Year in Review 2018

New K9 officer

Seiche hits Manistee

A SUPPLEMENT TO

Spark Manistee winner

Onekama football in playoffs

2

Year in Review | January 2019

City of Manistee sees changes in leadership, business in 2018

By Ashlyn Korienek Staff Writer

Manistee Community Kitchen programs continue to operate under their leadership.

Save-A-Lot Food Stores opened a new store in January 2018 at 160 Memorial Drive in Manistee, the former location of Oleson’s Food Stores. (Courtesy photo)

The year of 2018 brought Spark Manistee winner opens many front page headlines downtown barbershop when it came to community Jamie Catlett, who was development and leadership in named the 2018 Spark Manistee the City of Manistee. competition winner, opened Manistee area residents her barber shop, J. Catlett and saw changes in the area with Company, in November. new businesses and leadership, “I love what I do,” she said. retired leaders and even “I am finished with everything businesses that closed. (in the building) and I am excited.”

BUSINESS

Save-A-Lot opens in Manistee

The competition was hosted by the Manistee Downtown Development Authority, with West Shore Bank as the title sponsor — among many other local partnerships.

In early January local residents were excited to finally see the opening of another business. Save-A-Lot Food Stores opened a new grocery City Council members were sworn in at the Nov. 13 meeting, following this past year's election. (News Advocate store at 160 Memorial Drive. La Riviera Mexican Grill File Photo) The building was empty since opens in Manistee Oleson’s Food Stores left A new restaurant opened its Manistee in 2016. doors in Manistee. La Riviera Manistee Community Kitchen Mexican Grill held its grand officially closes Iron Works opening in September, earlier than it originally planned.

Cafe Aurelio Campos, restaurant manager, said they were searching for a space in Manistee for the past few years, and the empty building at 215 Arthur St. in Manistee was a The nonprofit issued a good fit. press release stating that the organization was unable to LEADERSHIP make the cafe sustainable per Carpenter steps down as the cafe’s mission statement, and it was no longer financially Armory executive director Robert Carpenter responsible to continue to run announced his resignation the cafe.

The restaurant La Riviera Mexican Grill of Manistee is opened at 215 Arthur St. in 2018. (News Advocate File Despite the change, other from the Armory Youth Project The Manistee Community Kitchen decided to dissolve operations of the Iron Works Cafe, located at 254 River St. in Manistee.

Photo)

3

January 2019 | Supplement to the Manistee News Advocate executive director position.

He accepted a job in Vermont for a national nonprofit organization, and stepped down from the Armory position on Nov. 12.

The Armory board of directors announced that the organization has begun a search to fill the executive director position and hopes to complete the process by spring 2019.

and was the former mayor.

DDA explores options for director position The Manistee Downtown Development Authority (DDA) reviewed several options in September and October to fill the role of executive director, as Tyler Leppanen resigned from his position. Leppanen’s last day was on Sept. 21.

Tom Kaminski was approved as interim director by Zielinski elected Manistee’s Manistee City Council on Nov. mayor, Beaton mayor pro- 8, and will serve until a fulltem time executive director is hired.

Manistee City Council City approves contract with members selected new leadership during the annual county for planning services A contract with the Manistee Organizational Meeting on Nov. 13. Roger Zielinski was County Planning Department elected mayor and Lynda was approved by Manistee City Beaton now serves as mayor Council, and was anticipated to save the city $25,000 in costs. pro-tem.

Council member Mick Szymanski was elected to council on Nov. 6; Jim Smith, his opponent in the race, served on City Council for many years

The agreement followed the retirement of Denise Blakeslee, the former planning and zoning director, who retired on Aug. 31 Jamie Catlett was named the 2018 Spark Manistee competition winner. The competition was hosted by the Manistee Downtown Development Authority. (News Advocate File Photo) after 25 years with the city.

MORTON SALT 180 Sixth Street Manistee

Proud to be a member of the Manistee Community!

2019

4

Year in Review | January 2019

Because of a $1 million gift to WSCC, the college board of trustees renamed the public safety training center building the Riemer Regional Public Safety Training Center at the December meeting. (News Advocate File Photo)

The December meeting of the West Shore Community College Board of Trustees was the last for Mike Ennis (right) who retired after serving 20 years on the board. He was presented a proclamation honoring that service by trustee chair Bruce Smith. (News Advocate File Photo)

Changes come to WSCC in 2018 Trustee chairman Bruce Smith read a proclamation at the December meeting commending Ennis for those years of service One of the big highlights of on the board and for all he has 2018 at West Shore Community done to advance WSCC during College was the board of trustees that time. bidding farewell to trustee Mike “It will be hard to replace the Ennis. value of Mike Ennis’ service to this Ennis retired after 20 years board and the students of West on the board in which he served Shore Community College,” said as board chairman for many Smith. “It goes without saying years. He also was the WSCC this college would not be where it representative on the Michigan is without his leadership. We can Community College Association replace him on the board, but we where he also served a year as can never replace the experience chairman. The resume for Ennis also included many years on the WSCC Foundation.

Architect Tom Mathison, who drew up the master plan for the West Shore Community College Board of Trustees, points

By KEN GRABOWSKI Associate Editor

See WSCC page 10

We would like to wish everyone health and prosperity, love of family and friends, and peace for the new year.

to Technical Center Project renovation and addition. (News Advocate File Photo)

2 0 1 Manistee Vinyl Products 9 Matt and Karen Pomeroy

Happy New Year from

The Golden Tress Creations by Jackie Thank you to all my loyal customers for making my business a great success.

300 River St. • Manistee • 723-8860

Jackie Kovach, Owner

5

January 2019 | Supplement to the Manistee News Advocate

School board elections highlight year in education

By KEN GRABOWSKI Associate Editor

The highlight of 2018 at Manistee County schools was changes on boards of education and at the administration level.

Kaleva Norman Dickson Board of Education board member Jennette Somsel was the first one to step down from both her president's position and the board in January after serving on the board for the past 21 years including many as the president.

Several months later in May it was Manistee/Wexford Missaukee Intermediate School District dual superintendent Jeff Jennette who announced his resignation.

Jennette was replaced on an interim basis by Dave Cox who was the vocational education director at the Wexford Missaukeee Career Tech Center. In October Cox had the interim taken off his title when both boards of education approved him to be the new dual superintendent.

Manistee Intermediate School District superintendent Jeff Jennette announced that the district would be making $300,000 in budget cuts.

Jennette said that the cuts would be across the board at the ISD. The month of December saw longtime Bear Lake Schools board of education president Charles Brooks step away from

the board after 18 years.

Some familiar faces were also gone from area boards of education when they opted not to seek another term in the November general elections.

Those who were on a board, but didn't run were Manistee Area Public School's Richard "Duke" Edmondson, Onekama's Karl Domres and Dan Behring.

Launch Manistee inducted 22 new freshmen into the commitment scholarship program that will give them a free education at West Shore Community College. (News Advocate File Photo)

Madden had county clerk Jill Nowak check with the state to see if it was legal to also file for write-in status for the two-year term, which it is.

When the votes were tabulated, Hrachovina (1,127 votes), Wisniski (1,109 votes) and Madden (831 votes) had won the four-year term seats.

Dye received 811 votes from the Issues with bullying brought about a community meeting at the Manistee Area Also stepping away from the voters.

CASMAN Board of Education Since Madden was the only Public Schools and the creation of a Student Safety Advisory Committee. was Carol Marshall while Wayne person to file with the clerk’s (News Advocate File Photo) Bernier and Debby Major joined office for write-in status, only the CASMAN Board as new votes that came in for him were members. considered legal, meaning he The November election also also won the two-year term seat. put some new faces on the boards However, Madden accepted the of education and brought back four-year term so the board will some familiar ones. It also was have to fill the two-year partial a time when the Manistee Area term Public Schools were granted a non-homestead millage renewal to secure their state funding.

Earlier in the year Onekama Consolidated Schools passed a similar millage.

In a very unique situation, one Onekama Consolidated Schools Board of Education candidate actually won both a two-year partial term and a fouryear one. Gary Madden had filed to run for one of the three fouryear terms that were expiring along with Heidi Wisniski, Rachelle Hrachovina and Nick Dye.

The Kaleva Norman Dickson School District had five candidates seeking four fouryear terms. Those seats went to Kathleen Fairbanks (1,394 votes), Robert Guenther (1,169 votes), Karen McIntire (1,178 votes) and Jessica Ward (1,291 votes). The fifth candidate, Randy Sanovic, received 836 votes.

Voters in the Bear Lake School district elected two incumbents to new six-year terms. Greg Babinec (709 votes) and Eric Smith (685 votes) were the only two candidates on the However, Onekama ballot.

Consolidated Schools also had a The Manistee Area Public two-year partial term for which Long time Bear Lake Schools Board of Education member Charles Brooks no one had filed the paperwork (left) retired after 18 years on the board. He is pictured being congratulated to get their name on the ballot.

See SCHOOLS page 10

by superintendent Marlen Cordes. (News Advocate File Photo)

6

Year in Review | January 2019

Munson Manistee nurses held an informational picket in May to highlight the holdups of a collective bargaining process that has been ongoing since October 2017. (News Advocate File Photo)

County undergoes a variety of transformations

By Jane Bond Staff Writer

As a community continues to grow, it brings about many changes along the way.

It often means that as one door opens, another must close.

While seeing the end of a legacy in the community — whether it be local leaders stepping down or the closing of a business or organization — can bring sadness for some, it also indicates a transition that will bring something new to the community.

on Wheels in Manistee," said AutoZone opens in Manistee know what, I’m going to apply coordinator position in June. for the job and see how it Township “We’ve had a lot of people ask Lisa Robitshek, manager of Ground was broken in March for the construction of the, now open, AutoZone located at the corner of U.S. 31 and M-55, in front of Meijer in Manistee Township. The opening date was tentatively set for late summer.

Kieft takes on administrator role

goes,'” Kieft recalled. “And as it for additional programming,” turned out, I was lucky enough said Herringa, “and we have to be selected.” wonderful patrons, many who Since February, Kieft has hit visit multiple branches. Their the ground running, equipped feedback is taken very seriously, with experience that he says because we really want this to prepared him well for the new be the people’s library.” role.

Maddox left her position in

Meals on Wheels, Northwest MI Community Action Agency.

Bonnie Kruse began working as a volunteer, but took on Ott's role in September when the opportunity came around.

“I love the program, the Senior Center, these folks, our volunteers and everything says about the job,” Kruse said. “It’s very rewarding.”

Connie Ott, who served as NEW BEGINNINGS the Meals on Wheels program coordinator for the past eight Major transitions for local years, announced that she was nonprofits stepping down from her role in Salvation Army officials June. announced that the local social “She’s done so much for this program, and has pretty much been the face of Meals

county Changes at the Manistee the fall.

County Library Meals on Wheels At the start of 2018, library farewell to Ott officially

Tom Kaminski stepped down as Manistee County administrator in February after 31 years in his position. Taking his place was David Kieft, who was officially This year in Manistee offered the job by the full board County, there were many of in December 2017. these transitions to be found.

“When this opportunity opened up, I thought, ‘You CHANGING FACES

officials sought to fill a pair of full-time positions: assistant director and youth services coordinator.

They accomplished both goals, and promoted Julie Herringa to assistant director in March and hired April Maddox for the youth services

See COUNTY page 8

January 2019 | Supplement to the Manistee News Advocate

We thank you for your business over these past years and we hope that all your wishes are fulfilled in the new year...

Happy New Year!

258 River Street • Manistee 732-6283

7

8

Year in Review | January 2019

COUNTY from page 6

Council on Aging is purchasing the building and surrounding property for the price of closing costs, which is approximately $10,000, according to Sarah Howard, Council on Aging executive director.

service office would be closed permanently on May 25.

All services will continue to be available to residents of Manistee and Benzie counties, but will be headquartered in Ludington. According to the local chapter, Salvation Army has served Manistee County residents for 130 years in various locations.

Although some parishioners expressed concerns over the sale due to the low price and other factors, church officials felt the decision would be beneficial due to the elimination of financial burden from maintaining another church campus.

Love INC announced in November that they would be taking on a new name while maintaining the same mission, following the disaffiliation of Love INC Manistee with the national branch.

The building will be redeveloped into the Wagoner Center, a senior center that will serve residents of Manistee County.

In November, the local organization officially took on a new name, ECHO His Love, which stands for Everyday Christians Helping Others.

Robin Paulus, executive director of ECHO, said the change has been three years in the making and will allow resources to stay in the county. LaborFest was held for the first time over Labor Day weekend, and was put together by the nonprofit Salt City

Inaugural held

music

festivals

There are many opportunities to celebrate the rich music culture throughout northern Michigan, and Manistee County is no exception. Two music festivals were held for the first time over Labor Day weekend this year: the Minnehaha Brewhaha in Arcadia, and LaborFest held at Douglas Park.

CREATING A BRIGHTER FUTURE Changing landscapes

Local communities are no strangers to the impacts of erosion, but when the winter months brought especially not put the two things together devastating erosion to Camp and celebrate the labor force of Arcadia, quick action was Manistee and a fundraiser for needed. this amphitheater.”

Crews began construction St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Shrine in May on the camp’s beach protection plan to combat to become Wagoner Center the impact of erosion, which The selling agreement for caused them to lose 15 feet of St. Mary of Mount Carmel beachfront this year. The plan, Shrine reached its final closing which had been in the works stages, with a Mass that was for nearly two years, involves a held Dec. 8 at the church. rock revetment, steel sheet pile The Manistee County and two pocket beaches.

Rock and Blues. The concert continued their mission to organize local concerts to raise funds for various local projects. (News Advocate File Photo)

and many local bands were featured along with Michigan breweries. The festival raised money for the nonprofit Music Moves Me, which supports music education for youth in the community.

LaborFest was put together by the nonprofit Salt City Rock and Blues, as part of their mission to organize The Minnehaha Brewhaha local concerts to raise funds drew a crowd of around 800, for various local projects.The

funds raised through LaborFest were to support building an amphitheater for concerts at First Street Beach, just south of the Lions Pavilion.

“We were trying to think of a good cause and that seemed like a good asset,” said Volkema. “I remember when I first started working we had regular Labor Day events so we thought this would be a good time to hold it. We thought why

JASON THOMPSON

Landscape & Design L.L.C. COMPLETE LANDSCAPE Retaining Walls • Rockscaping • Patios • Walkways Decorative Curbing • Stamped Concrete Sodding • Seeding • Waterscaping

Fully Insured

570 E. Hoague Rd. FREESOIL

“It’s really an incredible gift, and something that will benefit this community for generations to come,” said Howard.

464-5908

Dial-A-Ride

We’ll pick you up and take you to all of your shopping & dining destinations. At the same time, we can help you support our local merchants.

723-6525

Looking forward to serving you in 2019.

Evening Hours: Monday - Friday til 7 pm

9

January 2019 | Supplement to the Manistee News Advocate Nurses, Munson continues negotiations Munson Manistee nurses held an informational picket in May to highlight the holdups of a collective bargaining process that has been ongoing since October 2017. According to the Michigan Nurses Association, Manistee nurses — like other nurses throughout the Munson Medical Care system — are calling for a fair contract that will ensure safe registered nurse staffing levels for patients. Part of ensuring safe staffing, they say, is ensuring competitive wages and benefits for skilled registered nurses and healthcare workers in the region.

The Filer Township sewer project was 20 years in the making with instal-

lation taking place throughout the spring and summer. The final inspection was held in early October 2018. (News Advocate File Photo)

According to Munson Healthcare officials, Manistee Hospital’s wage offer is Filer Township’s sewer consistent with industry project reaches finish line and regional norms, as The final inspection was is its proposed employee contribution to medical, dental held in early October for the and vision benefits package.

Filer Township sewer project,

David Kieft officially took on the Manistee County administrator position in March, a role previously held for 31 years by Tom Kaminski. (News Advocate File Photo)

which has been in the works for District along U.S. 31 from Stronach Road to 12th Street, over 20 years. with a branch main also serving The sewer serves properties businesses located on 28th located in and near Filer’s Street, east of 31. In total, there Downtown Development are 67 parcels in the sewer

Peace Prosperity Good Fortune Good Cheer

district. There are additions and extensions connecting to the City of Manistee Wastewater Treatment Plant for treatment of the wastewater.

THANK FORAA THANK YOU FOR WONDERFUL 2018YEAR! YEAR! WONDERFUL 2016

New Year’s Resolution...

We’re looking forward to Serving you in 2019.

10635 Main St. Honor

231-325-4551 FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1963.

4847 Main St. Onekama

231-889-3456

...Join a Credit Union FILERCU.COM (231) 723-3400

10

Year in Review | January 2019

WSCC from page 4 that he brings to the board, and I look forward to working with him on the (WSCC) foundation.”

Since Ennis decided not to run for another term, three candidates squared off for the two expiring seats on the board in the November election.

It proved to be a close race for the two board of trustee seats that were expiring in December.

Manistee County residents James Barker and Randal Tomaszewski, and Mason County resident Jim Scatena were all seeking those positions.

Barker and Tomaszewski both won six year terms on the board.

During the year, the board of trustees also selected Christman Construction as the firm that will serve as construction manager for the Technical Center Project renovation and addition project.

Work on that project will take place this year and next year.

It was also a year where

new and exciting opportunities came to the college. In June, the Board of Trustees named the building on U.S. 31 the Regional Public Safety Training Center.

This building was purchased in December 2017 and as a result of that purchase the WSCC Foundation received a gift of $1 million from Dr. Andrew Riemer.

naming their board meeting room the John M. Eaton Board Room.

Another possible change in the future was the trustees looked into the possibility of student housing on campus.

A 5-0 vote of the board agreed to hire the Scion Group to conduct a survey that they hope will give them answers by March 2019 on what course of action, if any they should take.

Three bids were received by the board to conduct that work, and the Scion Group’s bid of $59,500 was accepted.

The majority of the gift has been set aside for public safety programs and operations of the center. This gift not only made the future operations of the center more viable, but also allows the college to better serve the many individuals in the Another new step for the region providing public safety college was the addition of and related services. online tutoring for students.

Because of the gift, the WSCC dean of student trustees renamed the building services Chad Inabinet said the Riemer Regional Public that their traditional face-toSafety Training Center at the face tutoring assistance has December meeting. some limitations on what Board members also took they can provide. So they are action at the November meeting implementing online tutoring to honor the college's first assistance through the college to president Dr. John Eaton by meet those challenges.

It’s your year.

Go ahead and make the most of it!

We wish you all the best in 2019. Thank you for all you have done to make this past year a success.

Looking Forward To A Great 2019!

Mon. - Thurs. 11 am - 12 am Fri. & Sat. 11 am - 2 am Sun. Noon till Midnight

132 Monroe St. • Manistee

231-299-3022

SCHOOLS from page 5

on their way to getting a free college education at West Shore Community College with this Schools will have one new person program. on their board of education in Mary Ann Behm the original January. Newcomer Theresa Anderson won a six year seat on program director for Launch the board after picking up 3,229 Manistee, which helps students votes. Incumbents Dr. Paul with programs from cradle to Antal (3,328 votes) and Paul career in Mansitee County, Wehrmeister (3,121 votes) also stepped down in June to accept won six-year terms. a curriculum position with the Other highlights from KND, Bear Lake and Onekama the year were Manistee school districts. She was replaced philanthropists Bill and Marty by Hannah Rodriguez, who had Paine took a step to provide worked at Launch Manistee. financial support to make dreams Manistee Area Public come true for many Manistee Schools also responded to County students through the bullying issues at the school Manistee County Commitment by forming a Student Safety Scholarship program.

Advisory committee that helped In 2018 at the Center Stage address issues in the district. The Theater on the campus of West school has been holding monthly Shore Community College, 20 meetings. high school freshmen who will Manistee Catholic Central form the cohort of the class of 2022 were inducted into created its first ever elementary the program joining 64 other Robotics team in October. Plans students from the first two are for the students to keep with cohorts from all six Manistee the program through high school County School districts who are level.

January 2019 | Supplement to the Manistee News Advocate

Happy Holidays to all our customers we have had the privilege to serve.

Wishing all of you a great 2019!

CARL’S EXCAVATING, INC. Full Service Earth Work

Loaders • Dozers • Trucks • Excavators Wood Chipper • Backhoe

723-6357

11

12

Law enforcement, courts buckle down on public safety

Year in Review | January 2019

The Manistee County Sheriff’s Office added a new deputy to its ranks in 2018, Beno the K-9 officer. (News Advocate File Photo)

force in June and works with his handler, deputy Brandon Gillispie. The new K-9 serves after the late K-9, Benco, who The year of 2018 for area was handled by sgt. Jason law enforcement and Manistee Torrey, retired due to medical County courts had many purposes. breaking headlines, but readers also were able to find some feel- Former Brethren student good stories. in critical condition from

destroyed most of the Bay Area Recycling for Charities building.

The nonprofit offered comprehensive waste management services, but president Andy Gale said they planned to rebuild.

As most years go, there were some ups and downs in Manistee County. However, local law enforcement and the courts were hard at work to keep the community safe.

Emergency personnel closed off all beach and waterway areas due to a seiche in April.

It caused damage to the marina Hazardous chemicals docks and other areas along the were found at the scene, but river channel. No injuries were all surrounding areas and caused. responders exposed were Victims’ names released in deemed safe. The man was found unresponsive on a cot, Bear Lake crash near the water’s edge.

In September, authorities released the names of two Sheriff’s Office fundraiser construction workers who were brings in more than $5,000 struck by a vehicle on U.S. 31 in for Armory Bear Lake.

For its second consecutive Andre Alvesteffer, 20, of year, the Manistee County Pentwater, was pronounced Sheriff's Office "No-Shave

By Ashlyn Korienek Staff Writer

gunshot wound

Former Brethren High School student Amedy Dewey was listed in critical condition after suffering a gunshot wound.

Dewey was found in a vehicle near her deceased mother and LAW ENFORCEMENT stepfather at on Jan. 6, along A new dog on duty the roadside on I-96 near Nash Good news emerged in the Highway in Boston Township.

June 22 edition of the News Lisa and David Somers were Advocate. The Manistee County from Kaleva.

Sheriff’s Office announced that a new deputy was added to its Fire destroys Kaleva recycling building ranks.

Early in January a major Beno, an 18-month-old German Shepherd, joined the fire in the Village of Kaleva

Seiche causes damage to docks

Happy New Year With best wishes to you and your family for a happy, healthy and prosperous year.

We’re truly grateful for your generous support.

50 Filer Street, Suite 216 • Manistee

723-2221

dead at the scene. The second victim, Damon Williamson, 23, of Ludington, was taken via helicopter to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.

November" fundraiser totaled $5,019 to benefit the Manistee Armory Youth Project.

Last year, a total of $1,425 alone was raised by participants Police continue investigation for the Manistee County Domestic Violence and Sexual after body found at beach Assault Response Team.

Police held an investigation into the death of a 27-year-old MANISTEE COUNTY Mancelona man found near COURTS Lake Michigan at First Street Schaub sentenced to 12 to Beach in late October.

25 years in prison

Jeneva Schaub, of Manistee, was sentenced earlier in the year in Manistee County’s 19th Circuit Court to 12 to 25 years in prison for stabbing her husband, Bruce Schaub, to death.

On March 19, Jeneva entered a plea of no contest to one count of second degree murder. In exchange for the plea, a charge of open murder was dismissed. She was credited

Here’s hoping the year ahead is filled with nothing but the best for you and yours!

Wishing You A Very Happy New Year!

Licensed & Insured

8155 Pine Creek Rd. Manistee, Michigan 49660

Mark Krolczyk Owner

Phone: 231-723-8302 Fax: 231-723-0310

13

January 2019 | Supplement to the Manistee News Advocate with 279 days served in jail.

Man sentenced to 35-80 years on CSC charges

abusive material.

Perski was sentenced for the following charges: In exchange for the plea, the court dismissed one count of • Count two — 24 months to child sexually abusive activity 10 years in prison for receiving distributing or promoting, and concealing a stolen firearm; three counts of possession of • Count three — 24 months child sexually abusive material to 5 years in prison for and four counts of using a possession of a firearm by a computer to commit crime. felon; and

Carl Jerome Wiertalla Jr., 51, was sentenced in Manistee County’s 19th Circuit Court to a minimum of 35 years and a maximum of 80 years in prison for three counts of firstDumas was sentenced to 17 degree criminal sexual conduct, months to four years in prison involving a victim under 13 for each count of child sexually years old. abusive material (counts two Wiertalla received credit and three); and 37 months to for 317 days served in jail; he seven years in prison, for each will serve all three sentences count of using a computer to concurrently. commit a crime (counts seven Dumas sentenced for child and eight).

• Count four — 24 months to 5 years in prison for receiving and concealing personal property valued over $1,000 or more but less than $20,000.

He also was sentenced to 90 months to 20 years in prison with no jail credit, for count one — home invasion pornography charges He was credited for 56 days in the first degree. It will be Joseph Jerome Dumas, 63, served in jail. served consecutive to count of Manistee, was sentenced Perski sentenced in home four, receiving and concealing in March for several child invasion case personal property. pornography charges.

On Sept. 10, Perski pleaded Christopher Ryan Perski, On Jan. 8, Dumas pleaded of Manistee, was sentenced to no contest to counts one no contest to two counts of prison in Manistee County’s through four, and in exchange using a computer to commit a 19th Circuit Court for several the court dismissed count five, crime — a smartphone in this charges in relation to a home which alleges felony firearm case — and two counts for the invasion case. and the habitual offender’s The seiche that occurred in April left many docks wiped out in the City of Manistee. (News Advocate File Photo) possession of child sexually fourth offense notice.

Dr. John E. Veach & Dr. Brian A. Allen & Staff would like to wish everyone a

Happy New Year

Corner of M55 & US-31 423 Parkdale Ave.

in 2019

Manistee 723-7206

www.linkesbodyshop.com

Thank you for your patronage this past year. We look forward to serving you in 2019!

384 First St. • Manistee

723-9911

14

Year in Review | January 2019

Manistee High School debuted its long awaited home track in May of 2018. (News Advocate File Photo)

Local athletes, teams racked up the wins in 2018

By DYLAN SAVELA Sports Editor

There are more ways than winning to measure success in sports, and that’s a valuable lesson.

But let’s forget about that for now... winning was the theme for 2018 as athletes across Manistee County lit up

the scoreboard and filled up new head coach, a district title Manistee won the first the win column throughout the probably sounded like a pipe match against archrival dream for Manistee wrestling. Ludington 48-28, and it calendar year.

But that’s exactly what it followed that up with a stirring Here’s a look back at a few accomplished on Feb. 7, 2018. 45-36 win over Benzie Central of the headlines that made in the district finals.

2018 memorable in the local The Chippewas had to mix sports landscape: “We were just going and match lineups and depend to focus on the individual on some younger wrestlers to Manistee wrestling wins said step up and win big matches accomplishments,” team district coach Darrell late to earn some postseason Manistee At the beginning of the hardware, the Division 3 team Burchfield, citing the team’s season, the third in a row with a district championship. lack of a complete lineup. “We

Swidorski Bros LLC

EXCAVATION & MARINE CONSTRUCTION RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL

INDUSTRIAL

4786 Red Apple Rd. • Manistee • 723-7244

went through the season and they started coming together and they started learning. We started wrestling as a team.”

There were some solo standouts on the season too, as Manistee’s Isaac Reynolds and Bryson Jensen each qualified for the Division 3 individual state finals at 125 pounds and 160 pounds, respectively.

Happy New Year from everyone at

Birchwood Adult Foster Care 1727 Frost Rd Manistee • 723-7343

January 2019 | Supplement to the Manistee News Advocate

15

Three Onekama skiers the championship outright with a 13-1 West Michigan D qualify for state finals

League record while finishing Onekama’s ski team, the season 17-3 overall. a Manistee County co-op, Both teams entered their extended its season on Feb. 12, 2018, with a strong showing in postseasons with high hopes, and on March 2, 2018, the Bear the postseason opener.

Lake girls claimed a district Joe Buswinka, Riley title to add to their season’s Drilling and Keagan Thomas accolades. The Bear Lake boys, all punched their tickets for however, ran into a buzzsaw in the state finals at the Division the district semifinal, falling 2 regional meet at Caberfae to eventual state runner-up Peaks ski resort in Cadillac.

Buckley.

Buswinka and Thomas Onekama boys and girls qualified in both events, the slalom and giant slalom, while basketball district titles Drilling earned the right to ski March was kind to the in the state finals in the slalom Onekama boys and girls after missing out on qualifying basketball teams in 2018, as in the GS by just one-tenth of a each squad added a district second. championship to their school’s Onekama head coach trophy case.

Curt Mathieu said that he On March 2, 2018, the was thrilled with his team’s Portager girls topped Pentwater The Bear Lake girls basketball team poses with it trophy after winning a district title. (News Advocate File Photo) performance, from top to 44-36 for their third straight bottom. district title. The program went “I was very, very pleased 15 years without winning one with all the kids,” Mathieu said. before the 2015-16 season.

“Keagan and Joe and Riley all made it to States last year, they’ve always been strong skiers. They all had the basics, but in the last two years, it’s been a good time. I can’t say enough.”

The Onekama boys snapped their own 15-year district title drought by edging Pentwater 47-45 on March 9, 2018, for the championship.

“It’s a big win for our program,” said Onekama coach Thomas ended up leading Nathan Bradford. “We were the way at the Division 2 state close a few years back, but finals at Schuss Mountain in finally getting one feels good.”

Bellaire by finishing in eighth in both the giant slalom and the Manistee High School’s new slalom. He medaled and earned track open for business all-state honors in both races.

For the first time in at least 15 years, Manistee was the Bear Lake boys and girls home team in a track meet basketball dominate leagues when it hosted Muskegon The West Michigan D Catholic Central on May 8.

League belonged to Bear Lake The Chippewas won the last winter, as both the boys Lakes-8 dual meet handily over and girls basketball teams sat the shorthanded Crusaders, but atop their respective standings the real news was that the meet by season’s end. itself took place, on the new The Laker girls won a share Manistee Community Track. of the 2017-18 title with a league “It finally happened,” record of 12-2, while finishing Manistee co-head coach Eric the regular season 15-5 overall.

Thuemmel said. “I hope it’s It was the program’s first league not another 15 years before our championship since 2011-12. next meet.”

They shared the crown with The meet was more about Pentwater (14-6, 12-2). the new beginning of the The Bear Lake boys, program than it was about meanwhile, won their own results. league title for the first time Onekama skier Keagan Thomas earned All-State honors at the Division 2 state finals in February. (News “I had a lot of my kids tell Advocate File Photo) since 2008. The Lakers won

16

Year in Review | January 2019

The Manistee Saints’ Trenton Smiley slides into third base this past summer. The Saints secured their 11th 20-win season in the club’s 84-year history. (News Advocate File Photo)

me that this was the first time their parents have ever come to a track meet,” Thuemmel said.

“I thought maybe there would be just a few people standing around for such a small meet, but there were a lot of people from town who were interested in seeing (the track). I had more helpers than we knew what to do with.

track meets on May 19, with Onekama winning both the boys and girls regional championships and Manistee, Manistee Catholic Central and Brethren all qualifying athletes for the state championship meets on June 2.

With the performance, Onekama sent a slew of regional champs and other qualifiers to compete individually in the Division 4 state finals. The Portagers weren’t the only ones to be represented at the highest stage of the track and field season either, as Manistee, Brethren and first-time West Michigan D League champion Manistee Catholic Central all had athletes qualify.

exceeded four times since the “Twenty wins is huge,” said Saints were founded in 1934.

Manistee manager Tyrone Manistee’s season ended Collins. “It’s something we with a loss in the National talked about a lot this week Amateur Baseball Federation because, in Saints history, regional tournament to the there hasn’t been a whole lot of Muskegon Blue Jays, the 20-win seasons. eventual regional champion.

“If you look back at it, The Saints finished just when they did have those 20- one game back in the UBL win seasons, they played a lot standings to the Oil City Stags, more games,” he said. “This is who went on to win the NABF Division national pretty much 20 wins within the College championship. the league, period.”

Onekama’s boys won their Division 4 regional title with 130.5 team points, winning five “It was a community effort, events at the meet and placing putting on the meet today.” second in three more, edging out Maple City Glen Lake by Saints’ success on Onekama track sweeps 3.5 points to bring home the diamond regionals; Manistee, hardware.

During their season’s Brethren, MCC all send The Portager girls ran home finale at Reitz Park on athletes to state finals away with the top spot in their the weekend of July 14-15, the Manistee County schools regional meet with 114 points, Manistee Saints secured just fared well at their regional 32 points clear of the field. the 11th 20-win season in the

club’s 84-year history.

The Saints’ historic 2018 Manistee caps historic 9-0 campaign saw them finish season with a record of 22-12 and Nothing is perfect… Until it place second in the Great is.

Lakes United Baseball League.

On Oct. 19, 2018, Manistee That win total has only been

17

January 2019 | Supplement to the Manistee News Advocate proved perfection is attainable with a hard fought 28-14 victory over NorthPointe Christian, capping an historic regular season run with an unblemished 9-0 record — the best in program history.

“That particular combination of numbers is going to stick with these kids forever,” said Chippewas coach Troy Bytwork. “9-0: that’s always the goal. Whether every team that I’ve coached or helped coach has believed it, that’s hard to say. But these kids did.

“They were able to achieve something that most high schools teams won’t,” he added.

“Five hundred and some odd teams start off hoping to do it, but not many do. This means a lot to the kids and it means a lot to me.”

game average and a 20-point average margin of victory over the course of the regular season.

The Chippewas clinched its first outright conference title in nearly 60 years. They eclipsed the school’s record for total points in a season by a wide margin and eventually became the winningest team in program history as they secured the first undefeated season Manistee High has seen since 1961, all while reinvigorating a fanbase and capturing the town’s attention.

Brethren’s success on the gridiron

The Brethren football team put together one of the program’s all-time best seasons in the fall with a West Michigan D League championship, thirdever playoff appearance and With a deceptive, speedy first postseason victory since ground game and tough- 1990. as-nails defense, Manistee The Bobcats finished the outscored opponents 360-183, year with a 7-4 record and translating to a 40 points-per-

The Manistee Chippewa football team capped a perfect 9-0 regular season. (News Advocate File Photo)

From all of us at

Hopwoods Heating & Cooling!

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR A GREAT 2018!

Please feel free to call us with any of your Heating & Cooling Needs.

Once again thank you !!!

Standard 10 Year Parts Warranty Family Owned Since 1998 Call for your FREE Estimates Today!

231-889-4981 Our Sales & Service Soars Beyond Your Expectations www.HopwoodsHeatingAndCoolingInc.com

18

Year in Review | January 2019

promise future.

heading

into

the year. I’m really happy with that.”

“I told the kids we can’t downplay how awesome this Onekama’s postseason season was for us, for our magic school and our community,” With a 10-3 record and said Brethren coach JJ Randall.

“The first time in the playoffs appearance in the 8-player since 2014, the first win since Division 2 state championship, 1990 in the playoffs and first conference championship since Onekama easily became the most successful football team 1980.

“This group has been in school history, dating back to amazing.”

1964 when the program began.

Portagers get past Lakers to While the Portagers came win district title, end 15-year up just short of the title to drought Rapid River in Northern With a three-set win over Bear Lake on Nov. 4, 2018, Onekama won its first district title since 2003 and earned a spot in the Division 4 regional semifinals.

The Portagers bested the Lakers by scores of 25-14, 25-8 and 25-8.

Michigan University’s Superior Dome on Nov. 17, 2018, their The Onekama Portager football team made it all the way to the 8-player Division 2 state championship in the fall. season will go down as one of (News Advocate File Photo) Manistee County’s best for any school in any sport.

“They’re leaving this season with memories they’ll carry for a lifetime,” said Onekama coach John Neph. “They took this program to new heights, Onekama’s season came to and they worked so hard in the a close with a loss to Mount hours that nobody sees.

Pleasant Sacred Heart in the “Lifting weights, running regional opener, but that didn’t take away from the success the hills, hard practices in August team had already achieved. when it’s hot: All of those “We had an excellent things, they were there. They season,” Elo said. “We started really wanted this and they our rotation with three brandset an example for all of us to new players on the court.

They’re all coming back, thank follow moving forward.” goodness. They grew a lot.

Manistee News Advocate We’re going to have some really staff writers contributed to Onekama’s Sophie Wisniski elevates for a spike during the Portagers’ district title victory over Bear Lake this past strong players coming back and they really advanced a lot this this report. fall. (News Advocate File Photo) “We had this day in sight for most of the season,” said Onekama coach Linda Elo. “Just to be here and experience this is the highlight of the year.”

We’re looking forward to a fabulous new year, and we hope it brings much health, wealth and happiness to you as well. Thanks for your support and friendship.

Happy New Year!

Mary Sturdevant, Agent 306 Parkdale Ave Manistee, MI 49660 Bus: 231-723-9905

mary.sturdevant.rfqh@statefarm.com www.marysturdevant.com

Thank You And Happy New Year To All Our Customers.

Hope It’s Your Best One Yet!

HAGLUND’S Floor Covering Inc. 308 Parkdale Ave., Manistee • 723-9415

19

January 2019 | Supplement to the Manistee News Advocate

Best Wishes and

Wishing You

Thanks to all of our customers for making 2018 a great year.

We look forward to serving you in 2019.

18372 Hoxeyville Road Wellston • 859-4188

Serving the community for over 83 years.

Happy New Year from

Al Bufka Construction Excavating • Machining • Fabrication

A Top-Notch Year

50 TON CRANE

Licensed & Insured Residential • Commercial • Industrial 1421 W. County Line Rd. • Manistee

723-7753

Manistee, MI

20

Year in Review | January 2019

Specializing in Commercial and Industrial Construction Helping build your community since 1979

Happy New Year

Manistee, MI • (231) 398-0837