stu dents with a semester grade point average of 3.75 or higher on a 4-point scale. One of the nation’s leading

lowing pandemic-related library closures in March 2020 and a shift to virtual programming, a group of librarians from throughout the state began meeting to collaborate on virtu al teen events. This collaboration led to the creation of the first quest in the summer of 2020, in which 92 libraries from throughout the state participat ed. Quests continue to be created by a team of librarians, with support from The Library of Michigan.

More information about MiLi braryQuest is available at mi.gov/ MiLibraryQuest. To get started, visit milibraryquest.wixsite.com/quest1.

Winter Quest 2022 will end on March 15.

liberal arts colleges, St. Olaf challenges students to ex cel in the liberal arts, examine faith and values, and explore meaningful vocation in an inclusive, globally engaged community nourished by Lutheran tradition. Bloedow is a biology major. His parents are Brian and Kaari Bloedow.

Amish Cook

Now as we were nearing Tennessee, the roads grew windier and the scenery prettier. Then came the traffic jams, forcing us to inch down the highway. But, we were all safe inside, the children were warm, and we had plenty of food along for them, so I really didn’t care. From time to time I got out math flashcards for Julia and Austin to practice and sharpen their skills.

Upon our arrival, we all bailed off and headed for the motel where rooms had already been scheduled. The children’s excitement was bursting at the seams as we headed for our room. Opening the door an unpleasant odor was there to greet us. At once we knew this would be no option. Going to the front desk, Daniel was informed that there were no other rooms avail able. Finding a motel room to accommodate six small children can be a challenge, even when using blankets on the floor. After some time he was able to find another room at a motel nearby. Relieved, we joined the load now waiting for us to join them to eat at a Chinese restaurant. Now, going out to eat is something I have never done much during my entire lifetime. Eating Chinese was a new experience for me. I loved it. It brought back memories of our mission trip to China eight years ago. After supper we were tak en to our motel where we enjoyed an attractive and clean room. It was worth the wait and the ex tra cash, to know that we’d have a good place to stay for the night and get ready for the wedding in the morning.

The next day was a day to remember. A large church facility had been rented to host all 500 peo ple. There were so many friends and family there, it was impossible to talk with everyone before we had to start for home at 4 p.m.

I know you couldn’t be there, but do be sure to try this most amazing dessert, very similar to what they served with ice cream for lunch. Even those who aren’t chocolate lovers will get hung up on this amazing dessert! I’ll be making a healthy version of it for Daniel for Valentine’s Day. By the way, stay in tune for next week’s column as we’ll be reflecting more on relationships and Valen tine’s Day!

Gloria Yoder is an Amish housewife in rural Illinois. She is the third writer of The Amish Cook column since its inception in 1991. Yoder can be reached by writing: The Amish Cook, Box 157, Middletown, Ohio 45042.

Belding library

Continued from Page 5B

Oceans” from John & Christine Ray.

Olga Albert gave a donation that added “Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket” and “Dear Treefrog” in memory of Sandra “Sandy’ Sue Townsend.

Books in remembrance of Bill Decker from the Belding V.F. W. Post #4406 are “20 Big Trucks in the Middle of Christmas,” “20 Big Trucks in the Mid dle of the Street” and “I’m a Truck Driver”.

Cindy Vedder has given a donation to purchase “The Oak inside the Acorn” and “The Fall of Fred die the Leaf: a Story of Life for all Ages” in memo ry of Gordon & Glennis Jackson Fletcher.

During a recent Story Hour at Richland Township Library the book “Stranger in the Woods” by author Carl R Sams was read and the children decorat ed the snowman puzzles. Pictured, from left, are Sophia Burroughs, Kezziah Mitchell, Lincoln Burroughs, Theodore Mitchell, Savannah Burroughs, Beatrice Mitchell and Eden Carver. The group also enjoyed a snack and a bean bag game. — Submitted photo

SENIOR CITIZENS CENTERS

GREENVILLE — The Greenville Area Senior Citizens Center at 715 S. Baldwin St. is open for the following activ ities.

Tuesdays: Zumba class from 9 to 10 a.m., $1 for mem bers and $2 for non-members, Euchre $2 for members and $3 for non-members, 1 to 3 p.m.

• Thursdays: Quilters from 9 to 11:30 a.m., Food with Friends sponsored by Montcalm County Commission on Aging noon to 12:30 p.m., fee is $3 for 60 years of age and older, $6 for 59 and younger, Hand and Foot at 12:30 p.m., TOPS from 4 to 6 p.m.

Fridays: Bring your own lunch noon to 12:30 p.m.; Bin go from 12:30 to 1 p.m., $1 for members, $2 for non-members; Hand and Foot or Hand, Knee and Foot from 1:15 to 4 p.m., $1 for members and $2 for non-members

STANTON — The Stanton Area Senior Citizens Center at 613 N State St., is open for the following activities:

• Yarn Stiching Group: The next meeting of the Stitch ing group will be February 2nd 2022. The group meets each Wednesdays at the CoA from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and all ages are welcome.

• Penny bingo is played with pennies instead of bingo chips. Anyone who wants to play will need to bring in their pennies so they can use them as chips. When someone has a bingo they will get everyone’s pennies. February 14th at 10:30am CoA, 613 N. State St., Stanton. A lunch will follow bingo. Strawberry spinach salad, mini chicken salad sand wich, dessert. Please sign up for lunch by Thurs, Feb 10th at (989) 831-7476 option 4. Seniors 60 and over is a $3.00 dona tion, under 60 is $6.50 charge

Paint a picture craft: Monday, Feb. 28, 1 p.m. $1 at CoA, 613 N. State St., Stanton. This is an easy craft making a spring time picture you can hang up. We will be paint ing a tree stem and then using a pop bottle we will make the cherry blossoms. To make your picture hang, CoA will be using hot glue and string. All supplies will be provid ed. Payment due at the time of registering. Please sign up and pay by February 18th at 989-831-7476 press 4.

MEAL SITES OPEN

Howard City Action Center, 132 E. Edgerton St., How ard City

Food with Friends Meals are served Tuesday & Thurs day at noon

Site Hostess Karen West, call (616) 890-4542 to reserve your lunch

Greenville Area Senior Citizens Center, 715 S. Bald win, Greenville

Food With Friends Meals are served Thursday at noon

Site Hostess Diana Farran, call (616) 894-2255 to reserve your lunch

Carson City United Methodist Church, 119 E. Elm St., Carson City

Food with Friends meals are served Tuesday & Thurs day at noon

Call (989) 831-7476 option 1 to reserve your lunch

Stanton senior center, 613 N State St., Stanton Take-Out or Dine-In meals are served Wednesday at noon Seniors 60+ $3 donation, under 60 $6.50 charge

Call (989) 831-7476 option 4 to reserve your lunch

AARP TAX INFORMATION

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide will be offering Free Tax Help for low and moderate income taxpayers, with special attention to those age 60 and older, starting February 8th through April 12th. IRS approved, trained Volunteers will be assisting taxpayers at the Montcalm County Commis sion on Aging, 613 N. State Street, Stanton, by appointment only, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Please note this may be a two appointment process, but we’re not sure yet. Montcalm County area taxpayers may call the

Commission on Aging after January 25th to schedule an appointment at (989) 831-7476 option 4.

Due to 2020 and 2021 Covid 19 Tax Relief and Recovery Credits, please bring the following with you when you come:

• Any IRS or Michigan letters and any confirmation of Recovery Credits received.

• Copy of 2019 and 2020 Income Tax and Michigan Cred its returns.

• SSA-1099 form if you were paid Social Security ben efits, W-2 forms from each employer, and any Unemploy ment compensation statements.

• All forms indicating federal income tax withheld or in dicating income reporting such as form 5498 or W-2G.

• All 1099 forms (1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B, etc) show ing interest and/or dividends and documentation show ing original purchase price of sold assets, plus 1099-MISC. showing any miscellaneous income, and 1099-R form if you received a pension or annuity.

• Dependent care provider information (name, employ er, ID, social security number or tax ID number).

• Form 1095 Health Insurance that you received.

• All applicable receipts or canceled checks if itemizing deductions.

• A canceled check or bank card with routing and ac count number is required for direct deposit refunds.

• Drivers License or other legal picture ID and Social Se curity cards for yourself and all dependents.

For the Michigan Home Heating Credits, please bring the end of year electric bill, or other heating receipts, (dat ed Nov 1 2020 through Oct 31, 2021).

The Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit for home owners and renters, require the summer and winter tax bills for 2021, as volunteers are unable to access them for you. Any Prior years (2017, 2018,or 2019) returns, or compli cated returns (those that have taken longer in past years), may require an additional appointment, please mention when calling and bring the last return that was filed.

VISUAL SUPPORT GROUP

The Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired offers a variety of support groups to meet the needs of people who have vision problems and their families. Support groups of fer a means to connect with others who are experiencing similar feelings. A time to ask questions, a time to laugh, a time to vent, a time to celebrate accomplishments, no mat ter how small, and a time to learn from others who share your loss. Currently we are doing most support groups by conference call. No worries though, no access code to remember. The number to call for all groups is (701) 8016449. A conference call last for one hour. Montcalm County meets by phone the 4th Monday of every month at 1:30 p.m.

TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM INFO

The Commission on Aging has a medical transporta tion program where volunteer drivers will take you to your medical appointments, wait until you are done, then bring you back home. The CoA even has a wheelchair van for those people who are in a wheelchair. This program is for people 60 years or older who meet the guidelines. You can call (989) 831-7476 to see if you qualify. The transportation program can help you get to a bigger city like Grand Rap ids, Lansing, etc. All of the CoA volunteers are ready and able to get you safely where you need to go.

SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

EightCAP Inc, 906 Oak Drive, Greenville, offers a Senior Volunteer Program and is currently seeking volunteers for its foster grandparent and senior companion programs. Volunteers may earn benefits, such as a stipend, trans portation reimbursement, paid time off and meals during service. Interest parties should contact, Stephanie Rockaf ellow at (616) 754-9315, option 5.

Friday,

Learning from a ‘teacher’s point of view’

CORY SMITH csmith@thedailynews.cc

SIDNEY TOWNSHIP — Nearly certain she wanted to work toward a career as a teacher, Greenville High School senior Kylie Roberts, 17, was unsure what path might best put her in a situation to move forward on that goal two years ago.

Now after having gained a fair amount of real-world experience in a classroom setting, Roberts is thanking herself for having enrolled in the Education Careers program at the Montcalm Area Career Center in helping to solidify her decision of wanting to teach children.

“To be honest, I didn’t even know if I’d want to go to college when I first took this class, but now I know this is the career I want,” she said. “After being able to be out in the classrooms, I realized this is definite ly what I want to do.”

The Education Careers program pro vides a setting for its students to actually teach and coach side-by-side with profes sional educators in a variety of school set tings.

Heavy-duty education

Diesel & Equipment Technology provides ultimate hands-on experience for students

CORY SMITH csmith@thedailynews.cc

SIDNEY TOWNSHIP —

Having spent years working out his family’s business in Edmore, Lakeview senior Cael Ryan, 18, has always had a grasp on machinery, equip ment and how one might envi sion a career in such fields.

But as a student in the Montcalm Area Career Cen ter’s Diesel & Equipment Technology program, Ryan’s home-grown talents at Ryan’s Equipment have been given a chance to be refined, with room for growth and a chance to flourish at every turn.

“This class, it’s hands-on and you get to do things, not just sit down in a classroom and be lectured,” he said. “I just thought it would be inter esting to gain these skills, to know how to fix these kinds of things and learn how things operate certain machinery.”

It’s that hands-on expe rience that has Ryan more focused, whether he’s work ing on the diesel engine of a semi-truck or placing himself under the carriage of a pick

up truck, as the student sees himself flourishing more in a setting outside of a standard four-walled classroom.

“I think you learn best, hands-on,” he said. “It’s a good life skill to have and this industry is never going to go away. We’re always going to have diesel and engines.”

One of 12 programs of

Public Safety course provides a stepping stone toward a variety of careers

CORY SMITH csmith@thedailynews.cc

SIDNEY TOWNSHIP — For as long as he can remember, Montabella senior Brandon Wheeldon, 17, has never doubted what he wanted to do in life — follow in his father’s footsteps.

“It really started with my dad being a Marine in Afghanistan and Iraq for several years, and that led to me wanting to go into the military as well,” he said.

But despite a great personal passion and strong commitment in wanting to serve his country, Wheeldon faced an unfortunate

roadblock on the path toward his dream to join his father as a Marine.

“Needing a hearing aid to hear, I can’t do that, I can’t en list,” he said. “So I wanted to find another career in life where I’ll be helping others, where I’ll be helping the community. I want to help people and make people’s lives easier.”

Thankfully for Wheeldon, the Public Safety program at the Montcalm Area Career Center was exactly what he was looking for.

“Law enforcement? Being a cop? That’s it for me,” he said.

Now in his second year in the program, Wheeldon said he is determined to follow in the foot steps of others who have taken the MACC Public Safety course and gone on to have careers in law enforcement, such as Green ville Department of Public Safety Officer Kenna Allen and Montcalm County Sheriff’s Dep uty Nick McConnell.

“Right now I am taking these classes and I am getting my as sociate’s degree in Criminal Jus tice,” he said. “Once I’m 21, 22, I’d like to get through the police

fered at the MACC, Diesel & Equipment Technology teaches students from area high schools how to operate, troubleshoot and repair me dium and heavy-duty trucks, tractors, and other agricul tural and construction equip ment while earning both high school and college credits.

Students also learn the

skill sets of diagnosing and maintaining advanced die sel engines as well as critical electrical, air brake, and cli mate control systems while using a full-systems approach to maintain heavy equipment in a rapidly changing indus try.

“You actually get to get up and do things,” Lakeview se nior Loften Trotter, 17, said. “The instructor, he’ll pretty much let you take stuff apart at your own leisure unless you need help. You just pick up more things, more concepts here and there, and they even tually line up. Unlike a regu lar class, where you have to sit down and have assigned work, this is more of a free-flowing class. You get certain tasks for certain topics and you are put on pretty much anything. You learn a lot of common knowl edge on engines.”

For Diesel & Equipment Technology Instructor Zeb Niehof, his class is as import ant as ever now to get students into in-demand, good-paying jobs.

The Montcalm Area Career Center offers 12 programs free for high school juniors and seniors in Montcalm County.

Earn both high school and college credits while gaining experience directly related to the career field. Many programs offer state level certifications that can be obtained while in high school.

Greenville High School senior Kylie Roberts, 17, and Lakeview junior Samantha Perez, 16, work together on an assignment in their Educational Careers class at the Montcalm Area Career Center on Thursday.

— DN Photo | Cory Smith

Montcalm Area Career Center Public Safety Instructor Jason Jakubowski, left, speaks with students, Lakeview High School junior Trey Shields, 17, center, and Lakeview High School senior Dakota Maddox, 17, right, after they completed a course Thursday in MILO Range Simulation Training program. — DN Photo | Cory Smith

From left, Lakeview High School junior Gordon Kenney, 16, Lakeview High School junior Noah Striker, 16, and Greenville High School junior Clay Senn, 17, work together on rebuilding the diesel engine of a semi-truck in their Diesel & Equipment Technology class at the Montcalm Area Career Center in Sidney Township on Thursday. — DN Photo | Cory Smith

From left, Greenville High School junior Clay Senn, 17, Lakeview junior Na talie Parsons, 17, class volunteer Gavin Fish, 18, and Lakeview senior Jackson Cogswell, 17, work together to address an issue under a pickup truck in their Diesel & Equipment Technology class at the Montcalm Area Career Center in Sidney Township on Thursday. — DN Photo | Cory Smith

Learning from a ‘teacher’s point of view’

Combined with a curriculum that has students designing dynamic classroom learning activities using modern technol ogy and research-based practices, along with assembling a comprehensive portfo lio in preparation for postsecondary edu cation and state teacher certification, the resources at the fingertips of each student has proved to be incredibly beneficial for those looking for a career in teaching.

“I feel way more prepared, just talking with my cadet teacher in my placement now, the way I talk about stuff, the knowl edge I’ve gained, and she thinks that’s go ing to help me flourish in college,” Roberts said. “I want to help kids, especially those who may not be able to help themselves. I want to be that little bit of hope that they see every day. Many students now have trouble at home, and I’ve seen some teach ers who just haven’t noticed that. I want to be that teacher that notices and helps them get out of those difficult situations.”

Once unsure if she’d ever attend col lege, Roberts has been accepted to North ern Michigan University, where she will

continue on her path toward becoming a teacher.

However, upon first taking the Educa tion Careers program, Roberts’ first im pression wasn’t a good one.

Placed in a seventh-grade classroom, she found it difficult to connect with stu dents.

However, just as Education Careers In structor Ashley Reisbig had predicted, that kind of realization was exactly what she aimed for with many of her students.

“Since we’re allowed to go out in class rooms and kind of student teach, I learned that I actually want to work more with younger kids, to cope with them and learn different strategies on how to help them when they don’t know what to do,” Roberts said. “I know now that I want to be a sec ond-grade teacher.”

Students such as Roberts will aim to follow in the footsteps of 2021 Montabella Graduate Abby Hadley, who after taking the MACC Educational Careers course, finds herself a step ahead in studying to become a teacher at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota.

“The educational careers program was

Diesel & Equipment Technology

from Page 8B

“It’s important to note that as we’re see ing in America, if you don’t have trucks, if you don’t have equipment, we can’t do anything,” he said. “So there’s a great op portunity, as far as repair or even driving, in trucking.”

That’s not to say only students with ex perience in engines can enroll in the class at the MACC, as Niehof stressed the class accounts for all skill levels of students once they arrive.

“We get kids in here that don’t know the difference between a screwdriver and a wrench and there are other kids where their dads have been trucking their en tire lives or they might live on a farm, so they’ve helped with all sorts of main tenance,” he said. “It’s really amazing the spectrum of abilities you get in here. If a kid comes in here, they are going to start at the beginning, and depending on their skill level, they are going to advance through the different areas we cover, de pending on how well they grasp the con cepts. Some students, they don’t know how to put gas in a car, they’ve never washed a car, but coming out of this pro gram, we build them up from there, giving them confidence. We’re just trying to fa cilitate that and give them opportunities. We cover everything, top to bottom, front to back.”

Niehof said his class typically starts

with a 30-minute classroom session, fol lowed by two hours of his students work ing in the lab, allowing them to get a pre mier hands-on experience.

“It’s definitely different, it’s not like an English or math class — and we definitely need those, we reinforce those skills while they are here — but this setting gives them an opportunity to learn a theory and then apply it right away,” he said. “It’s a good environment to get into and learn. Some students come here and say they like it, but they don’t want to do it as a career — that’s fine. That means we achieved something. You didn’t have to go to college and spend $40,000 to figure out you didn’t want to do it. But no matter what your background is, you can come in and learn more - depending on how much you want to learn. If the desire is there, we’re going to give you an opportunity to learn.

For any aspiring high school student who may be interested in the MACC pro gram, Niehof said the best person to turn to is the school counselor.

“Contact your counselor and set up an appointment to come up here,” he said. “We’ve had many kids stop up for the day to check it out, and that convinced them they wanted to do it. Make sure all of your classes are passed your freshman and sophomore years. If you’re still taking freshman English as a junior, you can’t have this as an option — you won’t have the time.”

super beneficial,” she said. “I learned a lot and was able to get a ton of experience. My senior year I was spending over 20 hours a week in a fourth-grade classroom. I got to build relationships, teach lessons, go to PD (professional development) days and learn from some great staff, as well as so much more. This was great for me because it re ally helped me prove to myself how much I want to be a teacher. I figure if I could en joy myself that much in the midst of a pan demic and teacher shortage then I am going to survive the bumpy road of education.”

As the instructor of the course, Reisbig is hoping it continues to grow and serve as a way of generating more teachers locally.

“The program really started as a way that we could start growing our own teach ers in Montcalm County,” she said. “If anyone has seen the news at all, there’s a teaching crisis out there. Either people are certified and don’t want to teach, or people are just not getting their certificates be cause they don’t want to go into teaching for whatever reason.

“So this program came about as a way to make the teaching profession look a lit tle more appealing to students,” she con

tinued. “Everyone has had a teacher, but it’s a lot different to be on the other side of things. This program allows them to start to see what that looks like, from a teacher’s point of view, instead of a student point of view.”

Reisbig has placed a large focus on get ting that in-person classroom experience for her students, with first-year students spending two days a week in the classroom during their second semester, and sec ond-year students spending four days in a classroom.

“For one thing, they will kind of know what grade level they are interested in teaching — that helps a lot,” she said. “And being able to work with kids already, in col lege, that process can take over two years until you get that opportunity. So to be able to experience watching a good teacher manage a classroom, and then being able to do that themselves a little bit, I think that helps a lot. We’re really trying to build the program, because local teachers need help in their classrooms, too. So why not start preparing kids to be teachers and let them help out where there is a need in our community?”

Public Safety course provides a stepping stone

academy and end up on a police department. You’ve got to stand out when you want to be on a depart ment, so having these two years of experience here, I think that will give me a much better understand ing of the profession.”

With one semester re maining before he gradu ates high school, Wheel don said the class has given him “everything and more” to date.

“I really have an inter est in the career and I can get a lot of knowledge in this program,” he said.

“In this class we really learn a lot about many ca reers. We do a lot of class work and notes, but we have great class speakers who give presentations on their careers, too. You re ally have to like the whole class if you’re going to do it, it’s got to be for you, but if this is something you are interested in, it’s the perfect class. So I am fully committed to this. Really, I want to live up to my dad’s expectations and make him proud. That’s what I’m set on and nothing is going to change that.”

This Public Safety course is for students in terested in the criminal

justice system, govern ment, public safety, or those who have a general interest in public service.

It includes a broad over view of the history and scope of the American criminal justice system, emphasizing historical, constitutional (legal), and political considerations. Specific instruction on Michigan Criminal Law is a focus, along with crimi nal investigations.

The class divides time between college prep/ bookwork and hands-on instruction in public safe ty procedures.

Second-year students also have the option to apply for an exclusive in ternship program where they spend their days learning from local law enforcement professionals with job sites including GDPS, Montcalm County Prosecutor’s Office, Mont calm County Central Dis patch, Montcalm County Sheriff’s Office and more.

For Public Safety In structor Jason Jakubows ki, providing multiple options for students to consider career-wise is a top priority for the former Big Rapids police officer of 18 years.

“Some kids, their par ents are cops or correc tions officers, and they

know that’s what they want to do, but I also get kids who have a little bit of an interest in the field and want to explore it,” he said. “ I get kids who are interested in everything from firefighting to correc tions and some don’t know what they want to do, they just want to get into a field where they help people, so I try to give them a taste of everything.”

As a result, in addition to the classroom course work, Jakubowski ensures there are opportunities for field trips, guest instruc tors and other unique oneweek programs that are made available for them in his class.

That ranges from trips to Mel Trotter in Grand Rapids to volunteer to serve lunches and cre ate blessing bags for the homeless, to providing a weeklong fire academy in the spring.

“For some of our stu dents, the first time they drive anything, it ends up being our fire truck in the parking lot,” Jakubows ki said. “We do as much hands-on stuff as we can while still fulfilling our curriculum obligations. I’d say if a student wants to get into a field where they work with people or help people, we can help

people decide what di rection they want to take that. Our class gives them a little bit of knowledge into a wide realm of possi bilities. Even if you don’t want to be a cop, or you’re not sure, you can still find something that interests you in this class.”

St.,

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at Fish Creek School. His favorite library is Carson City Library. Reuben’s favorite book is Hardy Boys. When asked what he likes about the books he replied, “the adventures.”

Why does he like to read? “It is really fun.”

What does he like about his library? “It is nice.”

From left, Lakeview High School senior Dakota Maddox, 17, Montcalm Area Career Center Public Safety In structor Jason Jakubowski and Lakeview High School junior Trey Shields, 17, participate in the MILO Range Simulation Training program Thursday in the Public Safety course at the Montcalm Area Career Center. —

DN Photo | Cory Smith