Hastings Banner

Local post offices may see reduced hours

Sales tax should be applied fairly

Hastings’ Thurman ties for lead at golf jamboree

See Story on Page 14

See Editorial on Page 4

See Story on Page 18

THE HASTINGS

VOLUME 159, No. 20

BANNER Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856

PRICE 75¢

Thursday, May 17, 2012

August primary elections promise to be intriguing NEWS BRIEFS Sweet Grass performs tonight Sweet Grass, a local bluegrass and country-influenced group, will be featured in the Community Music Showcase which will start at 6:45 p.m. tonight, Thursday, May 17, at Thomas Jefferson Hall, 328 S. Jefferson St., Hastings. Two members of the group, Tom Freridge and Jim Metzger, played with the Thornapple River Boys for several years.

The showcase features area bands in a free concert the first and third Thursday of each month. Coming to the showcase in June will be Brushridge June 7 and Jeff Speas June 21.

Retirement reception will honor Hastings school employees The Hastings Board of Education is inviting the public to attend a reception honoring staff members who retired earlier this school year or who will be leaving the district at the end of the school year.

The reception is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Monday, May 21, in the multi-purpose room of Hastings Middle School, 232 W. Grand St. A presentation of certificates honoring those who are retiring will begin at 7 p.m.

Retirees who will be honored include teachers Julie Ackerson, Joan BosserdSchroeder, Kim Evans, Susan Fecko, Patricia “Lynn” Fleischer-Gibson, Janet Foley, Wendy Frame, Dolores Garland, Alice Gergen, Patricia LaJoye, Deborah Mepham, Kim O’Mara, Geraldine Pyles and Karl Schwartz; day care teacher Karen Whitney; custodians Robbin Bates, Donald Converse, Stephen Gibson, Frank Huss and Marcia Sherman: maintenance employee Robert Kruko; food service employee Cheryl Boyd; and transportation employees Frederick Hayes and Lucy Miller.

A welcome for new Hastings Area Schools superintendent Todd Geerlings will begin at 6:45 p.m.

Community invited to Charlton Park Day Saturday Barry County residents are invited to attend the sixth annual Charlton Park Day Saturday, May 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This fun-filled day is planned in tribute to the founder of the park, the late Irving Delos Charlton, and marks the official start of the summer event season with extended daily and weekend hours.

Due to support from many local businesses, sponsors and volunteers, this family event is free to everyone. Free hot dogs, chips, popcorn and drinks will be provided in limited quantities. Visitors may tour the many historic buildings and enjoy treats at different locations, play games on the village green and watch roping demonstrations by Cowboy Tom. A local country music group, Nighthawk, will be performing throughout the day, and tram rides, a bounce house, face painting and other activities in and around the village are planned.

For more information, go to the website www.charltonpark.org or call 269-9453775.

See NEWS BRIEFS, continued on page 2

by David DeDecker Staff Writer The Aug. 7 primary is three months away, but it promises to have some interesting races on both county and township levels.

Candidates were required by law to register with the county or township clerk by Tuesday at 5 p.m. However, township clerks are not required to report registered candidates to the county until May 21, and candidates have until May 18 to withdraw their names from the ballot.

The Banner received candidate names from the Barry County Clerk’s office after registration deadline, but there may be candidates officially registered with townships that do not appear in this article. Barry County Clerk Pam Jarvis reminds citizens these results are still unofficial.

Incumbent Barry County Prosecutor Tom

Evans is being challenged by fellow Republican Julie Nakfoor Pratt.

Current Barry County Register of Deeds Darla Burghdoff will not seek re-election.

Vying for her post are Republicans Barbara Hurless, Jake Jelsema and Linda Watson.

County officials running unopposed are Republicans Sheriff Dar Leaf, Clerk Pam Jarvis, Treasurer Susan VandeCar, Drain Commissioner Russ Yarger and Surveyor Brian Reynolds.

Due to redistricting, county commissioner seats have been reduced from eight to seven.

In District 1, incumbent Don Nevins is being challenged by fellow Republican and District 4 Commissioner Howard Gibson, along with former Hastings mayor and city councilman Republican Frank Campbell. Democrat Tom Huis also has filed to run.

District 2 Commissioner Dan Parker will

not seek reelection, leaving incumbent Republican District 6 Commissioner Craig Stolsonburg to run unopposed for another term on the board.

Current District 3 Commissioner Joe Lyons will not run for another term, but instead seeks the Rutland Township supervisor position against long-time incumbent Republican Jim Carr.

Seeking the seat of the new District 3 are current District 8 Commissioner Robert Houtman and Joyce Snow, both Republicans, and Democrat Barbara Cichy.

The District 4 commission seat is sought by Republicans Dean Bass, Jon Smelker and Curt Cybulski.

District 5 Commissioner Ben Geiger is being challenged by newcomer and fellow Republican Steven Pyrzynski for a reconfigured District 5 seat.

Seeking the post for the new District 6 are newcomers Vivian Conner, Jim DeYoung and Mark Doster, all Republicans.

District 7 Commissioner Jeff VanNortwick is being challenged by fellow Republican James Dull.

At the township level, four incumbent supervisors — in Barry, Hope, Orangeville and Rutland townships — are being challenged; five current supervisors — in Baltimore, Irving, Thornapple, Woodland and Yankee Springs townships — are not seeking re-election; and seven incumbent supervisors are uncontested in their bids.

In Assyria Township, incumbent Republican Mike Timmons is running unopposed for supervisor. Incumbent Clerk Deborah Massimino is being challenged by

See PRIMARY, page 14

Hastings schools scramble to cover $350,000 shortfall

by Sandra Ponsetto Staff Writer Despite a memo from Barry Intermediate School District Superintendent Jeff Jennette, dated June 21, 2011, warning the Hastings Area School district of the reduction in revenue, the Hastings Board of Education is now scrambling to amend its budget and find a way to cover a $350,00 shortfall in revenue form the BISD. In the 2011 letter addressed to then Hastings Area Schools Superintendent Rich Satterlee, Jennette said he wanted to make it clear that payout reductions were known and approved by the ISD board last June and local districts were notified. He said there have been no mid-year reductions.

Jennette wrote, “I am disappointed to inform you that our reimbursement for special education expenditures for the 2010-11 school year has decreased. Unfortunately, we are forecasting even less reimbursement next year due to decreasing property values.”

Tuesday, in an email response to an inquiry from the Banner, Jennette explained, “Barry ISD flows through special ed money to the [local schools] in a variety of accounts, and these dollars vary from year to year in each category ... Some of these accounts vary due to federal dollars (i.e., ARRA was a two-year

grant and the districts chose to spend the dollars differently), but Section 52 dollars are BISD dollars that we can manipulate the payout to the locals. Unfortunately, due to the decrease in property values and other factors, these dollars are fewer than past years.

“We believe in supporting the locals as much as we can, but we must also remember that we are a separate entity and need to preserve our budget, too,” he wrote. “So, when we created this year’s 2011-12 budget, we knew that we would be reducing these dollars, and you can see we told the districts in the attached memo. Hastings also should have known that they would not be receiving the ARRA dollars ($100,608 last year) this year due to the end of that grant. Even though many individuals received this memo, no one called BISD to find out what we budgeted for this year’s payout, which explains their endof-the-year ‘Oops!’’’

Hastings Interim Superintendent Michelle Falcon notified the board during a work session Tuesday evening.

“We do not feel that this is something that we can present and vote on Monday,” Falcon told the board. “We have gotten reports from Barry ISD that we are going to have a significant shortfall in special ed funds being paid back to our district through Section 52 in

upwards of a shortfall of $360,000. Before we present that in a budget amendment, we really want to make sure we have those numbers more firm.”

The board has until June 30 to pass a balanced budget for the 2012-13 school year.

Falcon said she had conversations with BISD Business Manager Cindy Larkin and Jennette, she learned that more reimbursements of approximately $95,000 may be available through Medicaid.

“As [the ISD] is finishing their May budget amendment, there may be some more flow-through dollars for special education through Section 52 that they can reimburse,” she said.

In his email, Jennette wrote, “I have told both boards ([Delton Kellogg] and Hastings) that we are currently amending our budget and if we have some extra dollars to distribute, the BISD board is committed to that; we should know those numbers within three weeks. Can I guarantee $360,000 to Hastings? Absolutely not, but we know that anything that we can give them will help.”

During its regular meeting slated for 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 21, the Hastings Board of Education is expected to approve the appointment of Tom Tebo as interim finance director for three months, replacing Barbara

Hunt, who resigned April 27. Tebo, a certified public accountant and the retired finance director of Williamston Public Schools, currently oversees the finance books of 25 charter schools. He will work with the board to prepare budget amendments and monthly financial statements, overseeing the annual end-of-year audit and more.

Falcon said financial and budget consultant Don Sovey is wrapping up his work with the district and is expected to make a presentation about the budgeting process to the board Wednesday, May 30.

Falcon said the district is behind on the budgeting process due to Hunt’s resignation but is expected to have everything back on schedule by the end of the month.

“We are moving this process along as fast as we can,” she said.

In other business Tuesday, Falcon informed the board that the district will close on the Pleasantview Elementary property in Dowling Tuesday, May 22. She also reported that the board policy committee has been looking at a formula to recalculate grade point averages. The policy will be presented to the board during Monday’s meeting, along with information on a proposed Facebook policy for the district and policy language regarding layoffs, and recalls and more.

TK seventh grader is just a regular kid and on the big screen

by Julie Makarewicz Staff Writer Many of Derek Brandon’s Thornapple Kellogg Middle School classmates have no idea of his life on the big screen. They see him mostly as a likable, funny, typical 13year-old seventh grader who runs track, plays basketball and loves just hanging out with friends.

But for Brandon, there’s a whole different side to the teen running laps in track or jumping over hurdles. The other side of Brandon sees his name in lights, signs autographs for hours as fans line up to have their picture taken with him, and walks the red carpet with famed actors and actresses.

Brandon stars as Mickey Matson in the recently released family action movie “Mickey Matson and the Copperhead Conspiracy.”

The movie was recently released at Celebration Cinema North in Grand Rapids and is now playing at Celebration Cinema North, South and Rivertown Crossings.

Brandon said it’s still hard to realize it’s all really happening.

“This is awesome,” he said Brandon last week, taking pictures as fans lined up after the film showing. Pre-teen girls got autographs on their arms, their shirts, posters and tickets, giggling with excitement after meeting Brandon.

The film was everything he had hoped and more, and he said he can’t wait to continue his acting career, possibly in a sequel to the Mickey Matson saga.

The recent premier was the first time Brandon saw the fully edited film.

“I love it. I love seeing it all come together and I think it’s great. It was awesome,“ he said with a grin that just wouldn’t fade.

The movie was filmed in northern Michigan and movie-goers said they liked seeing many familiar landmarks, such as the Manistee lighthouse and Lake Michigan shoreline.

This 101-minute movie is a family-friendly adventure film written and directed by Michigan native Harold Cronk, co-founder of 10 West Studios in Manistee.

The movie has earned the Dove Family Film series approval. The story follows the struggles of young Mickey Matson as he deals with the death of his Grandpa Jack, played by Christopher Lloyd of “Back to the Future” fame. Teased by his friends and uncertain about himself, Matson had always found comfort with his grandfather.

When he thinks his grandfather left him only a Petoskey stone after his death, Matson is confused and hurt until he discovers the stone holds a hidden map leading to adventure.

Matson gains confidence while searching for clues from the map and evolves into someone who stands up for what he believes is right and understands what is most important.

“Doing the right thing usually isn’t easy,” Matson says remembering lessons from his grandfather.

Other cast members include co-star Francesca DeRosa as Sully, a tough-nosed city girl who takes no grief from anyone; Patrika

See BIG SCREEN, pg. 2

Thornapple Kellogg seventh grader Derek Brandon enters the movie theater with co-star Francesca DeRosa before last week’s premier.

Page 2 — Thursday, May 17, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

BIG SCREEN, continued from page 1 honest and friendly and humble,” said the elder Brandon. “Not everyone gets to do this.

He’s living his dream.”

Derek Brandon said he thinks he was born to be an actor. Even at an early age, he was jumping up on rocks or logs, pretending they were his stage and forcing his family to reenact scenes with him.

“My parents are super supportive. I couldn’t obviously do this without them and all their help. They know this is what I really want,” said Brandon.

Derek Brandon and Francesca DeRosa sign autographs before the film begins.

Darbo from “Days of Our Lives” as Grams; and Ernie Hudson from “Ghostbusters.”

Watching the film brought Brandon’s mom, Shannon, to tears.

“It was just so amazing to see him on that big screen. I was really overwhelmed. I can’t even describe it,” she said.

His dad, Terry, was equally as proud.

“I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet what’s really going on here,” said Terry Brandon.

“I’m just in awe of my kid. He’s amazing.

Everyone has their own talents, and this is Derek’s. This is what he really wants.”

Terry Brandon said he tries to keep his son grounded and true to himself, even as bright lights and fame seem to be calling.

“I try to tell him it’s important just to be

Shannon Brandon and her younger son, Dylan, await the arrival of Derek Brandon.

Derek Brandon, walking with co-star Francesca DeRosa, points to a friend.

While he loves acting, for now, Brandon said he also wants a regular teenage life with friends and school.

“I just like being with friends and being crazy,” he said. “I don’t want to be treated any differently. I’m just a regular kid.”

While his future seems headed to the bright lights of Hollywood, Brandon said he plans to finish school at TK and stay rooted in Middleville.

“It would be great to have two homes — one in California for filming and one here where I can just be me. I really want to stay true to who I am.”

Actor Christopher Lloyd, who plays grandfather to Middleville’s Derek Brandon, signs autographs.

County commission delays animal shelter decision, but not discussion

by Doug VanderLaan Editor Barry County commissioners deferred lengthy discussion on a much-anticipated showdown over Animal Control, but their audience at Tuesday’s committee of the whole meeting certainly did not.

“I personally have no problem with enforcement,” Mary Fisher, president of the Barry County Humane Society, began in public comments near the end of Tuesday’s meeting. “I do have a problem with the way adoption — or lack thereof — has been handled.

“I was part of the Animal Shelter 2000 [fundraising] Committee and we strove to get a new building, but I’m disappointed with the [adoption] numbers — we have a nice building, and we have a nicer euthanasia chamber.

“The stonewalling by the present management filters down from the very top. I strongly suggest a different path and that you hire a director. I’m one of many who feel that way and one of many who’d like to be proud of our Animal Control.”

Differences over management at Barry Animal Control have simmered for more than two years when the county board first wanted to hire its own director who would report directly to the commission but nixed the idea in response to budget pressures.

Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf currently directs the Animal Control Office and openly sparred with Commissioner Robert Houtman weeks ago over a hiring decision that Leaf said he believes was no more than a smokescreen for Houtman’s and the commission’s effort to take Animal Control Office oversight away from him.

When Houtman engineered a unanimously approved April 26 commission resolution to prevent Leaf from filling an open position with a full-time hire until Tuesday’s meeting when the larger issue of Animal Control would be discussed, Leaf had promised to be ready.

“I’ll see you on May 15,” Leaf vowed, setting up Tuesday’s much-anticipated meeting.

“First of all, a new ‘director’ position should be out of the question,” said Leaf in a one-page communication he placed in front of individual commissioners after Tuesday’s meeting began. “In the hard economic times that we are facing, making another layer of government would not be in the best interest of the people that we serve. A director with two employees is top-heavy government.”

For his part, Houtman preferred to move that discussion into another arena and at another time, suggesting that County Administrator Michael Brown first research the issue and analyze different management possibilities which could include, according to Houtman, the current structure, cooperation with another county, outside contracting for services and creating a commission-led department.

“My proposal is to not have a major discussion but to start an analysis of differences in management structures,” said Houtman.

‘We need perspective from the community so it can be more participatory, and we need to look at the adoption process.”

The county board, with the exception of

Dan Parker who was absent, unanimously endorsed Houtman’s proposal and agreed to put Brown’s report and another anticipated discussion on the agenda of the June 19 committee of the whole meeting.

Subsequent public commenters Tuesday weren’t about to wait until then to voice their opinions — and to alert commissioners that any final decision will not be an easy one.

“We knew exactly what we were getting [with the new animal shelter building],” said Barb Cichy of Wall Lake in response to Fisher’s earlier comment. “We knew that it was a humane place for the euthanization of animals if they were not adopted — that is true animal control.

“If they [Fisher and Humane Society members] feel that way, they should start their own organization and get a building rather than criticize this organization for trying to do what it’s supposed to: control of animals.”

Rebecca Neal, appointed to a one-year term to the Animal Control/Shelter Advisory Board in February, added a similar perspective.

“We need to remember that this is Animal Control, it’s not a Humane Society,” Neal told commissioners. To Fisher she commented, “Get your organization together, rescue animals out of the facility, and adopt them.”

Leaf’s final comments in his communication echoed the theme.

“We are a temporary holding facility, not a rescue,” said Leaf. “I would like to see the county stay out of the adoption business.

What we should be doing is getting adoptable animals into the hands of the people who adopt animals.”

Leaf’s position paper cited the shelter’s dog euthanasia rate at a “very respectable” 31 percent as compared to the Michigan Humane Society’s 68.5 percent rate. Of 1,500 cats taken in over the past year, most were euthanized for various reasons such as sickness, Leaf said.

He warned that moving to become an adoption provider would be costly due to the fees required by the Michigan Department of Agriculture for licensed rescuers. He also rejected the idea of partnering with shelters in other counties.

“I am open to other ideas,” Leaf’s paper concluded. “I am also open to that maybe the commissioners of the past got it right.”

In other business, the board recommended for approval at its May 22 meeting: • A $4,500 from its Community Development Block Grant fund for roof repair on a CDBG-eligible home on South M43 Highway in Delton.

• A realignment in the target area for placement of 50 percent of the county’s CDBG funds to now include the Village of Nashville, the unincorporated community of Delton, and the City of Hastings. The Village of Middleville had been part of the original list but was dropped in favor of more urban settings and because Habitat for Humanity had identified Middleville as its own target area.

As clarified by Commission Chair Craig Stolsonburg, Middleville and Freeport — which also was mentioned — would still be eligible for use of the remaining 50 percent of

Hastings Orthopedic Clinic, P.C. • Kenneth S. Merriman, M.D. • Eric S. Leep, D.O. • James L. Horton, Jr., D.O. • David J. Heeringa, D.O. • Maria Benit, PA-C • Christopher Born, PA-C Osteoporosis is common, serious, and costly — and it can lead to an increased risk of bone fractures, typically in the wrist, hip, and spine. Often called a silent disease because bone loss occurs without symptoms, people may not know that they have osteoporosis until their bones become so weak that a sudden bump or fall causes a fracture. Please join with Hastings Orthopedic Clinic, PC in continuing to honor women this month by helping to raise awareness of osteoporosis and the importance of prevention and early detection in combating this disease.

Did You Know?

• About 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, and about 34 million more are at risk.

• One out of every 2 women and 1 in 4 men aged 50 and older will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.

• Twenty-four percent of hip fracture patients age 50 and older die in the year following their fracture.

From left to right: James L. Horton, Jr., D.O., Orthopedic Surgeon; David J. While men and women of all ages and ethnicities can develop osteoporosis, certain risk factors are linked to Heeringa, D.O., Orthopedic Surgeon; Eric S. Leep, D.O., Physical Medicine; Kenneth the development of osteoporosis and contribute to an individual’s likelihood of developing the disease.

S. Merriman, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon.

• Gender – Women have a greater chance of developing osteoporosis due to less bone tissue and changes that occur due to menopause.

• Ethnicity – Caucasian and Asian women are at highest risk. African American and Hispanic women have lower but significant risk.

• Age – Older adults have greater risk of osteoporosis because bones become thinner and weaker with age.

• Body size – Small, thin-boned women are at greater risk.

• Diet – An inadequate intake of calcium and vitamin D over a lifetime makes an individual more prone to bone loss and contributes to the development of osteoporosis.

• Lifestyle – An inactive lifestyle or extended bed rest tends to weaken bones.

• Family history – Fracture risk may be due, in part, to heredity.

• Smoking – Women who smoke have lower levels of estrogen compared with nonsmokers, often go through menopause earlier, and may also absorb less calcium from their diets.

• Medication use – Long-term use of certain medications can lead to loss of bone density and fractures.

• Alcohol –Those who drink heavily are more prone to bone loss and fracture, because of poor nutrition and increased risk of falling.

People with osteoporosis may have several risk factors, while others who develop the disease may have no known risk factors at all.

Osteoporosis is a preventable and treatable disease. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce or prevent fractures. Medicare and other insurance carriers provide coverage of bone mass measurement for certain eligible beneficiaries. This important benefit can aid in the early detection of osteoporosis before fractures happen, provide a precursor to future fractures, and determine the rate of bone loss.

For more information on Hastings Orthopedic Clinic or to learn about all of our services, please visit us online at www.hoc-mi.com, scan our QR code below with your mobile device, or contact us directly at (269) 945-9520.

Providing Excellence.

In the Art of Total Orthopedic Care Physical Medicine and Pain Management

Accessible. Comprehensive.

77567863

CBDG funds, as would any Barry County area.

• Two rezoning requests from mixed-use to rural residential, one for the Hophead Farms in Barry Township and the other for a ministorage facility to built in Baltimore Township. Planning and Zoning Director James McManus explained that both parcels had once been identified as potential housing sites but now will be used for purposes making a rezoning designation proper.

• A transfer of money within the community corrections fund of $5,000 to office supplies and $14,788 to salary and benefits. The transfer allows money allocated for the potential hire of a GED instructor to be properly aligned now that an instructor has been hired.

• Payment of the $298,957 annual premium for county liability insurance on vehicles, properties and crime coverage to the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority. The premium is an approximately 4 percent reduction from the 2011-12 rate.

• A correction to the retirement benefit contribution rate for sheriff command officers.

When the new contract was recently negotiated, sheriff command officers agreed to pay an additional 2.5 percent into their retirement program, bringing their total contribution to a maximum of 6.06 percent. When it was discovered that the additional 2.5 percent additional employee contribution rate would move it beyond the maximum 6.06 percent, the new additional rate increase had to be reduced to 2.36 percent.

• Adoption of the Reciprocal Retirement Act, as part of the Municipal Employees Retirement System. The adoption allows individuals who have earned service credit at another municipality to transfer those credits for the purpose of meeting pension eligibility requirements.

In the ongoing discussion regarding hydraulic fracturing, commissioners also heard from George Williston who reported that most of the leases of public land in Barry County were sold at the May 8 auction in Lansing to Richard B. Patterson, president of Meridian Land Group in Haslett. Williston told commissioners that Meridian companies already have a permit from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality of fracking for gas in Barry County somewhere near Dowling, most likely on private land.

Williston also furnished commissioners with Meridian Land Group’s address and telephone number, along with an entreaty that the board “show some leadership in getting this postponed ... and to take the welfare and the health of Barry County into consideration.”

Correction In an April 19 account of a Barry County Board of Commissioners meeting relative to a discussion on animal control, comments should have been accredited to Julie Baker.

The Banner apologies for the error.

NEWS BRIEFS continued from front page

Hastings Memorial Day parade to have new route Monday, May 28, the Memorial Day parade in Hastings will step off at 9:30 a.m. from the corner of Boltwood and State streets. Groups or individuals wanting to participate in the parade will begin gathering at 8:30 a.m. in the former Felpausch parking lot.

Due to the construction on M-37 and M-43 highways, the route will be changed this year. The parade will proceed west on State Street to the Barry County Courthouse where the honor guard will place wreaths on the monuments there. A very short ceremony will take place, the rifle squad will fire, and “Taps” will be played. The parade will then continue south on Church Street to Center Street, east on Center Street back to the Felpausch parking lot to disperse.

Anyone interested in being on this year’s parade is asked to call Jim Atkinson, Post 45 Memorial Day Parade chairman, 269-948-8219 to register.

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 17, 2012 — Page 3

Hastings GFWC hosts annual Senior Girls Tea

Alice Kinney (left) is awarded the 2012 GFWC Hastings Women’s Club scholarship by club member Alvina Griswold.

Hastings High School Class of 2012 girls and their mothers, grandmothers, sisters and friends gather for the 66th annual Hastings High School Senior Girls Tea at First Baptist Church in Hastings.

Substance Abuse Task Force hosting town hall celebration Monday Four generations of one family who graduated from Hastings High School are (from left) Fern Lind, Darlene Harris, Tracey Vickery and Letitia Vickery.

Representing four generations of Hastings High School graduates are (from left) Susan Freeman, Ruth Auten, Kelly Churchill and Farrah Salazar.

Hastings Public Library Director Evelyn Holzwarth (left) accepts a check from GFWC President Barb Benner.

The Barry County Substance Abuse Task Force is proud to be one of many community coalitions around the country encouraging people to take simple steps to improve their communities and lives as part of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Prevention Week.

For Barry County, this year’s town hall and celebration will focus on the theme of “Do Your Part” in alignment with similar observations across the state of Michigan.

The “Do Your Part” town hall and celebration will be Monday, May 21, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Barry Community Enrichment Center, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings, The public is invited to attend.

The event will include a brief presentation celebrating and highlighting the accomplishments and collaborative efforts to prevent underage drinking and other substance abuse issues in the community, along with a focus on the next steps in continuing to work together to make Barry County safer and healthier for everyone, said Liz Lenz, coordinator of the Barry County SATF. “Prevention involves many everyday actions, such as volunteering, getting involved, and talking to our friends and family members about being drug and alcohol free,” she said. “When we all do our part, no matter how big or small, we are working together to make a positive impact.”

The power of prevention will also be celebrated during this event, and recognition will be given to outstanding SATF members and community partners for their involvement in local prevention efforts.

“The SATF gets its strengths from its members and partners. Our community is a better place because we all work together to make a difference,” said Megan Palmer, Drug-Free Communities project coordinator with the SATF. “We want to thank them for their commitment, energy and involvement.”

The Barry County Substance Abuse Task Force is coordinated through Substance Abuse Prevention Services, Barry County Community Mental Health Authority, and is a recipient of a Drug-Free Communities Support Grant.

For more information, call 269-948-4200 or email Liz Lenz at llenz@bccmha.org or Megan Palmer at mepalmer@bccmha.org.

“Alice has demonstrated a dedication to education, career goals and community spirit,” said GFWC President Barb Benner as she presented the scholarship. “She has exhibited responsibility, self-confidence, persistence, integrity and determination to achieve.”

The soon-to-be-graduates and their mothers and other special guests enjoyed a fashion show coordinated by Sue Otto, owner of Previously Pink, an upscale consignment shop in downtown Hastings, and a speech entitled “The End is Always a Beginning,” by Rev. Gretchen K. Weller, rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Hastings and Eastern dean for the Western Michigan Diocese.

Rev. Gretchen Weller from Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Hastings gives a speech at the Senior Girls Tea.

Ryan Rose, on behalf of the Barry County YMCA, accepts a check from GFWC President Barb Benner during the Hastings Senior Girls Tea.

HJULIE REPUBLICAN

for PROSECUTOR

Nakfoor Pratt RESTORE JUSTICE IN BARRY COUNTY

H Proven Trial Attorney H Child Advocate of the Year 2005 H www.julieforjustice.com 77567873

Tonka Kruger (left) accepts a check on behalf of Barry County Head Start from GFWC President Barb Benner.

For 66 years, the GFWC-Hastings women’s club has hosted a tea for girls graduating from Hastings High School, and this year was no exception. Friday, May 4, at First Baptist Church in Hastings, the club treated the female portion of the Class of 2012 to punch, tea and light refreshments, musical entertainment by Bows ‘n’ Buddies, a fashion show and an inspirational speaker.

The girls also witnessed the club’s presentation of donations to the Barry County YMCA, Barry County Head Start, Hastings Public Library and the 2012 GFWC Scholarship.

The scholarship was awarded to Alice Kinney, daughter of Michael and Nancy Kinney of Hastings. In the fall, Kinney will attend Western Michigan University to study Spanish. This summer she plans to travel to Santiago, Chile, to visit Lisa Morgan a state department agent, whom Kinney said inspired her to study Spanish.

During her time at Hastings High School, Kinney was involved in a variety of school and community activities, including 4-H, serving on the teen advisory board at Hastings Public Library, National Honor Society, Barry County Humane Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions, the Hastings High School recycling program, Youth in Government, Hastings Swim Club, junior varsity soccer, and donating blood to the Red Cross and her hair to Locks of Love.

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Julie Nakfoor Pratt Prosecutor, 97 Sherwood Dr., Hastings, MI 49058

Page 4 — Thursday, May 17, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

Did you

see?

Sales tax on all online purchases is long overdue Holding the line on any new tax increases has been the rule for many of our elected officials. And, for most voters – that’s been good news. However, there are times when a review of tax policy is necessary.

For months now, Michigan Republicans have been touting the importance of getting the cost of government under control.

Some have taken a “no new taxes” pledge which is laudable but, at the same time, they still have a responsibility to keep the system running.

Gov. Rick Snyder is asking Congress to require online merchants to collect the 6 percent sales tax for Michigan. The system makes it difficult for small brick and mortar businesses to compete with large retail giants when they don’t have a physical presence in the state, allowing them a price advantage.

Presently, 17 states have adopted legislation to collect taxes on Internet purchases, yet some retailers are challenging the tax on the grounds that only Congress can regulate interstate commerce. In fairness to taxpayers and to state governments, Congress should pass the Marketplace Fairness Act, by requiring all online and mail order purchases be required to collect the appropriate sales tax.

For years now, small businesses have been subjected to an unfair competitive advantage since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states couldn’t require out-ofstate businesses to collect sales tax unless they had a physical presence.

Yet local companies, who have a physical presence in our communities, are required to collect the tax.

These businesses employ people who pay their fair share of taxes into the system. They participate in local events, donate to needy causes, and yet are expected to compete with faceless retail giants that avoid many of the same costs our local businesses face.

Recently, a businessman told me about a customer who came into his store to inquire about a product. The retailer spent time with the customer, answering every question the customer had and showing the differences between other products to help the customer make the best choice.

The customer left the store, promising to return. It sounded good, but the merchant knew the customer was going to purchase online, saving the sales tax and maybe even getting a better price, due to online retailers’ buying ability and lower overhead costs.

If taxpayers expect our local governments to be able to fix our roads, to edu-

A new record Hastings High School sophomore Trista Straube races to the finish line at the end of the 3200-meter run Saturday at Forest Hills Eastern High School in Ada. Straube set a new school record with her third-place time of 11 minutes 29.21 seconds in the event. The previous record was set in 1993.

Do you

know?

What do you Years after this photograph was taken, the late Esther Walton, a noted local historian, penciled on the back the names Mildred Smith, Ed Taylor(?) , David VanBuskirk, Pat Wedel, and added “football field graduation, June 3, 1949.” So this photo is not so much of a mystery, thanks to Esther. Still, we thought readers would enjoy seeing a graduation ceremony that took place at Hastings High School, but with far different surroundings. If you look closely, you can see that many of the gowns have been darkened by raindrops.

Rod DeMond called to say that in last week’s photo, which had been taken at Hastings Manufacturing Company, his uncle Steven DeMond was the one presenting a ham to an unknown lady in the center. To his right is Agnes Smith, the company’s registered nurse. The taller man to the right, he said, may have been Dick Begart. DeMond said his uncle worked at Hastings Manufacturing until 1951 or 1952, so the photo was likely taken in the late 1940s or early 1950s.

Have you

met?

Pam Swiler lives in Lake Odessa with her husband, Wayne, on the Swiler family farm.

She has worn many hats in her career, including as a secretary for 20 years in Grand Rapids Public Schools, a deputy registrar for the City of Grand Rapids, teaching an after-school program for fourth to sixth grade students, and serving as a substitute secretary in the Lakewood School District.

She still works part time for her daughter who owns Practical Rehab Services.

Swiler has been a member of the Lake Odessa Arts Commission board, is the founder and president of the Ionia County Genealogical Society, a member of the Lake Odessa Area Historical Society, and is currently on the board of the Lake Odessa Community Library. She also serves as a trustee at the Congregational Church in Lake Odessa. Swiler is always ready to step up and lend a hand when a need arises, making her a Barry County (area) bright light.

Famous American you’d like to meet and why: Benjamin Franklin — I am fascinated by all the things he invented and would like to ask him what he thinks about the inventions of today.

If you could go back in time where and

If your life had a theme song, it would be: “Cheers.”

TV show you would like to be on: NCIS. Favorite table or board game?

Sequence — because all ages can play it.

Best trip you ever took: A cruise to the Bahamas with my hubby.

Most recent book you read: The Hunger Games.

If you were featured in a front-page newspaper article, the headline would read: Volunteered for another task?

Describe yourself in three words: Christian, detail-oriented, dedicated.

Pam Swiler when would you go? Can’t think of any place or time I would want to go back to — there are a lot of places I have yet to see, though.

Favorite sports team: Detroit Pistons.

If you were a superhero, what superpower would you want? The power to make sad people happy.

Each week, the Banner profiles a person from the community working behind the scenes, whose efforts may not make headlines, but whose dedication makes Barry County shine. We’ll provide a quick peek each week at some of Barry County’s stars.

Do you know someone who should be featured? Send information to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@jadgraphics.com.

cate our kids, and to maintain strong police and fire protection then they should accept the responsibility of demanding that we maintain fairness in our sales tax system.

In recent years, due to the economic challenges facing our state, the amount of taxes collected has declined at every level.

State law currently requires taxpayers to declare a use tax (6 percent) on purchases where sales tax wasn’t collected.

But, very few taxpayers declare the unpaid tax on purchases on their year-end returns.

According to state treasury officials, Michigan stands to lose more than $421 million this year in sales tax left uncollected due to online and mail order purchases.

“Government should not be in the business of giving favored treatment of one retail sector over another sector,” said James Hallan, president and CEO of the Michigan Retailers Association. “You just have this protected class that’s flying under the radar and it’s just not right.”

Due to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, a company must have a presence inside a state for it to be required to collect and remit sales tax. The ruling should be changed so that all sales, whether from a brick and mortar, online or mail order operations the appropriate tax should be applied – it’s the right thing to do.

Gov. Rick Snyder recently addressed a letter on this subject to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.

“By enabling remote sellers to ignore the collection of sales and use taxes,” Snyder told Reid and McConnell, “it provides them an unfair competitive advantage and threatens the viability of retailers throughout our communities, many of which are locally owned small businesses that reflect the unique character and culture of the Great Lakes State.

“As we continue to work to improve the quality and efficiency of services throughout the state,” Snyder went on to state, “it is crucial that the state has the tools to fairly collect the revenue that it is owed.”

Snyder has led the charge since taking office in promoting efficiency in government at all levels. If taxpayers expect it to work, we must be willing to support the Marketplace Fairness Act as a way to maintain fairness in a system, by applying the appropriate tax to all purchases.

think?

Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website www.HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported the following week, along with a new question. Feel free to leave an opinion or comment.

Last week’s question: Road conditions and maintenance funding is expected to soon hit crisis levels. Are you willing to support increased funding for roads through . . .

10% 24% 67%

Fred Jacobs, vice president J-Ad Graphics

A higher gas tax A road millage Neither

For this week: Candidates for local offices had until Tuesday to file their petitions. Many offices have only one candidate, and, in Castleton Township, there are no candidates for supervisor.

Do you think the sacrifice for public service has become too high? q

Yes

q

No

GET MORE NEWS! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner.

Call 945-9554 for more information.

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 17, 2012 — Page 5

Middleville council hears about overpopulation of mute swans

by Julie Makarewicz staff writer A proliferation of mute swans may be harming the natural environment and wildlife of the millpond in Middleville.

Sara Schaefer from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources told village council members during the May 9 meeting that they may want to consider measures to control the mute swan population. She toured the millpond by kayak and counted at least 30 adult mute swans.

“Of greatest concern from that tour is the number of mute swans in the area and the pairing of a mute swan with a trumpeter swan. That’s not what we want to see,” she said.

Mute swans are not natural to Michigan and are often very aggressive. They can force out the native trumpeter swan, which is on the state’s threatened species list. Increasing numbers of mute swans threaten successful breeding for trumpeter swans.

Schaefer said there are signs the population of mute swans are also changing the millpond to more of a marsh area by reducing the amount of underwater vegetation and chasing away other waterfowl, such as wood ducks.

“This pond should be alive with ducks and wood ducks and other breeding waterfowl.

But there are very few,” she said. “Mute swans are very aggressive.”

The DNR’s long-term goal, she said, is to reduce the state’s population of mute swans to less than 2,000 by the year 2030. There are several ways of doing this, according to Schaefer. One way is to make certain mute swan eggs don’t hatch. Another is to obtain permits from the DNR to cull the mute swan population in an area.

Schaefer said the U.S. Department of Agriculture currently has grants available for mute swan culling. The village or some other government entity must submit an application to the DNR for permits first in order to obtain the grants.

“If the millpond continues to be a safe haven for mute swans, they will continue coming back to nest, and more will also come,” Schaefer said.

If the village decides to seek a permit, it can be good for up to five years. Village officials can determine acceptable numbers of mute swans to maintain in the area and continue culling the herd until those numbers are reached.

The most notable difference between mute and trumpeter swans is that the adult male mute swan has an orange bill, while the trumpeter’s bill is black.

Council members said they will have to discuss the issue further before making any decisions.

Write Us A Letter: The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published.

The requirements are: • All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only.

• Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published.

• All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense.

• Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted.

• Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor.

• Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily.

• “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer.

• In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month.

• We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced.

Know Your Legislators: Michigan Legislature Governor Rick Snyder, Republican, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400.

State Senator Rick Jones, Republican, 24th District (Allegan, Barry and Eaton counties). Michigan State Senate, State Capitol, Farnum Building Room 915, 125 West Allegan Street, Lansing, MI 48909-7536. Send mail to P. O. Box 30036, Lansing, MI, 48909. Phone: (517) 373-3447. E-mail: senrjones@senate.michigan.gov State Representative Mike Callton, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, MI 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: mikecallton@house.mi.gov U.S. Congress Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 1714 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 2255144. District office: Room 166, Federal Building, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383.

IURP RXU UHDGHUV Fracking facts inspire little confidence To the editor: The oil and gas industry’s dissemination of misinformation regarding current and future hydrofracking in Michigan is troubling, though not unexpected. Unfortunately, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality is perpetuating these half-truths and omissions.

Proponents of fracking typically draw no distinction between conventional, vertical fracking and high-volume, horizontal fracking, claiming that 12,000 wells in Michigan have been fracked over the past 60 years with “no evidence of any adverse impacts on the environment or public health.” These 12,000 wells are conventional, vertical bores that are relatively shallow and consume relatively low amounts of groundwater during drilling, production and completion. Horizontal fracking represents a staggering increase in scales of operation, groundwater use and contamination, and toxic waste generation and disposal.

This is not your father’s fracking; it’s akin to comparing a BB gun with a 30.06 rifle.

In fact, only 12 wells have been horizontally fracked in Michigan. These wells are located in the northern Lower Peninsula, and at least two incidents of contamination linked to them have been documented thus far. This does not constitute a long-term record of safety, as the industry and the DEQ would have us believe. (Google: “Christmas Eve gas leak, Crawford County, Mich.”).

Fracking advocates also downplay health and safety risks by asserting that Michigan’s unique geology and strict regulations will protect our water, land and air from contamination. They omit the fact that, since passage of the Energy Act of 2005, fracking operators are exempt from applicable pollution laws.

These laws include the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the Superfund Law, which holds polluters financially responsible for cleanup of toxic waste sites. Exemption from these laws lets industry off the hook; when contamination occurs, taxpayers – not well operators – will pay for attempts at cleanup. These facts do not inspire confidence. If horizontal fracking is safe, why was it necessary for industry to cover its rear ends with these loopholes?

According to an April 2011 Congressional report, more than 650 products used in fracking operations contain “components of concern,” including at least 14 carcinogens and 25 hazardous air pollutants. The primary response to this fact by industry and the DEQ: “Material Safety Data Sheets for these chemicals will be kept on site.” Is this representative of Michigan’s “tougher regulations?”

Data sheets in a file cabinet?

Even more unsettling are the fracking products and chemicals used that the industry is not required to disclose. When asked by Michigan Public Radio how these secret chemicals would affect a response to groundwater contamination, such as “How would we

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To the editor: It is apparent that oil exploration companies are keenly interested in seeking oil and gas in Barry County. Landowners are being approached to sign leases allowing companies the right to place drilling rigs on their property to access oil and gas. Even if your property is not large enough to support a drilling rig, drilling can be done laterally, accessing your minerals from afar.

This amazing technology permits access to larger fields without unsightly drilling rigs covering the landscape. If drilling is successful, only a small cluster of wellheads remain, which can be easily hidden with landscaping.

While there has been a citizens’ push against hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, actual facts are not always presented. The process of hydraulic fracturing has been statistically proven in Michigan to be safe, overseen by the state department of environmental quality, which must issue each permit and oversee each fracturing operation. The DEQ also oversees each land restoration when drilling is completed.

Hydraulic fracturing has been done in Michigan since 1952. The number of actual wells fractured in Michigan is about 12,000 with no evidence of any adverse impacts to the environment or public health as stated by the DEQ. The water usage for a large-volume hydraulic fractured well is about the same as a three-eights-inch rainfall over one square mile of land. We had almost 10 times that in just one day recently over a third of Barry County, that’s three-plus inches over about 190 square miles. Also, the DEQ absolutely knows and must approve every chemical that is used for each well, although for proprietary reasons only, this is not published.

Hydraulic fracturing has many benefits, including monetary compensation to landowners, an increase in spending at our businesses, restaurants and hotels, and the prospect of additional jobs. Every successful oil and gas well on our homeland reduces our need for foreign energy. Did you know that funds from leased state lands in Michigan are returned to the taxpayers in the form of improvements to parklands? The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund disperses these monies through grants.

Barry County received a $215,300 grant from this fund to develop McKeown Bridge Park in Hastings Township. This fund purchased fishing piers, a riverside boardwalk, nature trails and the native replanting of the prairie areas. I also understand that the Barry State Game Area is or will be applying for one or more of these grants for parking and access development for game area.

Hydraulic fracture drilling is not a threat to our way of life but a benefit to all, especially the citizens of Barry County.

Warren Wheeler, Yankee Springs Township

06778835

Banner

know what to look for?” a DEQ spokesman responded, “Well, those chemicals would be present in the environment.” This sort of evasive obfuscation should disgust and alarm anyone who thinks critically.

On May 8 in Lansing, more than 91,000 acres of state land mineral rights were leased to developers for gas extraction involving horizontal fracking. These 23,419 Barry County acres represent more than 25 percent of that total; significantly more acreage than any other Michigan county. During the course of the day, 10 registered bidders were removed from this public auction for expressing opinions critical of the process. One was arrested. This occurrence is indicative of a stifling of public participation in matters that directly affect the public.

I urge concerned citizens to contact their legislative representatives, Gov. Rick Snyder, the DNR and the DEQ to demand public hearings on horizontal fracking and injection waste disposal prior to the issuance of drilling permits. Ask your township and county officials to pass local resolutions opposing this risk-laden drilling technique.

Become informed; every state and Canadian province that has permitted horizontal fracking and deep-well injection of fracking waste has had problems. Entire countries (France, Bulgaria) have banned fracking altogether.

The petroleum industry is, as always, 10 steps ahead in a rigged chess match against alarmed citizens. The industry has spent years and millions of dollars creating loopholes and securing exemptions from existing laws, both federal and state. They are spending millions more on various “clean energy” greenwashing campaigns that can be viewed, in heavy rotation, on network and cable television, as well as in dozens of print media.

The McAda company is a fracking support firm specializing in the heating of fracking fluids to increase the production of a well.

Among the items they provide to companies are site specific customization of services, helping drillers to decipher “the unknown intricacies of the geology.” This is what alarms critics of horizontal fracking. There exists an uncomfortable knowledge gap as well as an unconscionable disclosure gap on the part of the industry and, by extension, the state.

Barry County is blessed with more lakes than any other Lower Michigan county. Are we willing to trust the petroleum industry – with its dubious record of safety and their pure profit motive – to protect our most valuable resource? For that matter, can we trust our state?

Steven Losher, Cloverdale

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U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822.

Carl Levin, Democrat, Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-6221. District office: 110 Michigan Ave., Federal Building, Room 134, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 456-2531.

President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121.

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Oil and gas drilling benefits Barry County

Page 6 — Thursday, May 17, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

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Worship Together…

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...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience...

GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852-9228.

Morning Celebration 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Fellowship Time before the service.

Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training.

SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 408, (corner of Milo Rd. & S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Nursery and Children’s Ministry.

Thursday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 1716 North Broadway. Rev. Timm Oyer, Pastor. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Morning Worship Service 10:45 a.m.; Evening Service 6 p.m.; Wednesday Evening Service 7 p.m.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Dan Currie, Sr. Pastor; Josh Maurer, Youth Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages,10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Jr. Youth Group 5-7 p.m. & Sr. High Youth Group 7-9 p.m.. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30 p.m., Awana, Bible Study, Praise and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information on MOPS, Children’s Choir, Sports Ministries.

WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Gary Simmons. Sunday Worship 9:15 a.m.

PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead.

(616) 758-3021 church phone.

Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m.

WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Susan D. Olsen.

Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m.; Sunday School, 10:45 a.m.

ST. ROSE CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. Rev. Richard Altine, Pastor. Saturday Mass 4:30 p.m.; Sunday Masses 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.; Confession Saturday 3:30-4:15 p.m.

ST. CYRIL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH Nashville. Rev. Richard Altine, Pastor. A mission of St. Rose Catholic Church, Hastings. Mass Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD A full gospel church. 1240 W. State Rd., Hastings. Pastor Doug Davis.

269-948-9740. Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m.

Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.

Wednesday Bible Study 6 p.m.

Sunday School and Youth Group for all ages. Come and worship the Lord with us! .

WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheelchair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information.

QUIMBY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH M-79 East. P.O. Box 63, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Rev. Bryce Feighner. (616) 945-9392. Sunday Worship 11:15 a.m.

GRACE BRETHREN BIBLE CHURCH 600 Powell Road, Hastings. Pastor Bob Wilson. Church Phone 269948-2330. Pastor’s Home 269-9454356. bjw1633@sbcglobal.net.

Sunday School 9:45 a.m.; Worship Service 10:45 a.m.; Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday 7 p.m.

ORANGEVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH 6921 Marsh Rd., 2 miles south of Gun Lake, Plainwell. Phone 269664-4377. OrangevilleBaptist.org.

Pastors Dan Bowman and Adam Parmenter. Sundays - 9:45--10:45 a.m. “Dealing With Your Past” March through May. March 25 - 6 p.m. “Messiah in the Passover’ Seder Meal. March 31 - 7 p.m.

Orangeville Cafe. April 8 - 7:30 & 11 a.m. Easter Celebration. April 22-27 - Evangelist Will Rice.

Children, teen and adult Sunday School classes; 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Worship; 5:30 p.m. Junior and Senior High Word of Life Clubs.

Tuesday - 9 a.m. Men’s Prayer and Bible Study. Wednesday - 6:30 p.m.

Pre-school through 6th grade Word of Life Gophers & Olympians.

Prayer & Bible Study - 7 p.m. 6 p.m.

Teen Word of Life.

COUNTRY CHAPEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 9275 S. M-37 Hwy., Dowling, MI 49050. Rev. Ryan Wieland. Sundays - 9:30 a.m. Traditional Worship Service; 11 a.m. Contemporary Service; Sunday School and Nursery available during both services (Summer Schedule - Adult Sunday School: 9 a.m., Worship & Children’s Programs 10 a.m.) Youth Group, Covenant Prayer, Choir, Chimes, Praise Band, Quilting Group, Community Breakfasts and more! Call the church office at (269) 721-8077 (M/W/F 9 a.m.-12 p.m.), e-mail office@mei.net or visit www.countrychapelumc.org <http://www.countrychapelumc.org/> for more information SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIAS INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving).

Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-7952370 and the rectory number is 269948-9327. Our church website is http://trax.to/andrewmatthias. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services.

HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH M-37 South at M-79, Rev. Richard Moore, Pastor. Church phone 269945-4995. Church Website: www. hopeum.org. Church Fax No.: 269818-0007. Church SecretaryTreasurer, Linda Belson. Office hours, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9 am to 2 pm. Sunday Morning: 9:30 am Sunday School; 10:45 am Morning Worship; Sr. Hi. Youth 5 to 7 p.m.; Sunday evening service 6 pm; SonShine Preschool (ages 3 & 4) (September thru May), Tues., Thurs. from 9-11:30 am, 12-2:30 pm; Tuesday 9 am Men’s Bible Study at the church.

Wednesday 6 pm - Pioneers (meal served) (October thru May).

Wednesday 6 pm - Jr. High Youth (meal served) (October thru May).

Wednesday 7 pm - Prayer Meeting.

Thursday 9:30 am - Women’s Bible Study.

NEW BEGINNINGS CHURCH OF GOD 502 E. Bond St., Hastings. Pastor J.C. Crank cordially invites you to come worship with us each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and Tuesday evening Bible study 6 p.m. with Rev. Calvon Kidder. Interested in knowing more about our church? Please feel welcome to call one of these numbers.

Pastor Crank 269-979-8618; (313) 610-5730 or; Ed Blankenship (Local) 269-945-3327.

ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616731-5194 or -517-852-1806.

LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900.

Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m.

HASTINGS REFORMED CHURCH “A Historic Reformed Community.”

Sunday morning services begin at 10 a.m. Meeting at the Barry County Commission on Aging building, 320 W. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings.

Pastor: Peter Adams. 616-690-8609 padams@juno.com.

COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand, Hastings; Floyd Hughes, Pastor; Myron Huebner, Music. Sunday Services: 10 a.m., Sunday School (all ages); 11 a.m.

Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service; 7 p.m. Thursday, Bible Study and Prayer. Call 269-948-2673 for additional information.

CHURCH OF CHRIST 541 N. Michigan Ave., Hastings.

Pastor Collin Pinkston. Phone 269945-2938. Sunday School 10 a.m.; Worship 11 a.m. Wednesday Night Bible Study 7 p.m.

HASTINGS FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green Street, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Don Spachman. Office Phone (269) 945-9574. Office hours are Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. to noon. Sunday morning worship hours: 9:15 Contemporary Worship, 10:30 a.m.

Refreshments, 11 a.m. Traditional Worship. 5th Sunday Worship at 10 a.m. Sunday School for PreK-5th and Nursery Care (infants through age 4) is available during both worship services. Share the Light Soup Kitchen serves a free meal every Tuesday from 5 to 6 p.m.

HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH 2635 North M-43 Highway, Hastings. Telephone 269-945-9121.

Pastor Daniel Graybill, Pastor Brian Teed, and Youth Pastor, Eric Gillespie. Sunday: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. for children and youth, and a variety of classes for adults. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. Children’s Junior Church, 4 years through 4th grade dismissed prior to offering. Junior & Senior High Youth Group 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday Mid-Week Pioneers and adult classes return in September. Thursday: Senior Adult Bible Study at 10 a.m. and lunch at Wendy’s, 11:30 a.m. Vacation Bible School: Wed. & Thurs., July 25 & 26, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God’s Grace with us!

Holy Communion Every Sunday!

Sunday, May 20 - Worship at 8 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. May 20 - Men’s AA at 7 p.m.

May 21 - Adventurers Bible Study at 7 p.m.; Spiritual AA at 7:30 p.m.

May 23 - Wordwatchers Bible Study at 10 a.m. May 24 - Clapper Kids Bell Choir at 3:45 p.m.; Grace Notes Bell Choir at 5:45 p.m. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-9459414 or 945-2645, fax 269-9452698. Pastor Amy Luckey. http://www.discover-grace.org FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 405 N. M-37, Hastings, MI 49058.

(269) 945-5463. Rev. Dr. Jeff Garrison, Pastor. Sunday Services: 8:55 a.m. Traditional Worship Service; 10 a.m. Sunday School for ALL Ages; 11 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service; 6 p.m. Youth Group; 6 p.m. Adult Small Group.

Nursery and Children’s Worship available during both services. Visit us online at www.firstchurchhastings.org and our web log for sermons at: http://hastingspresbyterian. blogspot.com. Thursday - 6:30 p.m.

Choir Rehearsal. Friday - 9 a.m.

Pickleball; 9 a.m. Golfer’s Group Meets. Saturday - 10 a.m. Dock SetUp; 10:30 a.m. Praise Team.

Monday - 7 p.m. Knit Wits.

Wednesday - 6:30 p.m. Financial Peace University.

This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses:

770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541

1401 N. Broadway Hastings

945-2471

102 Cook Hastings

945-4700

1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554

by Sandra Ponsetto Staff Writer Approximately 30 parents and community members attended the education forum Thursday, May 10, at the Barry County Enrichment Center in Hastings. The 90minute Community Conversation on Education was one of four sponsored by the Barry County Hometown Partnership and conducted by Center for Michigan. Previous forums were held in Maple Valley, Thornapple Kellogg and Delton Kellogg school districts.

The forums are part of a series of 250 statewide community conversation conducted

by Center of Michigan in 2012 to gather information about key issues and decisions related to education. It is expected that the forums will involve more than 5,000 local participants, including parents, students, business owners and educators.

The goals of the local forums are to increase parent, student and employer knowledge about education choices facing Michigan; gather information about the preferences and perspectives on major education policy and reform choices currently being debated in Michigan and around the country; allow Michigan residents to be hear and press state legislators to follow citizen recommendations on how to improve education; and to provide participants with information on how to become more involved and improve education opportunities for students in the community.

Each forum has four discussion topics: Teacher and school leader quality, ideas for improved learning, family and community involvement and the public’s investment.

During the forum, each participant had the opportunity to use a hand-held “clicker” to answer a computerized poll regarding various issues.

Before moving on to the four main topics, participants were asked what letter grade they would assign kindergarten through 12th grade education across Michigan. More than half, 55 percent, gave the statewide system a “C.”

HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, May 17 — Pizza & Pages discusses Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt; Movie Memories presents the little gem “Romance on the High Seas,” 5 to 8 p.m.

Friday, May 18 — preschool story time enjoys stories about kites, 10:30 to 11 a.m.

Saturday, May 19 — find library staff at “A Very Barry Summer” at the Family Resource Center, at the COA Walkathon and at Charlton Park Day. Monday, May 21 — library board meets from 4 to 6 p.m.; computer class tackles “Job and Career Accelerator, Part 2,” 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 22 — toddler story time enjoys the stories of Cynthia Rylant, 10:30 to 11 a.m.; young chess tutoring class, 4:30 to 5:30; open chess club, 6 to 8 p.m.

Call the Hastings Public Library for more information, 269-945-4263.

Call anytime for Hastings Banner classified ads 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085

When asked what letter grade they gave the local school system, the score was a little higher with the highest number, 35 percent, giving their local school district a “B,” 5 percent gave local schools an “A,” 30 percent gave it a “C,” and another 30 percent of respondents gave it a “D” or an “E.” Fred Jacobs, vice president of J-Ad Graphics, which published the Banner, said if the data was broken down further, it was likely to reveal that, in Hastings Area Schools, people with children in grades kindergarten through fifth were much more likely to be satisfied with the schools than those with students in middle and high school.

Parent Kim Bosma said the local scores are likely higher than the state because people are more involved and have more control at the local level.

Regarding teacher and school leadership, audience members were asked to rank the importance of each of three options — improving teacher preparation, providing stronger support for teachers and school leaders or holding teachers and school leaders more accountable for student success. After the poll was closed, results showed that most respondents felt that each was category was at least somewhat important.

Steve Williams said he feels it should take longer and be harder to qualify to become a teacher, a thought echoed by others in the audience.

Under the topic of ideas for improved learning, respondents were given the opportunity to make comments on five topics — expanding preschool and early childhood programs, changing the school calendar, reducing class size, increasing school choice and expanding online education opportunities.

Williams said early childhood and preschool programs are important because a child’s brain develops more rapidly during early childhood than at any other time.

Jacobs said Michigan needs to go back to allowing schools to offer both a career and college prep programs because not all high school graduates will complete a four-year

118 S. Jefferson Hastings 945-3429

college program. He also said he thought Schools of Choice were a disaster for Barry County schools because it causes them to compete for students rather than working together.

All those who spoke about class size said smaller class sizes are beneficial for students because they allow teachers to give each student individual attention.

While some said online courses can expand a school’s offerings, technology does not offer the same level of interaction as a traditional classroom was the consensus, along with the belief that a heavy reliance on technology could lead to social isolation.

The school calendar generated little discussion among those present at the forum.

When discussing the topic of family and community involvement, everyone who spoke said family, especially parental involvement, is a very important component of student success.

When polled, 88 percent said the local school district could do more to encourage parental and community involvement in the schools. Another 96 percent said there was more businesses and community groups could do to support local schools.

One member of the audience suggested the schools adapt and use the formalized structure hospitals use to coordinate their volunteers.

“You could deploy literally hundreds of people for thousands of hours when you use that structure ...” she said.

“We have a community that wants to be active, but nobody is utilizing that,” said Bosma.

The final topic of discussion was how the state spends tax dollars to fund public education. When polled, the majority of those who responded said they disagreed or strongly disagreed with the statement that the state is giving them a good return on their investment.

For more details of the discussion and results of the poll from the May 10 forum, email Tom Wilt, tomwilt@gmail.com, and he will email the information when it becomes available in two to three weeks.

Area Obituaries Doris Louise Keller-Robbins WAYLAND, MI - Doris Louise KellerRobbins, age 80, of Wayland passed away Sunday, May 6, 2012.

She was born January 24, 1932 in Bradley, the daughter of Frank (Buster) and Bessie (Sager) Morganstern. Doris attended Wayland High School, graduating in 1950.

She worked for the State of Michigan, retiring in 1992. Doris was married to Jack Keller, her first husband until his passing in 2003. She then married Rodney Robbins in 2004.

Doris volunteered for Hospice and also Pennock Hospital in Hastings. She enjoyed working in her flowers and loved living on the lake.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Jack Keller and an uncle, June Donald Sager.

Doris is survived by her husband, Rodney Robbins of Gun Lake; daughter, Patricia (Slomski) Shurtz; granddaughter, Alexandra Shurtz and grandson, Jon Shurtz, all of Detroit; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Respecting Doris’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are being held.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Barry Community Hospice, 450 Meadow Run Dr., Hastings, MI 49058.

Arrangements made by Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings.

Ray L. Girrbach Owner/Director

328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 Fiberglass Products

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LaVonne D. Reilly

HASTINGS, MI- LaVonne D. Reilly, age 95, passed away at MagnumCare in Hastings on Tuesday, May 8, 2012. LaVonne was born in Joplin, MO on December 24, 1916, the daughter of Roy and Adeline (Lee) Dalton.

She moved to Des Moines, IA and graduated in 1936 from North High School, where she was in the honor society. In 1938 she graduated with an associate degree in business from Capital City Community College.

LaVonne was a fashion model in Ft. Lauderdale in the mid 60s.

LaVonne worked for General George Olmsted, during WWII. She married Walter E. Reilly Jr. on June 25, 1943 in Des Moines, IA. In later years she worked as an executive secretary at Delavan Corporation in Des Moines, IA, retiring in 1985. After retirement, LaVonne enjoyed traveling. She traveled to China, Italy, France and England on long vacations. She also traveled to Florida to see her grandchildren: JP Costanzo and Elisabeth Costanzo.

LaVonne was preceded in death by her husband, Walter.

She is survived by her two children, Walter E. (Sue) Reilly III of Delton and Dianne (Stan) Simmer of Naples, FL; her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Respecting LaVonne’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of life gathering will be held in June.

Memorial contributions may be made online to Spectrum Health Hospice at the following address: http://spectrumhealthfoundation.org/body.cfm?id=45 Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, Inc., please visit our website at www.girrbachfuneralhome.net to sign the online guest book or to leave a message or memory for the family.

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 17, 2012 — Page 7

State News Roundup

BETTER BRIDGE IN BARRY COUNTY

by Gerald Stein NORTH N: K 9 6 4 M: 3 2 L: 7 6 2 K: A 10 5 4

WEST N: J 5 3 2 M: K Q 6 5 L: J 10 K: Q 9 6

SOUTH:

N: A 10 8 M: 10 9 L: 8 5 4 K: K 8 7 3 2

Dealer: East Vulnerable: East-West Lead:K6

1N 2M Pass

East Pass Pass Pass Pass

South 1M 2L 4M Pass

West Pass Pass Dbl.

Subscribe to the Hastings Banner.

Call 945-9554 for more information.

77567781

Captain M. North surveyed the fast-moving waters from the pier at Tyden Park where the USS: Barry County Bridge Barge was moored for the day’s events. There would be no river cruise today after the three inches of rain had fallen overnight as reported by the Hastings Airport. The bridge tournament would go on, however, despite the high waters. The bridge players wouldn’t care. Captain North began straightening tables and chairs and was getting ready for the afternoon session. He had sent the bridge players into town for lunch. They would be back shortly.

As he was rearranging his seven tables, Vera and Rosy, two of his players, began to make their appearance earlier than he thought possible. “Didn’t you stop for lunch, Ladies?” asked the Captain. “Oh, no, Captain North, not today,” answered Rosy. “We needed to see Doctor Anna, our friend and confidante. We wanted to ask her about the Hypocritical Oath.”

Captain North just stared. “Don’t you mean the Hippocratic Oath?” Rosy chimed in, “Oh, Captain North, you are so funny. Of course, we mean the Hypocritical Oath. You know, where one partner does no harm to the other partner. They teach that in all of the medical schools, you know.” Poor Captain North. He could say no more.

Vera went on as breathless as Rosy. “We were so upset about this morning’s hand and what we had done to each other that we thought we should get some medical advice. That is why we sought out Doctor Anna instead of going for lunch. It was worth the trip to town.”

Captain North knew by now that he was going to hear about this morning’s disaster, so he pulled out one of the chairs and sat down. Rosy and Vera joined him immediately. “You know, Captain, that a partnership is a very special thing, don’t you?” Before he could answer, Rosy went on, “Vera, my partner, was South, and I was North. We ended up in a bad contract at 4M doubled down 4 tricks for a minus 800 points. It was a disaster.” Here she sighed, and then she went on.

“I blamed Vera for putting us in the wrong contract, and I thought that we should only be down one trick, but one trick or four doesn’t make much sense once your partner is rattled. I think I am to blame for our disaster.” Here she looked at Vera and then at the Captain who only nodded to make it look like he knew what she was talking about.

Here Vera spoke up. “As South, I looked at our contract of 4Hearts doubled, and it did not look good. With the lead of the 6K, I took a moment to make my plan: our objective was to take ten tricks. That did not look very promising since my partner had supported my hearts with only two little hearts. We had seven hearts between us, and our opponents had six. I knew from my bridge class that hearts would probably break 4-2 when there is an even number out. Ouch.”

“I rushed my play of the hand, and I called for a small club from the board instead of going up immediately with the Ace of clubs. East took his King of clubs, and my singleton Jack fell on his King. A very bad start, I must say.” Here Vera dabbed her eyes. Something in the air.

“To make a long story short, I forgot everything I knew about playing the hand. I did not lead a small trump from the board as I should have to finesse the Jack against the King and Queen of hearts. I did not set up the Queen of spades by leading a small spade toward the King of spades. I did not play the Ace of trump at the right time. I should have been down only one trick for a minus 100 points instead of down four doubled.”

Here Rosy reached over and patted her partner’s hand. “Vera, I think most of the fault was mine. I did not respond correctly to your bidding. I could have done several things differently.

One, I could have passed your two diamond bid, and we could have played in diamonds, but you know how I hate to play in the minors when we can play in the majors.” Here Vera nodded, and Rosy continued. “But, here, Captain North, is where I harmed our partnership the most. I did not listen to the bidding very well.

I know that Vera has five hearts and at least four diamonds in her hand, and she has bid a second time so she must have a strong bidding hand. I should have looked at my hand, and I should have realized that I had spades and clubs. What about a two no trump bid?”

Vera piped up, “You’re right, Rosy! If you bid two no trump, then I will bid three no trump, and I bet it will make!” They both giggled delightedly at their new-found insight into a disastrous hand.

“So, Captain North, now you know why we wanted to seek out Doctor Anna for her advice on the Hypocritical Oath. We just did not want to harm our partnership.” They both looked so relieved that Captain North could say nothing at first. “I must finish my tidying up, if you will excuse me.” Just then, he bumped his leg on one of the chairs. “Now, Captain North, do no harm to your leg,” chirped Rosy. “Yes, Captain North,” added Vera, “they might cut your leg off.” Here they burst into peals of laughter as poor Captain North limped off. ***** Bridge Question: What do bridge players mean when they say that someone has cut their leg off? ***** (Gerald Stein, an Accredited Bridge Teacher for the American Contract Bridge League, teaches bridge classes at local schools and bridge clubs. You can visit his bridge blog at: http://betterbridgeinbarrycountymichigan.blogspot.com)

GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY!

including the ongoing debt crisis in Europe, national debt concerns, and high oil and gas prices. Rising energy costs and a corresponding downturn in the economy could have a dampening effect on the state’s economic growth.

Following Wednesday’s revenue estimating conference, Michigan’s net fiscal year 2012 general fund-general purpose revenue is projected at $9.064 billion, up $34 million from the estimate agreed to at the January revenue conference. The net school aid fund revenue for the current year is now estimated at $10.876 billion, up $113 million from January. Combined, the general and school aid fund estimates are up $146 million for fiscal year 2012.

State Treasurer Andy Dillon, State Budget Director John Nixon, Senate Fiscal Agency Director Ellen Jeffries, and House Fiscal Agency Director Mary Ann Cleary Wednesday reached a consensus on economic and revenue figures for the remainder of fiscal year 2012, and for the next two fiscal years.

Net GF-GP revenue for the 2013 fiscal year is now forecasted at $8.970 billion, down $65 million from the January estimate, while the FY 2013 SAF revenue estimate has been revised up $115 million to an estimated $11.170 billion.

In FY 2014, GF-GP revenue is estimated at $9.259 billion and SAF revenue is estimated at $11.472 billion.

“Employment is rising, motor vehicle production is increasing, and tax collections are growing,” said Dillon.

He also cautioned that there are several risks to revenue estimates such as these,

Multi-state effort focuses on drug trafficking, impaired driving

EAST

N: Q 7 M: A J 8 7 4 L: A K Q 9 3 K: J

North

Revenue projections for state show improvements

Michigan State Police troopers joined forces with state troopers from Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Indiana recently to combat drug trafficking and impaired driving on Interstates 70 and 75.

The three-day effort May 3 to 5, resulted in 78 arrests for impaired driving and 40 criminal cases across the six states.

Enforcement in Michigan focused on the I75 corridor from Saginaw County to Monroe County. MSP troopers made more than 300 traffic stops during the enforcement period resulting in 26 criminal complaints and nine arrests, including one arrest for impaired driving.

“Successful multi-agency enforcement efforts like this one illustrate the collective power of being able to go where crime is occurring,” said Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP. “We know crime is mobile, moving not only among our cities within Michigan, but to and from our neighboring states.”

The six-state trooper project is a collaborative effort aimed at providing combined and coordinated law enforcement and security services in the areas of highway safety, criminal patrol and intelligence sharing.

Governor declares state of emergency in Genesee County Gov. Rick Snyder Friday declared a state of emergency in Genesee County due to storms and severe flooding on May 3 and 4.

The declaration, outlined in a proclamation, was requested by local officials and will ensure that all possible resources, in accordance with the Michigan Emergency Management Plan, are provided to assist local response efforts.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency joined state and local officials beginning Monday, May 14, to assess the extent of damage to homes and businesses in the most severely impacted areas in Genesee County.

Results of the preliminary damage assessment will help the state determine whether any federal aid may be available to help affected residents and business owners in Genesee County.

Snyder’s emergency declaration authorizes the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division to coordinate and maximize all state efforts to address public health and safety concerns in Genesee County, as well as to coordinate with federal agencies to provide any available assistance to help with recovery efforts.

SOCIAL SECURITY COLUMN Young workers learn about Social Security

by Vonda VanTil Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Summer will be here before we know it.

That means millions of high school and college students will be searching for jobs.

Whether a new worker is beginning the career of a lifetime or just earning some extra money for the next school year, one question is likely to be on each new worker’s mind upon seeing his or her first pay stub: Where’s the rest of my money?

Some of the money that is withheld is referred to as “Social Security taxes” on the employee’s payroll statement. Sometimes the deduction is labeled as “FICA taxes,” which stands for Federal Insurance Contributions

Act. I can tell you how that money is being used and what’s in it for you.

Taxes paid now translate to a lifetime of protection, when you eventually retire or if you become disabled. In the event that you die young, your dependent children and spouse may be able to receive survivors benefits based on your work.

Another bit of helpful advice for young workers: Be wary if you’re offered a job “under the table” or “off the books.” If you work for any employer who pays you only in cash, understand that you’re likely not getting Social Security credit for the work you’re doing.

Want to learn more about Social Security

and what it means to young workers? If so, we invite you to enjoy a webcast: Social Security 101: What’s In It For Me? The webcast will fill viewers in on the details everyone should know to get the most out of Social Security.

Check it out at www.socialsecurity.gov/webinars/social_security_101.html.

If you have questions about Social Security, the best place to go is online, to www.socialsecurity.gov.

Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp St. NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email to vonda.vantil@ssa.gov.

Page 8 — Thursday, May 17, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

Lake Odessa Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD

by Elaine Garlock Saturday, the Sebewa Center United Methodist Center is having one of its monthly dinners. This month the entree is the cook’s choice.

Sunday, graduating seniors will be recognized at several local churches.

Coming May 25 to 28 at the Depot complex will be the annual military tribute.

The weekend begins with the tribute Friday at 7:30 p.m. when the veteran of the year is to be announced. Last year there were multiple honorees. Refreshments will be served to the dozens who attend. Saturday will have a recognition for World War II veteran Stanton Strickland, farmer on Bliss Road, widower of Helen Durkee (Mutschler) who served in the 137th Infantry Division in France and beyond but never received his medals. The public is invited to attend. Again Sunday, the museum will be open to all visitors to see the wide array of uniforms, medals, maps and souvenirs from 2 to 5 p.m. The museum will be open Monday from noon to 5 p.m. This is a fine time to share with out-of-town visitors the accumulation of military exhibits that are permanent items or possibly on loan for the day.

The local historical society met Thursday evening at Lakeside Cemetery for its May meeting. Members and visitors assembled on one of the cross drives behind Section 4 where some chairs had been brought for visitor comfort. Only two business items had to be voted upon. President John Waite announced the many May events yet to take place, mainly connected with the salute to veterans. The evening’s chairman introduced the interpreters who would relate stories of the selected personages whose grave markers were in Section 4. The interpreters were Julie Nelson, Don Garlock, Dick Nelson, Tom Pickens, Dean Durkee and Tom Dowker.

Members progressed from one station to the next in groups of eight, so each interpreter made his or her speech twice. They portrayed Alice Colwell, John Nead, Emerson Pull, Edgar Eldrige, John Stair and Samuel Leak.

Among the descendants of the selected persons were Hale McCartney and sons from Mrs. Colwell; Edrie McCartney and Fr.

Dennis Morrow from Emerson Pull and Laverne and Lawrence Eldrige, Annabelle Vojtech and Marian Hamilton from Samuel Leak. Some of the actors dressed in period clothing. Julie Nelson dressed in high style, complete with lace shawl and fur wrap.

The county genealogy society met Saturday for a presentation by the Egyptian born vice president of Herbruck’s poultry operation near Saranac. Some of his figures were very impressive. One such is that the hennery on Portland Road houses 4.5 million laying hens.

The gentleman said 2.5 percent of Americans produce food for millions of people around the world. several current and former employees of Herbruck’s were present to see the film.

Bernice Hamp was in Leslie for the weekend and enjoyed Mother’s Day dinner with three of her sons and a few grandchildren at the home of Allan and Mary Hamp.

Karen and Elizabeth Morse of Galesburg enjoyed spending Mother’s Day at Carlton Center with her mother, sister and others of the host family.

The Tim Matthews family of Hudsonville attended church Sunday with Marla’s parents.

They were joined by the Tim Warren family, the Tom Reisers, their mother, Carol Reiser, to see their nephews Sam and George McNeil performing in The Revue’s “Music Man Jr.” in Nashville.

The Tri-River Museum group met Tuesday morning at the Cascade library. Anther pair of museums was seeking admission to the group. They were voted in by the members present. Thus joining the group will be Caledonia Historical Society and also the Heritage Village at Montcalm Community College. Reports were given by those present about their attendance at the museums tour last weekend.

At long last, the engineering company which last fall began a waterline project to serve Twin City Foods, has laid pipe along the north segment of Johnson Street to complete the project. The circuit to connect Twin City was put in use last fall but the Johnson Street part was left idle once the little blue flags were put in place. Now comes the digging and disruption.

TWO BROTHERS AND A TENT For All Your Tent Rental Needs Tables and chairs available.

Call: Dan McKinney 269-838-7057 or Tom McKinney 269-838-3842

Can you turn “Be a Millionaire Day” into reality?

If you look hard enough, you can find many obscure holidays, but few of them can instantly capture people’s interest as much as Be a Millionaire Day, which is “celebrated” on May 20. While amassing a million dollars may not be as significant a milestone as it used to be, most of us would still feel pleased if we could someday attain “millionaire” status. While there are no perfect formulas or guarantees, here are some steps to consider when working toward any investment goal: • Put time on your side. The earlier you begin saving and investing, the better your chances of reaching your financial goal. You can’t expect to “strike it rich” immediately with any single investment, but by investing year in and year out, and by choosing quality investment vehicles, you have the opportunity to achieve growth over time.

• Pay yourself first. If you wait until you “have a little extra money lying around” before you invest, you may well never invest.

Instead, try to “pay yourself first.” Each month, move some money automatically from a checking or savings account into an investment. When you’re first starting out in the working world, you might not be able to afford much, but as you advance in your career, you can increase your contributions.

• Control your debts. It’s easier said than done, but if you can keep a lid on your debt payments, you’ll have more money with which to invest.

• Take advantage of tax deferral. When you invest in tax-deferred vehicles, such as a traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) and your 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan, your money has the opportunity to grow faster than it would if placed in an investment on which you paid taxes each year. Of course, when you start taking withdrawals, presumably at retirement, you’ll have to pay taxes, but by then, you may be in a lower tax bracket. And since you’ll have some control over your withdrawals, you can help control taxes, too.

• Build share ownership. As an investor,

Use the HASTINGS BANNER classifieds to sell, rent, buy, hire, find work, etc. Call 269-945-9554 to place your ad today!

Bake Sale th

Saturday, May 19 8:30 am to 3:00 pm

— Apple St. UAW Hall — 77566915

We have many delicious baked goods for you...

Homemade Pies:

NOTICE

Strawberry ~ Rhubarb ~ Apple

The Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the following Boards/Commissions:

Chocolate Chip ~ No Bake

Agricultural Preservation Board (3 positions: 2 representing Natural Resource Conservation, and 1 representing Agricultural Interest)

Brownies • Cupcakes Cinnamon Rolls

Building Authority (1 position)

Cookies:

Sponsored by the USW Local 5965

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Animal Control/Shelter Advisory Board (1 position, Citizen at Large)

All proceeds to be donated to the Fresh Food Initiative

Solid Waste Oversight Committee (1 position, representing Health Association/Environmental Professional) Applications may be obtained at the County Administration Office, 3rd floor of the Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings; or www.barrycounty.org; and must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. Contact 269-945-1284 for more information.

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JONES

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one of the best things you can do to build your wealth is to increase the number of shares you own in your investments. So, look for buying opportunities, such as when prices are low.

Also, consider reinvesting any dividends or distributions you may receive from your investments.

• Don’t be overly cautious. For your money to grow, you need to put a portion of your investment dollars in growth-oriented vehicles, such as stocks. It is certainly true that stock prices will always fluctuate, sometimes quite sharply, and you may receive more or less than your original investment when sold.

But if you avoid stocks entirely in favor of more stable vehicles, you run the risk of earning returns that may not keep you ahead of inflation. As you approach retirement, and even during retirement, your portfolio will probably still need some growth potential.

Work with your financial advisor to determine the appropriate approach for you.

• Think long term. By creating a long-term investment strategy and sticking to it, you’ll be less likely to take a “timeout” from investing in response to perceived negative news, such as market downturns and political crises.

Following these suggestions may someday allow you to reach the point when your financial goals become a reality for you.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. If you have any questions, contact Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553.

STOCKS

The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week.

Altria Group 31.75 -.51 AT&T 33.35 +.31 BP PLC 38.18 -2.24 CMS Energy Corp 22.51 -.11 Coca-Cola Co 76.57 -.57 Eaton 44.09 -1.42 Family Dollar Stores 66.43 -.85 Fifth Third Bancorp 13.58 -.63 Flowserve CP 108.83 -2.24 Ford Motor Co. 10.15 -.46 General Mills 39.58 +.76 General Motors 21.42 -.81 Intel Corp.

26.88 -.49 Kellogg Co. 50.98 +.23 McDonald’s Corp 91.01 -2.54 Pfizer Inc. 22.30 -.12 Ralcorp 70.90 -.19 Sears Holding 52.91 -1.97 Spartan Motors 4.55 -.13 Spartan Stores 17.79 +.12 Stryker 51.99 -2.16 TCF Financial 11.73 -.29 Walmart Stores 59.35 +.30 Gold $1543.00 -$62.15 Silver $27.70 -$1.76 Dow Jones Average 12,632 -300 Volume on NYSE 814M -39M

Nuclear power plants getting axed

by Dr. E. Kirsten Peters Energy is the lifeblood of modern economies, and there’s no more amazingly useful form of energy than electricity.

That’s why I was initially startled to read the recent news that the last of Japan’s 54 nuclear power plants has been shut down, a turn of events that makes Japan the first major economy of this century to run without operating any such reactors.

The news impressed me because prior to the mega-quake and tsunami of 2011, Japan powered 30 percent of its electrical grid from nuclear plants. Giving up about a third of the electrical power used by a major economy is a convulsive change. (By way of comparison, in the U.S. about 20 percent of our electricity comes from nuclear plants.

That’s more than most people realize, but still a full notch less than what Japan had been doing before the quake.)

But big changes in public policy should be no surprise, given the size of the nuclear disaster that hit Japan last year. The earthquake and tsunami there sparked problems that became nuclear meltdowns in power plants near Fukushima.

Japan has been making up the power gap it faces by importing more fossil fuels. That approach, of course, increases the world’s production of greenhouse gases, an environmental black eye in the minds of many.

I’ve read that the Japanese have been importing 18 percent more liquefied natural gas than they were before the earthquake, the lion’s share of which has gone to generating electricity.

Recently, I talked all this over with Dr. Don Wall, director of the research reactor at Washington State University. Wall reminded me about how differently we can use natural gas and what those differences can mean in terms of efficiency. A good home furnace, for example, is close to 95 percent efficient.

“But burned to generate electricity, natural gas is only 35 percent efficient. So I think power generation is a horribly wasteful way to use good fuel,” Wall said. “We have lots of uranium, and it makes sense to me to use it to generate electricity in nuclear plants.”

Even with the increase in burning fossil fuels in Japan, power supplies have been tight. Last summer, when electricity demands were high, factories ran at night

and during the weekends to help spread out electrical needs. In other words, people had to deal with major disruptions of their lives in order to hold things together over the warm months.

Some analysts see this summer as a test case for the possibility of a no-nuke future in Japan. If the nation can make it through the summer with some sacrifices but no blackouts, many citizens will want to keep the shuttered nuclear plants offline.

But if that happens, it will be an expensive change. The Japanese economy traditionally ran trade surpluses because the world bought so many of its products. But because of the increases in fossil fuel purchases, Japan ran a trade deficit last year for the first time in more than 30 years.

Partly in response to such impacts, Yoshito Sengoku, president of the ruling party in Japan, called ending all nuclear power production the equivalent of “mass suicide.”

The effects of Japan’s 2011 disaster are also being felt in Europe. Dr. Wall said Germany has been putting the brakes on using its nuclear power plants.

“That’s been a windfall for France because Germany is now purchasing large amounts of electricity from the French,” he said. “According to Le Monde, France has sold over $400 million of electricity to Germany in nine months.”

It’s nice to have a next-door neighbor that can sell you a lot of electricity. But the irony is that France has the strongest nuclear program in the world. Almost 80 percent of all the power generated in France comes from nuclear plants. So Germany may be shuttering its own nuclear power plants, but it is increasing its reliance on such plants next door, at least for now.

“France is the largest net exporter of electricity in the world and it benefits from that fact in all sorts of ways,” Wall told me. “It’s interesting to think we in the U.S. could move in that direction ourselves if we made it a priority.”

Dr. E. Kirsten Peters, a native of the rural Northwest, was trained as a geologist at Princeton and Harvard universities. Follow her online at rockdoc.wsu.edu and on Twitter @RockDocWSU. This column is a service of the College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences at Washington State University.

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 17, 2012 — Page 9

and their son, Clifford, was boiling sap.

A gravel pit on the farm was opened in 1928.

In addition to Clifford, who also is a carpenter, often working with Fred Linington, they have two daughters, Mrs. Howard (Kathryn) Ferris, Route 1, Hastings; and Mrs. Lowell (Lois) Hofmister, of South Haven; and seven grandchildren. ***** Hastings Banner, April 10, 1952

Marriage Licenses

WINTER SCENE ON THE FARM – Hugh Johnson and his son, Elmer, are pictured with their team of Percheron mares Monday with cattle munching corn tossed on the weekend snows which had covered the spring countryside. The Johnson farm, on Gun Lake Road in Section 16 of Rutland Township, was the 12th to be featured in the Lucky Farmer Photo Quiz. – Photo by Barth.

This is the seventh part of a series reprinting the Lucky Farmer Photo Quiz promotion that ran in the Banner 60 years ago. An unidentified aerial photo of an area farm was pictured in the Banner each week, from Jan. 24 to July 17, 1952, and the owners of the mystery farms were featured in the paper the following week. The contest was sponsored by the Banner and 35 area merchants who were listed in the April 12 edition of the Banner.

The photo and names this week may look and sound familiar to Banner readers since they were pictured in the March 29 Banner in the Do You Know archived photo feature. ***** Hastings Banner, April 3, 1952 11th Lucky Farmers have grass farm in Hope Twp. The second grassland farm of the 11 pictured up to this week in the Lucky Farmer Photo Quiz is the large establishment owned

by Mr. and Mrs. George A. Clouse, Route 5, Hastings, well-known Barry County couple.

Mr. and Mrs. Clouse, with the help of their son, Clifford, operate 160 acres on the home place and another 120 acres entirely as a grassland farm – and have been for the past three years.

The Clouses gradually discontinued general farming and are now working under a soil and water conservation plan prepared by B. Dale Ball while he was the soil technician working with the Barry Soil Conservation District.

They raise no row crops such as corn, but concentrate on good grasses to feed their herd of 45 registered Guernseys. They make grass ensilage which they put up in their two silos.

They do grow wheat and oats, too.

Mr. and Mrs. Clouse purchased their farm, located in Section 11 of Hope Township four miles north of Cloverdale on the Shultz Road, from Fred Weyerman in 1920 and have worked the place ever since.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Clouse came from Burnips Corners in the northern part of Allegan County. Both went to school there, and their marriage might be termed the outgrowth of a childhood romance. George was born in Salem Township, Allegan County,

Feb. 10, 1886, the son of John and Catherine Clouse. Mrs. Clouse is the former Nellie DeJongh, daughter of Cornelius and Helena DeJongh.

After attending school at Burnips Corners, George taught school for eight years and then operated a general store at Dorr for nine years. He and Nellie were married Nov. 30, 1911.

Two years after they moved to Hope Township, George was elected supervisor and served for eight years. He then became Barry County superintendent of the poor, serving for three years, and in the fall of 1936 was elected county treasurer. He served for 10 years.

All during this period, he was developing his farm, and the hilly land prompted him to go into grassland farming on the recommendation of technicians with the soil district.

The Clouses started in grass farming prior to three years ago and switched over entirely when their plan had been developed sufficiently. They and their neighbor, David Cunningham, own a field chopper which they use in putting up their grass ensilage and chopped hay.

“We’re well satisfied with the progress and results of our grassland farming,” Clouse reports.

For the past three years, they have filled their new silo, which holds about 80 tons, with the grass ensilage and this past year also used the old silo that holds about 40 ton. They doubted, at first, whether the old silo, which was on the place when they purchased it would keep the new silage – but it does.

They have seeded part of the swamp on the place with Reeds canary grass.

Their 32-by-66-foot barn, which the Clouses enlarged, has been modernized, and they have erected a new chicken house. Their home is very modern, down to TV, but like many other farms, some household improvements take a back seat to the requirements of the farm.

The Clouses had to purchase a new motor for the milking machine last week, so Mrs. Clouse said she’d probably have to wait a bit longer for new carpeting in the living room.

Saturday, their “sugar bush” was in operation – as were many others in the county –

See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing and all your printing needs.

PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy., Hastings.

At the gray barn

Derick James Hall, Hastings and Tammuz Valerie Mead, Hastings.

Todd Alan Wohlford, Willow Spring, NC and Tammy Lynn Stutzman, Hastings.

David Louis Berlien II, Delton and Suzann Marie Momenee, Delton.

James William Springer, Hickory Corners and Chelsea Rae Bowker, Hickory Corners.

John Josiah Raterink, Hastings and Jennifer Caitlin Wentworth, Zeeland.

Christopher Lee Freeman, Shelbyville and Lora Jane Haak, Highland Park, IL. John William VanProoyen, Middleville and Carol Sue Kool, Middleville.

Blake Edward Lucas, Oswego, IL and Joyelle Marie Endres, Oswego, IL. Jeremiah William Swift, Nashville and Louanne Marie Secord, Hastings.

Jacob Kenneth Heuss, Hastings and Nichole Irene Bivens, Hastings.

FEEDS GRASS SILAGE – Mrs. George A. Clouse is pictured watching her husband feed grass silage to cows in his herd of 45 registered Guernseys. The Clouse’s farm was the 11th to be featured in the Lucky Farmer Photo Quiz. Located on a farm amidst the rolling hills of Hope Township, the Clouses practice grassland farming entirely and are closely following the farm plan developed through the Barry Soil Conservation District. – Photo by Barth.

Like her husband, Mrs. Johnson was also born in Barry County. She was born at Cedar Creek, on the hill above the old flour mill, the daughter of Arley and Hattie Hull.

They were married Feb. 19, 1914, by the Rev. Maurice Grigsby in the Presbyterian manse in Hastings.

Colt Dale, born at Pennock Hospital on April 25, 2012 at 10:35 a.m. to Scott and Nicole (Reid) Lewis of Hastings. Weighing 9 lbs. 13 ozs. and 20 inches long. ***** Tanner Douglas Morgan, born at Pennock Hospital Hospital on April 28, 2012 at 9:27 p.m. to RJ Morgan and Ashley Peck of Hastings. Weighing 7 lbs. 2 ozs. and 19 inches long. ***** Dawsen Robert, born at Pennock Hospital on April 29, 2012 at 8:07 a.m. to David White and Shannon Bush of Middleville. Weighing 8 lbs. 1/2 ozs. and 19 inches long. ***** Jaiden Ford, born at Pennock Hospital on May 2, 2012 at 2:40 p.m. to Donny and Kassie

J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS

The minutes of the meeting of the Barry County Board of Commissioners held May 15, 2012, are available in the County Clerk’s Office at 220 W. State St., Hastings, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or www.barrycounty.org.

1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Barry County Board of Commissioners will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at 9:00 a.m., in the Commission Chamber, located on the Mezzanine level of the Courthouse, 220 W. State Street, Hastings, MI 49058, for the purpose of amending the Barry County Address Ordinance to reincorporate Section 3.04—Changing Existing Road Names, Section 4.03—Changing Address Numbers, and Section 4.04— Notice of Enforcement.

To obtain a copy of the proposed amendments or 77567381 for more information contact (269)945-1284.

07567775

City of Hastings NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Planning Commission of the City of Hastings will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, June 4, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058.

The purpose of the public hearing is for the Planning Commission to hear comments and make a determination on an amendment to the Code of Ordinances to allow wall signs on accessory buildings in the Industrial and Commercial Zoning Districts.

Written comments will be received on the above request at Hastings City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 until 5:00 PM on the date of the hearing. Requests for information and/or minutes of said hearing should be directed to the Hastings City Clerk at the same address.

The City will provide necessary reasonable aids and services upon five days notice to Hastings City Clerk (telephone number 269945-2468) or TDD call relay services 1-800-649-3777.

Thomas E. Emery City Clerk

City of Hastings NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Planning Commission of the City of Hastings will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, June 4, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058.

The purpose of the public hearing is for the Planning Commission to hear comments and make a determination on an amendment to the Code of Ordinances to allow the keeping of chickens in certain residential zones.

Written comments will be received on the above request at Hastings City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 until 5:00 PM on the date of the hearing. Requests for information and/or minutes of said hearing should be directed to the Hastings City Clerk at the same address.

The City will provide necessary reasonable aids and services upon five days notice to Hastings City Clerk (telephone number 269945-2468) or TDD call relay services 1-800-649-3777.

77567849

Thomas E. Emery City Clerk

Crater of Hastings. Weighing 6 lbs. 12 ozs. and 19 inches long. ***** Laney Alexis, born at Pennock Hospital on May 2, 2012 at 12:32 a.m. to Deanna Ogg and Brandon Awrey of Hastings. Weighing 7 lbs. 5 ozs. and 19.5 inches long. ***** Lillian Grace, born at Pennock Hospital on May 5, 2012 at 3:04 a.m. to Taylor Clark and Douglas Smith of Hastings. Weighing 7 lbs. 4 ozs. and 20 inches long. ***** Alexander Jeffery, born at Pennock Hospital on May 3, 2012 at 9:03 a.m. to Kevin and Heather Kaufman of Hastings. Weighing 3 lbs. 8 ozs. and 17.3 inches long. *****

See us for color copies, one-hour digital and 35 mm photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs.

NOTICE

77567847

They operate a general farm and have a small dairy farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have two children, Mrs. Roger (Margery) Fowler, 411 W. Mill Street, and Elmer, 27. Mrs. Johnson has a son by a former marriage, Frank Barkhuss of Kalamazoo.

Newborn Babies

City of Hastings NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED 2012/2013 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET The City of Hastings will hold a Public Hearing for the purpose of hearing written and/or oral comments from the public concerning the annual budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013. The public hearing will be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 in the City Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. The City Council will consider the budget as proposed by the City Manager and presented to City Council on April 23, 2012.

The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing.

All interested citizens are encouraged to attend and to submit comments.

A copy of this information, the entire proposed budget, and additional background materials are available for public inspection from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday at the Office of the City Clerk, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058.

The City will provide necessary reasonable aids and services upon five days notice to the City Clerk at 269.945.2468 or TDD call relay services 800.649-37777.

Thomas E. Emery City Clerk

77567799

Lucky Farmer Photo Quiz revisited

12th Lucky Farmers are life-long Barry residents The operators of the 12th Barry County farm to be pictured in the Lucky Farmer Photo Quiz should be well-known to many.

They have lived their entire lives in the county.

They are Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Johnson, who for the past 27 years have resided on the farm in Section 16 of Rutland Township [now part of Gun Ridge Golf Course] which was pictured in the aerial photo published in last week’s Banner.

Since they were married, they have resided in Rutland Township.

Prior to purchasing their present farm home with 80 acres from Bill Oaks, they had lived on the 90-acre farm formerly occupied by Hugh’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Johnson. The 90, where Hugh was born and which he and his wife bought from his folks, is located in Section 35 of Rutland [south of Podunk Lake]. They still work both places.

Page 10 — Thursday, May 17, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

LEGAL NOTICES GRAND & GRAND PLLC 31731 Northwestern Hwy, #115 Farmington Hills MI 48334 PURSUANT TO 15 USC §1692 YOU ARE HEREBY INFORMED THAT THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND THAT ANY INFORMATION THAT YOU PROVIDE MAY BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the condition of a mortgage made by James W. Holes, an unmarried man to MERS, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC by a mortgage dated May 23, 2008 and recorded on June 11, 2008 in instrument number 200806110006132, Barry County Records Michigan and assigned to BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO BAC HOME LOANS SERVICING, LP FKA COUNTYWIDE HOME LOANS SERVICING, LP by an assignment of mortgage dated November 15, 2011and recorded on November 22, 2011 in instrument number 201111220010962 Barry County Records Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Sixty-One Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety-Seven and 87/100 Dollars ($161,897.87) including interest at 6% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings; Michigan at 1:00 pm on June 14, 2012. Said premises are situated in the Township of Yankee, County of Barry State of Michigan, and are described as: Commencing at the Northwest corner of Section 22, Town 3 North, Range 10 West, thence South 80 rods, thence East 8 rods, thence North 80 rods, thence west 8 rods to the place of beginning, except commencing at the Northwest corner of Section 22, Town 3 North, Range 10 West, thence East 8 rods, for the place of beginning, thence South 160 feet, thence West 60 feet, thence North 160 feet, thence East 60 feet to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with 1948CL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. Dated: May 8, 2012 Michael M. Grand, Esq. GRAND & GRAND PLLC 31731 Northwestern Hwy., #115 Farmington Hills, MI 48334 (248) 538-3737 75033 (05-10)(05-31) 77567687

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE — THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT; ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY SERVICE PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW. Notice under MCL 600.3278: Pursuant to MCL 600.3278, if the property is sold at a foreclosure sale under MCL 600.3201 et. seq., the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. ATTENTION POTENTIAL PURCHASERS AT FORECLOSURE SALE: In the case of resolution prior to or simultaneously with the aforementioned foreclosure sale, U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for Manufactured Housing Contract Senior / Subordinate Pass-Through Certificate 2001-4, by Green Tree Servicing LLC, as Servicer with delegated authority under the transaction documents may rescind this sale at any time prior to the end of the redemption period. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited to the return of your bid amount tendered at the sale, plus interest. Default having occurred in the conditions of a Mortgage made by Jose H. Dominguez, Jr. and Doris A. Dominguez, husband and wife, ("Debtors") to Green Tree Servicing LLC (f/k/a Conseco Finance Servicing Corp.), dated August 3, 2001, and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for the County of Barry in the State of Michigan on August 7, 2001, in Document Number 1064399, et. seq., and being re-recorded on September 26, 2001 in Document Number 1067187, et. seq., said Mortgage being last assigned to U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for Manufactured Housing Contract Senior / Subordinate Pass-Through Certificate 2001-4 ("Green Tree"), by Mortgage Assignment dated February 6, 2012, and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for the County of Barry in the State of Michigan on February 13, 2012, in Document Number 201202130001530, et. seq., on which Mortgage there is claimed to be due as of the date of this Notice the sum of $132,202.45, which amount may or may not be the entire indebtedness owed by Debtors to Green Tree together with interest at 7.99 percent per annum.

NOW THEREFORE, Notice is hereby given that the power of sale contained in said Mortgage has become operative and that pursuant to that power of sale and MCL 600.3201 et. seq., on June 14, 2012 at 1:00 p.m., on the East steps of the Circuit Court Building in Hastings, Michigan, that being the place for holding the Circuit Court and/or for conducting such foreclosure sales for the County of Barry, there will be offered at public sale, the premises, or some part thereof, described in said Mortgage as follows, to-wit: LAND SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF IRVING, COUNTY OF BARRY, STATE OF MICHIGAN, IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: PART OF THE WEST 1/2 OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 23, TOWN 4 NORTH, RANGE 9 WEST, DESCRIBED AS: BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE NORTH AND SOUTH 1/4 LINE OF SECTION 23, DISTANT SOUTH 01 DEGREES 30' 32" WEST, 1724.04 FEET FROM THE NORTH 1/4 CORNER OF SECTION 23 AND PROCEEDING THENCE SOUTH 88 DEGREES 35' 54" EAST, 1316.12 FEET PARALLEL WITH THE EAST AND WEST 1/4 LINE OF SECTION 23; THENCE SOUTH 01 DEGREES 26' 11" WEST, 364.00 FEET ALONG THE EAST 1/8 LINE; THENCE NORTH 88 DEGREES 35' 54" WEST, 1316.58 FEET; THENCE NORTH 01 DEGREES 30' 32" EAST, 364.00 FEET ALONG THE NORTH AND SOUTH 1/4 LINE TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. which also includes any interest Green Tree may have in the 2000 Century Mobile Home, Serial Number MYD153819ABF. The redemption period shall be six (6) months unless the property is established to be abandoned pursuant to MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be the later of thirty (30) days from the date of sale or fifteen (15) days from the date the notice required by MCL 600.3241a(b) was posted and mailed, or unless under MCL 600.3240(17), prior to the foreclosure sale the borrower follows the procedure set forth in that section to establish the presumption that the property is used for Agricultural purposes, in which case the redemption period shall be one (1) year from the date of the sale. Dated: May 8, 2012 U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for Manufactured Housing Contract Senior / Subordinate PassThrough Certificate 2001-4, by Green Tree Servicing LLC, as Servicer with delegated authority under the transaction documents By: DONALD A. BRANDT (P30183) BRANDT, FISHER, ALWARD & PEZZETTI, P.C. Attorneys for Green Tree 1241 E. Eighth Street, P.O. Box 5817 Traverse City, Michigan 49696-5817 (231) 941-9660 File No.: 6140.1075 Ad #28028 05/10, 05/17, 05/24, 05/31/2012 77567692

Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure Sale THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest.

MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Denise T. Wolthuis, an unmarried woman, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., Mortgagee, dated July 3, 2003, and recorded on July 28, 2003 in instrument 1109473, and assigned by said Mortgagee to Bank of America, N.A., successor by merger to BAC Home Loans Servicing, L.P. fka Countrywide Home Loans Servicing, L.P. as assignee as documented by an assignment, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Nineteen Thousand Two Hundred Sixteen and 94/100 Dollars ($119,216.94).

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on June 14, 2012.

Said premises are situated in Township of Prairieville, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Commencing at the Northwest corner, Northwest 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 20, Town 1 North, Range 10 West, Township of Prairieville, Barry County, Michigan; thence East 23 rods to the point of beginning; thence East 516 feet; thence South 693 feet; thence West 516 feet; thence North to the point of beginning The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale.

If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period.

Dated: May 17, 2012 For more information, please call: FC X (248) 593-1302 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #403177F01 (05-17)(06-07) 77567875

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE This firm is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information we obtain will be used for that purpose.

Default has occurred in the conditions of a mortgage made by DONALD NEVINS and CASSANDRA A. NEVINS, husband and wife, and ELIZABETH M. NEVINS, a single woman (collectively, "Mortgagor"), to SAND RIDGE BANK, an Indiana corporation, of PO Box 598, Schereville, Indiana 46375, dated June 3, 2004, and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan on June 20, 2004, as instrument number 1130137 (the “Mortgage”). First Financial Bank, N.A., a national association, of 300 High Street, PO Box 476, Hamilton, Ohio 45011-0476, was the successor by consolidation to Sand Ridge Bank, and subsequently assigned the Mortgage to CHEMICAL BANK, a Michigan banking corporation, having an office at 333 E. Main Street, Midland, Michigan 48640-6511 (the "Mortgagee"), by assignment dated February 28, 2012, and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan on March 2, 2012, as Instrument No. 201203020002168 (the "Mortgage"). By reason of such default, the Mortgagee elects to declare and hereby declares the entire unpaid amount of the Mortgage due and payable forthwith. Mortgagee is the owner of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage.

As of the date of this Notice there is claimed to be due for principal and interest on the Mortgage the sum of Sixty Three Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty One and 96/100 Dollars ($63,751.96). No suit or proceeding at law has been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage or any part thereof.

Notice is hereby given that by virtue of the power of sale contained in the Mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, and to pay the above amount, with interest, as provided in the Mortgage, and all legal costs, charges and expenses, including the attorney fee allowed by law, and all taxes and insurance premiums paid by the undersigned before sale, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by sale of the mortgaged premises at public vendue to the highest bidder at the east entrance of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan on Thursday the 14th day of June, 2012, at one o’clock in the afternoon. The premises covered by the Mortgage are situated in the City of Hastings, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and are described as follows: Lot 669 of the City, formerly Village of Hastings, according to the recorded plat thereof.

Together with all the improvements erected on the real estate, and all easements, appurtenances, and fixtures a part of the property, and all replacements and additions.

Commonly known as: 512 W. State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 P.P. #08-55-001-206-00 Notice is further given that the length of the redemption period will be six (6) months from the date of sale, unless the premises are abandoned. If the premises are abandoned, the redemption period will be the later of thirty (30) days from the date of the sale or upon expiration of fifteen (15) days after the Mortgagor is given notice pursuant to MCLA §600.3241a(b) that the premises are considered abandoned and Mortgagor, Mortgagor's heirs, executor, or administrator, or a person lawfully claiming from or under one (1) of them has not given the written notice required by MCLA §600.3241a(c) stating that the premises are not abandoned.

If the premises are sold at a foreclosure sale, under MCLA §600.3278 the Mortgagor will be held responsible to the person who buys the premises at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the Mortgagee for damaging the premises during the redemption period.

Dated: May 17, 2012 CHEMICAL BANK Mortgagee Timothy Hillegonds WARNER NORCROSS & JUDD LLP 900 Fifth Third Center, 111 Lyon Street, N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2487 (616) 752-2000 77567838 8206150-1

SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN, P.C., IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT (248)539-7400 IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. MORTGAGE SALE – Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by ALAN E. ORSESKE, A MARRIED MAN and MELISSA S. ORSESKE, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. ("MERS"), solely as nominee for lender and lender's successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated August 28, 2003, and recorded on October 10, 2003, in Document No. 1115342, and assigned by said mortgagee to GMAC MORTGAGE, LLC SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO GMAC MORTGAGE CORPORATION, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Sixty-Five Thousand Eight Hundred Seventy-Seven Dollars and Thirty-Five Cents ($65,877.35), including interest at 6.500% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, At the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan. at 01:00 PM o'clock, on June 14, 2012 Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: THAT PART OF THE SOUTHWEST 1 / 4 OF SECTION 5, TOWN 1 NORTH, RANGE 9 WEST, DESCRIBED AS: A PARCEL OF LAND IN THE SOUTHWEST 1 / 4 OF SECTION 5, TOWN 1 NORTH, RANGE 9 WEST, DESCRIBED AS: COMMENCING AT A POINT 46.5 RODS EAST OF THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE SOUTHWEST 1 / 4 OF SAID SECTION 5, FOR THE PLACE OF BEGINNING, THENCE SOUTH 10 RODS, THENCE EAST 4 RODS, THENCE NORTH 10 RODS, THENCE WEST 4 RODS ALONG THE MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY TO PLACE OF BEGINNING. ALSO COMMENCING AT A POINT 46,5 RODS EAST AND 10 RODS SOUTH OF NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE SOUTHWEST 1 /4 OF SECTION 5 FOR THE PLACE OF BEGINNING; THENCE SOUTH 20 RODS, THENCE EAST 4 RODS, THENCE NORTH 20 RODS, THENCE WEST 4 RODS TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale unless determined abandoned in accordance with 1948CL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 600 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period.

GMAC MORTGAGE, LLC SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO GMAC MORTGAGE CORPORATION Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C. 23938 Research Drive, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, MI 48335 GMAC.012199 (0577567926 17)(06-07)

SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN, P.C., IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT (248)539-7400 IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. MORTGAGE SALE – Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by JEFFERY CHASE, A SINGLE MAN, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. ("MERS"), solely as nominee for lender and lender's successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated May 17, 2007, and recorded on May 23, 2007, in Document No. 1180894, and assigned by said mortgagee to GMAC Mortgage, LLC successor by merger to GMAC Mortgage Corporation, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Two Hundred Twenty-One Thousand Three Hundred Seventy-Four Dollars and Eighty-One Cents ($221,374.81), including interest at 5.000% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, At the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan. at 01:00 PM o'clock, on June 7, 2012 Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: PARCEL 1: A PARCEL OF LAND IN THE SOUTHWEST 1 / 4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1 / 4 OF SECTION 8, TOWN 2 NORTH, RANGE 7 WEST, MAPLE GROVE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE SOUTHWEST 1 / 4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1 / 4 OF SAID SECTION 8; THENCE NORTH 88 DEGREES 31 MINUTES 15 SECONDS EAST 1320.80 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 00 DEGREES 04 MINUTES 40 SECONDS WEST 330 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 88 DEGREES 31 MINUTES 15 SECONDS WEST 1320.58 FEET TO THE WEST LINE OF SAID SECTION 8; THENCE DUE NORTH 330 FEET TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. PARCEL 2: A PARCEL OF LAND IN THE NORTHWEST 1 / 4 OF SECTION 8, TOWN 2 NORTH, RANGE 7 WEST, MAPLE GROVE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE WEST LINE OF SAID SECTION 8 WHICH LIES 1488.25 FEET DUE SOUTH OF THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 8; THENCE NORTH 88 DEGREES 31 MINUTES 15 SECONDS EAST 1320.58 FEET TO THE WEST 1 / 8 LINE; THENCE SOUTH 00 DEGREES 04 MINUTES 40 SECONDS WEST 663.31 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 88 DEGREES 34 MINUTES WEST 1319.67 FEET; THENCE DUE NORTH 662.23 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. EXCEPT THE NORTH 165 FEET AND EXCEPT THE SOUTH 165 FEET OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PARCEL OF LAND. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale unless determined abandoned in accordance with 1948CL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale.

If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 600 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. GMAC Mortgage, LLC successor by merger to GMAC Mortgage Corporation Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C. 23938 Research Drive, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, MI 48335 GMAC.012202 (0510)(05-31) 77567717

STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 12-26092-DE Estate of JULIA B. STEVENS. Date of birth: October 15, 1923.

TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, JULIA B. STEVENS, died March 11, 2012.

Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to LINDA C. SMEAD AND GARY STEVENS, named personal representative or proposed personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 WEST COURT, SUITE 302, HASTINGS, MI 49058 and the named/proposed personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice.

Date: May 11, 2012 DAVID H. TRIPP P29290 206 SOUTH BROADWAY HASTINGS, MI 49058 (269) 945-9585 LINDA C. SMEAD AND GARY STEVENS 10175 I DRIVE SOUTH, CERESCO, MI 49033 8499 MILLER RD., PO BOX 146 DELTON, MI 49046 77567845

Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure Sale THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest.

MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Lynne R. Miller, a single woman, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., Mortgagee, dated February 11, 2010, and recorded on February 18, 2010 in instrument 201002180001458, and assigned by said Mortgagee to Branch Banking and Trust Company as assignee as documented by an assignment, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Forty-Two Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty and 98/100 Dollars ($42,750.98).

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 31, 2012.

Said premises are situated in Township of Hope, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lot 18, Cloverdale, according to the plat thereof as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 30, Barry County Records.

The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale.

If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period.

Dated: May 3, 2012 For more information, please call: FC F (248) 593-1313 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #397380F01 (05-03)(05-24) 77567425

Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure Sale THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest.

MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Heather R. Tuffs and Jim Tuffs, wife and husband, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., Mortgagee, dated June 14, 2005, and recorded on June 29, 2005 in instrument 1148767, and assigned by said Mortgagee to Bank of America, N.A., successor by merger to BAC Home Loans Servicing, L.P. fka Countrywide Home Loans Servicing, L.P. as assignee as documented by an assignment, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Four Thousand Six Hundred Fifty-Two and 62/100 Dollars ($104,652.62).

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 24, 2012.

Said premises are situated in Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: The East 1/2 of Lots 2 and 3 and all of Lot 7 of Block 25 of I.N. Keeler's Addition to the Village of Middleville, according to the plat thereof as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 12, Barry County Records The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale.

If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period.

Dated: April 26, 2012 For more information, please call: FC X (248) 593-1302 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #395582F01 77567352 (04-26)(05-17)

IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN BANKRUPTCY OR HAVE RECEIVED A DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY AS TO THIS OBLIGATION, THIS COMMUNICATION IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT IN VIOLATION OF THE AUTOMATIC STAY OR THE DISCHARGE INJUNCTION. IN SUCH CASE, PLEASE DISREGARD ANY PART OF THIS COMMUNICATION WHICH IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE FOREGOING. OTHERWISE, FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES US TO ADVISE YOU THAT COMMUNICATION FROM OUR OFFICE COULD BE INTERPRETED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND THAT ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED MAY BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. IF YOU ARE NOW ON ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY OR HAVE BEEN IN THE PRIOR NINE MONTHS, PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AS YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO THE BENEFITS OF THE SERVICEMEMBERS' CIVIL RELIEF ACT. MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Laura C. Miller, a single woman, to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Mortgagee, dated April 13, 2007 and recorded April 25, 2007 in Instrument Number 1179727, Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, successor by merger to Chase Home Finance LLC by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Thirty-One Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty-Eight and 81/100 Dollars ($131,728.81) including interest at 6.25% per annum.

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the Barry County Circuit Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan in Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 p.m. on JUNE 14, 2012.

Said premises are located in the Township of Thornapple, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lot 66 of Middleville Downs Number 3, Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, as recorded in Liber 5 of Plats, Page 26.

The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. TO ALL PURCHASERS: The foreclosing mortgagee can rescind the sale. In that event, your damages, if any, are limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest.

If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period.

If you are a tenant in the property, please contact our office as you may have certain rights.

Dated: May 17, 2012 Orlans Associates, P.C. Attorneys for Servicer P.O. Box 5041 Troy, MI 48007-5041 File No. 310.8582 77567898 (05-17)(06-07)

IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN BANKRUPTCY OR HAVE RECEIVED A DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY AS TO THIS OBLIGATION, THIS COMMUNICATION IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT IN VIOLATION OF THE AUTOMATIC STAY OR THE DISCHARGE INJUNCTION. IN SUCH CASE, PLEASE DISREGARD ANY PART OF THIS COMMUNICATION WHICH IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE FOREGOING. OTHERWISE, FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES US TO ADVISE YOU THAT COMMUNICATION FROM OUR OFFICE COULD BE INTERPRETED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND THAT ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED MAY BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. IF YOU ARE NOW ON ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY OR HAVE BEEN IN THE PRIOR NINE MONTHS, PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AS YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO THE BENEFITS OF THE SERVICEMEMBERS' CIVIL RELIEF ACT. MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Lindsey Bogerd, a single woman and Eric Smith, a single man, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Quicken Loans Inc., its successors or assigns., Mortgagee, dated July 20, 2007 and recorded July 26, 2007 in Instrument Number 20070726-000177, Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Bank of America, N.A. Successor by Merger to BAC Home Loans Servicing, LP FKA Countywide Home Loans Servicing LP by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Three Hundred Forty-Nine Thousand Sixty-One and 73/100 Dollars ($349,061.73) including interest at 6.875% per annum.

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the Barry County Circuit Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan in Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 p.m. on JUNE 14, 2012.

Said premises are located in the Township of Yankee Springs, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Land located in the Township of Yankee Springs, Barry County, State of Michigan, and described as follows: Lot 65 of Sunrise Shores #2, According to the recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 5 of Plat on Page 98 Barry County Records.

The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. TO ALL PURCHASERS: The foreclosing mortgagee can rescind the sale. In that event, your damages, if any, are limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest.

If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period.

If you are a tenant in the property, please contact our office as you may have certain rights.

Dated: May 17, 2012 Orlans Associates, P.C. Attorneys for Servicer P.O. Box 5041 Troy, MI 48007-5041 File No. 708.0721 (05-17)(06-07) 77567913

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 17, 2012 — Page 11

LEGAL NOTICES Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure Sale THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest.

MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Kenneth Cogswell a married man and Holly Cogswell a married women, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., Mortgagee, dated February 17, 2003, and recorded on March 14, 2003 in instrument 1099484, and assigned by said Mortgagee to Chase Home Finance, LLC as assignee as documented by an assignment, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Fifty-Eight Thousand Six Hundred SeventyNine and 15/100 Dollars ($58,679.15).

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 24, 2012.

Said premises are situated in Village of Nashville, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lot 30 and 31 of Hardendorf Addition to the Village of Nashville, according to the recorded Plat thereof as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 74.

Also, The South 1/2 of Lots 32 and 33 of the Plat of the Hardendorf Addition to the Village of Nashville, according to the recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 74 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale.

If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period.

Dated: April 26, 2012 For more information, please call: FC S (248) 593-1304 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #399284F01 (04-26)(05-17) 77567359 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE This firm is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information we obtain will be used for that purpose.

Default has occurred in the conditions of a mortgage made by MICHAEL D. BRZYCKI a/k/a MICHAEL BRZYCKI and JACKI BRZYCKI, husband and wife (collectively, "Mortgagor"), to GREENSTONE FARM CREDIT SERVICES, FLCA, a federally chartered corporation, having an office at 3515 West Road, East Lansing, Michigan 48823 (the "Mortgagee"), dated October 9, 2006, and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan on October 16, 2006, as Instrument No. 1171473 (the "Mortgage"). By reason of such default, the Mortgagee elects to declare and hereby declares the entire unpaid amount of the Mortgage due and payable forthwith.

Mortgagee is the owner of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage. Mortgage Electronic Registration System (MERS) is not the sole foreclosing party.

As of the date of this Notice there is claimed to be due for principal and interest on the Mortgage the sum of Sixty-Four Thousand One Hundred Fifty-Five and 20/100 Dollars ($64,155.20). No suit or proceeding at law has been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage or any part thereof.

Notice is hereby given that by virtue of the power of sale contained in the Mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, and to pay the above amount, with interest, as provided in the Mortgage, and all legal costs, charges and expenses, including the attorney fee allowed by law, and all taxes and insurance premiums paid by the undersigned before sale, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by sale of the mortgaged premises at public venue to the highest bidder at the east entrance of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan on Thursday the 31st day of May, 2012, at one o’clock in the afternoon. The premises covered by the Mortgage are situated in the Village of Nashville, Township of Castleton, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and are described as follows: The South 40 feet of Lot 16, except the East 44 feet thereof, Plat of the Village of Nashville, Village of Nashville, Castleton Township, Barry County, Michigan, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Barry County Records.

Together with all fixtures, tenements, hereditaments, and appurtenances belonging or in any way appertaining to the premises.

Commonly known as: 102 N. Main Street, Nashville, Michigan 49073 P.P. #08-52-000-016-00 Notice is further given that the length of the redemption period will be six (6) months from the date of sale, unless the premises are abandoned. If the premises are abandoned, the redemption period will be the later of thirty (30) days from the date of the sale or upon expiration of fifteen (15) days after the Mortgagor is given notice pursuant to MCLA §600.3241a(b) that the premises are considered abandoned and Mortgagor, Mortgagor's heirs, executor, or administrator, or a person lawfully claiming from or under one (1) of them has not given the written notice required by MCLA §600.3241a(c) stating that the premises are not abandoned.

If the premises are sold at a foreclosure sale, under MCLA §600.3278 the Mortgagor will be held responsible to the person who buys the premises at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the Mortgagee for damaging the premises during the redemption period.

Dated: May 3, 2012 GREENSTONE FARM CREDIT SERVICES, FLCA Mortgagee Timothy Hillegonds WARNER NORCROSS & JUDD LLP 900 Fifth Third Center 111 Lyon Street, N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2487 (616) 752-2000 8276572-1 77567472

IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN BANKRUPTCY OR HAVE RECEIVED A DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY AS TO THIS OBLIGATION, THIS COMMUNICATION IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT IN VIOLATION OF THE AUTOMATIC STAY OR THE DISCHARGE INJUNCTION. IN SUCH CASE, PLEASE DISREGARD ANY PART OF THIS COMMUNICATION WHICH IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE FOREGOING. OTHERWISE, FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES US TO ADVISE YOU THAT COMMUNICATION FROM OUR OFFICE COULD BE INTERPRETED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND THAT ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED MAY BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. IF YOU ARE NOW ON ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY OR HAVE BEEN IN THE PRIOR NINE MONTHS, PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AS YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO THE BENEFITS OF THE SERVICEMEMBERS' CIVIL RELIEF ACT. MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Todd L. Porter, single man, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender's successors and/or assigns, Mortgagee, dated October 21, 2009 and recorded November 10, 2009 in Instrument Number 200911100010962, Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Chase Home Finance LLC by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Seventy-Five Thousand Four Hundred Sixty-One and 67/100 Dollars ($75,461.67) including interest at 5.5% per annum.

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the Barry County Circuit Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan in Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 p.m. on JUNE 14, 2012.

Said premises are located in the City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lot 128, City of Hastings, according to the recorded Plat thereof.

The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. TO ALL PURCHASERS: The foreclosing mortgagee can rescind the sale. In that event, your damages, if any, are limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest.

If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period.

If you are a tenant in the property, please contact our office as you may have certain rights.

Dated: May 17, 2012 Orlans Associates, P.C. Attorneys for Servicer P.O. Box 5041 Troy, MI 48007-5041 File No. 682.0573 (05-17)(06-07) 77567903

Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure Sale THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest.

MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Stephen M. Beyer, Married Man, and Catherine Beyer, His Wife, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., Mortgagee, dated August 27, 2009, and recorded on September 2, 2009 in instrument 200909020008888, and assigned by said Mortgagee to Bank of America, N.A., successor by merger to BAC Home Loans Servicing, L.P. fka Countrywide Home Loans Servicing, L.P. as assignee as documented by an assignment, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Ninety-One Thousand Nine Hundred Seventeen and 87/100 Dollars ($191,917.87).

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 31, 2012.

Said premises are situated in Township of Thornapple, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Parcel A: Beginning at a point on the North-South 1/4 line Section 26, Town 4 North, Range 10 West, Thornapple Township, Barry County, Michigan, distant South 00 degrees 27 minutes 36 seconds West, 845.29 feet from the North 1/4 corner of said Section; thence North 80 degrees 42 minutes 21 seconds East, 801.52 feet to the centerline of Irving Road; thence South 41 degrees 29 minutes 30 seconds East, 449.81 feet along said centerline; thence South 43 degrees 36 minutes 25 seconds East, 50.12 feet along said centerline; thence South 48 degrees 30 minutes 30 seconds West 1513.35 feet to the North-South 1/4 line of said Section; thence North 00 degrees 27 minutes 36 seconds East, 1246.43 feet along said 1/4 line to the Point of Beginning. Subject to an easement for public highway purposes over the Northeasterly 33.00 feet thereof for Irving Road, and any other easements of restrictions of record.

The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale.

If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period.

Dated: May 3, 2012 For more information, please call: FC X (248) 593-1302 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #399782F01 77567400 (05-03)(05-24)

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE This firm is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information we obtain will be used for that purpose.

Default has occurred in the conditions of a mortgage made by DOUGLAS R. BAKER and MELISSA M. BAKER, husband and wife (collectively, "Mortgagor"), to GREENSTONE FARM CREDIT SERVICES, FLCA, a federally chartered corporation, having an office at 3515 West Road, East Lansing, Michigan 48823 (the "Mortgagee"), dated September 20, 2007, and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan on September 24, 2007, as Instrument No. 20070924-0002334, as amended by an agreement for extension or reamortization dated October 1, 2009, recorded November 6, 2009 as Instrument No. 200911060010869, Barry County Records (the "Mortgage"). By reason of such default, the Mortgagee elects to declare and hereby declares the entire unpaid amount of the Mortgage due and payable forthwith. Mortgagee is the owner of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage.

As of the date of this Notice there is claimed to be due for principal and interest on the Mortgage the sum of Eighty-Seven Thousand Eighty-One and 09/100 Dollars ($87,081.09). No suit or proceeding at law has been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage or any part thereof.

Notice is hereby given that by virtue of the power of sale contained in the Mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, and to pay the above amount, with interest, as provided in the Mortgage, and all legal costs, charges and expenses, including the attorney fee allowed by law, and all taxes and insurance premiums paid by the undersigned before sale, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by sale of the mortgaged premises at public venue to the highest bidder at the east entrance of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan on Thursday the 14th day of June, 2012, at one o’clock in the afternoon. The premises covered by the Mortgage are situated in the Townships of Orangeville and Hope, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and are described as follows: Parcel 1: Southeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4, Section 13, Town 2 North, Range 10 West, except Commencing at the Southeast corner thereof; thence West along East/West 1/4 line 271 feet for point of beginning; thence North parallel with the East line of Section 13, 450 feet thence West parallel with East/West 1/4 line 300 feet; thence South parallel with East Section line 450 feet; thence East 300 feet to point of beginning. Also except commencing at East 1/4 post of Section 13, Town 2 North, Range 10 West; thence North 89 degrees 32 minutes 43 seconds West on East and West 1/4 line 1328.08 feet; thence North 0 degrees 38 minutes 43 seconds East on North and South 1/8 line 475.00 feet to point of beginning of this exception; thence continuing North 0 degrees 32 minutes 43 seconds East 285 feet; thence South 89 degrees 17 minutes 17 seconds East 300 feet; thence South 0 degrees 32 minutes 43 seconds East 285 feet; thence North 89 degrees 27 minutes 17 seconds West 300 feet to point of beginning; also excepting Orangeville Township commencing at East 1/4 corner of Section 13, Town 2 North, Range 10 West; thence North 89 degrees 08 minutes 21 seconds West 571 feet; thence Northerly parallel with East line of said Section 450 feet to point of beginning; thence Southerly parallel with East line of said Section 450 feet to East/West 1/4 line; thence North 89 degrees 08 minutes 21 seconds West 757.08 feet; thence North 00 degrees 32 minutes 43 seconds East 475.00 feet; thence South 89 degrees 27 minutes 17 seconds East 756 feet more or less to a point thence lies Northerly parallel with East line of said Section from point of beginning; thence Southerly parallel with said East line said Section 29 feet more or less to point of beginning.

Except commencing at the Southeast corner of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 13, Town 2 North, Range 10 West, Orangeville Township, Barry

County, Michigan; thence North 89 degrees 08 minutes 21 seconds West, on the East and West 1/4 line, 571.00 feet; thence North 0 degrees 24 minutes 49 seconds East, parallel with the East Section line, 475.00 feet to the point of beginning of the Parcel of land herein described; thence North 89 degrees 27 minutes 17 seconds West, 455.92 feet; thence North 0 degrees 32 minutes 43 seconds East, parallel with the North and South 1/8 line of said Northeast 1/4, 285.00 feet; thence North 89 degrees 27 minutes 17 seconds West, 300.00 feet to said 1/8 line; thence North 0 degrees 32 minutes 43 seconds East, on said 1/8 line, 100.19 feet; thence South 89 degrees 07 minutes 25 seconds East, 755.02 feet; thence South 0 degrees 24 minutes 49 seconds West, parallel with the East Section line, 410.00 feet to the point of beginning.

Also Except commencing at the Southeast corner of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 13, Town 2 North, Range 10 West; thence North 89 degrees 08 minutes 21 seconds West, on the East and West 1/4 line, 271.00 feet; thence North 0 degrees 24 minutes 49 seconds East, parallel with the East Section line, 450.00 feet to the point of beginning of the parcel of land herein described; thence North 89 degrees 08 minutes 21 seconds West, parallel with the East and West 1/4 line, 300.00 feet; thence North 0 degrees 24 minutes 49 seconds East, parallel with the East Section line, 410.00 feet; thence South 89 degrees 08 minutes 21 seconds East, parallel with the East and West 1/4 line, 300.00 feet; thence South 0 degrees 24 minutes 49 seconds West, parallel with the East Section line, 410.00 feet to the point of beginning.

Parcel 2: Parcel in Section 18, Hope Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: Commencing at the Northwest corner Section 18, Town 2 North, Range 9 West; thence North 88 degrees 51 minutes 14 seconds East 440 feet along the North line; thence South 1 degrees 8 minutes 46 seconds East 1833.47 feet; thence South 88 degrees 51 minutes 14 seconds West 427.09 feet to the West line of Section 18; thence North 1 degrees 32 minutes 58 seconds West 1833.52 feet along West line to point of beginning.

Together with all fixtures, tenements, hereditaments, and appurtenances belonging or in any way appertaining to the premises.

Commonly known as: vacant land on Keller Road, Delton, Michigan 49046 P.P. #08-11-013-011-00 (Parcel 1) and 08-07-018-218-05, 08-07-018-218-10 and 08-07-018-218-20 (Parcel 2) Notice is further given that the length of the redemption period will be six (6) months from the date of sale, unless the premises are abandoned.

If the premises are abandoned, the redemption period will be the later of thirty (30) days from the date of the sale or upon expiration of fifteen (15) days after the Mortgagor is given notice pursuant to MCLA §600.3241a(b) that the premises are considered abandoned and Mortgagor, Mortgagor's heirs, executor, or administrator, or a person lawfully claiming from or under one (1) of them has not given the written notice required by MCLA §600.3241a(c) stating that the premises are not abandoned.

If the premises are sold at a foreclosure sale, under MCLA §600.3278 the Mortgagor will be held responsible to the person who buys the premises at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the Mortgagee for damaging the premises during the redemption period.

Dated: May 17, 2012 GREENSTONE FARM CREDIT SERVICES, FLCA Mortgagee Timothy Hillegonds WARNER NORCROSS & JUDD LLP 900 Fifth Third Center 111 Lyon Street, N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2487 (616) 752-2000 8302855-1 77567819

Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure Sale THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest.

MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Mitchell L. Phelps, a married man and Theresa Phelps, his wife, original mortgagor(s), to Lake Michigan Credit Union, Mortgagee, dated July 24, 2007, and recorded on July 31, 2007 in instrument 200707310000343, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Ninety-Four Thousand One Hundred Seventeen and 74/100 Dollars ($94,117.74).

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 24, 2012.

Said premises are situated in Township of Carlton, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: A Parcel of land on the Northeast 1/4 of Section 14, Town 4 North, Range 8 West, commencing at the Northeast corner of the Northwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4; Section 14; thence South 666 feet for the place of beginning, thence West 175 feet; thence South 200 feet; thence East 175 feet; thence North 200 feet, to the place of beginning.

And Commencing at the North 1/4 corner of Section 14, Town 4 North, Range 8 West, Carlton Township, Barry County, Michigan; thence 90 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds East, 1056.00 feet along the North line of said Section;thence South 666 feet for the place of beginning thence South 00 degrees 46 minutes 27 seconds East, 89.00 feet; thence South 00 degrees 46 minutes 27 seconds West, 200.00 feet; thence South 90 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds West, 89 feet; thence North 00 degrees 46 minutes 27 seconds East, 200 feet to the place of beginning.

The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale.

If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period.

Dated: April 26, 2012 For more information, please call: FC H (248) 593-1300 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #398935F01 77567262 (04-26)(05-17)

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE This firm is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information we obtain will be used for that purpose.

Default has occurred in the conditions of a mortgage made by OWEN J. SABIN and CARLEEN R. SABIN, husband and wife (collectively “Mortgagor”), to FIFTH THIRD BANK an Ohio banking corporation having its principal office at 111 Lyon Street, NW, Suite 900, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, (the “Mortgagee”), dated December 17, 2003 and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan on January 2, 2004, in Instrument No. 1120158 as modified in Instrument No. 1162170 (collectively the “Mortgage”). By reason of such default, the Mortgagee elects to declare and hereby declares the entire unpaid amount of the Mortgage due and payable forthwith.

As of the date of this Notice there is claimed to be due for principal and interest on the Mortgage the sum of Two Hundred Thirty-Seven Two Hundred Thirty-Four and 00/100 Dollars ($237,234.00). No suit or proceeding at law has been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage or any part thereof.

Notice is hereby given that by virtue of the power of sale contained in the Mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, and to pay the above amount, with interest, as provided in the Mortgage, and all legal costs, charges and expenses, including the attorney fee allowed by law, and all taxes and insurance premiums paid by the undersigned before sale, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by sale of the mortgaged premises at public vendue to the highest bidder at the Barry County Courthouse located in the City of Hastings, Michigan on Thursday, June 7, 2012, at 1:00 o’clock in the afternoon. The premises covered by the Mortgage are situated in the Township of Yankee Springs, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and are described as follows: Begin 100.0 feet North of the South 1/4 post of Section 8, Town 3 North, Range 10 West, Yankee Springs Township, Barry County, Michigan; thence South 89 degrees 40 minutes West 738.15 feet to the center of creek; thence North 12 degrees 12 minutes West 336.0 feet along center of creek to a 4" concrete monument which is set in the bank about 20 feet East of the center of creek (center of creek is to be the boundary line, however); thence North 54 degrees 12 minutes West 166.10 feet along center of creek to an iron under an old foot bridge; thence North 23 degrees 06 minutes West 311.8 feet along center of creek to a 4" diameter concrete monument; thence South 65 degrees 07 minutes West 39.4 feet; thence North 23 degrees 06 minutes West 93.00 feet to the edge of the Mill Pond; thence North 59 degrees 10 minutes East 70.0 feet along edge of Mill Pond; thence North 21 degrees 51 minutes East 42.0 feet; thence North 19 degrees 31 minutes West 44.0 feet to the edge of the Mill Pond; thence North 54 degrees 07 minutes West 15.15 feet to a 4" diameter concrete monument a few feet from edge of Mill Pond and is the South boundary of the Springer (O'Dell) property; thence North 71 degrees 02 minutes East 163.6 feet to the center of public road which leads from the North to Bowens Mill; thence North 05 degrees 52 minutes 30 seconds East 104.37 feet; thence South 84 degrees 07 minutes 30 seconds East 206.0 feet; thence North 06 degrees 45 minutes East 377.6 feet; thence South 77 degrees 26 minutes East 342.07 feet; thence South 75 degrees East 350.46 feet; thence South 1249.50 feet along the North-South 1/4 line of said Section 8 to the

Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure Sale THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest.

MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Carol L Anglemyer, and Edward F. Akin, as joint tenants with Full rights of Survivorship, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., Mortgagee, dated June 18, 2003, and recorded on June 26, 2003 in instrument 1107200, and assigned by said Mortgagee to Bank of America, N.A. as assignee as documented by an assignment, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Seventy-Four Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy-Five and 96/100 Dollars ($74,775.96).

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 31, 2012.

Said premises are situated in City of Delton, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: A parcel of land in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 20, Town 2 North, Range 9 West, described as: Beginning at the intersection of the North line of Guernsey Lake Road and the West line of Pike Road as Platted in the Plat of Diana Shores, as recorded in Liber 5 of Plats on Page 24; Thence South 01 degrees 06 minutes East 33.00 feet to the centerline of Guernsey Lake Road, said Centerline Also Being the East and West 1/4 Line of said Section 20; thence North 89 Degrees 45 minutes West along said East and West 1/4 Line a distance of 261.50 feet; Thence North 01 Degrees 06 minutes West 407.00 feet; Thence South 89 Degrees 45 minutes East 261.50 feet to the West line of said Pike Road; Thence South 01 Degrees 06 minutes East along said West line 374.00 feet to the point of beginning.

The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale.

If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period.

Dated: May 3, 2012 For more information, please call: FC X (248) 593-1302 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #400120F01 (05-03)(05-24) 77567406

place of beginning. Subject to an easement over the East 33 feet for highway purposes. Also all land along the Mill Pond between the markers and edge of the Mill Pond is part of this conveyance and all land along the East side of the creek between the markers and the creek is part of this conveyance, excepting therefrom commencing at the South 1/4 post of Section 8, Town 3 North, Range 10 West; thence North 1097.75 feet for a place of beginning; thence North 251.75 feet; thence North 75 degrees West 350.46 feet; thence North 77 degrees 26 minutes West 342.07 feet; thence South 06 degrees 45 minutes West 251.75 feet, (Bowens Mills Church Property); thence Southeasterly in a straight line to the place of beginning. Subject to an easement over the East 33 feet of this description along Briggs Road for public highway purposes, also excepting therefrom the South 488 feet thereof.

Together with all of the estate, title and interest of Mortgagor, in law or equity, of, in and to such real estate and the buildings and improvements now existing, being constructed, or hereafter constructed or placed thereon, all of the rights, privileges, licenses, easements and appurtenances belonging to such real estate (including - all heretofore or hereafter vacated streets or alleys which are about such real estate), and all fixtures of every kind whatsoever located in or on, or attached to, and used or intended to be used in connection with or with the operation of such real estate, buildings, structures or other improvements thereon or in connection with any construction now or to be conducted or which may be conducted thereon, together with all building materials and equipment now or hereafter delivered to such real estate and intended to be installed therein; any rental revenues, payments, repayments. income, profits, charges. accounts, general intangibles, and moneys derived

by Mortgagor (from the lease, sublease, sale, rental or other disposition of the Property, including, but not limited to, all rights conferred by Act No. 210 of the Michigan Public Acts of 1953, as amended (MCLA 554.231 et seq.), and Act No. 228 of the Michigan Public Acts of 1925 as amended (MCLA 554.211 et seq.)

Commonly known as: 200 Old Mill Road, Middleville, Michigan P.P. # 08-16-008-020-50 Notice is further given that the length of the redemption period will be six (6) months from the date of sale, unless the premises are abandoned.

If the premises are abandoned, the redemption period will be the later of thirty (30) days from the date of the sale or expiration of fifteen (15) days after the Mortgagor is given notice pursuant to MCLA §600.3241a(b) stating that the premises are considered abandoned unless Mortgagor, Mortgagor's heirs, executor, or administrator, or a person lawfully claiming from or under one (1) of them gives the written notice required by MCLA §600.3241a(c) stating that the premises are not abandoned.

If the premises are sold at a foreclosure sale, under MCLA §600.3278 the Mortgagor will be held responsible to the person who buys the premises at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the Mortgagee for damaging the premises during the redemption period.

Dated: May 3, 2012 FIFTH THIRD BANK Mortgagee Jeffrey O. Birkhold WARNER NORCROSS & JUDD LLP 900 Fifth Third Center 111 Lyon Street, N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2489 (616) 752-2000 8276021 77567517

Page 12 — Thursday, May 17, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

LEGAL NOTICES Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure Sale THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest.

MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Darla L Slumkoski, a single woman individual, original mortgagor(s), to Arbor Mortgage, Mortgagee, dated May 31, 2007, and recorded on June 6, 2007 in instrument 1181356, and assigned by mesne assignments to BAC Home Loans Servicing, L.P. as assignee as documented by an assignment, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Thirty-Nine Thousand Nine Hundred Twenty-Seven and 42/100 Dollars ($139,927.42).

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on June 7, 2012.

Said premises are situated in Township of Barry, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Commencing at a point 4 rods East of the Southeast corner of lot 45 of the Village of Delton, for place of beginning; thence East 8 rods; thence North 4 rods; thence West 8 rods; thence South 4 rods to place of beginning, all being in the Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of section 5, Town 1 North, Range 9 West The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale.

If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period.

Dated: May 10, 2012 For more information, please call: FC X (248) 593-1302 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #276109F02 (05-10)(05-31) 77567647

MORTGAGE SALE This is an attempt to collect a debt, and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Default has occurred in the conditions of a mortgage made by JEFFREY L. WILLIAMS and JAMIE L. SANMIGUEL, husband and wife, Mortgagors, to MERCANTILE BANK MORTGAGE COMPANY, LLC, having its principal office at 310 Leonard Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, Mortgagee, dated December 4, 2007 and recorded December 21, 2007 in Instrument No. 20071221-0005432 of Mortgages. By reason of such default the undersigned elects to declare the entire unpaid amount of said mortgage due and payable forthwith.

At the date of this Notice there is claimed to be due for principal and interest on said mortgage the sum of TWO HUNDRED TWENTY THREE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED SEVENTY SIX AND 88/100 ($223,776.88) dollars, including interest at the rate of 7% per annum. No suit or proceeding at law has been instituted to recover the debt secured by said mortgage or any part thereof.

Notice is hereby given that by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided and to pay said amount with interest as provided in said mortgage, and all legal costs, charges, and expenses, including attorney fees allowed by law, said mortgage will be foreclosed by sale of the mortgaged premises at public vendue to the highest bidder at the east door of the Barry County Courthouse, the place of holding the Circuit Court within the County of Barry, City of Hastings, Michigan, on May 31, 2012, at 1:00 p.m., local time.

Pursuant to Public Act No. 104, Public Acts of 1971 [MCLA 600.3240(8), MSA 27A.3240(8)] the redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of the foreclosure sale, unless the property is determined to be abandoned under MCLA 600.3241a; MSA 27A.3241(1), in which case the property may be redeemed during the 30 days immediately following the sale or expiration of statutory notice period or expiration of statutory notice period.

The premises covered by said mortgage are situated in the Township of Orangeville, County of Barry, State of Michigan, described as follows, to wit: Lots 132 and 133, Lynden Johncock Plat No. 1, Gun Lake, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 3 of Plats, Page 93, records of Barry County.

MERCANTILE BANK MORTGAGE COMPANY, LLC Mortgagee SCHENK BONCHER & RYPMA Gary P. Schenk P19970 601 Three Mile Road, N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49544-1601 (616) 647-8277

77567310

AS A DEBT COLLECTOR, WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. NOTIFY US AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. MORTGAGE SALE - Default having been made in the terms and conditions of a certain mortgage made by Michael C Dunlap , a married man, Mortgagors, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc (MERS) as nominee for Providence Mortgage Company, Mortgagee, dated the 22nd day of February, 2008 and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds, for The County of Barry and State of Michigan, on the 3rd day of March, 2008 in Liber instrument No. 20080303-0001940 of Barry County Records, page , said Mortgage having been assigned to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. on which mortgage there is claimed to be due, at the date of this notice, the sum of One Hundred Four Thousand Six Hundred Forty and 34/100 ($104,640.34), and no suit or proceeding at law or in equity having been instituted to recover the debt secured by said mortgage or any part thereof. Now, therefore, by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, and pursuant to statute of the State of Michigan in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that on the 7th day of June, 2012 at 1:00 o’clock PM Local Time, said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale at public auction, to the highest bidder, at the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, MI (that being the building where the Circuit Court for the County of Barry is held), of the premises described in said mortgage, or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay the amount due, as aforesaid on said mortgage, with interest thereon at 5.875% per annum and all legal costs, charges, and expenses, including the attorney fees allowed by law, and also any sum or sums which may be paid by the undersigned, necessary to protect its interest in the premises. Which said premises are described as follows: All that certain piece or parcel of land, including any and all structures, and homes, manufactured or otherwise, located thereon, situated in the Village of Nashville, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and described as follows, to wit: Lot 85 of Mix Addition to Nashville, according to the plat thereof recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, page 69 of Barry County Records. During the six (6) months immediately following the sale, the property may be redeemed, except that in the event that the property is determined to be abandoned pursuant to MCLA 600.3241a, the property may be redeemed during 30 days immediately following the sale.

Pursuant to MCLA 600.3278, the mortgagor(s) will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: 5/10/2012 JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Mortgagee ____________ FABRIZIO & BROOK, P.C. Attorney for JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. 888 W. Big Beaver, Suite 800 Troy, Ml 48084 248-362-2600 CHASE FHA GNMA DUNLAP (05-10)(05-31) 77567673

Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure Sale THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest.

MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Michael J. Speck, a single man, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., Mortgagee, dated January 23, 2006, and recorded on January 25, 2006 in instrument 1159334, and assigned by said Mortgagee to Wells Fargo Bank, NA as assignee as documented by an assignment, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Ninety-Seven Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty-Four and 32/100 Dollars ($97,724.32).

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on June 14, 2012.

Said premises are situated in Township of Orangeville, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Commencing at a point 18 rods 7 1/2 feet East from the Southwest corner of Section 18, Town 2 North, Range 10 West; thence North 20 rods; thence East 16 rods; thence South 20 rods; thence West 16 rods to the place of beginning.

The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale.

If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period.

Dated: May 17, 2012 For more information, please call: FC D (248) 593-1309 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #347952F02 (05-17)(06-07) 77567832

SOUTHWEST BARRY COUNTY SEWER AND WATER AUTHORITY REGULAR BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE April 2012 - April 2013 Tuesday – April 24, 2012 Tuesday - June 26, 2012 Tuesday - August 28, 2012 Tuesday - October 23, 2012 Tuesday - January 22, 2013 Tuesday - March 26, 2013 Tuesday - April 23, 2013 MEETINGS ARE HELD AT: THE BARRY TOWNSHIP HALL 155 E. ORCHARD, DELTON, MI ALL MEETINGS BEGIN AT 7:00 P.M. THIS NOTICE IS POSTED IN THE COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT, PUBLIC ACT 267 OF 1976, AS AMENDED. ALL MEETING DATES AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. 77567861

Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure Sale THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest.

MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Michele R. Cady, a married woman, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., Mortgagee, dated July 25, 2005, and recorded on August 17, 2005 in instrument 1151282, and assigned by said Mortgagee to BAC Home Loans Servicing, L.P. as assignee as documented by an assignment, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Ninety-Three Thousand Four Hundred Sixteen and 48/100 Dollars ($93,416.48).

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on June 7, 2012.

Said premises are situated in Village of Nashville, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: The East 1/2 of Lots 62 and 63, Q.A. Phillips Addition to the Village of Nashville, Barry County, Michigan as recorded in Liber 1, Page 38, Barry County Records.

The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale.

If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period.

Dated: May 10, 2012 For more information, please call: FC X (248) 593-1302 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #348982F03 (05-10)(05-31) 77567641

IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN BANKRUPTCY OR HAVE RECEIVED A DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY AS TO THIS OBLIGATION, THIS COMMUNICATION IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT IN VIOLATION OF THE AUTOMATIC STAY OR THE DISCHARGE INJUNCTION. IN SUCH CASE, PLEASE DISREGARD ANY PART OF THIS COMMUNICATION WHICH IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE FOREGOING. OTHERWISE, FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES US TO ADVISE YOU THAT COMMUNICATION FROM OUR OFFICE COULD BE INTERPRETED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND THAT ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED MAY BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. IF YOU ARE NOW ON ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY OR HAVE BEEN IN THE PRIOR NINE MONTHS, PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AS YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO THE BENEFITS OF THE SERVICEMEMBERS' CIVIL RELIEF ACT. MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Daryl R. Hamel and Nancy C. Hamel, as joint tenants., to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender's successors and/or assigns., Mortgagee, dated November 15, 2006 and recorded November 28, 2006 in Instrument Number 1173169, Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held

by The Bank of New York Mellon FKA The Bank of New York, as Trustee for the certificateholders of the CWABS, Inc., Asset-backed Certificates, Series 2006-25 by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of SixtyThree Thousand Forty-One and 86/100 Dollars ($63,041.86) including interest at 8.2% per annum.

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the Barry County Circuit Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan in Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 p.m. on JUNE 14, 2012.

Said premises are located in the Township of Hasting, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Land located in the Township of Hastings, Barry County, State of Michigan, and described as follows: The North 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 4, Town 3 North, Range 8 West.

Except: Commencing at the Northeast corner of the North 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of said Section 4; thence West 798 feet; thence South 660 feet; thence East 798 feet; thence North 660 feet to the place of beginning.

Also Except: Commencing at the intersection of State Highway M-43 and The County Highway, known as, Barber Road; thence North 424 feet; thence due East to the center of M-43; thence Southwesterly along said centerline to the place of beginning.

Also Except: Commencing at the North 1/4 post of said section; thence East along the North section line 135 feet; thence South parallel with the North and South 1/4 line 231 feet; thence West 135 feet to the North and South 1/4 line; thence Northerly along said North and South 1/4 line 231 feet to the Place of Beginning.

Also Except: Commencing at a point 798 feet West of the Northeast corner of the North 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of said Section 4; thence South 40 rods; thence West 450 feet, more of less, to Coats Grove Road; thence following said road to the Place of Beginning.

The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. TO ALL PURCHASERS: The foreclosing mortgagee can rescind the sale. In that event, your damages, if any, are limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest.

If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period.

If you are a tenant in the property, please contact our office as you may have certain rights.

Dated: May 17, 2012 Orlans Associates, P.C. Attorneys for Servicer P.O. Box 5041 Troy, MI 48007-5041 File No. 347.0322 (05-17)(06-07) 77567908

Synopsis Hastings Charter Township Regular Meeting May 8, 2012 Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm Pledge and roll call Seven board members present, 4 guests attended Presentation by Evelyn Holzwarth from Hastings Public Library Approved April minutes & Various dept. reports Commissioner’s report rec’d Treasurer’s report approved Clerk- voter ID card mass mailing Poverty Exemption documentation Sewer Agreement Amendment Mill St dust control Amend Road budget Liability Insurance renewal Approved payment of warrants Board member comments Public comment Approved motion to adjourn 9:08 pm Read full minutes on twp. website Respectfully submitted, Anita S. Mennell - Clerk Attested to by Jim Brown – Supervisor 77567896 Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure Sale THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest.

MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Mark A Edgar and Brenda K Edger, Husband and Wife, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., Mortgagee, dated September 18, 2008, and recorded on October 7, 2008 in instrument 20081007-0009809, and assigned by said Mortgagee to Wells Fargo Bank, NA as assignee as documented by an assignment, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Forty-Three Thousand Four Hundred Fifty-One and 64/100 Dollars ($143,451.64).

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 31, 2012.

Said premises are situated in City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lot 1203, Original Plan of the Village (Now City) of Hastings, according to the plat thereof.

The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale.

If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period.

Dated: May 3, 2012 For more information, please call: FC D (248) 593-1309 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #290575F02 (05-03)(05-24) 77567467 Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure Sale THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest.

MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Stacy L. Johnson and Dean R. Johnson wife and husband, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., Mortgagee, dated December 28, 2007, and recorded on January 2, 2008 in instrument 20080102-0000107, and assigned by said Mortgagee to Flagstar Bank, FSB as assignee as documented by an assignment, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Sixteen Thousand Two Hundred Seventy-Four and 07/100 Dollars ($116,274.07).

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 31, 2012.

Said premises are situated in Village of Nashville, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: The West 57 feet of Lots 4 and 5, and the West 56 feet of Lot 3, all in Block 3, of A.W. Phillips Addition to the Village of Nashville, according to the recorded Plat thereof.

The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale.

If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period.

Dated: May 3, 2012 For more information, please call: FC J (248) 593-1311 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #297864F02 77567412 (05-03)(05-24)

NOTICE TO ALL CREDITORS: The Settlors, Harry H. Tabberer (date of birth February 25, 1921) and Grace G. Tabberer (date of birth January 9, 1917), lived at 5223 Youngman Rd., Lakeview, Michigan 48850, Harry H. Tabberer died December 11, 2009 and Grace G. Tabberer died April 23, 2012. There is no personal representative of the Settlors’ estates to whom Letters of Administration have been issued.

Creditors of the decedents are notified that all claims against the Harry H. Tabberer and Grace G. Tabberer Revocable Trust, dated September 3, 1993, as amended, will be forever barred unless presented to Victor P. Priester, co-Trustee or Frederick T. Tabberer, coTrustee, within four months after the date of publication.

Notice is further given that the Trust will thereafter be assigned and distributed to the persons entitled to it.

Date: May 14, 2012 John N. Lewis (P38313) Attorney and Counselor 8042 W. Snows Lake Rd. Greenville, Michigan 48838 (616) 754-0428 Victor P. Priester Frederick T. Tabberer Co-Trustee Co-Trustee 10870 Lincoln Lake Rd. NE 10975 - 92nd St., SE Greenville, Michigan 48838 Alto, Michigan 49301 77567859

Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure Sale THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest.

MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Joan Patricia Leos, a single woman, original mortgagor(s), to Lansing Automakers Federal CU, Mortgagee, dated August 27, 2002, and recorded on September 6, 2002 in instrument 1086940, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Eighty-Six Thousand Seventy-Eight and 99/100 Dollars ($86,078.99).

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on June 7, 2012.

Said premises are situated in Village of Woodland, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lots 7 and 8 of Block 9 of the Village of Woodland, according to the recorded Plat thereof.

The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale.

If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period.

Dated: May 10, 2012 For more information, please call: FC H (248) 593-1300 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #383088F01 (05-10)(05-31) 77567656

Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure Sale THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest.

MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Kyle Main, single man, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., Mortgagee, dated July 1, 2005, and recorded on July 6, 2005 in instrument 1149102, and assigned by said Mortgagee to Flagstar Bank, FSB as assignee as documented by an assignment, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Fourteen Thousand One Hundred NinetyOne and 34/100 Dollars ($114,191.34).

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 24, 2012.

Said premises are situated in Township of Baltimore, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Parcel 1: Beginning 8 rods East of the Southwest corner of Section 34, Town 2 North, Range 8 West, Baltimore Township, Barry County, Michigan; thence North 40 Rods, thence East 4 Rods; thence South 40 rods, thence West 4 rods to the place of beginning Parcel 2: Beginning 12 rods East of the Southwest corner of Section 34, Town 2 North, Range 8 West, Baltimore Township, Barry County, Michigan; thence North 40 rods, thence East 4 Rods; thence South 40 rods; thence West 4 rods to the place of beginning The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale.

If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period.

Dated: April 26, 2012 For more information, please call: FC J (248) 593-1311 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #274135F02 (04-26)(05-17) 77567256

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 17, 2012 — Page 13

Michigan State Police stopped a vehicle May 10 on M-37 near Culver Road for an equipment violation and obstructed registration plate. The trooper subsequently detected an odor of marijuana and reported that the driver may have been under the influence of drugs. The driver was an18-year-old Bellevue man who was arrested for possession of marijuana, operating under the influence of a controlled substance, and possession of marijuana with the intent to deliver.

Cramping and crashing A 23-year-old Delton woman drove into the rear of a Manitou farm tractor May 11, which was operated by a 24-year-old Battle Creek man. Michigan State Police responded to the accident on M-37 and Hickory Road. The woman, driving a Kia Sportage, stated she removed her seat belt to lean down and rub her cramping leg when the crash occurred. She was transported by ambulance to Bronson Hospital and cited for careless driving. The man driving the tractor was not injured in the crash.

Joy ride may end up on the jail side Hastings Police received a report of larceny from a building and theft of an automobile, on the morning of May 9. A 55year-old resident of Hanna Lane said her home had been entered sometime during the night and she was missing a sum of money.

The victim also noticed her car keys were missing. She then noted the car was also missing. The missing car is described a 1989 Chevrolet Caprice, maroon color, with gray hubcaps. The home owner’s grandson is suspected of taking both cash and car, since there is a history of the boy taking things. The suspect is a 17-year-old Hastings male.

Punchy now in probate Hastings Officers received a report, on May 9, of an alleged assault occurring on South Washington Street. Officers met with the victim of the assault at Pennock Urgent Care Clinic on West State Street. The alleged victim had just received medical care for his injuries. Officers were informed several subjects were occupying a residence when one subject punched the 15-year-old victim. The suspect is a 16-year-old from Hastings. Following the report being reviewed by the Prosecutors office, an arrest warrant was issued for aggravated assault.

The suspect will appear in Barry County Probate Court due to his minor status.

Took a trip and never left the Honda Hastings Officers were dispatched May 9, to a possible drunk driver heading into Hastings on East State Street. Officers located the “black Honda” at the intersection of State Street and Boltwood. After observing the driving ability of the vehicle’s operator, a traffic stop was made at West State Street and Church Street. The 33-yearold Springfield woman was asked to perform field sobriety tests, and failed her portable breathalyzer test. She was then arrested and will be charged with operating with a high blood alcohol level after tests revealed .17 percent blood alcohol level.

Nowhere to run On May 10, Hastings Officers were dispatched to North East Street for a reported domestic assault in progress. Upon arrival, officers overheard what sounded like someone being thrown around inside the apartment, and were familiar with the apartment having been there several times before.

After gaining the occupants attention and having them answer the door, reportedly, a 20-year-old female had assaulted a 19-yearold male. Reportedly, the male occupant had attempted to leave the apartment several times, including attempts at jumping from a second story window to escape the argument. The Hastings woman was taken into custody for domestic assault.

He’s my boyfriend and I’m not going to take it anymore Barry County Deputies responded to the Cedar Creek Grocery, on May 12, in response to an assault and battery complaint. The complainant reported being attacked by her ex-husband’s girlfriend who had left the scene. According to the alleged victim, she had entered the store to buy a pop and was told the girlfriend was in the store’s bathroom. She told deputies when she went to the cooler the 32-year-old Delton woman left the store without incident. When the complainant approached the counter to pay for her purchase, the girlfriend re-entered the store and confronted her about bother her ex-husband and, reportedly, back-handed her across the face.

She reported being punched 10 times before leaving the scene. The victim reported being hit in the nose, lip, cheek, and in the back of the head. She was also missing a clump of hair. The store employee, who tried to break up the fight, reported being hit by the suspect at least two times. The employee said the incident was possibly captured on surveillance video. Deputies located the suspect at a nearby residence. The woman told deputies she “had lost it” and wasn’t going to take it anymore. She had reported the complainant messing with her ex-husband and “that was enough,” if the police wouldn’t do something she would and did. The Delton woman was taken into custody for assault and battery with the report forwarded to the Prosecutor’s Office.

Shoplifting for filtered water On May 11, deputies were called to the Hastings Walmart in response to two females stopped for shoplifting. Store employees detained a 43-year-old Dowling woman and a 31-year-old Hastings woman.

The Hastings woman was stopped before leaving the store with merchandise, but the Dowling woman was unable to be stopped before leaving with merchandise. However, employees watched the woman get into a vehicle put the items into a Walmart bag and re-enter the store. She then tried to return the items for $47 in cash or a gift card. The Hastings woman told deputies she was stealing the $77 in items because she was pregnant and unemployed. Stolen items included water filters, clothing, glue, automotive supplies and jig saw blades. Both women were arrested for retail fraud. At booking the Hastings woman admitted she was using a false name and was also charged with providing false information to a police officer.

A little gas could lead to a lot of time Deputies were dispatched just after midnight May 2, to a burglary in progress on South Charlton Park Road. Upon arrival at the scene, deputies noticed a small maroon Chevy pickup parked near the house, but on the shoulder of the road. While searching the perimeter, the deputy found a man laying underneath a truck near a pole barn.

Reportedly, the man had a rubber hose in his hand and a gasoline container. When asked what he was doing, the man stated he was only getting some gas to drive into town.

The man was arrested on charges of breaking and entering with intent, possession of burglary tools, and larceny from a motor vehicle.

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Call 945-9554 for more information.

This is the time of year when words such as tassel, mortarboard, pomp and circumstance become more frequent in conversation. In the coming weeks, several hundred area high school seniors will cross platforms in a symbolic move from childhood and high school into adulthood, college, the military, working world or other chosen paths.

Following is information on graduationrelated ceremonies at area schools.

Thornapple Kellogg The seniors honors program will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 22. Commencement will follow Thursday, May 24, at 7 p.m. at Bob White Stadium, weather permitting.

Lakewood Baccalaureate is Sunday, May 20. Honors night will be Monday, May, 21, and graduation will be Thursday, May 24. Lakewood commencement ceremonies will be at the football stadium, weather permitting.

Hastings Hastings High School will conduct its honors night assembly for the Class of 2012 at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 24, and commencement exercises at 7 p.m. Friday, May 25. Both ceremonies will be held in the high school gymnasium.

Maple Valley Honors night will be Monday, May 21, at 7 p.m. Alternative education graduation ceremonies will be Tuesday, May 29, at 7 p.m.

Baccalaureate will be Thursday, May 31, at 7 p.m., followed by graduation Friday, June 1, at 7 p.m.

Delton Kellogg Senior Tribute will be at 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday, June 6, in the gymnasium.

Commencement will be Sunday, June 10, at 2 p.m. in the gymnasium. Baccalaureate will follow at 7 p.m. at a site that is to be determined.

COURT NEWS Travis Gordon Rybiski, 21, of Hastings was sentenced May 9 for possession of marijuana and larceny of a building. He was ordered to serve 178 days in jail, with credit for 178 days served. He must pay $135 a month toward $1,423 in court assessments and serve 18 months on probation. Charges of safe breaking and breaking and entering with intent were dropped.

LEGAL NOTICES Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure Sale THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest.

MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Dennis Ayers, a married man, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., Mortgagee, dated July 9, 2004, and recorded on July 20, 2004 in instrument 1131097, and assigned by said Mortgagee to Wells Fargo Bank, NA as assignee as documented by an assignment, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Fifty-Three Thousand Three Hundred Seventy-Six and 90/100 Dollars ($153,376.90).

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 24, 2012.

Said premises are situated in Township of Yankee Springs, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: That part of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 17, Town 3 North, Range 10 West, Yankee Springs Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as : Commencing at the West 1/4 corner of said Section; thence North 89 degrees 40 minutes 09 seconds East 300.0 feet along the South line of said Northwest 1/4 to the place of beginning; thence North 89 degrees 40 minutes 09 seconds East 200.0 feet along said South line; thence North 00 degrees 44 minutes West 627.11 feet parallel with the West line of said Northwest 1/4; thence South 88 degrees 02 minutes 54 seconds West 200.04 feet; thencee South 00 degrees 44 minutes East 621.45 feet to the place of beginning The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale.

If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period.

Dated: April 26, 2012 For more information, please call: FC D (248) 593-1309 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #399501F01 77567268 (04-26)(05-17)

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Fri., Sat., May 17th, 18th, 19th, 9am-5pm. 5538 E. Or- We wish a special thank you SHOULD BE SOMETIME AFTER MONDAY, MAY to the Girrbach Funeral chard, Delton. 6/10 of a mile 7TH DEPENDING ON Home and staff for the east of downtown Delton.

LAKE CONDITIONS. funeral preparations and Call for better directions PLEASE WATCH FOR services afterwards.

(269)209-5064 or (269)623We want to thank the Grace ANY NOTICES POSTED 5983 ON THE SHORELINE, ESLutheran Church and MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE PECIALLY IN REGARDS congregation for the servSALE: May 17th & 18th TO WATER RESTRICices, also thanks to Charles 9am-5pm. Furniture, exerTIONS. ALSO WATCH Converse, Jr. for the great cise equipment, home school OTHER TREATpresentation and the music FOR items, sewing & craft items, by organist Cindy Olson and MENTS AS THE SPRING pool chemicals & toys & all the kitchen staff that put AND SUMMER GO ON. much much more. 880 Mixer on the wonderful luncheon.

VENDORS WANTED for Rd., Hastings.

We wish to thank you all flea market every who participated in the Friday/Saturday. Four acres YARD SALE: 1012 N. Ferris services, the flowers, of parking! Concession trailSt., Thursday noon-5pm, Fridonations and cards. er on site. Call 517-667-6866. day 9am-5pm, Saturday She was a very outgoing 9am-3pm. Nice kids clothes, person and she is going to be vintage Schwinn bike, hobby greatly missed by her family, Recreation wood, entertainment center relatives and close friends WANTED HUNTING & lots of misc. items. Sec. 2 and the Starr School stuLAND: (2) Families are indents, foster grandparents terested in leasing acreage YARD SALE: SAT. 5/19, and staff. for this years deer season.

Sun. 5/20, 9am-6pm, 135 W. She now has no pain and Call (269)795-3049 Bond Street. Lots of boys suffering and she is on her clothes up to size 4, lots of journey to the Lord above, Wanted ladies clothes, miscellane- God bless you all and thanks BUYING OLD POCKET ous. Section 3 for being part of her life watches, old wind up wrist and ours.

Automotive Jerry Knickerbocker and the watches, working or not working.

Call George Nancy Stonehouse family ‘98 OLDS INTRIGUE GLS: (616)916-8271 leather, sunroof, 130k miles, THANK YOU $1,500, (616)304-2195 BUYING WWII, WWI, Civil I was truly blessed with a War uniforms, weapons, hel90th birthday that my dear HASTINGS BANNER mets, bayonets, German, family planned for me, for SUBSCRIPTIONS are Japanese, and American. all the cards, flowers, gifts available for $35 per year.

Call George (616)916-8271 and to all who came to help Call (269) 945-9554. me celebrate my day, GET EASY CASH with extra I truly thank you, it was a household goods and tools! wonderful day for me and Call (269) 945-9554 to sell my family. your unwanted stuff with a Eileen Pierson classified ad in this paper.

Nashville, Marshall, Springport, Jackson Antiques

RN/LPN Private Duty Immediate Openings Various Shifts Available

Trach and Vent Experience Preferred Please email resume to:

recruiter@optimalstaffing.com or fax to: 517-394-7716

ALLEGAN ANTIQUE MARKET: Sunday, May 27th. 400 exhibitors, rain or shine. 8:00am-4:00pm. Located at the fairgrounds right in Allegan, MI. $4.00 admission. NO PETS. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.”

Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980.

The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

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Graduation ceremonies begin next week at area schools

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Page 14 — Thursday, May 17, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

Local post offices may see reduced hours The U.S. Postal Service announced a new strategy May 9 that could keep the nation’s smallest Post Offices open for business, while providing a framework to achieve significant cost savings as part of the plan to return the organization to financial stability.

The plan would keep the existing Post Offices in place, but with modified retail window hours to match customer use. Access to the retail lobby and to PO Boxes would remain unchanged, and the town’s ZIP Code and community identity would be retained.

Several area Post Offices are on the list.

“Meeting the needs of postal customers is,

and will always be, a top priority,” said Postmaster General and CEO Patrick R. Donahoe in a press release Wednesday, May 9. “We continue to balance that by better aligning service options with customer demand and reducing the cost to serve.

“With that said, we’ve listened to our customers in rural America and we’ve heard them loud and clear – they want to keep their Post Office open. We believe today’s announcement will serve our customers’ needs and allow us to achieve real savings to help the Postal Service return to long-term financial stability.”

City council nixes motion to table discussion of accessibility ramps

by Sandra Ponsetto Staff Writer Hastings City Council members may have opted to go forward with discussion on setting fees for handicap accessible ramps, but that doesn’t mean they’re moving forward on the proposal as it currently stands.

After defeating a motion to table all discussion on the issue, the council instead directed City Manager Jeff Mansfield at its regular meeting Monday evening to prepare a draft ordinance pertaining only to new access ramps that encroach on setbacks and would rescind remaining ordinances for existing ramps.

The defeated motion came on a tie vote, with trustees Waylon Black, David Jasperse, Bill Redman and David Tossava voting against tabling the discussion, and Mayor Bob May, Mayor Pro-tem Brenda McNabbStange, and trustees Barry Wood and Don Bowers voting in its favor. Trustee Jeri DePue was absent.

Mansfield said that while Joel Cooper, director of Disability Network of Southwest Michigan had stepped forward after last month’s council meeting offering to work with the city to draft ordinances regulating accessibility ramps and setting fees, it appears that members of the council felt it was time to move forward and the matter to rest.

In other business, the council: • Approved a resolution amending fees for various services. In his communication to the council, Mansfield said that a number of the general fees were increased to keep pace with rising costs. Fees related to sewer and water service were increased 3.5 percent to cover operating costs. Other services to see increases include department of public services permits, including pavement cuts, driveways, moving of buildings, bacteriological water testing and more; planning and zoning fees for permits, reviews, plat review fees, planned unit development fees and zoning board of appeals request fees.

• Unanimously approved a request from the Barry County Chamber of Commerce to hold a Gus Macker three-on-three basketball tournament in Hastings Friday, June 30, and Saturday, July 1. Games will be played in the area immediately east of Broadway (M-37) and between Center and State streets. Primary parking will be in the former Felpausch Food Store parking lot.

• Heard a report from Dennis Benoit of Hubbell Roth Clark regarding the recently completed wastewater treatment plant improvement plan, which was developed using funds from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality S2 grant program.

The plan addresses improvements to the plant over the next 20 years. After the presentation, the council set a public hearing for 7 p.m.

Monday, June 25, to solicit public comment on the plan.

• Approved a motion to amend the Hastings City/Barry County Airport 2012 budget as recommended by the airport commission. The amendment will increase the airport manager’s compensation by $4,500 to allow him to purchase health insurance. McNabb-Stange and Bowers voted against the motion.

• Amended the 2011-12 fiscal year budget for the Leach/Middle Lake Sewer Maintenance Fund. Mansfield said the budget was prepared before the system was fully operational and some of the assumptions on which it was based were in error. The amendment increases projected expenditures and results in a reduction in the fund balance at the end of the fiscal year. Mansfield said the amendment will not impact fees and charges for utility service to Carlton Township and the amendment has been discussed with Carlton Township supervisor Brad Carpenter.

• Approved a motion to change in the city’s contribution rate for the Municipal Employees Retirement System hybrid plans in accordance with contracts with city employees and authorize May and city clerk Tom Emery to sign the agreement.

• Accepted the bid from C&C Contractors for the 2012 sealcoating program in the amount of $300 per ton for patching and $1.70 per square yard for sealcoat for an estimated total of $108,960, as recommended by director of public services Tim Girrbach.

• Awarded a bid to Hastings Concrete Construction Inc. for 2012 sidewalk and curb and gutter replacement in the amount of $4.50 per square foot for four-inch concrete, $5.10 per square foot six-inch concrete, and $14.50 per linear foot for curb and gutter, for an estimated total of $9,500, as recommended by Girrbach.

• Increased the election inspector wage rate from $7.40 to $9 per hour, effective July 1, as recommended by Emery to bring the rate in line with that of other election workers in the county.

• Set a public hearing for 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 29, to receive comment and make a determination on the city budget and the property tax rate to support the budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013.

• Set a public hearing for 7 p.m. Tuesday.

May 29, to receive comment and make a determination on the necessity of improvements on the downtown special assessment district for 2012.

STATE OF MICHIGAN

OFFICE OF THE BARRY COUNTY DRAIN COMMISSIONER In the Matter of: Middleville Towne Center Drain NOTICE OF MEETING OF BOARD OF DETERMINATION Notice Is Hereby Given that a Board of Determination will meet on Monday, June 4, 2012 at 7:00 p.m., Village of Middleville, at the Village of Middleville Hall, 100 E. Main St., Middleville, Michigan, to hear all interested persons and evidence and to determine whether the drain, to be known as the Middleville Towne Center Drain is necessary and conducive to the public health, convenience and welfare of the Village of Middleville, in accordance with Sections 72 and 191 of Act No. 40, P.A. 1956, as amended, and for the protection of the public health of the Village of Middleville.

Proceedings conducted at this public hearing will be subject to the provision of the Michigan Open Meetings Act. You are further notified that information regarding this meeting may be obtained from the Barry County Drain Commissioner. Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the meeting should contact the Barry County Drain Commissioner’s office at the number noted below (voice) or through the Michigan Relay Center at 1-800-649-3777 (TDD) at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance. Minutes of the meeting will be on file at the Barry County Drain Commissioner’s Office.

You Are Further Notified that persons aggrieved by the decisions of the Board of Determination may seek judicial review in the Circuit Court for the County of Barry within ten (10) days of the determination.

DATED: May 16, 2012 Russell Yarger Barry County Drain Commissioner 220 W. State St. Hastings, MI 49058 77567943 (269) 945-1385

Local Post Offices that would see hours reduced from eight to six each week are Clarksville, Mulliken, Sunfield, Dowling, Alto and Freeport. Those that would see the weekly hours cut from eight to four are Woodland, Bedford, Cloverdale, Hickory Corners, Vermontville and Bradley.

The new strategy would be implemented over a two-year, multi-phased approach and would not be completed until September 2014, according to the press release. Once implementation is completed, the Postal Service estimates savings of a half billion dollars annually.

“The Postal Service is committed to serving America’s communities and providing a responsible and fair approach for our employees and customers,” said Megan Brennan, Postal Service Chief Operating Officer. “The Post Offices in rural America will remain open unless a community has a strong preference for one of the other options. We will not close any of these rural Post Offices without having provided a viable solution.”

The Postal Service will provide an oppor-

tunity for the Postal Regulatory Commission to review this plan prior to making any changes. The Postal Service intends to file a request for an advisory opinion on the plan with the PRC later this month. Community meetings would then be conducted to review options in greater detail. Communities will be notified by mail of the date, time and location of these meetings.

This new option complements existing alternatives, which include: providing mail delivery service to residents and businesses in the affected community by either rural carrier or highway contract route; contracting with a local business to create a Village Post Office; and offering service from a nearby Post Office.

A voluntary early retirement incentive for the nation’s more than 21,000 non-executive postmasters was also announced.

Survey research conducted by the respected Opinion Research Corporationin February, showed 54 percent of rural customers would prefer the new solution to maintain a local Post Office. Forty-six percent prefer one of

the previously announced solutions (20 percent prefer Village Post Office, 15 percent prefer providing services at a nearby Post Office, 11 percent prefer expanded rural delivery). This strategy would enable a town to possibly have a Post Office with modified hours, as well as a Village Post Office.

The Postal Service had implemented a voluntary moratorium on all postal facility closings through May 15. No closings or changes to Post Office operations will occur until after that time.

In addition to maintaining a retail network of more than 31,000 Post Offices, the Postal Service also provides online access to postal products and services through usps.com and more than 70,000 alternate access locations.

Nearly 40 percent of postal retail revenue comes from purchases on www.usps.com and through approved postal providers at retail stores.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

New GED program provides opportunities

by David DeDecker Staff Writer Levi Pinks is 24 years old and was recently ordered by the court to complete his general educational development certificate. He is the first person to obtain a GED through the new Barry County corrections-based program.

“I think it is a really good program,” said Pinks. “I was nervous at first, but I picked up on it and had a really good teacher.”

The GED consists of five tests, and Pinks had already passed three of them before the most recent court order, and entered the new program. He had yet to complete his math and writing tests.

“I think the thing that made it really quick and easy for us is that we worked really well together,” said Debi Kruse, GED educator with the Barry County program.

Kruse said assessment tools help instructors focus on where a student is weakest.

Pinks agreed and said the pre-tests helped him to know what might be on the tests and gave him an idea of what to expect.

“I will say that without the prep classes here, I probably wouldn’t have passed my tests,” added Pinks. “There was a lot of stuff on the tests that I didn’t know anything about before taking the classes.”

As a teacher, Kruse believes people do learn better in groups and as a community.

“I have a lot of test anxiety. Being able to take a practice test really helps out” added Pinks. “A lot of times we work together in groups to study and get to know the math.

Fractions and things like that were never really my strong suit. We had about five people in

Levi Pinks is the first to pass all five tests and obtain his GED through a new courtordered program. GED educator Debi Kruse said Pinks was dedicated to obtaining his GED. my class and that really helped because we could really work on the problems in class.

The smaller class size worked for me. When the class was larger, I was more shy.”

In June, Pinks will enter orientation at Michigan Career and Technical Institute near Delton and will start taking welding classes.

PRIMARY, continued from page 1 fellow Republican Daniel Bivens. Republican incumbent Elizabeth Miller is again seeking the treasurer’s post. Trustee seats are sought by incumbent Republicans James Miller and Eugene Waterbury.

In Baltimore Township, Supervisor Ron Miller is not seeking re-election. That seat is sought by Republican Bill Miller; Democrat Penelope Ypma is unchallenged as incumbent clerk; Mary Baker has filed for treasurer; and Republican Arthur DeFields is seeking one of two trustee positions.

In Barry Township, incumbent Wesley Kahler is being challenged by fellow Republican Jim Patterson for supervisor.

Debra Knight is the unopposed Republican incumbent for clerk. Republican Judith Wooer is the unopposed incumbent for treasurer. Four Republicans seek two trustee seats: James Alden, Ricky Lawrence, Ingrid Pagano and Tom Eimer.

Carlton Township Incumbent Supervisor Brad Carpenter is running unopposed as a Republican. Elsie McKelvey is challenging incumbent clerk Michele Erb, and Treasurer Marlene Forman is being challenged by Victoria Steadman; all are Republicans. Two trustee seats are sought by incumbent Republicans Gary VandeCar and Cary Smith.

Castleton Township Supervisor Cheryl Hartwell is unofficially a candidate for reelection. The clerk seat is sought by incumbent Republican Lorna Wilson and the Treasurer by incumbent Republican Dorothy Semrau. Two Republicans seeking to be trustees are incumbent Michael Trahan and newcomer Earl Wilson.

Republican incumbent Jim Brown is running unopposed for the Hastings Charter Township Supervisor’s position, as is Republican Clerk Anita Mennell and Democrat Treasurer Jenee Phillips. All four trustees are incumbents running unopposed: Republicans Ron Mennell, William Wetzel and James Partridge II and Democrat Keith Murphy.

In Hope Township, Supervisor Patricia Jo Albert is being challenged by fellow Republican Mark Feldpausch. Republican Deborah Jackson is seeking the clerk position. Arlene Tonkin is an incumbent Republican running unopposed for treasurer.

Two Republicans are seeking two trustee seats — incumbents Meryl Peake and David Messelink.

Current Irving Township Supervisor

George London has put in a bid for township trustee. Seeking the supervisor’s post are Charlie Boulter and Jamie Knight.

Incumbents, Clerk Carol Ergang and Treasurer Lynnette Wingeier are unopposed.

Republicans London and Larry Brummel Jr. are both seeking the two open trustee seats.

In Johnstown Township, incumbent Barbara Earl is running unopposed for supervisor. Incumbent Clerk June Doster is being challenged by fellow Republicans Abbie Bishop and Trisha Poley. The treasurer’s job is sought by lone Republican and incumbent Karmen Nickerson. Republican incumbent Karen Doster is the only candidate for two trustee seats.

Incumbent Rod Crothers is running unopposed for the Maple Grove supervisor’s job.

Republican Susie Butler is running as an incumbent for clerk while incumbent Republican Ginger Cole runs unopposed for the treasurer spot. Incumbents James Heyboer and Doug Westendorp are running as Republicans to reclaim the two trustee seats.

In Orangeville Township, Republican incumbent Supervisor Thomas Rook is being challenged by Democrat George Williston.

Democrat incumbent Jennifer Goy is seeking to retain the clerk’s seat, while Democrat incumbent Vickie Ritchie is running again for treasurer. Incumbents Republican Robert Perino and Democrat Linda Ribble are again seeking the two trustee positions.

Prairieville Township will see Republican incumbent Jim Stoneburner run unopposed for supervisor. Republicans Ted DeVries and NormaJean Nichols will face off for clerk.

Kasandra McGuire will run unopposed as incumbent treasurer. Jim Grundy and Rod Goebel are running as incumbents for trustee on the Republican ticket. Prairieville will also vote for five parks commissioner seats, with only Democrat G. R. Labrecque and Republican Rebecca Kahler seeking election.

In Rutland Charter Township, incumbent Republican Robin Hawthorne again seeks the clerk’s chair, with incumbent Sandra Greenfield vying for the treasurer’s seat. Five Republicans have filed for four trustee position: Marlin Walters and incumbents Bill Hanshaw, Robert Lee, Brenda Bellmore and Dorothy Flint.

Thornapple Township Supervisor Don Boysen will not run for re-election, and three Republican candidates have stepped forward to fill the post — John Sager, Mike Bremer

and Ross DeMaagd. Three Republicans are seeking the clerk’s seat in Thornapple Township; Cindy Willshire and Geoffrey Moffat are challenging incumbent Susan Vlietstra. Incumbent Treasurer Debra Buckowing is seeking the only unopposed seat on the township board. Six Republicans are running for four trustee positions: Incumbents William Kenyon, Patrick Harrison and Walter Eavey, as well as Nick Wake, Wayne A. Winchester and Aaron Wissner. Patrick Hilton is also seeking to become a trustee, but had no party declaration, according to unofficial information from the county clerk’s office.

In Woodland Township, Republicans Jeffrey MacKenzie and Kenny Bump seek to fill the supervisor’s role. Current Supervisor David Bursley is not seeking re-election, nor is Clerk Cheryl Allen. Republican Nancy Stanton is running unopposed for clerk as is Republican incumbent Nancy Potter for treasurer. Republicans Stephen DeMaagd and Page Neustifter seek re-election to their trustee positions with the township.

In Yankee Springs Township, Al McCrumb is not seeking re-election. Filing to fill that post are Republicans Tom Wallace, Warren Wheeler, Alice Jansma and Mark Englerth.

Incumbent Clerk Janice Lippert is being challenged by Kebra Brush. Treasurer John Jerkatis Jr. is being challenged by Donald Berry. Five candidates have filed for two trustee seats: Republicans incumbents Mary Cook and Al Schwennesen, Republican challengers Bruce Campbell and Paul Heystek, and Democrat challenger Shanon VandenBerg. Yankee Springs will also vote for a constable with Republican James Orr running unopposed.

On a state level, incumbent Republican Mike Callton will be challenged in November

by Democrat Sherry Anderson for 87th District state representative post.

Incumbent Republican Justin Amash is running again as U.S. Representative for Michigan’s 3rd District, being challenged by Democrats Steve Pestka and Trevor Thomas.

For U.S. Senator, incumbent Democrat Debbie Stabenow is being challenged by Republicans candidates are Pete Hoekstra, Clark Durant and Randy Hekman.

For more information about candidates contact the Barry County Clerk’s office or a township office.

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 17, 2012 — Page 15

Viking track teams close league duals with wins It was a big night for the Vikings on the final night of Capital Area Activities Conference White Division duals Tuesday.

Both the boys’ and girls’ teams improved to 2-3 in the conference with wins over visiting Portland. The league season ends with the conference meet Wednesday at Williamston.

The boys’ team pulled out a 69-68 win over the visiting Raiders. After watching the Raiders sweep all nine points in the 3200meter run to pull ahead, the Vikings took the 1600-meter relay by about ten seconds to score the one-point victory.

While the Raiders pushed the Viking boys, the Lakewood girls had to push themselves in a 123-13 win. They did. The Viking 800meter relay team of Ellie Reynolds, Madison McLean, Alexis Kosten and Mycah Ridder set a new school record in winning with a time of 1 minute 47.7 seconds. That was one of 16 wins in the 17 events for the Lakewood girls.

Ellie Reynolds, Betsy Reynolds, Hannah DeJong and Ashley Jemison won two events each for the Lakewood ladies.

Ellie won the 100-meter hurdles in 17.00 seconds and the 300-meter low hurdles in 50.80. Betsy won the 800-meter run in 2:34.2 and the 1600 in 7:25.6.

DeJong and Jemison took their wins in the field. DeJong won the pole vault by clearing 7 feet 6 inches and the high jump by clearing 4-10. Jemison won the discus at 115-.5 and the shot put with a mark of 33-10. Jemison was second in the high jump at 4-8, and DeJong added a runner-up finish in the shot put at 27-.5.

Cori Curtis won the 100-meter dash for the Vikings in 13.35, and Ridder took the 200 in 26.76. McLean won the 400 in 1:02.85. Lora Lee Burrus won the 3200 in 15:43.4.

The Vikings swept the relays, winning the 3200-meter event in 12:35.6, the 400 in 51.61 and the 1600 in 4:32.5.

Three relay victories helped the Viking boys to their win. They took the 400-meter relay in 46.57, the 800-meter relay in 1:35.57 and the 1600-meter relay in 3:43.4.

Micah Weatherwax had two big wins for Lakewood, taking the 100-meter dash in 11.82 and the 200 in 24.12. Cody Collins had two wins for Lakewood too. He took the pole vault at 11-0 and the 400-meter dash in 55.83.

Lakewood’s other two wins came in the field, with Kyle Kneale throwing 121-1.5 in the discus and Michael Carr clearing 5-10 in the high jump.

The Lakewood girls haven’t been beaten in their last four competitions, a string which includes league duals with Perry and Portland and invitational wins at Pennfield and Central

Montcalm.

The Lakewood girls won the Green Division championship at Saturday’s Central Montcalm Hornet Invitational. The finished with 186 points, ahead of Ionia 118, Clare 94, Lakeview 90, Morley-Stanwood 67 and Central Montcalm 54.

The Viking team was powered by wins in all four relay races. The team of Kosten, Jacqueline O’Gorman, Lindsey Tooker and Betsy Reynolds won the 3200-meter relay in 10:39.88. Tessa Hergenrader, Ellie Reynolds, McLean and Kosten won the 800-meter relay in 1:50.77. Ellie Reynolds, McLean, Kosten and Ridder won the 400-meter relay in 51.62.

It was Kosten, McLean, Betsy Reynolds and Ridder winning the 1600-meter relay in 4:19.80.

Ridder also won the sprints and Jemison the throws. Ridder took the 100 in 13.10 and the 200 in 26.99. Jemison threw 34-3.5 in the shot put and 114-2 in the discus.

The Lakewood team also had McLean win the 400 in 1:02.34 and Ellie Reynolds take the 300-meter low hurdles in 50.71.

Ionia won the boys’ Green Division title, with 152 points. Morley-Stanwood was second with 148, followed by Clare 139, Lakeview 96, Lakewood 68 and Central Montcalm 34.

Lakewood’s top performances came from Weatherwax in the sprints. He was second in the 100 in 11.78 and in the 200 in 23.93.

In the White Division, for smaller schools, Maple Valley’s boys were second and the girls third.

Evart won the boys’ title with 185 points, ahead of the Lions’ 174 and Saranac 146, Carson City-Crystal 71, Vestaburg 37 and West Michigan Lutheran 14.

Garrett Reid, Ryan Nisse and Keegan Yost led the Lion boys. Reid won all four of his events, taking the 100-meter dash in 11.57, the 200 in 23.38, the 400 in 52.50 and the long jump with a mark of 18-11.25.

Nisse won the hurdles, he took the 300meter low hurdles in 43.63, with teammate Joe Eddy second in 43.87, and won the 110meter high hurdles in 16.81. Yost won the shot put with a mark of 47-8.75 and was second in the discus at 123-0.

Evart also won the White Division girls’ title, with 169.5 points. Saranac was second with 167.5, followed by Maple Valley 121.5, Carson City-Crystal 111, Vestaburg 19.5 and West Michigan Lutheran 3.

The discus was one of the Lion ladies’ best events. Zoanne Siple won it with a mark of 92-5, and teammate Siera Rose was second at 83-10.

Hastings girls push FHE, but Hawks score three in OT to win Hastings’ varsity girls’ soccer team is scheduled to open the O-K Gold Conference Tournament with a contest at the home of second seeded South Christian Thursday evening.

The Saxons finished seventh in the regular season standings, but showed the gains they’ve made this season by pushing Forest Hills Eastern in the final game of the conference’s regular season Wednesday in Hastings.

The Hawks scored a 4-1 victory, but it took overtime for them to get it done. The two teams were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation.

“We had several other opportunities against them, it's just that extra little bit of push that we didn’t get,” said Saxon head coach Sarah Smith. “Forest Hills Eastern stayed tough though and continued to challenge us and they came out on top.”

Forest Hills Eastern scored the game’s first goal, the only goal of the first half. Hastings

The Lions ended the day on the track with the team of Alicia Ramsey, Hadley Joppie, Marissa Pierce and Hannah Hilton winning the 1600-meter relay in 4:37.07.

Jessica Rushford also had a good day for Maple Valley, winning the 800-meter run in 2:29.71, placing second in the 1600 in 5:24.72, and fourth in the 3200 in 12:31.58.

Viking tennis fourth at league tourney Lakewood’s varsity girls’ tennis team closed out the Capital Area Activities Conference White Division season with a fourth-place finish at the conference tournament hosted by Corunna Thursday.

Brooke Fox was the lone medalist for the Vikings at the conference tournament, placing second at second singles. Fox bested Portland’s Katie Blake in three sets when the two teams met for their CAAC-White dual Tuesday, and the pair played another great match Thursday in the second singles final.

This time Blake came out on top, 6-4, 7-6(4).

Fox beat Williamston’s Katie Nix in a tight match 6-4, 7-6(4) to start the day.

Willamston took the day’s championship with 33 points, one-point ahead of runner-up Lansing Catholic. Portland was third followed by Lakewood and Corunna in the standings.

“We were quite competitive, but not quite over the hump,” said Lakewood head coach Martin Snoap.

Hannah Morris at first singles, Sunshine Young at third singles, the first doubles team of Heather Kennedy and Mariah Krikke, Lexi Fetterman and Mary Wernet at second doubles, Heather Rice and Olivia Bala at third doubles, and Whitney Beglin and Louise Gross at fourth doubles all finished fourth in their flights for Lakewood. They all beat Corunna players to open action.

Morris, Young, and the team of Gross and Beglin all pushed their foes to three sets in the matches for third place, but came up just short. Portland’s top player edged Morris, while Young fell to Williamston’s third singles player, and the team of Gross and Beglin was downed by Lansing Catholic.

Fox and Young had the Vikings’ two wins in their loss to Portland in the dual Tuesday.

The Vikings will head to the Division 3 Regional Tournament hosted by Haslett Thursday (May 17). Doubles matches will be held at Haslett, while the singles players head to Williamston.

tied the game up with seven minutes left in regulation, as Tori Schoessel hit in a direct kick from 30 yards out.

The Hawks scored with two minutes left in the first overtime session, then tacked on two more goals in the second extra period.

“Our issue is we lack the ability to mentally focus an entire game,” said Smith. “We have been struggling with that.”

She said it was a couple mental errors that cost the Saxons on the Hawks’ goals.

“Haley Wagner and Morganne Hubbell definitely shut down their middle, playing outstanding and making them find a different way to our goal,” Smith said. “It took them a good part of the game, but they eventually succeeded in the overtime periods to break down our defense.”

Hastings ends the league regular season with a 1-6 record.

The Valhalla wrestling team placed fourth in its pool at the Midwest Grand Challenge at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek the weekend of May 5. The team is comprised of wrestlers from Lakewood, Caledonia, Grand Ledge, Central Montcalm, Delton, Charlotte, Hastings and Ionia. Team members last weekend included (front from left) Ethan Young, Raiden Mcleod, (second row) Garrett Hubbell, John Jackson, Chris Wilcox, John Leark, (third row) Kenny Cross, Trent Braman, Jacob Reed, Chris Wilcox, Andrew Morgan, (back) Jake Gravilla, Dakota James, Chase Chandler, Joel Wenk, Wyatt Risto. “The goal is to get the better kids from the schools to be able to work out with better kids in practice,” said club coordinator Bob Veitch. “I think by doing this it will help out the schools with their programs.” The club is coached by Brad Bennett, and will be going to tournaments at across the Midwest throughout the summer. The team is sponsored by Carbon Green BioEnergy.

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Valhalla wrestling club takes part in its first tournament

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Second-place finish leaves Viking golfers tied for first It took all six golfers to earn the Vikings’ a second-place finish at Thursday’s Capital Area Activities Conference White Division jamboree at the Country Club of Lansing.

Lansing Catholic took the day’s title with a score of 159. Lakewood and Williamston tied at 161, and need to count the fifth and sixth golfers to break the tie.

The runner-up finish keeps the Vikings in a tie with Lansing Catholic for first in the overall league standings.

It was the first time the Vikings had played at The Country Club of Lansing, which is Lansing Catholic’s new home course.

“I thought we played very well on a new track,” said Lakewood head coach Carl Kutch. “The greens were very speedy, leaving some tricky putts if you were on the wrong side of the pin.”

Adam Barker led Lakewood on the day with a 38. Jade Bosworth also broke 40, with a 39.

“Adam and Jade both struck the ball very well, hitting five and six greens respectively,” said Kutch.

The Vikings also got a pair of 42s from Royce Everts and Blake Yaeger.

“Everts also hit four greens in regulation and managed the course well,” Kutch said.

“Our sophomore, Blake Yaeger, only had 14 putts for nine holes on these tough greens.”

Portland was fourth in the team standings with a 170, besting Corunna on a fifth-score tie-breaker as the Cavaliers’ top four also shot a 170. Perry was sixth with a 184.

Co-medalists on the day were Jacob

Johnson and Brent Marshall, each with a 37.

The Vikings had a busy weekend, also heading to The Emerald in St. Johns for the Redwing Invitational Friday, and taking part in the Ionia County Shoot-Out at the Portland Country Club Saturday.

The Vikings took the championship in Portland Saturday, scoring a 316. Portland was second with a 320, followed by Belding 330, Pewamo-Westphalia 350 and Ionia 354.

Barker was the day’s medalist, with a three-over-par 73. Clark added an 80, Bosworth an 81 and Ben Ridder an 82. “"It was a great round for Adam today,” Kutch said. “He battled all day, making some big putts.”

Barker finished with just 27 putts over the 18 holes, made 10 up and downs, and struck the ball well, hitting nine greens in regulation.

He also made three birdies.

Clark got off the tee extremely well today hitting, 10 out of 14 fairways.

“This team battled hard today, and it’s been a long week with four events in five days,” said Kutch.

Friday, the Vikings were tenth out of 20 teams at the Redwing Invitational.

Barker led the Vikings with an 80.

Bosworth added an 86, Clark an 88 and Ridder and Everts both scored 89s.

The Viking team finished with a score of 343. Howell took the day’s championship with a score of 306. DeWitt was second at 314, followed by the Vikings’ league rivals from Lansing Catholic who shot a 326.

Page 16 — Thursday, May 17, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

Hastings Rotary Club hosts senior boys

by David DeDecker Staff Writer The Hastings Rotary Club welcomed boys from the Hastings Class of 2012 to its weekly meeting Tuesday, May 14. The students ate a hearty lunch, introduced themselves, and told Rotary members what plans they each had for the immediate future.

Guest speaker for the luncheon was Matt Neil, a Hastings graduate and basketball standout, who just completed his second season as head coach of Hope College men’s basketball team. Neil has a 50-9 record as Hope’s head coach and was named NCAA Division III Coach of the Year in New Orleans in March. He also taught mathematics for the Holland School System for 28 years. Neil has been married for 27 years and is the father of four children. He told the crowd his wife, Kim, has supported him and their children; this year, he said, she attended more than 80 sporting events involving her family.

“My wife always reminds us that we play the game because it’s fun and not to let anything, or anyone, take away the joy of playing the game,” said Neil. “I think that is important for all of us to remember — especially for me as a coach.”

Neil asked the seniors to remember four words, each begin with the letter “e.”

He asked listeners to “expose” themselves to the right things. Neil said in the electronic information age offers plenty to be exposed to, and individuals need to make the right choices about what information is consumed.

“We can make a difference for good, or not,” said Neil. “Each one of you understands that, but make sure you expose yourself to the right things.”

Neil encouraged students to model what they truly believe, or “exemplify.”

“I hope each one of you is going to be someone who can exemplify honesty and integrity,” said Neil. “Those are things I look for when I am recruiting a young man.”

He told the listeners a story of a group of young executives who were tested by the company’s CEO. One particular executive persisted in a seemingly fruitless task, stayed honest and operated with integrity, even though he believed he was failing the appointed task. At year’s end, the CEO rewarded the young man for staying true, even though it appeared all the other executives were more successful. The CEO’s test was about honesty and integrity — core values in the face of difficulty — not the illusion of success.

The third word Neil asked the young men to consider was “evaluate.”

“Look at yourself with humility and see if you are someone who can make a difference in the world,” said Neil. “I believe everybody here has the ability to change the world one life at a time. Evaluate if you are one of two types of person. Are you transformational — someone interested in changing lives — or are you transactional? I think coaches are one or the other. I would like to think my players think I am transformational. I am interested in winning, but I am more interested in what they will do later in their lives.

“After the celebration in New Orleans and I received this wonderful award — a tribute to my team — a man asked me if my season was a success, even though we lost the national championship. That’s a tough question. We were 27-2. We lost to one Division III team all year, and lost to Western — a Division I school. I told him, ‘Come and see me in 10

Hope College Basketball Coach Matt Neil speaks to Hastings High School senior boys at the Hastings Rotary Club meeting.

Hastings High School senior boys pictured after attending the Hastings Rotary Club luncheon Monday are (seated, from left) Anthony Veltre, Mitchell Kolanowski, Dan Buehler, Taylor Klotz, (standing, front) Zack Zwiernikowski, Greg Goodrich, Dalton White, Carl Franson, Chad Singleterry, Michael Doran, (second row) Coach Matt Neil, Jeremy Nichols, Bret Lawrence, Francisco Lopez, Chase Williams, Shane Tossava, Tel Newth, Brandon Johnson, Alex Nichols, Michael Pewoski, Jacob Comer, Adam Donavan, Michael Kaczmarczyk, Dallas Pesch, Evyn Willett, Nick Ashcraft, Joshua Moore, (third) Dylan Thurman, Casey Goggins, Jacob Steidle, Craig Gagnon, (back) Tim Thompson, Devin Barcroft, Jon Wright, Jakob Bower, Bobby Leedy, Andrew Clous, Jacob Gray, Macky Lewis, Cory Shaver, Maxx Birman and Justin Back. years. Come and see me then, so I can tell you how all my players have gone out into the world and succeeded, then I will tell you if my season was a success.’

“I am trying to evaluate myself as a transformational coach. Transactional would have looked only at the wins and losses.

“Each one of us is a coach for others,” he told the boys. “Are you transformational or transactional in your relationships? Are you changing lives?”

Neil encouraged community business leaders to lead from their hearts more than from the bottom line.

“I know, the bottom line is pretty important, but think of the lives that could be changed,” he said.

The last word Neil asked his listeners to consider was “encourage.”

“Someone has encouraged each of you to achieve,” Neil told the seniors. “Think of the people who have been there for you. It might be one person, it might be several — a teacher, coach, pastor, or your parents. Can you be an encourager for those around you? Do you

HHS baseball handily sweeps Ottawa Hills Hastings didn’t give up a run in sweeping its three-game O-K Gold Conference set with Ottawa Hills last week.

The Saxons took the final game of the series 15-0 in Hastings Thursday.

Nicholas Replogle pitched a three-inning no-hitter in the win for the Saxons, improving his record to 4-3 on the year. He faced ten batters and struck out six.

Hastings scored four times in the first inning, nine times in the second, and then twice in the bottom of the third to end the game.

Michael Eastman added two more hits to his season total along with an RBI. Mitchell Kolanowski (RBI), Brandon Redman, Keith Garber and Replogle (RBI) would all have one hit each for Hastings.

The Saxons started the set with the Bengals in Grand Rapids Tuesday, winning the opener 27-0 in three innings. Hastings then took

game two 18-0 in another three-inning game.

Hastings scored 16 runs in the first inning of game one, adding six in the second and five more in the third.

Kolanowski (3 RBIs), Ethan Mahmat (4 RBIs), Jake Swartz (RBI), and Replogle (4 RBIs) would each had two hits in the game.

Garber (2 RBIs), Eastman (2 RBIs), Jon French (double/2 RBIs) and Devin Greenfield (2 RBIs) had one hit each.

Replogle earned the win, striking out five and giving up three hits.

Swartz took the game two win, striking out eight of the ten batters he faced. He allowed just one hit.

The Saxons again scored double-digit runs in the first inning, with 12, and then added six in the second to earn the sweep.

Eastman (3 RBIs) and Swartz (3 RBIs) had a pair of hits to pace the Hastings offense in game two. Tyler Stolicker (2 RBIs) and

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Parker (RBI) also had one hit in the game.

Things were more competitive as the Saxons traveled to Allegan for a non-conference contest Wednesday.

Hastings scored four times in the first inning, but Allegan shut the Saxons down the rest of the way to score a 5-4 win.

Allegan scored three times in its half of the third to tighten things up at 4-3, and then tied the game in the fourth with a single run before setting the stage for the dramatic win in the bottom of the seventh.

Eastman got the Hastings offense going early, with a two-run home run over the leftfield fence. The Saxons then tacked on two more runs thanks to a RBI double from David Pierce and a RBI single from Greenfield.

Eastman finished with three hits, a double and a single to go along with his home run.

Replogle also had a single for the Saxons.

French started and worked into the third inning before giving way to Travis Sixberry.

Pierce (0-1) was on the mound in the sixth and seventh innings and took the loss.

Saxon alumni baseball game set for May 28 The 36th Annual Hastings Alumni Baseball Game will be held Monday, May 28, at 1 p.m. at Johnson Field in Hastings.

All former Saxon varsity baseball players are invited to play. Practice will begin at about 11:15 with batting practice, if the weather allows.

Parents who still live in the area are asked to please fill in their sons who now live out of town.

If bad weather forces the cancellation of the game, it will be announced on WBCH radio.

believe so much in others that they can’t help but believe in themselves? If you have the ability to lift someone up higher than they ever thought they could lift themselves — think about that — imagine the results.”

Neil ended his talk by telling the audience everyone makes a difference — without

exception.

“Believe that everyone can make a difference,” he said. “Success is built in relationships. Help create value for other people. Ask yourself how you can bring joy to someone’s life, and don’t be afraid to be honest. Believe in what you are about to attempt.”

Wayland stays perfect in Gold by beating Saxon girls twice Wayland’s varsity softball team improved to 12-0 in the O-K Gold Conference with a pair of 10-0 wins over host Hastings Tuesday afternoon.

The Wildcats took the opener in six innings, but the Saxons were right in it until a five-run fifth inning that was helped by a couple hits and a couple of Saxon errors put the Wildcats up 7-0.

It was 0-0 after three innings. Saxon starting pitcher Laken Meade retired nine of the first 11 batters she faced, with a walk and an error leading to the only Wildcat base runners.

Wayland got its first two runs in the fourth, without a hit, as the Saxons committed four errors in the inning. Wayland added the five run fifth, then tacked on its final three runs in the top of the sixth.

Meade gave up just four hits while striking out four. None of the runs against her were

earned.

The Saxons threatened a couple of times, putting two on in the bottom of the third and the bottom of the sixth. Marissa Adams and Stevie Pennepacker walked for the Saxons in the third. In the sixth, Adams singled and Meade followed with a walk.

Emily Hayes, a sophomore, got her first varsity start for the Saxons in game two.

Wayland slowly pushed across runs against her and the Saxons. The Wildcats scored once in the first, twice in the second, twice in the fourth and five times in the bottom of the fifth inning to end the game early.

The Saxons’ best chance to score came in the top of the first, thanks to a Katie DeVries double and a single by Farrah Salazar, but that rally ended in a pop out.

Hastings is scheduled to host Pennfield for two Thursday, then will be at the Charlotte Invitational Saturday for three games.

DK golfers edge Hastings for third at Pennfield Invite Delton Kellogg senior Mitchell Wandell was the medalist Saturday at the 6th Annual Pennfield High School Golf Invitational at Marywood Golf Club.

Wandell shot a 74 to lead the Panther varsity boys’ golf team to a third-place finish in the 12-team field. Each team had two individual scores for the day, and then two-person best ball and scramble teams.

“Mitch finally got it going again” said Delton Kellogg head coach Kent Enyart. “He has been struggling with an illness that has slowed him down as of late, but played outstanding on that day.”

Kalamazoo Central took the day’s championship with a score of 314. Harper Creek was second with a 324, followed by Delton Kellogg 329, Hastings 332, Pennfield 333, Kalamazoo Christian 337, Charlotte 348, Maple Valley 356, Vicksburg 356, Olivet 365, New Buffalo 400 and St. Philip 417.

Zack Simon added a 90 for Delton, while the Panthers also got an 83 from the best ball team of Conner Worm and DJ Prater and an 82 from the scramble team of Adam Farrah and Mike Warner.

The best of the four scores for the Saxons came from the best ball team of Fredrik Isgard and Dylan Thurman which scored an 81. Taylor Klotz shot an 83, Danny Buehler an 84, and the Saxons also got an 84 from the scramble team of Logan Barrett and Chris Feldpausch.

Maple Valley was led by Caleb Walker’s

83. Dale White shot a 97, while the best ball team of Rage Sheldon and Ryan Mudge scored an 87 and the scramble team of Jordan Denton and Nick Isler shot an 89.

Kalamazoo Central had the top best ball team, as Matt McGinnis and Jake Waggoner scored a 77. The best scramble score was a 69 from Vicksburg’s Luke Tindell and Ryan Muzljekovich.

It was a nice improvement for the Panthers, who had a rough afternoon at the Kalamazoo Valley Association Tri hosted by Maple Valley at Mulberry Fore Friday. Kalamazoo Christian took first on the day with a score of 170, followed by the Lions 177 and the Panthers 178.

The Comets’ Bailey Matheison had the day’s low round, a 40.

Simon led Delton with a 41. Wandell added a 45, and Delton also got 46s from Worm, Farrah and Prater.

Walker led the Lions with a 42, while Jordan Denton added a 43, White a 45 and Sheldon a 47.

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The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 17, 2012 — Page 17

FHE teams win O-K Gold titles on their own track

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor There weren’t too many surprises at Saturday’s O-K Gold Conference Championships at Forest Hills Eastern High School.

The host Hawks won the girls’ meet by more than 50 points over runner-up South Christian to clinch the conference championship. Forest Hills Eastern’s varsity boys’ track and field team won the league meet for the second year in a row, to share the conference title with Caledonia for the second year in a row.

Hastings’ girls were fifth and the Hastings’ boys were eighth.

Forest Hills Eastern took the boys’ title with 126 points. Caledonia was second with 101, followed by Grand Rapids Catholic Central 91, Thornapple Kellogg 85, South Christian 70, Ottawa Hills 68, Wayland 62 and Hastings 56.

The final standings were a rough end to a league season filled with near misses for the Saxons.

Jacob Comer the only victory for Hastings, winning the 110-meter high hurdles in 14.79 Forest Hills Eastern’s Nick Robbins (left) and Hastings’ Jacob Comer hit the final hurdle at the same time at the end of the 300-meter intermediate hurdles Saturday.

Robbins would take the O-K Gold Conference championship in the event, finishing three hundredths of a second ahead of Comer. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

The Saxons’ Cherie Kosbar runs to a sixth-place finish in the 400-meter dash Saturday during the O-K Gold Conference Championships in Ada. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

seconds, racing in ahead of Forest Hills Eastern’s Nick Robbins (15.39 seconds) and Thornapple Kellogg’s Tanin Eckhoff (15.40).

Robbins got his revenge in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles, besting Comer by three hundredths of a second 40.03 to 40.06 for the top spot.

Comer was also just shy of a championship in the pole vault, placing third at 13 feet.

Caledonia teammates Tom Andreano and Tyler Patterson were first and second in the event, both clearing 13 feet 6 inches.

Hastings’ Ben Kolanowski was outsprinted to the finish by Thornapple Kellogg’s Dustin Brummel in the 800-meter run, with Brummel winning the second of his two conference championships in 2 minutes 3.94 seconds, and Kolanowski finishing in 2:04.21.

Brummel also came flying up from behind Forest hills Eastern’s Mowgli Crosby to win the 1600-meter run in 4:27.88. Crosby was second in 4:28.05.

“It’s a pretty good day. Better than what I thought,” said Brummel. “I was just worried.

Nerves. There’s a lot of good people.”

Crosby, who was third in the 800 Saturday, had been the only runner to beat Brummel in either the 800 or the 1600 during the league duals.

“I got a mini adrenaline rush, and then just took off,” Brummel said of his come-frombehind wins in the two races. “I want to win.”

After those two wins, Brummel sat out the 3200-meter run, then helped the Trojan 1600meter relay team, which also included Josh Bremer, Eckhoff and Evan Grinage to a third-

place time of 3:31.53.

Eckhoff took the high jump for the Trojans, clearing 6-4.

Thornapple Kellogg also had Trey Mahon win the shot put with a throw of 45-10.5, and finish second in the discus at 151-8.5. Forest Hills Eastern’s Dylan Banagis won the discus with a mark of 156-5.

Banagis and Robbins took the only two individual wins for the meet champion Hawks. Forest Hills Eastern also had the team of Ethan Carrigon, Brendan McCoy, Chory Pope and Mowgli Crosby win the 3200-meter relay in 8:19.38.

The Forest Hills Eastern girls won all four relays, and piled up 178.5 points. South Christian was second with 125, followed by Thornapple Kellogg 90.5, Caledonia 87, Hastings 76.5, Catholic Central 68.5, Wayland 22 and Ottawa Hills 12.

The top finish for the Hastings girls came in the 3200-meter run, where Trista Straube set a new school record with her runner-up time of 11:29.41. Caledonia’s Hannah Schroder won the race in 11:27.44.

The Hastings girls also had a good day in the hurdles. Rachel Quillen was second in the 100-meter hurdles in 16.83, with South Christian’s Anna Newhoff in front of her in 16.01. Quillen’s teammate Nikki Redman was fourth in the event in 17.33.

Redman later added a third-place finish in the 300-meter low hurdles, an event Newhoff won in 46.77.

Quillen, Redman and Straube all earned all-conference honors. Quillen also added a

Hastings’ Nikki Redman gets the baton from teammate Rachel Rimer during the 1600-meter relay Saturday at the O-K Gold Conference Championships. (Photo

by Brett Bremer)

Thornapple Kellogg’s Dustin Brummel races towards a victory in the 1600-meter run during Saturday’s O-K Gold Conference Meet at Forest Hills Eastern High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

third-place height of 5-0 in the high jump and Straube was sixth in the 1600 in 5:24.28.

Forest Hills Eastern had the best sprinters, winning the 400-meter and 800-meter relay races and putting four girls in the finals in both the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes, but Thornapple Kellogg’s Fiona Shea was the conference’s top sprinter. She won the 100 in 13.08 and the 200 in 26.40.

She also teamed with Paige Eyk, Molly Lark and Morgan McNutt for a runner-up finish in the 800-meter relay with a time of 1:51.08. Eyk, Shea, Heather Raymond and McNutt added a third-place finish for TK in the 400-meter relay in 53.21.

Erin Ellinger matched Shea’s two wins, taking the discus with a throw of 114-2 and the shot put at 38-7.5. TK had the top three throwers in the shot put, with Aimee Ellinger second at 33-11.5 and DJ Minor third at 338.5.

Thornapple Kellogg and Hastings will both head to Mason Friday for their Division 2 Regional Meet. The top two in each event and others who meet the pre-determined times and distances will earn spots in the Division 2 State Finals, which will be held June 2.

Hastings’ girls have already earned a spot in the Division 2 MITCA Team State Finals, which will be in Jenison May 26, thanks to a ninth place finish in the final power rankings of the season.

Delton and Maple Valley each win one in Nashville

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor Neither team was thrilled to be walking away with a split Tuesday.

Delton Kellogg’s and Maple Valley’s varsity softball teams each won one game in their Kalamazoo Valley Association doubleheader in Nashville. The Panthers took the opener 21, then the Lions scored a 9-2 win in game two.

“I don’t think either one of us really hit the ball that well in the first game,” said Delton Kellogg head coach Kelly Yoder. “In that second game we just made way too many mistakes, couldn’t think the play.”

Brooke Martin did a good job of making things tough on the Lion hitters in the opener especially. She struck out nine while allowing four hits and one walk in the winning complete game effort.

“She threw a lot of strikes and we did play a lot better defense in that game,” Yoder said.

Delton Kellogg broke a 1-1 tie in the top of the sixth inning of game one. Libby Parker walked with two out, and came home on an RBI double by Lacey Miller. Delton scored its first run in the top of the second, as Martin reached on an error and came around to score without the benefit of a hit.

Kami McCowan was 2-for-4 with a pair of singles for Delton.

Alivia Johncock took the loss for the Lions.

She struck out six and walked six, while giving up four hits.

The Lions got two singles from Kaitlyn Petersen, including an RBI single in the bottom of the second. Ashley Lesage came around to score the Lions’ lone run, after leading off the inning with a single of her own.

Maggie Semrau tripled with one out in the bottom of the third for the Lions, but was picked off third by the Panther catcher McCowan to end the inning.

“If they can get, in the first inning, if they can start off hitting right away they can do fine,” said Maple Valley head coach Mary Lesage. “But if they don’t find those hits until towards the end of the game, it just tears them apart. I think it’s just a psychological thing. If they start off well, then they’re good.”

The Lions started game two off well.

Semrau singled to lead off the top of the first, stole second, and came home to score on a

Delton Kellogg’s Cassie Coplin puts her bat on the ball during the bottom of the fifth inning of game two Tuesday afternoon at Maple Valley High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) bunt single by Timara Burd. Burd eventually scored with the help of the first of three Delton errors.

The only inning the Lions didn’t score in was the sixth. They tacked on single runs in the second, third and fifth innings, and scored twice in the fourth and the seventh.

Petersen had a big game for the Lions, going 3-for-4 with a double and two RBI. She also scored two runs and stole two bases.

Burd also had two hits and scored two runs.

Maple Valley had ten hits in the win, with Petersen’s fourth inning double the only extra-base hit.

Martin took the loss for Delton. She struck out six and walked only one.

Beth Richter took the win for the Lions.

She struck out three, while walking four and

giving up three hits in five innings. Johncock came on to close things out, striking out three in two scoreless innings in the circle.

Parker and Miller again teamed up to get the Delton offense going. Parker led off the second inning with a walk, and came home on an RBI double by Miller. Miller eventually scored thanks to Lion miscues.

“Our defense was weak tonight. We had more errors than I’m normally used to seeing,” coach Lesage said.

Both teams are back in action Thursday afternoon. The Lions host Constantine for two, while Delton Kellogg will be home for two with Schoolcraft.

Delton Kellogg shortstop Libby Parker looks to fire towards first after forcing out Maple Valley’s Mazalenna Rhodes at second base during the top of the seventh inning of game two Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

Delton baseball drops two KVA games with Parchment Delton Kellogg was no match for Parchment Wednesday.

Parchment scored 12-1 and 15-3 wins over Delton in a pair of five inning contests.

“Parchment didn’t waste much time in putting it to use in both games,” said Delton Kellogg head coach Bill Humphrey. “They really hit the ball with authority. We didn’t help ourselves in game two, committing six errors, but overall you really have to hand it to the overall skills of the Parchment team.”

Parchment had 18 hits in the 12-1 victory to start the afternoon. Brady Vanderweele led

the way with four hits, including a double and two triples.

Nick Brindley and Zach Eib had the two Delton Kellogg hits.

Parchment scored ten runs in the top of the first inning of game two, and went on to the 15-3 win.

Eib had a two-run double and an RBI single to drive in all three Delton runs. Zach Young added a single for the Panthers too.

Delton is now 3-15 overall this season, and 3-11 in the KVA.

Page 18 — Thursday, May 17, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

Panthers’ PRs help them stay on top in the KVA

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Kalamazoo Valley Association is down to one undefeated boys’ track and field team.

Delton Kellogg’s boys will take the league lead into Tuesday’s KVA Championship Meet, in Delton, thanks to a 5-0 record in league duals and a win at Tuesday’s five-team KVA Jamboree at Maple Valley High School.

Delton and Maple Valley were both undefeated in the league duals. Delton topped the Lions by 16 points at the top of the standing Tuesday, while the Lions managed to just hold off Parchment for the runner-up spot.

“Our kids need to step up to the plate like Delton’s did tonight,” said Maple Valley head coach Brian Lincoln. “They wanted it more than we did. It was obvious to me from the get-go.”

“I can think of three or four races where Delton just had more guts than us. They outleaned us at the line in two or three events.”

There were a couple big showdowns in the hurdles. Delton Kellogg’s Mike Bassett won the 110-meter high hurdles in 16.58 seconds, with teammate Brandon Robbins second in 16.62. Maple Valley had the third, fourth and fifth finishers, with Ryan Nisse coming in at 16.65, Joe Eddy at 18.09 and Doug Sears at 18.15. It was the first time Bassett had ever finished ahead of his teammate Robbins in the event.

In the 300-meter intermediate hurdles, Lincoln said all three of his runners were outleaned at the line. Robbins won the race in

42.25, with Eddy second in 42.35.

Parchment’s Austin Vandyke was third, two tenths of a second ahead of Nisse. Delton’s Bassett was fifth, just ahead of Sears. The top five scored in each event Tuesday.

Delton finished the day with 102 points.

Maple Valley had 86 and Parchment 81.

Constantine was a distant fourth with 46 points, followed by Hackett Catholic Central with 38.

The Panthers took the win with personal records (PRs) all over the field.

Delton had four high jumpers with PRs. Ryan Watson won it for Delton, clearing 6-1 in fewer tries than Parchment’s Terrance Moster who was second. Delton also had Billy Schut third at 5-8, Bassett fourth at 5-8, and also had Tucker Onderlinde, who didn’t score, set a PR by clearing 5-6.

“Coach (Jim) Hogoboom is working with them every day,” said Delton Kellogg head boys’ coach Dale Grimes. “A couple of them are getting rid of being sick. That might just be a help in itself. I don’t know if he has some secret that he’s got going on over there, but we’ll take it.”

Watson also won the 800-meter run in 2 minutes 4.92 seconds and the 1600 in 4:52.88.

Delton also got a big PR from Lucas Hansen in the long jump. He was fifth at 186.5, setting a new best by more than two feet.

Delton also had Connor Wolschleger third in the long jump at 19-0. In the discus, Delton’s Anthony Bates had a PR with his throw of 117-8, which was good for second place

Delton Kellogg’s Mallory Sewell fires off a throw in the discus competition during Tuesday’s KVA Jamboree at Maple Valley High School. She took fifth in the event, after placing first in the day’s shot put competition. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

Delton Kellogg’s Brandon Robbins (center right) leaves teammate Phoenix Pease behind as he takes off with the baton, while Maple Valley’s Robbie Welch (left) looks to get a hand-off from teammate Joe Eddy during the 800-meter relay Tuesday. (Photo

by Brett Bremer)

The Panthers’ Katie Hayward builds up speed at the start of the 100-meter dash Tuesday at Maple Valley High School.

(Photo by Brett Bremer) behind Maple Valley’s Keegan Yost.

Yost won both the throws for the Lions, going 130-.5 in the discus and 47.9.5 in the shot put.

The only other win for the Lions came in the long jump, where Garrett Reid flew 21-4.

Reid though was bested for the first time this season in the league in the 100-meter dash, the 200-meter dash and the 400-meter dash.

He was second to Parchment’s Jalen Hodgson (11.69 seconds) in the 100, second to Parchment’s Mike Emig (22.90) in the 200, and third behind Emig (50.91) and Delton Kellogg’s Phoenix Pease in the 400. Pease also added a third-place finish in the 200 for Delton.

With Emig, Hodgson, Alex Lasher and Brandon Linstead, Parchment won both the 400-meter relay (44.33) and the 800-meter relay (1:32.12).

Brandon Blankenship won the pole vault for Parchment at 13-0.

Delton and Maple Valley went head to head one last time in the 1600-meter relay, with the Panther team of Tyler Dempsey, Pease, Franklin James and Robbins winning in 3:36.71. Maple Valley’s foursome of Jake Ewing, Robbie Welch, Gunner Tobias and Eddy was second in 3:38.41.

A couple distance races were the only events, Delton, Maple Valley or Parchment didn’t win. Hackett’s Michael Elluru took the 3200-meter run in 10:53.13, and he teamed with Austin Elluru, John Mancini and Jake

Buday to win the 3200-meter relay in 8:43.40.

“A lot of kids just stepped up and really performed well today. I hope that it continues for a few more meets,” Grimes said.

There is a good chance that Delton Kellogg, Maple Valley and Parchment could find themselves battling it out for the top three spots again when all ten KVA teams meet in Delton Tuesday.

Delton returns to Maple Valley Friday for a Division 3 Regional Meet.

Parchment came out on top of the girls’ standings Tuesday, with 99 points.

Constantine was second with 83, followed by Maple Valley 76, Delton Kellogg 67 and Hackett Catholic Central 25.

Maple Valley’s Jessica Rushford won the three longest races of the day for an individual, taking the 3200-meter run in 12:17.75, the 1600-meter run in 5:23.98 and the 800meter run in 2:29.10. The Lions also won the 3200-meter relay in 10:33.90.

In the field Maple Valley had Zoanne Siple take the discus with a mark of 97-5, and Jadelyn Stewart win the pole vault by clearing 8-0.

Delton had Mallory Sewell win the shot put at 31-5. She also added a fifth place finish in the discus.

Andrea Polley earned Delton Kellogg’s only wins on the track, taking the 100-meter hurdles in 17.29 and the 300-meter low hurdles in 49.66.

Delton also had runner-up finishes in the 800-meter relay and the 1600-meter relay, and a second-place finish from Jolen Drum in the 800. She finished just behind Rushford in 2:31.05.

Parchment won the three shortest relays, and the three sprints and the high jump. Paige Berg took the high jump for Parchment at 5-

0, the 100 in 13.38 and the 200 in 27.54.

Kendyl Hinton took the 400-meter dash in 1:01.51.

Delton Kellogg’s Zach Haas stays a step ahead of Hackett Catholic Central’s Austin Elluru during the 1600-meter run Tuesday at Maple Valley High School.

(Photo by Brett Bremer)

Thurman ties for lead at jamboree hosted by TK

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor Hastings’ Dylan Thurman, Caledonia’s Matt Miller and South Christian’s Ben Elenbaas tied for the individual honors at Thursday’s O-K Gold Conference jamboree at Yankee Springs Golf Course.

Each shot a 37 to help their team at what was supposed to be the final conference jamboree of the season. The league got together again Tuesday to finish the jamboree at Hastings Country Club, which was postponed because of storms earlier in the season.

South Christian won for the sixth time in

got a 45 from Klotz and a 50 from Fredrik Isgard.

Cook led South Christian with a 36, while Catholic Central was led by Luke Headley’s 39.

Thornapple Kellogg was led by a 45 from Ben Jazwinski and VanSickle’s 49. TK also got a 52 from Ben Sinclair and a 56 from Koetsier.

The Saxons are fifth in the league standings, heading into Monday’s 18-hole conference tournament at The Meadows on the campus of Grand Valley State University.

In between those two league jamborees, the

Saxons took part in the Battle Creek Lakeview Invitational Friday and the Pennfield Invitational Saturday.

The Saxons were 11th at the Lakeview tournament hosted at Cedar Creek Golf Course with a score of 343. Lakeview took the day’s title with a 300, followed by Harper Creek 310 and Gull Lake 311 in the 16-team field.

Buehler led the Saxons with a 79, while Klotz added an 83, Isgard an 88 and Thurman a 93.

Hastings was fourth Saturday at the Pennfield Invitational.

The Saxons’ Taylor Klotz lines up a putt on number nine during the O-K Gold Conference Jamboree at Yankee Springs Golf Course Thursday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

Hastings’ Danny Buehler chips his ball towards the green on number eight during Thursday’s O-K Gold Conference jamboree on the red nine at Yankee Springs Golf Course. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

seven tries Thursday, finishing with a score of 156. Forest Hills Eastern was just two strokes back at 158. Caledonia was third with a 161, the Scots’ third third-place finish of the league season.

The top three teams were followed by Grand Rapids Catholic Central 165, Hastings 167, Wayland 178, Thornapple Kellogg 201 and Ottawa Hills NTS. Hastings has been as high as second and as low as sixth at league jamborees this spring.

“That’s been it all year,” said Hastings head coach Bruce Krueger. “Inconsistent. Different players play well, and then someone else plays poorly on that night. A lot of it is a lack of focus. They’ve all showed they’re capable of playing well. We just can’t get four of them to do that on the same night very often.”

Thurman certainly played well Thursday.

“He didn’t really talk that much. He was just all happy and handed me the card. I’m sure that’s the best round he’s ever shot, in competition for sure,” Krueger said.

Hastings also got a solid 39 from Taylor Klotz.

“A 39 is great for Taylor. Taylor had 11

putts tonight,” Krueger said.

Danny Buehler added a 42 and Aaron Williams a 49 for the Saxons.

Trojan head coach Bob Kaminski, who’s team struggled on its home course, said his team just hasn’t really been able to put things together all spring long. He was happy to see that they were nearly all out at the driving range after the round though. It hasn’t been because of a lack of hard work.

Thornapple Kellogg got a 47 from Kegan Thomas, a pair of 51s from Graham Lince and Josh VanSickle, and a 52 from Alex Koetsier.

Behind Elenbaas for South Christian were Ben Cook with a 38, Blake DeVries with a 40 and Nick VanderHorst with a 41.

The O-K Gold closed out its season of jamborees Tuesday, finishing off the Hastings jamboree. Catholic Central won in the league for the first time this season, edging South Christian 166 to 168. Caledonia was third with a 171, followed by Hastings 172, Forest Hills Eastern 174, Wayland 193 and Thornapple Kellogg 202.

This time Buehler led the Saxons with a 38, and Logan Barrett added a 39. Hastings also

The Saxons’ Dylan Thurman taps a putt across the green on number nine during Thursday afternoon’s O-K Gold Conference Jamboree at Yankee Springs Golf Course. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 17, 2012 — Page 19

Saxons tie TK for fifth at O-K Gold Tournament

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor As Hastings third singles player Abbey VanDiver walked off the courts at East Kentwood Saturday following her opening round win over Catholic Central’s Katie Pniewski, Forest Hills Eastern head coach Dan Doerrfeld stopped her.

“Did you get that one,” he said.

“Yeah,” said VanDiver.

“Nice job,” said Doerrfeld.

He knew any wins over Catholic Central would be big for his team.

The Hawks edged Catholic Central 58 to 50 at the top of the O-K Gold Conference Tournament standings to clinch the outright conference championships in matches played Saturday and Monday in Caledonia and at South Christian’s Sports Park and at East Kentwood High School.

South Christian was third with 49 points and Caledonia fourth with 41. Hastings and Thornapple Kellogg tied for fifth place in the tournament with 32 points each. Wayland was

seventh with 18 points and Ottawa Hills finished with 0.

“The girls had a great day,” said Hastings head coach Julie Severns. “Our goal going into the conference tournament was to beat Middleville. We had a close duel match with them earlier in the season and we were hoping to be able to pull out some wins.”

VanDiver not only pulled out a win over the second seeded Pniewski, 6-4, 6-4, in the opening round, but followed that up with a 76(5), 7-5 win over the third seed, Kendall Goosen from Thornapple Kellogg, in the third singles semifinals. VanDiver would finish as the runner-up at the flight, falling to top seeded Madeline Bissett from Forest Hills Eastern 6-1, 6-0 in the championship match.

VanDiver was the Saxons’ lone medalist, but she wasn’t the only Saxon who had a good tournament. At fourth singles, Sarah Thornburg was seeded third and finished third. She beat Thornapple Kellogg’s Kaitlyn Telfor in the opening round 6-1, 6-0. Forest Hills Eastern’s Mariah Chapin, the eventual

Saxon second singles player Tara Rowe reaches out to hit a backhand shot against Caledonia’s Katrina Carter Saturday during the O-K Gold Conference Tournament at Caledonia High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

flight champion, topped Thornburg in the semifinals 6-2, 6-1, but Thornburg bounced back to beat Caledonia’s Emilee Bont 6-1, 61 in the match for third place.

The Saxons’ top two singles players were fifth and sixth. Hannah Smith at first singles, fell to Thornapple Kellogg’s Emmie Beckering 6-1, 6-0 to start the tournament, but then knocked off Wayland’s Jenna Jamieson 6-4, 6-3 and Caledonia’s Paige Pontious 7-5, 6-4 to finish fifth. Smith had fallen to Caledonia’s top player in their regular season meeting.

“The ladies knew that going into the tournament each win would help the team move into the top five spots,” said Severns.

The Saxons got another fifth place finish from the third doubles team of Emma

Hastings third singles player Abbey VanDiver hits a backhand shot back at Catholic Central’s Katie Pniewski during the O-K Gold Conference Tournament at East Kentwood High School Saturday morning. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

Hastings’ Kelsi Harden hits a forehand return during an opening round first doubles match against Caledonia at the O-K Gold Conference Tournament Saturday morning in Caledonia. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Anderson and Kaitlyn Allan. They fell to Division 3 Regional Tournament Friday.

Forest Hills Eastern in the opening round, “We know that there will be lots of strong then topped Wayland 6-2, 6-3 and Thornapple teams competing, but we are all looking to Kellogg’s Whitney McCullough and Hannah win some matches,” Severns said.

Lamberg 6-2, 6-3 in the match for fifth.

Thornapple Kellogg heads to Forest Hills Hastings’ Tara Rowe at second singles, the Eastern for its Division 3 Regional first doubles team of Kelsi Harden and Sarah Tournament Thursday.

Sleevi and the fourth doubles team of Kara The Trojans had three fourth-place finishes Cuncannan and Meg Travis each finished lead the way at the conference tournament. sixth. The Saxon second doubles team of Beckering was fourth at first singles. She Tessa Johnson and Eric Krouse was seventh. bested Smith but then ran into the conferThe Saxons picked up default wins over ence’s top player, Sydney Liggins from Ottawa Hills at all four of those flights. Catholic Central, in the semifinals and fell 6Harden and Sleevi lost a tough match for fifth 0, 6-0. Liggins lost only one game all day, to Thornapple Kellogg’s Claudia Dykstra and topping South Christian’s Paige Courts 6-1, Hannah Bayshore 6-2, 4-6, 6-1.

6-0 in the championship match.

“The doubles teams are playing stronger, Goosen started the day with a 6-2, 6-2 win which will be key going into regionals,” said over Wayland’s Emily Cross in the third sinSeverns. “Our singles players have continued gles flight, before falling to VanDiver in the earning the majority of the points throughout semifinals. the season and we are counting on the doubles TK’s fourth doubles team of Megan Zoet teams to add to those on Friday.” and Erin Leach won its opening round match The Saxons head to Holland for their by default against Ottawa Hills.

DK gets good test from Hastings before tourney

Delton Kellogg’s Brianna Russell lifts teammate Sarah Rendon off the ground as they celebrate the goal which gave the Panthers a 3-2 lead over visiting Hastings in the final minutes Friday.

(Photo by Brett Bremer)

assists.

In the 9-1 win over Maple Valley to start the league tournament Monday, Delton had eight different girls score goals. Russell had two, and Rendon, Hammond, Sam

Zettelmaier, Poling, Kanoe Chaffee, Rachel Parker and Risner had one each.

Breanna Heinze had the lone goal for the Lions, making the score 4-1 midway through the first half.

Hastings’ Dani Meredith clears the ball out of a crowd that includes Delton Kellogg’s Brianna Russell and her Saxon teammate Haley Wagner (3). (Photo by Brett Bremer) Monday. They were scheduled to face Hackett Catholic Central in Delton last night.

The KVA Tournament championship game will be played Friday, with the winner of Wednesday’s contest between Delton and Hackett likely to face top seeded Kalamazoo Christian in the final.

“This was a great match to have because it was a good head to head battle. It was some good practice for us to get ready for the KVA and Hackett. We’ve been playing a lot of lesser teams so we haven’t had a lot of competition. It feels good,” Webster said. “(Hastings) made a couple of good runs, and we made a mistake or two and they got one in. We had good ball control. They made some good runs though. We didn’t have control the whole time. It was a pretty even match.”

Hastings put its first good run together in the opening minute of the game Friday.

Jennifer Jarman send a crossing pass through the Delton defense from her spot as an outside midfielder, which found teammate Jenny Feldpausch on the other side. She onetouched a shot to the far post to put Hastings up 1-0 40 seconds into the game.

“You couldn’t have asked for a better sequence of passes and a finish in just 30 some odd seconds,” said Hastings head coach Sarah Smith. “We haven’t been able to do that all season, so it was beautiful to see.”

The Saxons held that lead for more than 20 minutes, but Delton tied the game and then took a 2-1 lead in the final 17 minutes of the first half. Aryka Poling finished off a free kick for the Panthers, with an assist to Russell, for

Delton’s first goal. Russell then found the back of the net with 3:23 to play in the half thanks to an assist from Phommavongsa.

“We held strong, attacking for a bit, then we just started struggling to keep up with their speed up top,” Smith said. “We are pretty fast in the back, but they were very fast on the attack. They have some really fast girls attacking, not just one or two players, four of them. That’s what you ask for as a coach, and they have it.”

Hastings tied the game at 2-2 11 minutes into the second half, on Feldpausch’s second goal of the game. Feldpausch fired a shot to the front post, and Dani Meredith made a nice attacking run for the Saxons to make sure it was in.

Smith was happy to see her worn down team compete, after a tough week which included league losses to Wayland and Forest Hills Eastern.

Delton’s week wasn’t quite as tough. They topped visiting Parchment 8-0 Wednesday in Delton to close out the KVA regular season with a 5-1 mark.

“Our competition has been a little less. I feel like Hackett and K-Christian are playing the Gull Lakes, the Caledonias and much tougher teams than we’re playing, so we got a little lazy. This (Hastings) game helped us improve that. We know what’s coming up. We beat (Hackett) already. We’ve got to beat them again.”

Phommavongsa had three goals, Russell two, and Poling, Alea Hammond and Jaime Risner one each in Delton’s 8-0 win over Parchment Wednesday. Rendon had three

Delton Kellogg’s Hannah Phommavongsa races past Parchment’s Guadalupe Torres during Wednesday’s KVA contest in Delton. (Photo by Perry Hardin)

SAXON WEEKLY SPORTS SCHEDULE Complete online schedule at: www.hassk12.org THURSDAY, MAY 17 3:45 PM 4:00 PM 4:15 PM 4:15 PM 4:15 PM 4:15 PM 4:15 PM 5:00 PM

Boys Girls Boys Boys Boys Girls Girls Girls

Varsity Varsity Varsity JV Fresh.

JV Fresh.

JV

Golf Softball Baseball Baseball Baseball Softball Softball Soccer

6:45 PM Girls Varsity Soccer

Hastings HS Hastings Inv. Pennfield HS DH Wayland Union HS Pennfield HS DH Pennfield HS DH Pennfield HS DH Jenison HS DH South Christian HS Gold Conf. Tournament South Christian HS Conf. @ South Christian

H A A H A H A A A

FRIDAY, MAY 18 9:00 AM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:30 PM 3:30 PM 4:15 PM 4:15 PM

Girls Boys Girls Boys Girls Boys Boys

Varsity Varsity Varsity MS MS Varsity JV

Tennis Track Track Track Track Baseball Baseball

Reg. @ Holland Christian A Regionals @ Mason A Regionals @ Mason A Ionia MS A Ionia MS A Jenison HS DH A Jenison HS H

Saturday, May 21 continued 4:15 PM Girls Varsity Softball 4:15 PM Girls Fresh. Softball

Forest Hills E. HS DH South Christian HS (5 inning DH)

H A

W.M. Champs-TBA W.M. Champs-TBA

A A

Conf. Tournament-TBA Conf. Tournament-TBA GR Christian Single Game Forest Hills E. HS DH Forest Hills E. HS DH Wayland Union HS DH

H H H

TUESDAY, MAY 22 3:00 PM Boys Varsity Track 3:00 PM Girls Varsity Track

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23 TBA Girls Varsity Soccer TBA Girls JV Soccer 4:15 PM Boys Varsity Baseball 4:15 PM Boys JV 4:15 PM Girls JV 4:15 PM Girls Fresh.

Baseball Softball Softball

A A H

Times and dates subject to change

Thanks to This Week’s Sponsor:

SATURDAY, MAY 19 9:00 AM Girls Varsity Softball 9:00 AM Girls JV Softball

Charlotte HS Charlotte Inv. A Saranac Saranac Inv. A

The Meredith Agency

SATURDAY, MAY 21 TBA Girls Varsity Soccer TBA Girls JV Soccer 9:00 AM Boys Varsity Golf 3:45 PM Boys JV

Golf

4:15 PM Boys Varsity Baseball 4:15 PM Boys Fresh. Baseball

FARM BUREAU MUTUAL•FARM BUREAU LIFE•FARM BUREAU GENERAL

Conf. Tournament-TBA Conf. Tournament-TBA Conf. @ GRCC @ Meadows Conf. @ GRCC @ Centennial Forest Hills E. HS DH S. Christian HS DH

H H A

269-945-4520

Good Luck Saxon Soccer!

A H A

HASTINGS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS Contact Nancy 945-2742 or hastingsathleticboosters@gmail.com to sponsor the schedule

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by Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Panthers got what they wanted out of its visit from Hastings Friday.

A win, and a little bit of a wake-up call.

The Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ soccer team improved to 13-1 on the season with a 42 victory over the Saxons in Delton.

Delton Kellogg’s Sarah Rendon blasted a shot that Hastings goalkeeper Bre Sinclair dove at top keep out of the net, but the Panthers’ Brianna Russell was right there to hit the loose ball into the net. That goal broke a 2-2 tie with 5 minutes and 40 seconds left to play. Rendon, and Hannah Phommavongsa who set up Rendon’s shot with a nice pass ahead, earned assists.

Phommavongsa also assisted on Rendon’s goal with 17 seconds left to play. They performed a nice little give-and-go in the middle of the field, and Rendon lifted a shot over Sinclair and into the net.

“They want Sarah to get those shots every game, and they usually either go over or wide frankly,” said Delton Kellogg head coach Tracy Webster with a smile on her face.

“She’s a great assister. She doesn’t shoot much. When they go in for her, it’s just exciting. A great shot to end the game.”

It had been a great game throughout, which was something the Panthers needed heading into this week’s Kalamazoo Valley Association Tournament. The Panthers improved to 14-1 by opening the conference tournament with a 9-1 win over Maple Valley

Page 20 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Thursday, May 17, 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Hastings Banner

Thornapple Arts Council hosts student art show

Thornapple Arts Council Executive Director Megan Lavell (center) talks to Hastings City Manager Jeff Mansfield during the student art show reception.

At left: A mixed media drawing by Hastings senior Alexandra Azarcon is an example of the talent exhibited at the show. Many parents and non-art students visited, and art students who attended the show received extra credit. Students in a cooking class at the high school provided refreshments.

The artwork of Hastings High School senior Hannah Alspaugh is on display at the reception. Alspaugh will be attending Savannah College of Art and Design this fall.

Barry County Administrator Michael Brown (right) and others stop by to view artwork at the Thornapple Arts Council Student Art Show, which was on display at the Barry Community Enrichment Center.

At right: Many student self-portraits adorn the walls at the student art show.

More than 100 people attended the reception with 30 pieces of artwork selling for $5 to $30. The Hastings artists receive half the money and the other half goes to the Hastings High School Art Department for art supplies.

Below: Hundreds of pieces of art are displayed at the Thornapple Arts Council Student Art Show. HHS National Art Honors Society members worked more than 25 hours to put the show together.

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