Hastings Banner by Tim Sutton

Man sentenced in bar-fight death

Congress could take lesson from veterans

Fall All-Barry County athletes announced

See Story on Page 10

See Editorial on Page 4

See Story on Pages 12-13

THE HASTINGS

VOLUME 159, No. 45

NEWS BRIEFS

BANNER Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856

City approves six-month trial of extended parking time limit

Great American Smokeout is today The American Cancer Society is marking the 37th Great American Smokeout Nov. 15 by encouraging smokers to make a plan to quit, or to quit smoking today. Research shows that while quitting is difficult for most tobacco users, people who use tobacco can increase their success in quitting with help. Quitters are most successful when using a combination of therapies, including resources such as nicotine replacement, counseling, self-help materials, and a strong support network of family and friends. The Barry-Eaton District Health Department’s monthly Quit Smoking Workshop. This free program is a no-pressure, one-time workshop that shows how to be smoke-free. For more information on this or other smoking-cessation programs, call 517-541-2624. The American Cancer Society has tools available to help with quitting. For more information, call the American Cancer Society, 800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

Reservations, volunteers needed for Thanksgiving dinner A tradition will continue Thursday when the First United Methodist Church, 209 W. Green St., Hastings, again hosts its annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner for the community from 1 to 3 p.m. Normally 20 to 25 volunteers help with the dinner, which is enjoyed by about 200 people. The dinner is open to anyone who makes a reservation and a free-will donation. Call the church, 269-945-9574, or Margaret Hollenbeck, 269-945-4701, to make a reservation.. Volunteers interested in helping with preparations in the days leading up to the event should call Marcia Szumowski, 269948-2169.

Conservation district board has two open seats Two positions on the Barry Conservation District Board of Directors will be up for election at the March 2013 annual meeting. The positions are each four-year terms, with those elected serving through spring 2017. District seats are non-partisan. Eligible candidates are residents of Barry County who are 18 years of age or older and can show proof of residency with one identification card. Additionally, a candidate must complete a nominating petition by obtaining signatures from five Barry County residents age 18 or older. Nominating petitions are available at the Barry Conservation District office, 1611 S. Hanover, Suite 105, Hastings (Secretary of State building). All petitions must be completed and submitted to the district office by 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. The Barry Conservation District Board meets on the third Friday of each month at 7:30 a.m. in the Village View Conference Room at Pennock Hospital in Hastings. Due to Thanksgiving, the next scheduled meeting is Friday, Dec. 7. All meetings are open to the public. For more information about the Barry Conservation District and the role of its board of directors, visit the district office; view the website, www.barrycd.org; or call 269-948-8056.

PRICE 75¢

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Vikings advance to Class B volleyball semi-finals Lakewood’s varsity volleyball team huddles together to celebrate its regional championship after topping Forest Hills Eastern in five sets Thursday in the Class B Regional Final at Thornapple Kellogg High School. The Vikings take on Dearborn Divine Child in the second Class B Semifinal at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek this evening at 7:30 p.m. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

by Sandra Ponsetto Staff Writer Starting Tuesday, Jan. 1, those who wish to shop and dine in downtown Hastings will have an extra hour to do so before they have to move their vehicles — at least for six months. After a lengthy discussion, the Hastings City Council approved a request from the Hastings Downtown Development Authority to increase parking in the two-hour lots to three hours during a six-month trial period. Parking limits will remain the same for on-street parking and all other lots. DDA chairperson Patty Woods presented the request on behalf of the DDA. “We spent a lot of time over the last few years, trying to aim at getting better parking, allowing people to stay a little longer because we are really a draw now,” she said. “We do have nice restaurants. It’s really tough to eat at a restaurant and shop; or shop and eat at a restaurant. You can do one or the other within two hours pretty well. But, if you are here at all, any length of time ...” Woods said that while the first ticket for exceeding the two hour limit is only a warning and no monetary fine is involved, it isn’t conducive for people from out of town to plan a return visit. “I have seen this myself,” she said. “It does leave sort of a bad taste in their mouth.” The motion was approved by a 5-3 vote with trustees Don Bowers, Dave Jasperse and Al Jarvis dissenting. Bowers said he objected to the DDA asking for frequent changes in the city’s parking policy. Jarvis did not state a reason for his objection. During the discussion, Jasperse said the issue is not so much the time limit as the availability of parking, which would improve if all downtown merchants and employees would park in the all-day lots and leave the parking spaces closer to downtown businesses for customers. Woods agreed that some merchants and their employees are part of the problem. “We know we have some violators among our own merchants and merchants’ employees,” she said. “Part of that is an education thing. We are constantly looking at something we can do to make that better because that is part of the problem we have.” Hastings Community Development Coordinator John Hart agreed that some mer-

chants and employees rotate their vehicles throughout the day in the two-hour lots and that behavior is not likely to change unless the city and the DDA develop policies to curb that behavior.

“We know we have some violators among our own merchants and merchants’ employees. Part of that is an education thing. We are constantly looking at something we can do to make that better because that is part of the problem we have.” DDA chairperson Patty Woods

“This is just really a test period to see if a three-hour lot accommodates our visitors from out of town,” he said. “If it doesn’t work, we go back [to the two-hour time limit]. If it does work, we’d like to talk about additional policy to remove those chronic violators out of the parking lots and into the all-day parking lots and streets which are two blocks from downtown.” Hart said that, so far, the DDA has taken a three-step approach to dealing with the merchant and employee parking downtown: Education, enforcement and provision of parking spaces. Hastings City Manager Jeff Mansfield said a parking task force was created five years ago to look into the growing problem, and the increased parking time limit is only one step among many, rather than a final solution. “We need to see, progressively, how this impacts [parking],” Mansfield said. “You don’t want to make all your changes at once because then you don’t know, really, what generated what impact. So, we make this one change, see what the outcome is, then contin-

See PARKING, page 6

Election transition alters county board agenda by Doug VanderLaan Editor Lame duck status took hold at Tuesday’s Barry County Board of Commissioners meeting and all eight members — even the five who’ll be departing with the upcoming new year — felt its effect. After having interviewed and recommended for approval the appointment of nine citizens to county board committees at last week’s committee of the whole meeting, the commission tabled the action Tuesday, following direction from Board Chair Craig Stolsonburg and County Administrator Michael Brown. “This current board does not have the authority to appoint members to terms that begin in the next board’s term,” explained Brown. “The process is designed so that the current board does the advertising, does the interviewing and includes the new commissioners in that interview, which they attended. It then gets held until the new board gets seated, and one of the first items of business is to appoint those members. “Now, the new board could choose to accept the recommendations and appoint those folks. They could choose not to accept the recommendations and not appoint those folks and do something different. The thought is that, as long as everyone (new and present commissioners) is included, they’re familiar and, at an early meeting in the new year, they can appoint those folks and there’ll be no interruption in service.” Brown went on to explain that the advertising, interviewing and appointment process involves as much as two months’ time. To delay that process until after the seating of a new commission would create a significant hardship for committees awaiting the appoint-

ment of new members. The Barry County Road Commission, with three members, was used as an example. With the expiration of Chairman Frank Fiala’s term Dec. 31, a delay of re-appointment — for which Fiala interviewed at last week’s committee of the whole meeting — will be inevitable pending approval from the new board at an early January meeting. Without having conducted the interview and a present board’s recommendation, the delay could leave the road commission with just two members until March. The other appointment recommendations made last week are Sharon Zebrowski to the Charlton Park Village and Museum Board and the re-appointments of Janet Lydy, Dave Logan and Rick Moore to the same board. Also affected are the re-appointments of David Tripp to the Barry County Building Authority, Kenneth Radant to the Barry County Transit Board, and Don Bowers and Robert Nelson to the Barry County Commission on Aging Board. The newly constituted board, which will consist of incumbents Stolsonburg, Ben Geiger and Howard “Hoot” Gibson and the newly elected Jim DeYoung, Jim Dull, Jon Smelker and Joyce Snow, can take immediate action on the appointments at the new board’s organizational meeting or at a special meeting following its opening committee of the whole meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 8. “That means new commissioners could have three meetings the first day,” cracked Geiger. In other business, the board: • Approved an increase of $300 in cash drawer funds for the county clerk’s office, allowing audit-recommended efficiency in making change for office customers.

• Approved home repair bid funds of $29,580 to McKeough Brothers LLC for a home at 435 W. Clinton St. in Hastings and $34,358 to Brian Appel Builders for a home at 11486 Lighthouse Court in Middleville as part of the Barry County Home Improvement program funded by a grant from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. • Approved the amendment of the 2013 Child Care Fund Budget to accommodate the contribution of the Community Mental Health Office to assist with the Family Court’s “wrap-around” financial assistance program. • Approved the 2013 contract with the Michigan Supreme Court administrative office for administering grant funds to support the new District Court Adult Drug Court. • Approved a similar contract with the Supreme Court’s administrative office for funds to administer the Circuit Court Adult Drug Court. Funds for the circuit court program will be supplemented by a grant from the Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance program. • Approved the contract renewal of Debra Kruse, an instructor in the Office of Community Corrections. • Approved an application for additional credited service allowing outgoing Prosecutor Tom Evans to purchase five years of credited service through the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System. • Awarded a five-year auditing services contract to Rehmann Robson for annual fees ranging from $30,200 in fiscal year 2012 to $34,000 for the year ending in December 2016. • Approved the 2013 health insurance plan for county employees s recommended by the Barry County Healthcare Cost Containment Committee.

• Approved the appointment of Fred Kibler to fill the remainder of a three-year term that began Jan. 1 on the agricultural preservation board. • Approved transfers and disbursements totaling $45,199 in claims, $8,400,250 in prepaid invoices, and $8,050 in commissioner payroll. In response to a concern from Geiger about the unusually high pre-paid invoice figure, Brown responded that $5,667,439 was a payment from the county’s trust and agency fund, over $4 million of which was forwarded to the state as a collection on the 6-mill state education tax, assessed as a property tax each summer. Additionally large payments of $1.3 million went to the Thornapple Manor Fund and $797,000 to the Thornapple Manor Building Authority Fund. • Received a request from Baltimore Township resident Don Bradstreet that the commission place his request for appointment to a Climate Adaptation Planning Committee on an upcoming county commission agenda. The proposed committee would work with the MSU Extension office and climate scientists to accumulate data for a summary report of community recommendations to meet longterm climate change. Bradstreet also informed commissioners that he attended a Nov. 9 meeting of the Barry County Solid Waste Management Committee which failed to produce a quorum of committee members. Bradstreet urged commissioners to consider means by which they could help ensure quorum attendance at committee meetings. The county board will meet next for a committee of the whole session Tuesday, Nov. 20, in the chamber meeting room at the county courthouse beginning at 9 a.m.

Page 2 — Thursday, November 15, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

Veterans honored during special ceremony at Magnum Care

Jason McClish of Heartland Hospice leads a Wednesday assembly to honor veterans at Magnum Care in the Pledge of Allegiance.

In what organizers hope will become an annual event, Magnum Care in Hastings took time Wednesday to honor its 17 residents who served in the United States Armed Forces. “You endured hardship and you were willing to risk your life for our freedom,” said Jason McClish, account manager of Heartland Hospice, an affiliate organization to the Hastings-based home. After leading approximately 30 attendees in a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and then reciting a special poem for veterans, McClish assisted in a special “Veterans Pinning Ceremony” in which veteran residents received a special pin from Activity Director Carla McKelvey and a commemorative certificate. “It’s a good way to support residents and families on a day that we might not otherwise be here,” summed up McClish.

Donald Moffet receives his certificate of armed services honor from Carla McKelvey during the first annual Veterans Pinning Ceremony at Magnum Care Wednesday.

Magnum Care staff member Veanise VanderMeer helped assemble an honorary retrospective of residents’ service to their country.

Assistant prosecutor may be called as witness in Curtis trial

U.S. Air Force veteran Jack Fouts poses with his daughter Debbie Williams (left) and his wife of 59 years, Nancy, during the Veterans Pinning Ceremony at Magnum Care Wednesday.

Burke Houghtalin Jr. served with the U.S. Army’s 10th Armored Tank Division in World War II. Helping honor his service are son Burke Houghtalin II, and grandson, Burke Houghtalin III.

by David DeDecker Staff Writer In a glimpse into the possible defense of Chad Curtis, attorney David Dodge brought clinical and forensic psychologist Katherine Okla, Ph.D. to the stand Nov. 14 to establish her as an expert witness in Barry County Circuit Court. Curtis, a former Major League Baseball player, is charged with six criminal sexual conduct acts involving teenage girls attending Lakewood schools. Dodge’s questions of Okla focused on her expert knowledge in the suggestability of teenagers and how teenage perception can be altered by an authority figure. He questioned Okla about peer pressure and adolescent selfaggrandizement. Dodge wanted to know, in Okla’s opinion, if bringing a teenage girl into a government building and being questioned by the assistant prosecuting attorney would persuade the girl to change her testimony. The defense attorney will possibly call Barry County Assistant Prosecutor Chris Ellsworth to the stand on the matter. Ellsworth did interview one of Curtis’ alleged victims, and Dodge contends the girl’s story was significantly changed after Ellsworth interviewed her. Ellsworth told Judge Amy McDowell he failed to see how Okla being qualified as an expert witness in the Curtis case was relevant. He said the girl may have remembered more about the alleged acts in subsequent interviews, but the facts remained the same. Dodge countered by telling the court that Okla’s expert testimony was vital to a fair trial for his client. After nearly three hours of the hearing Wednesday, McDowell found Dr. Okla to be a reliable expert witness, and within certain court-established parameters, her testimony was relevant to the case. McDowell then granted Dodge’s motion to qualify Okla as an expert witness in Curtis’ trial, scheduled for January.

Alex Henry receives his honorary veterans certificate from Magnum Care Activity Director Carla McKelvey.

Man convicted in Barry County hangs himself in Kentucky While detained in the Madison County Detention Center in Kentucky on a parole violation, Charles Franklin Hoffman reportedly took his life Nov. 10 by hanging. Hoffman, 28, was sentenced in Barry County Circuit Court March 15, 2007, for operating under the influence of alcohol on Powell Road and causing a serious impairment or incapacitating injury to another person in an automobile accident. Charges of felonious driving and operating with expired

license were dropped. Hoffman was sentenced the same day for delivery or manufacture of marijuana. Judge James Fisher sentenced Hoffman to 36 to 120 months on the driving charge and 29 to 48 months on the substance charge. As of press time the Michigan Department of Corrections did not respond with Hoffman’s parole violation or the reason he was in a Kentucky jail.

Drivers should be on the lookout for deer More than 53,000 accidents in Michigan last year involved deer, and 918 car-deer collisions were reported in Barry County resulting in 23 injuries. Motorists are encouraged to look beyond the beam of their headlights for eyes of deer that may be near the road. Trying to dodge a deer is not a good idea, said Sheriff Dar Leaf. “The best way to avoid a deer-car collision is to slow your car down, flash your headlights and or blow your horn to try and scare the animal,” he said.

Deer often move erratically, and swerving may cause loss of vehicle control, resulting in injury or even death, he said. Deer travel together. If one deer is seen the chances are others are also around so caution is recommended. “Remember to heed deer-crossing signs,” Leaf said. “If you do hit a deer, make sure you report it to your local police or the sheriff’s office.” For more safety tips visit the Michigan Sheriffs Association website at www.misheriff.org.

The Hastings Banner â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Thursday, November 15, 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Page 3

Hurricane Sandy relief heading to New Jersey by Shari Carney Staff Writer Several shelters in New Jersey will be receiving donated items from family, friends, staff and students at Maple Valley Schools and the Hastings area, thanks to an appeal placed by Crystal Pash, former New Jersey resident. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The neighborhoods I called home have been reduced to rubble, sand, destruction and debris,â&#x20AC;? said Pash who lived in Seaside Heights and Belmar, N.J., from 1987 to 1993. Damages and power outages have forced many people from their homes. Shelters have a variety of needs that are changing daily, said Pash, who is in contact with several shelters, including one for animals. Dangers of potential gas explosions that could result from a compromised gas system have caused many people to evacuate who otherwise tried to wait out the power outage, said Pash. Her husband, Chris Pash, is a social studies teacher at Maple Valley High School. Students have been bringing items to his classroom, and the high schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadership class also is participating. People also have donated money. Maple Valley teacher Hillary Leatherman took junior high her class shopping to purchase paper goods, toiletries and non-perishable food. Lynn Osborn-Jones, who lives in Virginia, is one of Crystal Pashâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best friends from their days living in New Jersey. Osborn-Jones has an elderly aunt and grandmother who live in some of the hardest hit areas, said Pash. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This whole thing started with Lynn and I on the phone, simply trying to process the degree of devastation done to the area we call â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and trying to figure out what we could do to make things a little better,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I contacted a few friends, sent out a couple [of] Facebook posts asking friends to do what they could, whether it be a donation to the Red

The devastation in Seaside Heights, N.J., devastation is evident after the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Crystal Pash of Hastings, former resident of Seaside Heights, is leading a relief effort to take needed items to shelters assisting those victimized by the hurricane. (Photo courtesy of Associated Press) Cross, a prayer, a hug for someone whose loved ones were going through this, or whatever they felt lead to do. From there, Lynn and I started thinking we could do more.â&#x20AC;? Without a plan or any knowledge on organizing a relief effort, the two friends focused on the needs of those who were braving the devastation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about all the people who desperately need help and about the generosity and kindness of everyone whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offered a measure of support. I never expected this many people to get involved,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is an amazing community of people, and I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good

thing for everyone to know that.â&#x20AC;? Her former co-workers at Pennock Pharmacy in Hastings have proven instrumental in providing donations, said Pash, who had worked at the pharmacy for 10 years before leaving last November to care for her mother. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Friends from Nashville, Tenn., are helping, as well as friends as far away as Germany. It really is amazing,â&#x20AC;? said Pash, adding that her church, Nashville Baptist, is promoting the effort, as well. The Pashes plan to drive out before Thanksgiving, meet up with Osborn-Jones

Students from Hillary Leathermanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s class at Maple Valley High School shopping for victims of Hurricane Sandy include (from left) Amanda Waddle, Marley Grinage, Alexis Guernsey, Adam Ryan, Danielle Struble and Jordan Reynolds. Social Studies Teacher Chris Pash will be transporting the items to shelters in New Jersey, where his wife, Crystal, lived from 1987 to 1993. (Photo by Hillary Leatherman) and spend most of the weekend making deliveries. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Jersey Shore is not really what the TV portrays. That has given a lot of people a bad impression of the area. It really is a wonderful place with incredible people. In that respect, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not so dissimilar to here,â&#x20AC;? she said. The following items have been requested from shelters: personal hygiene and toiletry products, cleaning supplies (including buck-

ets and sponges), blankets, new underwear and socks (all sizes, male and female), pet food, cat litter, pet cage liner material, warmers for hands and socks normally used for hunting or fishing, candles, hats, gloves, rubber boots, heavy-duty trash bags, towels, chicken broth, pasta, canned turkey and chicken, soup mixes and shovels. Call Pash, 269-908-9216, for additional information or to help in the relief effort.

Gun Lake Tribe member speaks at federal center Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center in Battle Creek hosted a program Nov. 6 to share information on local Native American contributions and tribal efforts to help their members and surrounding communities. Defense Logistics Agency employees, contractors and others gathered for the program, which began with an invocation from Ron Komondy, an elder with the Mohawk tribeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wolf Clan. His comments were noted in the opening remarks by DLA Logistics Information Service Director Deb Greger who said respect has been a common theme in the Native American events â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x153;respect for the creator, resources, family and others.â&#x20AC;? Greger, a Battle Creek native, remarked how the observance gave her the chance to learn more about the signs that Native American life in the Pennfield area may date back to the Crusades. Ed Pigeon, vice chairman of the tribal council for the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Gun Lake Band, began his remarks as guest speaker by explaining the principle of tribal sovereignty. Pigeon explained how the concept makes each tribe a miniature version of the states that comprise America. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You have your 50 U.S. states; within those you have 500 mini-states, each with its own tribal government and ways of doing things,â&#x20AC;? Pigeon said. Pigeon has more than 10 years of participation in cultural presentations and teaching activities throughout Michigan and is currently employed as the Gun Lake language and cultural coordinator. His instruction provides language skills through formal classes and in cultural workshops integrating language components. Beside his tribal council duties, Pigeon is also a board member for the Kalamazoo Poverty Reduction Initiative. Before gaming operations started, Pigeon said the funding for tribal programs was all

Ron Komondy, an elder with the Mohawk tribeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wolf Clan, offers the invocation to help start the program.

Estate Planning Workshop

Ed Pigeon, vice chairman of the tribal council for the Match-E-BE-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Gun Lake Band, offers remarks as the guest speaker for Native American Heritage Month. based on grants. With gaming revenues, however, he said all of the money earned goes into

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tribal programs that allow them to do more to help their members with health care, employment and more cultural programs. The 2 percent revenue sharing also allows the tribe to contribute $18 million to local communities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In Wayland, the school district was able buy iPads for all of their grade school students and end â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pay-for-playâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in their extracurricular programs,â&#x20AC;? Pigeon said. Increased revenues also allowed the tribeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public safety department to grow, which Pigeon said benefits the local communities, as well. Their officer assists agencies in surrounding communities through mutual support agreements, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but they still know all of our children by name.â&#x20AC;? Michelle Moore, chief of business and administrative services for DLA Installation Support at Battle Creek, thanked Pigeon for his remarks. As she closed the event, Moore reminded everyone how special-emphasis programs share lessons about different cultures. She reminded the audience of former Battle Creek resident Sojourner Truthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famous comments that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;No one is anything unless everyone is something.â&#x20AC;? Moore called upon those assembled to dedicate themselves to use special emphasis programs to not only learn about diversity but to commit themselves to supporting each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs like â&#x20AC;&#x153;family.â&#x20AC;? For more information about the event, call the Equal Employment Opportunity Office, 269-961-4652.

Attorney James Fisher, Randy Teegardin CFP, Hastings City Bank, Attorney Stephanie Fekkes, Attorney Chris Matthysse

Thursday, November 29, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Hastings City Bank Trust and Investment Group is partnering with Law Weathers Attorneys and Counselors to provide an Estate Planning Workshop. Topics covered will include: â&#x20AC;˘ Major changes to our estate tax system, scheduled to begin January 1, 2013. Learn about these important changes. â&#x20AC;˘ Every estate plan should include basic building blocks. We will discuss these and why they are important. â&#x20AC;˘ A once in a lifetime opportunity to take advantage of current gift tax exemptions expires at the end of the year. Learn about this important change. â&#x20AC;˘ Long term care can deplete an estate. Learn how proper estate planning can take advantage of Medicaid funding to help avoid this outcome. The workshop will take place in the community room of the Hastings Branch, 150 West Court Street. Attendance is free to the community. Please reserve a seat by calling 269-948-5579. Refreshments will be served. 77572473

Page 4 — Thursday, November 15, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

Did you

see?

Camoufowlage

Congress could take a lesson from veterans

Tery Holly of Lake Odessa took this photo recently of a great blue heron trying to blend in along a channel on Jordan Lake. Holly said the heron seems to live around the nearby swamp and has been a frequent visitor.

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” President John Fitzgerald Kennedy

We’re dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M43 Highway, Hastings 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information.

Do you

know?

Bazaar preparation

Although the names are different and the styles have changed, the fundraising and craftiness continue. This looks like a photo promoting an upcoming bazaar. Do you know any of these women? Were they, in fact, promoting a bazaar? If so, for what organization? When? What can you tell us about this photo? The Banner archives have numerous photographs from the middle of the past century that have no date, names or other information. We’re hoping readers can help us

identify the people in the photos and provide a little more information about the event to reunite the photos with their original clippings or identify photos that may never have been used. If you’re able to help tell this photograph’s story, we want to hear from you. Mail information to Attn: Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; email news@jadgraphics.com; or call 269-945-9554. Last week’s photo of three men in front of the old city hall/fire station looking at a 1947 Oldsmobile brought in just one call, from Dorotha Cooper. She thought the tall man in the center pointing at the car might be Winston “Windy” Merrick, who once worked at her parents’ State Street business, The Coffee Shop. Merrick also was involved in the American Legion, the draft board and worked for Consumers Power. She didn’t recognize the other two men. Do you?

Have you

On the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 an armistice between Germany and the Allied nations came into effect, so on Nov. 11, 1919, the first Armistice Day was observed. This past week, across the country, people remembered those who served in one of our country’s military branches so that we could remain free. It was 93 years ago, when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Armistice Day be held Nov. 11, saying, “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with lots of pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.” Each year we celebrate with parades, church services, flag raising and all kinds of special ceremonies. In 1926, the U.S. Congress declared the special day a legal holiday to honor our veterans. But on June 1, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the bill to make Nov. 11 known as Veterans Day, to honor all service personnel regardless of when or where they served. In 1968, Congress moved Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October, yet the action caused a lot of confusion since several states disagreed with the change. So, in 1975 President Gerald R. Ford signed the bill that would again designate Veterans Day to be observed each year on Nov. 11. Even today, many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Both holidays were meant to recognize the men and women who served in our country’s armed services. Yet, Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May, which is set aside as a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country. Veterans Day was intended to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military, in wartime and peacetime. It’s easy for us to get caught up in our daily lives, missing the real meaning behind the special day. Currently, there are more than 22 million veterans who have served in our country’s armed forces — many of them returning to private life to serve their own communities. Most of us have a parent, grandparent, sibling or someone else who served or might be still serving. Some of them might be one of the veterans who offered their support when Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast. So far, hundreds of veterans stepped up to

aid families that became victims of the violent storm. They’ve volunteered with donations and a helping hand to help clean up neighborhoods, tear out waterlogged carpet and drywall and to help victims. These men and women are working street-by-street, home-by-home, leading the charge for post-disaster operations. Officials even requested donations during the annual New York Veterans Day parade to help the victims who lost their homes or were trying to get by without electricity. Looking back to President Kennedy, he said the gratitude for veterans should be measured in our actions not just words. Throughout our country’s history, millions have been willing to serve, even if it meant sacrificing their lives. And, many returned after the Gulf War and the Global War on Terror in Iraq and Afghanistan maimed for life. So, why shouldn’t we expect the country’s lawmakers to work together to solve the financial issues that threaten the economic stability of our nation? The election is over — now is the time to set aside the party bickering and get down to the people’s business of solving these issues with some old-fashioned compromise, in the interest of all Americans. Congress returned to work Tuesday to a list of unfinished business left over from last session when they vacated Washington to head home to campaign for their jobs. Now in this lame-duck session, lawmakers will have a number of issues to hammer out along with finding some compromise on a deficit-reduction plan — important work for even the best of situations. According to a report, the United States spends more on its military than the rest of the world combined — and nearly 10 times more than the No. 2 nation, China. Yet if the president and Congress can’t find a way to avoid the fiscal cliff that goes into effect Dec. 31, the military could suffer its biggest single cut in our nation’s history as programs face mandatory reductions created by lawmakers. As part of a deficit-spending agreement last year, Congress and the president agreed to automatic funding cuts if they failed to come up with a plan to cut the deficit by at least $1.2 trillion. Our country’s veterans have been there for us in war, in peacetime and when we’ve faced national tragedies like the recent hurricane. Shouldn’t we expect our lawmakers to show the same level of bravery and dedication to the nation as they search for the solutions that will keep our country financially strong and safe for generations? Fred Jacobs, vice president, J-Ad Graphics

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Karen Heath is co-owner of Secondhand Corners in Hastings. She was a board director for over 15 years with the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and its secretary for “umpteen” years. Heath has volunteered countless hours for the chamber and still works on several committees. She worked on the Downtown Development Authority for 15 years. Heath is currently in her third term on the board with the Barry Community Foundation. In July, she was voted to be chairman of the foundation, and will serve in that capacity over the next couple of years. She has also been an advisor for the foundation’s Youth Advisory Council. Favorite movie: A Susan Sarandon movie called “Dead Man Walking.” It’s a real true testament to forgiveness. Favorite book: I love entrepreneur books. I am in the process of reading Business Model Generation. I love this stuff, but for fun books I have just been through Pillars of the Earth and World without End, massive, epic books. If you could give anything to a person, it would be: Probably compassion. It plays into everything I do, especially in this business. Person you would most like to meet: Jesus Christ. I have a lot of questions for him. If you were president, you would

think the government has forgotten that. Best advice ever received: I was very fortunate to be a manufacturing planner and study under [Edward] Deming. He said, ‘If you can’t explain what you are doing in a process, then you don’t know what you’re doing.’ I am still, to this day, putting processes together for everything we do around here. The things that have a good process in place are the things that work. Favorite elementary school memory: My best friend’s mother was my third grade teacher. When she passed away, he found box with a gift and a note from me. It was a handmade pin cushion I had given her in third grade. He told me as a teacher she had tons of stuff, but when she died there wasn’t much of it left. But, that pin cushion was one of the things she had kept. Best thing about Barry County: The people. We are learning every day to work together. That’s what’s so cool about it. It’s a testament to a downtown with no empty store fronts. We weathered the depression well. I really appreciate the forward-thinking people. It’s what drives our train.

Karen Heath change: Their fiscal responsibility. I am the money cruncher and a money worrier. My dad always told me to pay your bills first. I

Each week, The Banner profiles a person from the community who makes Barry County shine. 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@j-adgraphics.com.

Veterans Day at Fort Custer National Cemetery (Shopper News photo by Shelly Sulser)

What do you

think?

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

Last week’s question: The traditional Veterans Day observance falls on the 11th day of the 11th month at 11 a.m. which, this year, will be Sunday and in direct conflict with church services in many communities. Should patriotic ceremonies displace religious observances? 21% 79%

Yes No

For this week: Despite assurances that EHD, a disease affecting deer, cannot be transmitted to humans, some Michigan hunters have opted to take part in the firearms deer season, which begins today. Will EHD change your hunting plans? q q

YES NO

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 15, 2012 — Page 5

State News Roundup U.S. Rep. Justin Amash will host academy night for high school students living in the 3rd Congressional District who are interested in learning more about the U.S. service academies Monday, Nov. 19, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids. Officials from the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Air Force Academy, United States Naval Academy, United States Merchant Marine Academy and the United States Coast Guard Academy will provide information about the academies and the application process. Admission to the academies requires a nomination from the vice president, a U.S. senator or a U.S. representative. Students typically begin the admissions process in the spring of their junior year of high school. More information about the academy nomination process can be found at http://amash.house.gov/serving-you/militaryacademy-nominations The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is located at 303 Pearl Street NW, Grand Rapids.

Michigan’s wine grape industry growing The state’s wine grape acreage doubled over the past decade, according to a report recently released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service. The USDA report is based on the 2011 Michigan Fruit Survey, which collected data from grape growers throughout the state. The complete results of the survey are available online and can be accessed from www.michiganwines.com/fastfacts. Riesling is the most widely planted wine grape, with acreage nearly tripling in the past decade. Michigan producers are creating world-class Rieslings and earned more than 20 top awards in 2012 for Riesling wines in a variety of styles. The International Riesling

Foundation lists Michigan among notable global producers. But Riesling isn’t the only star of the survey. Cabernet Franc acreage also tripled in the past decade. Pinot Gris increased nearly 300 percent. And Pinot Noir has replaced Chardonnay as the state’s second most planted variety, with acreage increasing 150 percent in the last 10 years. More than 40 varieties of wine grapes with at least two acres of production were reported. Traditional European varieties account for two-thirds of Michigan’s wine grape acreage. The balance is mainly comprised of hybrid varieties (crosses between European and native North American varieties). Traditionally, the wine grape industry in Michigan was concentrated in four primary counties: Berrien, Van Buren, Grand Traverse and Leelanau. Due to winery expansion around the state, the survey shows vineyard land exceeding 10 acres in each of the following counties: Allegan, Antrim, Benzie, Cass, Charlevoix, Jackson, Lenawee, Oceana, Sanilac and Washtenaw. Michigan ranked fourth in total grape production in the United States in 2011, behind California, Washington and New York, and ranked fifth in wine grape production. Michigan hovers between fifth and eighth place for wine grape production from year to year, depending on weather events that can severely influence regional production volumes in any given year. According to the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council, there are 101 commercial wineries producing more than 1.3 million gallons of Michigan wine annually. That number has increased from 32 wineries

in 2002 producing 400,000 gallons. For more information about the Michigan wine grape industry, visit the council’s website, www.michiganwines.com.

Send us your Now is time for citizens to campaign business news Every day we’re reminded of where the success of our community — or any community — is generated. Without businesses, both large and small, communities would have no tax base from which services, improvements and enjoyment originate. A business community not only provides jobs, it also offers the involvement and the giving that builds a caring culture. The Banner intends to celebrate our business community with a regular “Business Briefs” column that will inform our readers and our community of the vibrancy that a healthy business environment provides us all. We’re interested in your business news — from promotions to expansions from new hires to honored retirees. Send your news and your photos to us at by U.S. Mail or front desk drop-off at JAd Graphics Inc., 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058. Our electronic contact is news@j-adgraphics.com. We look forward to honoring Barry County business by recognizing your accomplishments.

BBB warns about local timeshare scam Financial Care Associates, part of Financial Care LLC, has received an F rating from the Better Business Bureau. The business has been the cause of many complaints to BBB Serving Western Michigan in recent days. Consumers who own timeshares tell BBB that they have been contacted by Financial Care and told the company has a buyer for the owner’s timeshare. The timeshare owners are told to wire a processing fee ranging from

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.

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more than $2,000 to more than $4,500. The sale does not close as promised, and fees are not refunded. Calls and emails to the business are not returned. Financial Care Associates gives its address as 2885 Sanford Ave. SW, Grandville, which is actually a mailing address rental company by the name of Mail Box Forwarding. The owner of Mail Box Forwarding advises BBB that Financial Care Associates is no longer receiving mail at that address. BBB advises timeshare owners to never wire or pay money in advance to a timeshare resale company and to thoroughly check any timeshare resale organization prior to signing any agreement with them. Visit www.bbb.org for more information.

To the editor: I may be terribly politically naive, but now that the election is over finally, perhaps we (the people who have had to endure $2 billion in spending by the major national campaigns and another $600 million in Super PAC spending) need to start and maintain an ongoing campaign of our own. We could call it the “We Want Something Better For Our Buck” campaign. Or, “The Return of Common Sense” campaign. Or, the “Remember Us?” campaign. As individuals (regardless of political persuasion), we now need to use every communication tool at our disposal to constantly remind those who were elected that their first job is not to do everything, anything (or nothing) to get re-elected, but that job No. 1 is to do the work of the people — our work — not the bidding of special interest groups, the agenda of lobbyists or the wishes of deeppocket donors. We voted for these officials. We are their special interest group. And, now, more than ever, we should demand that they put politics in perspective and do something — like actually govern. Yes, some on both ends of the ideological political spectrum voice legitimate concerns that need to be considered, but if nothing else, the recently concluded election reminded us that most of us bump into each other somewhere to the right or to the left of the middle. And, the somewhere-in-the-middle folks have had it with government by gridlock. We want something better for our buck. We want

our political leaders to do what we have to do every day in all kinds of arenas. It’s called problem-solving through compromise and common sense. Why not a return to common sense by those elected to govern us? The time for each of us to engage our elected representatives is now. If not, we most certainly will ring in the new year with a recession (or worse) while we toast to $399 billion in automatic tax hikes and $102 billion in spending cuts. Additionally, the federal budget deficit, tax reform, immigration reform and entitlement reform are others on a long list of critical areas that can’t wait much longer to be seriously addressed, either. The special interest groups, lobbying organizations and deep-pocket donors have all had their turn. Isn’t it time for us — as individual citizens — to make our presence known to at least each of our elected federal and state officials? Isn’t it time to keep insisting that they now remember us, first and foremost, and actually do the work of the people? We don’t need to organize. We don’t need to meet. We don’t need to write bylaws or collect dues. As individuals, each of us just needs to commit to a campaign of our own. This newspaper regularly publishes “Know Your Legislators,” which contains contact information for federal and state office holders representing this geographical area. Readers should use it. Often.

The Hastings

John Hoek, Delton

Banner

Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by...

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Students invited to learn about military academies

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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

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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. 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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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.

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

Page 6 — Thursday, November 15, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

PARKING, continued from page 1 to complaints from residents living near the school. Trustee Dave Tossava suggested the city talk to school officials about requiring teachers and staff to use the school parking lot rather than parking on Broadway and Grand streets where parents could otherwise park when dropping off or picking up their children at the school.

Worship Together…

of Hastings area churches available for your convenience...

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. . 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.

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. 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. 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. 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 .

HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945-2285. Sunday morning service times: 9 a.m. with nursery and preschool available and 11 a.m. with nursery, preschool and kids’ church available. 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: 8:45 a.m. Traditional Worship; 10 a.m. Refreshments; 10:45 a.m. Contemporary 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 and Senior High Youth Group 6:00 p.m. , and several adult small group opportunities. Wednesday Mid-Week Pioneers at 6:30 p.m.: Pioneer Club, 4 years through 5th grade. Adults: Marriage Enrichment class, Women’s Prayer Group and a Men’s Bible Study. Thursday: Senior Adult (50+) Bible Study at 10 a.m. and lunch at Wendy’s, 11:30 a.m. Third Thursday Brunch at 9:30 a.m.

GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God’s Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Sunday, Nov. 18 - Worship Service 8 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Nov. 18 - Adult Sunday School Forum (Sundanese Community Development); Quarterly Mission Ingathering; High School Youth Group 6 p.m.; Men & Women’s Alcoholics Anonymous 7 p.m. Nov. 19 - Adventurer Bible Study 7 p.m. Recovery Bible Study 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20 - Congregation Council Meeting 7 p.m.; Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service 7 p.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Nov. 21 - NO Wordwatchers 10 a.m. Nov. 22 - Thanksgiving. Nov. 23 - Church Office Closed. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945-2698. Pastor Amy Luckey. http://www.discovergrace.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; 11 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service. 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. Friday - 9 a.m. Pickleball. Saturday - 10:30 a.m. Praise Team. Monday 4 p.m. Pickleball; 7 p.m. Knit Wits. Wednesday - 4 p.m. Pickleball.

770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541

945-2471

102 Cook Hastings

945-4700

1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554

The hunt is afoot for Medicare Part D by Vonda VanTil Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Michigan’s deer hunting season is now open. Rather than deer, may we recommend setting your sights for the Part D Medicare prescription drug plan that’s best for you? You’ll have more time than usual this year, because open season is lasting longer than normal. If you currently are enrolled in Medicare and are considering changes to your Medicare Part D plan, act now. The “open season” runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. While all Medicare beneficiaries can participate in the prescription drug program, some people with limited income and resources also are eligible for Extra Help to pay for monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. The Extra Help is estimated to be worth about $4,000 per year. Many people qualify for these big savings and don’t even know it. To figure out whether you are eligible for the Extra Help, Social Security needs to know your income and the value of any savings, investments and real estate (other than the home you live in). To qualify, you must be receiving Medicare and have: • Income limited to $16,755 for an individual or $22,695 for a married couple living together. Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help with

monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. • Resources limited to $13,070 for an individual or $26,120 for a married couple living together. Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks and bonds. We do not count your house or car as resources. You can complete an online application for Extra Help at www.socialsecurity.gov. To apply by phone or have an application sent by

118 S. Jefferson Hastings 945-3429

mail, call Social Security, 800-772-1213. For more information about the Medicare Part D prescription drug program, visit www.medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227). 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.

Grand Rapids office to have reduced hours Effective Nov. 19, the Grand Rapids Social Security office will be open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – a reduction of 30 minutes each weekday. In addition, beginning Jan. 2, 2013, the office will close to the public at noon every Wednesday. While agency employees will continue to work their regular hours, this shorter public window will allow them to complete face-toface interviews and process claims work without incurring the cost of overtime. The significantly reduced funding provided by Congress under the continuing resolution for the first six months of the fiscal year makes it impossible for the agency to provide the overtime needed to handle service to the public as it has done in the past.

In addition, Friday, Nov. 23, the day after Thanksgiving, all Social Security field offices will be closed to the public. Like last year, employees working that day will focus on reducing backlogged workloads. Most Social Security services do not require a visit to a local office. Many services, including applying for retirement, disability or Medicare benefits, signing up for direct deposit, replacing a Medicare card, obtaining a proof of income letter or reporting a change of address or telephone number are available online, www.socialsecurity.gov, or by calling 800-772-1213. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the TTY number, 1-800325-0778. Many of the online services also are available in Spanish at www.segurosocial.gov.

Area Obituaries Darlene Kay Morrison

Minnie Francis “Bea” Bare

BATTLE CREEK, MI - Darlene Kay Morrison, age 67, of Battle Creek, passed away Monday, November 12, 2012 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. She was born February 19, 1945 in Battle Creek, the daughter of Coy D. and Clarabelle (VanNocker) Houston. She married Donald Morrison on May 1, 1964 in Battle Creek. She enjoyed knitting, baking and traveling. Darlene’s favorite holiday was Christmas and she made each one memorable and special. She is survived by her husband, Donald; children, Denise (Ronald, Jr.) Hermenitt, Roxanne (Carey) Courtis, Neil (Maria) Morrison, and Eric (Nancy) Morrison; sister, Becky (Blaine) Sweatt; and grandchildren, Ron, Isabella, Alexander and Logan. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Darwin Houston. Visitation will be held Thursday, November 15, from 2 to 4 and from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 16, 2012 at 2 p.m. at the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service. Burial will be at the Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens in Battle Creek, MI. In lieu of flowers memorial tributes may be made to the American Cancer Society or the National Kidney Foundation. Arrangements by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, a member by invitation Selected Independent Funeral Homes. (269)965-5145 www.bachmanhebble.com

PLAINWELL, MI - Minnie Francis “Bea” Bare, of Plainwell, passed away November 8, 2012. Bea was born August 29, 1922, in Baltimore, Maryland, the daughter of the late Charles and Minnie (Adelong) Klinck. Bea enjoyed attending her great grandchildren’s wrestling tournaments, she was Grandma to the Delton Kellogg wrestling teams during the 90s, was a member of VFW Post #422 Auxiliary, spending time with her family and grandchildren was here life. Bea is survived by her children, Barry (Kathleen) Bare of Kalkaska, William (Shaun) Beardsley of Rose City, Richard (Virginia) Beardsley, Lynda (Tim) Thomas of Orangeville Township; goddaughter and godson, Sandra (Norman) DeHann of Bellville; six grandsons; three granddaughters and 12 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two husbands, Richard Beardsley and Reuben Bare; sister, Agnes Scott. The family will receive friends, Saturday, November 17, 2012, 11 a.m. to noon, at the Faith United Methodist Church, Delton, where a memorial service will be conducted at noon, with Pastor Jeff Worden officiating. Burial will take place in Brown Cemetery. For a more lasting memorial, please consider memorial contributions to: Pennock Hospice or American Cancer Society. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral. com to view Bea’s online guest book or to send a condolence message to her family.

Pearl S. Beers

Fiberglass Products

1401 N. Broadway Hastings

May had asked Redman to look for a candidate for the seat, which Redman said he had done; and May had approved his recommendation of Tom Maurer for the post. Although he wished to support May’s final recommendation of Maurer, Tossava voted in favor of appointing Snyder. McNabb-Stange said she had interviewed both candidates and felt that Snyder was a better fit for the ZBA.

SOCIAL SECURITY COLUMN

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.

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

Lauer Family Funeral Homes

of Commissioners, posthumously honoring Hastings Mayor Bob May for his years of service to the city and the community. • Approved Mayor pro-tem Brenda McNabb-Stange’s appointment of Michael Snyder as an alternate on the Hastings Zoning Board of Appeals. The motion to approve the appointment was passed by a 7-1 vote with trustee Bill Redman dissenting. Redman said

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...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules 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.

• Unanimously approved a motion to allow carriage rides during the annual Christmas celebration the weekend of Nov. 30 through Dec. 2. • Unanimously approved a liquor license for Vinnie’s Woodfired Saloon, located at 133 E. State St. • Received a proclamation from Craig Stolsonburg, chair of the Barry County Board

HASTINGS, MI - Pearl S. Beers, age 98, of Hastings, passed away November 9, 2012 at Pennock Hospital in Hastings. She was born November 18, 1913 in Harrisburg, PA, the daughter of Forrest and Pearl (Weise) Shindler. Pearl attended John Harris High School and Harrisburg Business School. She married Ernest Beers on August 11, 1934. Pearl was employed by J.H. Troup Music Company in Harrisburg, PA, as well as Lorenz Music Company in Sacramento, CA, as a bookkeeper. Pearl enjoyed working in her yard and garden. She also enjoyed her pet dogs. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Beers and daughter, Sandra Beers. Pearl is survived by her daughters, Judy (Bob) Wilson of Hastings and Diane (Charles) Haight of Lompoc, CA; her son, Rick (Sue) Beers of Redding, CA and 10 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. Respecting Pearl’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Burial will take place in San Luis Obispo, CA. Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse at www.samaritanspurse. org. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, please visit our website at www.girrbachfuneralhome.net to sign the online guest book or to leave a memory or message for the family.

EARLY HOLIDAY DEADLINES for The

Hastings Banner

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ue to improve from there.” In other business the council: • Discussed parking and issues around Central Elementary School. Hastings Deputy Chief of Police Jeff Pratt said that in recent weeks the city has stepped up patrols and has had its parking enforcement officer in the area during drop-off and pick-up times in response

Monday, Nov. 19 at NOON for Classifieds, Display Ads, and New Articles

Social News

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 15, 2012 — Page 7

BETTER BRIDGE IN BARRY COUNTY by Gerald Stein NORTH N: K Q 7 2 M: J 7 6 4 L: J 7 K: Q J 3

WEST

Marriage Licenses

EAST

N: 9 6 M: A Q 9 8 L: Q 8 5 4 2 K: A 4

N: 8 3 M: 10 5 3 L: A 9 K: 10 9 8 6 5 2

Mathew Thomas, Rolla, MO and Donna MaryJose, Long Beach, CA. Martin Cruz-Valencia, Middleville and Yuriana Pacheco-Santos, Three Rivers. Christian Michael Berry, Hastings and Kimberley Lorena Hayward, Hastings. Steven Terry Geroy, Delton and Brianna Mary Visser, Delton.

SOUTH: N: A J 10 5 4 M: K 2 L: K 10 6 3 K: K 7 Dealer: West

Lois Kidder to turn 80 On Tuesday, November 20, 2012, Lois will celebrate her 80th birthday. Cards and well wishes from family and friends may be sent to her at: Lois Kidder, Magnum Health/Rehab Hastings, 240 E. North St., Hastings, MI 49058; Rm. 1026.

Lead: AK North

East

South

Pass 3N Pass

2M Pass Pass

2N 4N

West 1M Pass Pass

HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, Nov. 15 — November reading club, “Get Fired Up for Reading,” continues for pre-K through 12th grades; Movie Memories celebrates Jeanne Crain with “A Letter to Three Wives,” 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16 — preschool story time enjoys “The Three Billy Goats Gruff,” 10:30 to 11 a.m.; Taste of the Holidays recipe exchange begins, Monday, Nov. 19 — Hastings Library Board meets, 4 to 6 p.m.; computer classes learn Facebook basics, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20 — no toddler story time; young chess tutoring class, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21 — teen advisory board meets, 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. Call the Hastings Public Library for more information, 269-945-4263.

Ella Rose, born at Metro Health Hospital on Oct. 6, 2012 at 7:43 p.m. to Kayla and Bryan Holcomb of Freeport. Weighing 8 lbs. 8 ozs. and 22 inches long. ***** Hayden Lee, born at Pennock Hospital on Oct. 29, 2012 at 2:17 p.m. to Christina and Jeremy Orman of Hastings. Weighing 7 lbs. 4 ozs. and 20 inches long. ***** Brody Charles, born at Pennock Hospital on Oct. 31, 2012 at 12:33 p.m. to Beverly and Joshua Smith of Hastings. Weighing 5 lbs. 13 ozs. and 18 1/2 inches long. ***** Preston Eric, born at Pennock Hospital on Nov. 4, 2012 at 4:39 p.m. to Rachel and Eric Greenfield of Hastings. Weighing 7 lbs. 2 ozs. and 20 1/2 inches long. ***** Dakota Michael, born at Pennock Hospital on Nov. 1, 2012 at 12:04 a.m. to Mike and Mary Poirier of Hastings. Weighing 7 lbs. 5 ozs. and 19 3/4 inches long.

Storms celebrate 60th wedding anniversary Bill and Betty will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary November 22, 2012. They were married in Dowling and have lived in the area for the past 60 years. Along with their three children, Bill and Marilyn, Val and Fred, and Buzz and Jennifer, nine grandchildren and ten greatgrandchildren, they will celebrate the occasion with a family dinner. Join in their celebration of this monumental occasion by sending them a card at 1295 E. Dowling Rd., Hastings, MI 49058.

269-967-8241

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Recently, in the Defense in the 21st Century bridge class going on currently in the Battle Creek area, the emphasis has been on defensive leads, defensive signals, and being a good defensive bridge player. Because bridge players are on defense 50% of the time, it is important to hone your defensive skills by using defensive signals when it appears that your opponents have overbid. Today’s auction might be just the case. With West opening the bidding at 1M, which to me seems to be a questionable bid given that most modern players have given up on the 4-card major opening and have gone to the American Standard position of opening majors with a 5-card suit, still it happens, and the astute bridge player will recognize that bridge players like to bid. Today’s hand, taken from a similar hand found in Mike Lawrence’s 1973 bridge book How to Read Your Opponents’ Cards, shows what can happen when the defense plays their cards right. What do we know about the hands from the bidding? While the bidding on the West hand might be suspect, still it does and will continue to happen. West bid 1M with only four hearts and 12 high card points and one length point for 13 total points. North passed, and East supported the heart bid with three hearts, four high card points with the AL, and several dummy points. Quite a stretch, but nevertheless, it is done all the time. North and South entered the bidding with South’s overcall of two spades, showing a strong spade suit and good total points to go to the two-level in the bidding ladder. With West passing, North supported the spade overcall and bid 3N pass by East ended the East-West bidding, but South pushed on to 4N. With everyone bidding, something seemed amiss. Who had the points? Were there enough points to make a game when we all know that a major suit needs 25-26 points to make a game? Surely, someone was stretching here. Counting just the high card points, it is easy to see that East-West have 16 high card points between them: 12 in the West hand and four in the East hand. The North-South team has the rest with 10 points in the North and 14 in the South. That amounts to 24 and may or may not be enough to bring home the ambitious game of the North-South team. Will good defense prevail, or will the North-South team carry the day with a squeaky game made and scored? The defense always has the first shot and the opening lead. This is a crucial time for both defenders to be on the same page. They need to cooperate as a team to defeat the four-spade contract. The opening lead from West was the AK, not wanting to ruin the strong AM QM combination. Here is where East as a cooperating partner must give the proper signal for the defensive team. What did East play as a signal card on the AK led by partner West? Because East-West in their partnership agreement play attitude signals on leads from each other, East must signal to West that she did not want a continuation of the club suit. With attitude signals, a low card as a played card is a discouraging signal; a high card is an encouraging card. In this case, East knew that leading a second club would only set up the declarer’s club suit, and it would be easy for South to make the four-spade contract. East played the 2K, as discouraging a signal card as she had in her hand. The message here was loud and clear: switch to another suit. But which suit? Here West must make the right decision. East had signaled a discouraging sign. Find another suit. Ruling out the trump suit since it appeared that North-South have nine trumps between them, there would be nothing there. The heart suit must be protected to pick up two tricks, one with the AM and one with the QM. The only remaining suit was the diamond suit. West picked a low diamond on the second trick to lead back to her partner East. East took the trick with the AL and she knew the lead had to be a heart lead. The small heart lead from East trapped the KM in the South hand. West took the two heart tricks that they deserved and handed North-South a minus 100 points, down one trick. Good defensive bridge work is a team effort. Each part of the team must be aware of attitude signals, switching to another suit, and returning the right suit. The defense is on a race. They have the first advantage, and if they are to be successful defenders, then they must play their cards in the right order and claim the defensive prize. If East-West had not been using attitude signals, it is highly likely that West would have continued the small club lead at the second trick, handing North-South a game that they did not deserve to win. Attitude is the name of the game for defensive bridge players. ***** (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)

Newborn Babies

NOTICE

Cellco Partnership and its controlled affiliates doing business as Verizon Wireless (Verizon Wireless) is proposing to build a 199ft Monopole Telecommunications Tower, off Martin Road approx, 0.4 miles north of E. Carlton Center Rd., Woodland, Barry County, MI 48897. Public comments regarding potential effects from this site on historic properties may be submitted within 30-days from the date of this publication to: Trileaf Corp, Will Bates, w.bates@trileaf.com, 10845 Olive Blvd, St.Louis, MO 63141, 314-997-6111.

77564841

Vulnerable: Both

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Complete tour information can be found at:

Page 8 — Thursday, November 15, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

Lake Odessa Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of

by Elaine Garlock Thanksgiving Day comes next week with trips “over the river and through the woods” to Grandmother’s house or elsewhere. The library event Saturday was a success with all the tables filled for an elegant tea served by library and Friends board members and library staff joining them. There was a variety of tea served, along with scones, sandwiches, breads, cookies and fruit. Guests enjoyed a presentation by Sherrie who has the new consignment shop on Fourth Avenue. Many door prizes went to lucky ticket holders. Coming programs at the library were announced. Guests were invited to bring their own tea cups. Thus the tables had many touches of beauty with the variety of china cups on display. The annual turkey dinner at Central United Methodist Church was enjoyed by more than 100 who came to enjoy a fine meal and mingle with others. The group included not only members of the host church but also those who regularly attend the Thursday night soup suppers and the respite care participants and their families. The evening opened with the attendees singing a Thanksgiving hymn followed by grace, rendered by Pastor Karen Sorden for whom this was a first-time event. The meal was served quickly by runners from each table who delivered the bowls of hot food after the diners had helped themselves at the salad bar. Diners also chose their own pie. The tables were well decorated with typical turkey, pumpkin and cornucopia decorations. First Congregational Church held its first soup supper of the season Wednesday evening with good soups, breads and desserts

for those gathered for an evening of food and fellowship. Ed and Bonnie Leak had the misfortune to have an auto accident in Arizona, soon after their arrival there. They spend winters at Black Canyon City. Their car was a total loss, but they had only minimal injuries – mostly bumps and bruises. The latest Bonanza Bugle will be in mail boxes this week. One feature is an article written by Jeff Eckstrom about his childhood in Lake Odessa in the 1960s. Details about the bicycles of the time, swimming lessons and fun at the beach, trips on bikes to Woodland to go to Classic’s Drug Store and details of which boys were on which street by neighborhood. This issue also contains the stories used at the May cemetery walk. The Bugle is a bonus for members of the local historical society. It has had history from the village for the past 53 years. The Lansing State Journal had an article devoted to James Mulvany who is a volunteer caring for a city park in Mason. Jim was the vo-ag teacher at Lake Odessa High School in the 1950s. Voters who had not seen a sample ballot before the Tuesday election last week were likely surprised to see one of the candidates for Regent for the University of Michigan the name of Lupe Ramos-Montigny. She is a former teacher at West Elementary. She also worked in the summer migrant program. During her five years here, she resided with Les and Virginia Yonkers. Since she moved to Grand Rapids, she has been very active in Democratic party affairs and in the Hispanic community.

Don’t overlook financial risks in retirement When you retire, you may well have accomplished some important financial goals, such as sending your children through college and paying off your mortgage. Yet, you can’t relax just yet, because your retirement could easily last two or three decades, which means you’ll need at least two or three decades’ worth of income — which, in turn, means you’ll need the proper savings and investment strategies in place. And, just as importantly, you’ll also need to be aware of the types of risk that could threaten these strategies. Let’s consider some of these risks: • Longevity — None of us can say for sure how long we’ll live. But it's still important to have an estimate, based on your health and family history. So if you think you may live, for 25 years in retirement, you’ll want to withdraw enough from your investments each year to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle — but not so much that you deplete your funds before the 25 years have passed. • Inflation — We’ve experienced pretty mild inflation over the past few years. But over time, even a low rate of inflation can seriously erode your purchasing power. To illustrate: If your current monthly costs are $3,000, with only a 3% annual inflation rate, that would be about $4,000 in 10 years. And in 25 years at that same rate, your monthly costs will have more than doubled, to about $6,200. To help protect yourself against inflation risk, it's important to have at least some investments that offer growth potential, rather than only owning fixed-income vehicles, such as certificates of deposit (CDs). You’ll also want consider sources of rising income potential, such as dividend-paying stocks. (Keep in

mind, though, that stocks can reduce or discontinue dividends at any time and are subject to market fluction and loss of principal..) • Market Fluctuations — When you retire and begin taking withdrawals from your investment portfolio — that is, when you begin selling off investments — you’d obviously like prices to be high. After all, the classic piece of investment advice is “buy low, sell high.” But it’s impossible to try to “time” the market this way, as it will always fluctuate. That’s why you may want consider sources of income whose value is not dependent on what’s happening in the financial markets. Your financial advisor may be able to recommend investments that can provide you with this type of income stream. • Low interest rates — Many retirees depend on fixed-rate investments for a good portion of their retirement income — so it’s a real challenge when interest rates are low. Consequently, when you retire, you’ll certainly need to be aware of the interest-rate environment and the income you can expect from these investments. Longer-term fixed-rate vehicles may be tempting, as they typically offer higher rates than shorter-term ones, but these longer term investments may have more price fluctuation and inflation risk than shorter-term investments. Consequently, you'll still likely need balance between short, intermediate, and long-term investments to provide for a portion of your income in retirement. Retirement can be a rewarding time in your life. And you can help make your retirement years even more enjoyable by understanding the relevant investment risks and taking steps

to address them. 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 31.18 -.76 AT&T 33.95 -85 BP PLC 40.54 -2.56 CMS Energy Corp 22.98 -.67 Coca-Cola Co 36.16 -1.26 Eaton 49.47 -.95 Family Dollar Stores 65.82 -.52 Fifth Third Bancorp 14.00 -.59 Flowserve CP 136.55 -4.34 Ford Motor Co. 11.00 -.42 General Mills 39.35 -.45 General Motors 24.82 -1.37 Intel Corp. 20.28 -1.45 Kellogg Co. 53.82 -.94 McDonald’s Corp 84.64 -3.33 Pfizer Inc. 24.05 -.66 Ralcorp 71.24 -1.05 Sears Holding 59.90 6.85 Spartan Motors 4.74 -.24 Spartan Stores 13.81 -.66 Stryker 52.68 -.78 TCF Financial 11.09 -.52 Walmart Stores 71.81 -1.95 Gold $1725.05 +$7.90 Silver $32.46 +.41 Dow Jones Average 12,756 -489 Volume on NYSE 633M -5M

Babiak named to Hastings City Bank board

NOTICE

TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Public Hearing will be held by the Prairieville Township Zoning Board of Appeals on December 5, 2012 at 7:00 P.M. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, within the Township. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the item(s) to be considered at this Public Hearing include, in brief, the following: 1. A request by Richard and Diane Wright, 11515 Lakeshore Dr. Plainwell, MI 49080, for a variance from the rear yard setback requirements set forth in Section 6.17 “Non-Conforming Lots of Record”, to allow for the construction of a new residence with a reduced rear yard setback. The subject property 11515 Lakeshore Dr. – 08-12-320-043-00, is located within the “R2” Residential District. 2. Such other and further matters as may properly come before the Zoning Board of Appeals for this meeting. All interested persons are invited to be present or submit written comments on this matter(s) to the below Township office address. Prairieville Township will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the hearing upon five (5) days notice to the Prairieville Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address or telephone number set forth below. 77572456 Jim Stoneburner, Township Supervisor

Joseph J. Babiak Jr. has been elected to the Hastings City Bank Board of Directors, according to a press release from Mark Kolanowski, president and CEO. Babiak is currently the president, CEO and chairman of the Hastings Mutual Insurance Company, previously serving the organization as senior vice president of insurance operations and chief financial officer. “Joe brings to the board experience in strategic and operational planning, as well as a financial services background — a valuable skill set for us” said Kolanowski “He will be a wonderful addition to this board of community leaders.” Current board members are Attorney James Fisher, of counsel with Law Weathers and consultant for the Michigan Supreme Court, Matthew Garber, M.D., director of hospitalist program, Pennock Hospital; Barbara Hunt, accounting manager, Bethany Christian Services; Frederic Halbert, Halbert Dairy LLC; Scott McKeown, partner in McKeown,

Kraai & Phillips PLC; William Wallace, past president and CEO of Hastings Mutual Insurance Company; Archie Warner, president and CEO of Harder and Warner Nursery Inc.; and Kolanowski. Babiak is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, with a major in accounting, and is a certified public accountant. He has been active in the community, serving on the Barry County United Way Board and Allocations and is a member of the Hastings Cemetery Action Group. “I am honored to join the board of directors at Hastings City Bank,” said Babiak “and look forward to working with the board and management team to continue the success of Hastings City Bank and its reputation for excellence in the community.” Hastings City Bank is a full-service community bank with six branches in Bellevue, Caledonia, Hastings, Middleville, Nashville and Wayland.

Call any time for Hastings Banner ads Call 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 to place your ad!

HOPE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF HOPE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: TAKE NOTICE that the following is a summary of an Ordinance, being Ordinance No. 80, which was adopted by the Township Board of Hope Township at its meeting held on November 12, 2012. SECTION 1. REPEAL OF DEFINITION “BILLBOARD”. This section amends Section 2.1 of the Hope Township Zoning Ordinance entitled “Definitions” by the repeal of the definition of “BILLBOARD”. SECTION 2. AMENDMENT OF DEFINITION OF “SIGN”. This section amends Section 2.1 of the Hope Township Zoning Ordinance entitled “Definitions” by the amendment of the definition of “SIGN” to, among other things, list various specific sign types. SECTION 3. AMENDMENT OF ARTICLE IX. This section amends Article IX of the Hope Township Zoning Ordinance entitled “Signs and Billboards” so as to set forth extensive regulations regarding, among other matters, the size, number, location and manner of construction and display of signs in Hope Township. SECTION 4. SEVERABILITY. The provisions of this Ordinance are severable. SECTION 5 EFFECTIVE DATE AND REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES. This Ordinance shall take effect eight (8) days following its publication after adoption. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this Ordinance are repealed.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the full text of this Ordinance has been posted in the office of the Hope Township Clerk at the address set forth below and that copies of this Ordinance may be purchased or inspected at the office of the Hope Township Clerk during regular business hours of regular working days following the date of this publication. Deborah Jackson, Clerk HOPE TOWNSHIP 5463 South M-43 highway Hastings, MI 49058 (269) 948-2464

EDWARD JONES

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NOTICE

The minutes of the meeting of the Barry County Board of Commissioners held November 13, 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.

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NOTICE The Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the following Boards/Commissions: Agricultural Preservation Board (4 positions: 1 representing Natural Resource Conservation, 2 representing Agricultural Interest, and 1 representing Real Estate or Development Interest) Commission on Aging Board (2 positions) Parks and Recreation Board (1 position, Citizen at Large) Region 3B Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council (1 position, Member at Large) This position requires completion of a special application form. Please contact the County Administrator’s Office to request a copy, at 269-945-1284. 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 Monday, November 19, 2012. Contact 269-945-1284 for more information. 77572097

Joseph J. Babiak Jr.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION

Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M-43 Highway, P.O. Box 158, Hastings, MI 49058, until 10:00 A.M. Monday December 10, 2012 for the following items. Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above address or at our web site at barrycrc.org Grass Seed Guardrail Cleaning Supplies Erosion Control Traffic Control Signs Nuts & bolts Scraper Blades The Board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregularities in the best interest of the Commission. BOARD OF COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BARRY Frank M. Fiala Chairman David D. Solmes Member 77572302 D. David Dykstra Member

CITY OF HASTINGS NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING Notice is hereby given that two Council Members have called a special meeting of the City Council of the City of Hastings, as permitted by Section 5.9 of the City Charter, at 7:30 PM on Monday, November 19, 2012 in the second floor Council Chambers at City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. The purpose of the meeting will be to consider an appointment to the position of Mayor until the next regular City election. The City will provide reasonable and necessary aids and services for persons with disabilities upon five days notice to the City clerk by calling 269.945.2468 or TDD call relay services at 800.649.3777. Thomas E. Emery City Clerk

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The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 15, 2012 — Page 9

LEGAL NOTICES

Pioneer school boy ran away and became Civil War soldier, part 4 early hour by the lord of the manor – they expected he was still on picket duty — he had consulted with his wife and found she was entertaining guests. He came up the ladder and looked them over. The conversation was not free and cordial – he suspected something, and they knew it from his manner. He was unarmed. He had left his weapons at the station, so he could not hold them up. He did not say much, but they read him like an open book and were prepared to resist if necessary. “Well, boys,” he said, as he descended the ladder, “you will stay for breakfast?” “Certainly, was the quick and cheerful response – they were star boarders – they never lost a meal when opportunity invited. They kept an eye on him through the cracks in the barn and saw him slop slyly off towards the town. When he was out of sight, they went to the house. The demeanor of the lady had changed – she had made no preparation for breakfast – “would we stay” she asked. Certainly, they replied, if she would name the time, they could be there – they would take a little stroll in the freshness of the morn. They might look the town over if they had time. When out of sight, they took to the mountains again. When they neared the great city of Pittsburgh, they made a large detour to the south and struck the Ohio River. They dared not undertake the common mode of passage. The night was dark and the banks steep and thickly wooded. With difficulty they made their way down to the water. They tried to find a boat moored to the shore, but were unable to do so. They found a plank among some driftwood. The narrator suggested they disrobe, tie their clothes to the plank and swim the river. Busha declared he could “Swim like a stone and dive like a feather” – he had not learned the art. That raised a new and unexpected problem. The river was broad and deep, the water and night were chilly, since it was late in October or the first of November – they had lost their time reckoning. “Where there is a will there is a way” – the problem was soon solved. Busha rode the plank and carried the clothes, and the narrator swam the river and pushed his comrade before him. The passage was necessarily slow and laborious. The undertaking proved to be much more difficult and dangerous than anticipated – the current was strong and the plank had to be kept headed upstream with a slight angle toward the opposite shore, and, being partly submerged by the weight of the rider, was very difficult to manage. At times, it seemed to the swimmer as though it was an utter impossibility to accomplish the feat and save his comrade, but he resolved they would survive or perish together – if a cramp had seized the swimmer in the chilly water, two tragedies would have been enacted. How long they remained in the water they had no means of determining, but it was a long, long while ere they gained the opposite bank three miles or more downstream, and the swimmer was chilled to the marrow and exhausted. (Continued next week)

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF RIVERSIDE CEMETERY COMPANY OF HASTINGS, MICHIGAN A special meeting of the owners, partners, members, and stockholders of Riverside Cemetery Company of Hastings, Michigan will be held on the 7th day of December, 2012 at Three o’clock in the afternoon at 231 South Broadway, Hastings, Michigan for the purpose of authorizing the transfer of Riverside Cemetery to the City of Hastings. October 29, 2012 RIVERSIDE CEMETERY COMPANY OF HASTINGS, MICHIGAN 1003 West State Road Hastings, Michigan 49058 77572165

Case No. 12-141-CH CIRCUIT COURT SALE In pursuance and by virtue of a Judgment of the Circuit Court for the County of Barry, State of Michigan, made and entered on the 17th day of July A.D., 2012 in a certain cause therein pending, wherein 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 2005-9 was the Plaintiff and Teresa Herlein and Duane T. Herlein were the Defendants. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that I shall sell at public auction to the highest bidder, at public venue, at the Barry County Courthouse (that being the place of holding the Circuit Court for said County), on the 29th day of November, A.D., 2012 at 1 pm o’clock in the forenoon, Eastern Standard Time, the following described property, viz: All certain piece or parcel of land situated in the Township of Thornapple, County of Barry and State of Michigan, described as follows: Lot 8, Near Lane Estates No. 1, as recorded in Liber 6 of Plats, Page 7, Barry County Records Tax ID: 14-140-0008-00 Commonly known as: 12942 Near Lane, Caledonia, MI 49316 This property may be redeemed during the six (6) months following the sale. Dated: October 4, 2012 Mark Sheldon Deputy Sheriff Randall S. Miller & Associates, P.C. Ronald S. Glaser (P46986) Attorneys for Plaintiff 43252 Woodward Ave., Suite 180 Bloomfield Hills, MI 77571391 48302 (248) 335-9200 (10-04)(11-15)

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, December 3, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. 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 City of Hastings Zoning Ordinance which would allow the Planning Commission to have discretion in modifying the maximum front setback requirements for buildings in the B-1 (Central Business District), B-3 (Downtown Edge District), B-4 (West Business District), B-5 (Mixed Use District), and A-2 (Apartment Edge District) according to certain criteria contained in the amendment. Written comments will be received on the above request at Hastings City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. 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 269-945-2468) or TDD call relay services 1-800-649-3777. Thomas E. Emery City Clerk 77572462

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 McGill, a married man, joined by his wife, Kelly McGill, who is waiving dower, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Plus, Inc., Mortgagee, dated October 18, 1995, and recorded on October 26, 1995 in Liber 643 on Page 586, and assigned by said Mortgagee to Nationsbanc Mortgage Corporation 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-Eight Thousand Nine Hundred FortyOne and 97/100 Dollars ($98,941.97). 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 November 29, 2012. Said premises are situated in Township of Irving, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: A parcel of land located in the Southeast 1/4 of Section 32, Town 4 North, Range 9 West, described as: Commencing at the Southeast corner of said Section 32, running thence Due North 870.43 feet to the centerline of Irving Road; thence North 47 degrees 22 minutes 30 seconds West 390.25 feet; thence North 54 degrees 17 minutes 30 seconds West 1,021.63 feet; thence North 79 degrees 18 minutes West 567 feet to the point of beginning; thence South 15 degrees 15 minutes West 308.20 feet to the railroad right-of-way fence; thence Northwesterly along said railroad right-of-way fence 450.70 feet; thence North 10 degrees 42 minutes East 319.50 feet; thence South 79 degrees 18 minutes East 475 feet to the place of beginning. Except A parcel of land located in the Southeast 1/4 of Section 32, Town 4 North, Range 9 West, described as: Commencing at the Southeast corner of said Section 32 running thence Due North 870.43 feet to the centerline of Irving Road; thence North 47 degrees 22 minutes 30 seconds West 390.25 feet; thence North 54 degrees 17 minutes 30 seconds West 1,021.63 feet; thence North 79 degrees 18 minutes West 567 feet to the point of beginning; thence South 15 degrees 15 minutes West 208.20 feet to the railroad right of way fence thence Northwesterly along said right of way fence 225.35 feet thence North 12 degrees 58 minutes 30 seconds East 313.85 feet; thence South 79 degrees 18 minutes East 237.50 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: October 25, 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 #413216F01 77571836 (10-25)(11-15)

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, December 3, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. 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 a request for site plan approval and a special land use permit to allow a City Spray Plaza to be located at the northwest corner of State Street and Church Street. Written comments will be received on the above request at Hastings City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. 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 269-945-2468) or TDD call relay services 1-800-649-3777. Thomas E. Emery City Clerk

77572460

Fracking News

Vol. 1

On October 24 2012, Michigan Land Air Water Defense, (MLAWD) filed suit in Barry County Circuit Court against the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR).

MLAWD maintains that, by leasing mineral rights in these specially designated areas, MDNR has failed to uphold its public trust duties, contained in the Michigan Constitution and Michigan Environmental MLAWD is seeking nullification of the results of two MDNR mineral lease Protection Act, to responsibly manage state held lands. auctions, held on May 8 and October 24, 2012, for parcels within state game MLAWD has retained the Traverse and recreation areas in Barry and City law firm of Olson, Bzdok & Allegan Counties. Howard; we anticipate a protracted legal battle with statewide implicaAt issue is the controversial oil and tions. We are a group of local citizens gas production method of horizontal and we need your help. Join us or send hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking” on donations to … or under the State Game Areas.

MLAWD P.O. Box 335, Delton, MI 49046 Visit our website:

www.milawdefense.org

77572458

The following is part of a series that began in the April 30, 1914, Hastings Banner regarding Hickory Corners native Alonzo D. Cadwallader, and his recollections as a boy soldier. He was assigned to Company K, 17th Michigan Infantry when he enlisted just shy of his 15th birthday. He reportedly said he was 18 and from Kalamazoo. This excerpt, from the May 14, 1914, Banner, picks up after Cadwallader and fellow young soldier, Eli Busha, of Spring Arbor, are making their way across themountains of Pennsylvania, after running away from camp. ***** Their progress was necessarily slow as they worked their way over the different ranges, often they had to retrace their steps or change their course, since ascent or descent was too steep for them to venture. On one occasion, in making a steep descent to avoid a long detour, when part way down, they lost their footing and went rolling and tumbling for 20 feet or more before they could stay their progress toward the bottom of a deep canyon. They fortunately escaped with a few sore spots. It was a wonder they did not get lost among those mountains. They lived principally on nuts – it was the time of the year when nature was the most bountiful in her food supply. There is a well constructed highway running from Chambersburgh over the mountains in the general direction of Pittsburgh. After a time, they ventured down on that thoroughfare and traveled nights. One moonlit night, the chattering hoofs of pursuing horsemen were heard just back of a bend in the winding road. It was sudden and unexpected, a narrow cleared field was on either side – beyond lay the woody side of the mountain. They were so closely beset they dare not attempt to cross the field in the moonlight. They jumped the fence lay down in its shadow. The horsemen passed and they sprinted across the open field and gained the mountain side and the protection of the brush and timber. After a short time, from their outlook, they saw those horsemen retrace their course and scrutinize either side of the highway — they had missed their quarry and evidently had not seen them. The two youths took to the mountains again and it was some time ere they ventured on to the highway again and, when they traveled there, it was in the dark of the moon. After they were 50 or 60 miles or so inland, they began to associate with the country people, avoiding towns by detour around. There was then no danger among the country folk, with them, nothing was too good for a soldier, they lived on the fat of the land. Since they were in their uniforms a plausible story had to be invented. They were taken prisoners, they said, at Harpers Ferry, when Col. Miles surrendered his 12,000 troops to the enemy. There were so many, and the Johnnies so hard pressed, they let their prisoners go on parole of honor – they were making their way to the parole camp at Columbus, Ohio. It was plausible and it worked. The narrator with his knife made a hole in the crown of his hat, which he said was made just before the surrender. “Oh, my! what a narrow escape,” the women folk would say. In speaking of the hat, calls to mind an incident at South Mountain. The 17th wore their hats in battle, which distinguished them from all others. The boys felt a sacred pride in what they helped accomplish there until one of the South Carolina prisoners they had taken gave his version of the affair – he said: “That regiment that wore hats did not know enough to know when they were whipped.” One evening they called at a house in the outskirts of a little town in a small valley between mountains and got their supper. The lady was very talkative and they gathered much valuable information. Her husband was out on picket duty. He belonged to an organization called minute men. They guarded the roads and mountain passed by night. The said they carried with them the soldier’s mascot – the grayback – their argument prevailed and they slept in the bar on the hay in an open loft. The next morning they were surprised at an

STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 12-26226 DE Estate of Bert Martin Walker. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Bert Martin Walker, died 05/21/2008. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Stephanie Walker, named personal representative or proposed personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 and the named/proposed personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 11/07/2012 Matthew L. Glaser 2510 Capital Avenue SW, Suite 103 Battle Creek, Michigan 49015 (269) 964-9035 Stephanie Walker 256 E. Birdsall Battle Creek, Michigan 49037 (269) 275-9200 77572449

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 Sequoyah Stuk a married woman, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Amerifirst Financial Corporation its successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated May 19, 2011, and recorded on May 27, 2011 in instrument 201105270005466, in Barry county records, Michigan, and assigned by said Mortgagee to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association as assignee, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Eighty-Seven Thousand Seven Hundred Thirty-Seven and 46/100 Dollars ($87,737.46). 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 November 29, 2012. Said premises are situated in Charter Township of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: A Parcel Of Land In The North 1/2 Of The Northeast 1/4 Of Section 12, Town 3 North, Range 8 West, Which Commences At The Southeast Corner Thereof; Thence North 26 2/3 Rods For a Place Of Beginning; Thence North 220 Feet; Thence West 198 Feet; Thence South 220 Feet; Thence East 198 Feet To The Place Of Beginning, Hastings Township, Barry County, Michigan. Also: A Parcel Of Land In The North 1/2 Of The Northeast 1/4 Described As Beginning At A Point On The East Line Of Section 12, 24 Rods North Of The North 1/8 Line; Thence North 2 2/3 Rods On Said East Line Of Section 12; Thence West 12 Rods; Thence South 2 2/3 Rods; Thence East 12 Rods To Place Of Beginning, Hastings Township, Barry County, Michigan. 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: November 1, 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 #413723F01 (11-01)(11-22) 77572044

Page 10 — Thursday, November 15, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

LEGAL NOTICES STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Trust Estate Estate of Marion H. Longman, Deceased Date of Birth: December 10, 1921. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Marion H. Longman, Grantor of the Marion H. Longman Revocable Trust, under a Declaration of Trust dated Sept. 7, 2000, (the Trust), died September 1, 2012. There is no probate estate, and therefore no personal representative has been appointed for her estate. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the decedent, the decedent’s estate, or the Trust will be forever barred unless presented to Eric R. Longman, Sole trustee of the Trust, within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. November 10, 2012 Eric R. Longman, Trustee of the Marion H. Longman Revocable Trust under a Declaration of Trust dated Sept. 7, 2000 15928 Woodlawn Beach, Hickory Corners, Michigan 49060. 77572409

FORECLOSURE NOTICE This firm is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for this purpose. If you are in the Military, please contact our office at the number listed below. MORTGAGE SALE – Default has been made in the conditions of a certain mortgage made by: James Shoebridge and Janice L. Shoebridge, a Married Couple to CitiFinancial, Inc., Mortgagee, dated July 27, 2006 and recorded August 4, 2006 in Instrument # 1168134 Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Ninety-Nine Thousand Three Hundred Fifteen Dollars and Fourteen Cents ($99,315.14) including interest 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, Circuit Court of Barry County at 1:00PM on December 13, 2012 Said premises are situated in City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lots numbers 379, and the East one-quarter of Lot 380, of the City (formerly Village) of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, according to the recorded Plat thereof. Commonly known as 414 W Mill St., Hastings MI 49058 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241 or MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or upon the expiration of the notice required by MCL 600.3241a(c), whichever is later; or unless MCL 600.3240(17) applies. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, 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. Dated: 11/15/2012 CitiFinancial, Inc. Mortgagee Attorneys: Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 811 South Blvd. Suite 100 Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 844-5123 Our File No: 12-70642 (11-15)(12-06)

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 Pieter L. Boer aka Pieter Boer, a married man and Michelle M. Boer aka Michelle Boer, his wife, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Birmingham Bancorp Mortgage Corporation its successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated June 15, 2007, and recorded on July 17, 2007 in instrument 1183038, and assigned by said Mortgagee to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association 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-Two Thousand Three Hundred Fifty-Seven and 68/100 Dollars ($152,357.68). 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 December 13, 2012. Said premises are situated in Township of Prairieville, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Commencing at the Northwest corner of Section 25, Town 1 North, Range 10 West, and running thence South 00 degrees 21 minutes 32 seconds West, 1063.95 feet; thence South 87 degrees 35 minutes 50 seconds East 690.44 feet for the place of beginning of land herein after described; thence continuing South 87 degrees 35 minutes 50 seconds East, 309.56 feet; thence South 34 degrees 59 minutes 27 seconds West 324.39 feet; thence on a nontangent curve to the right with a radius of 531.16 feet; a central angle of 18 degrees 11 minutes 32 seconds, chord bearing a distance of North 55 degrees 04 minutes 11 seconds West, 59.97 feet a distance of 60 feet thence continuing on a curve to the right with a radius of 185.65 feet, a central angle of 46 degrees 37 minutes 28 seconds, chord bearing and distance North 28 degrees 31 minutes 28 seconds, West 146.94 feet, a distance of 151.07 feet; thence North 05 degrees 12 minutes 34 seconds West, 70.01 feet; thence on a curve to the right with a radius of 159.28 feet; a central angle of 16 degrees 28 minutes 14 seconds chord bearing and distance North 03 degrees 01 minutes 33 seconds East 45.65 feet, a distance of 45.79 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: November 15, 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 #364848F02 77572328 (11-15)(12-06)

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Social Security Number of Decedent: XXX-XX1757. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Your interest in the estate may be barred or affected by the following: The decedent, Francis S. Rock, date of birth 2/11/1921, whose last address was 11611 Rock Drive, Middleville, MI 49333 died on September 28, 2011. The decedent was the settlor of the Francis Rook Trust dated October 12, 1999. There is no personal representative of the settlor’s estate to whom Letters of Authority have been issued. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the trust estate will be forever barred unless presented to the current acting trustee (whose name and address appear below) of the Trust within four (4) months of the date of publication of this notice. The current acting trustee is: Phillip H. Rock, 428 Michigan Avenue, South Haven, MI 49090. Notice is further given that the trust estate will be thereafter assigned and distributed to the persons entitled to it. Dated: October 3, 2012 Attorney for Trustee: David G. Ledbetter, P43671 Law Offices of David G. Ledbetter 1695 Service Road NE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 77572416 (616) 459-3333

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE STEPHEN L. LANGELAND, P.C. A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTENTION 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 occurred in a Mortgage made by Jason E. Gleason and Frances J. Gleason to Omni Family Credit Union n/k/a Omni Community Credit Union dated December 12, 2002, and recorded on December 18, 2002 at Document No. 1093911 Barry County Records. No proceedings have been instituted to recover any part of the debt, secured by the mortgage or any part thereof and the amount now claimed to be due on the debt is $76,734.93. The Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the property at public auction to the highest bidder, for cash, on December 13, 2012 at 1:00 p.m., local time, at the East entrance, Barry County Courthouse, Hastings, Michigan. The property will be sold to pay the amount then due on the Mortgage, together with interest at 5.75% per annum, legal costs, attorney fees, and also any taxes or insurance or other advances and expenses due under mortgage or permitted under Michigan law. The property to be sold is described as: Located in Barry County, Michigan: A tract of land commencing at the SW corner of the SE 1/4 of S9, T1N, R7W; thence N 400 feet; thence E 300 feet; Thence S 400 feet; thence W 300 feet to the point of beginning. Which has the address of: 7543 Cox Rd., Bellevue, MI 49021. During the six months immediately following the sale the property may be redeemed, unless determined to be abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241(a), in which case the redemption period shall be thirty (30) days from the date of sale. Dated: November 12, 2012 OMNI Community Credit Union By: Stephen L. Langeland (P32583) BUSINESS ADDRESS: Stephen L. Langeland, P.C. Attorney at Law 6146 W. Main St., Ste. C Kalamazoo, MI 49009 269/382-3703 77572464

McDowell issues sentence in bar-fight death Merwin Sam Sutherland was sentenced in Circuit Court Nov. 7 for assault and battery. Judge Amy McDowell ordered Sutherland, 37, to serve 45 days in jail with credit for one day served. Sutherland, of Lake Odessa, faced charges of involuntary manslaughter for the alleged assault on 51-year-old Randy Baker, also of the Woodland area. Sutherland was accused of punching Baker outside of the Woodland Townhouse Bar in the early hours of Jan. 7. The punch and Baker’s .23 percent blood alcohol level allegedly made the man stumble

backward, fall and hit his head on the street. Baker was taken to Spectrum Health and remained in a coma for seven days before dying Jan. 14. “It was a tragedy for everyone,” said Carol Jones-Dwyer, attorney for the defense. “But, it was not criminal.” Sutherland must pay $648 in court assessments and serve 24 months on probation. He also was ordered by McDowell to participate in substance abuse testing, attend Alcoholics Anonymous three times a week and complete anger management courses.

COURT NEWS Robert Charles Rowan II of Charlotte pleaded no contest in circuit court Nov. 7 and was sentenced for criminal sexual conduct, first degree. Judge Amy McDowell ordered Rowan, 32, to serve 12 months in jail with credit for 82 days served. He must pay $1,698 in court assessments and serve 60 months on probation. The last two months of his jail sentence will be suspended upon successful completion of probation. Rowan must pay $75 a month toward court assessments.

POLICE BEAT Breaking up is hard to do Hastings Police were called to the 400 block of West State Street Nov. 11 regarding a physical dispute. Officers met with the victim who said he had gone to his ex-girlfriend’s house, and the two started to argue about him moving out. He said he was moving items to his vehicle when the girlfriend started to argue and punched his vehicle. They argued, he said, and the girlfriend slapped his face. When police questioned the 23-year-old woman she told them the man had “got in her face” and she slapped him. After completing the investigation, police placed the woman under arrest for domestic violence.

Lights on Broadway are red and blue After seeing a vehicle drive through a red light at the intersection of Woodlawn Avenue and North Broadway Nov. 10, Hastings officers followed the vehicle south on Broadway and watched as it nearly struck a curb and accelerated to approximately 65 mph. They stopped the car near Apple Street and reportedly could smell a strong odor of intoxicants while talking with the 23-year-old Hastings driver. The officer asked the driver if he knew why he was being stopped. He told Officers that he drank five beers and two shots. The man’s breath test registered .27 percent blood alcohol level. He was placed under arrest and is charged under the “super drunk” law.

Surveillance is key to crime Hastings Police spoke with an employee at Richie’s Koffee Shop who reported a significant scratch on her vehicle. She said she parked her vehicle behind the business at 4 a.m., and when she returned at approximately 1 p.m., she noticed a deep scratch on the back door of the driver’s side. She said she was positive the scratch had not been there before since she had just purchased the vehicle. A surveillance camera showed a man walk up to the victim’s car with an object in his hand and scrape the back door before putting the object back in his pocket. Police identified and interviewed the man who admitted to being in the area, but denied doing any damage to the vehicle. This investigation will be turned over to the Barry County Prosecutor’s office for review.

Identity used in Land of Lincoln Barry County Deputies were contacted Oct. 29 by a Hastings woman who told them someone was using her Social Security number. The woman said she filed for unemployment in February, and at the time the unemployment office noticed an error and said someone was possibly using her Social Security number. She filed a complaint with the Michigan Unemployment Commission. She told deputies she had heard nothing on the matter since that time, but recently she was contacted by the commission, informing her they may have found the suspect in Illinois. The commission employee requested she file a police report and the commission would turn the confidential information over to law enforcement. The Michigan Unemployment Commission and law enforcement are now working to locate the suspect. The case remains open.

Large-caliber bullet punctures garage A deputy was called Nov. 10 to a Wild Flower Drive home in Hastings in reference to a gun shot. The caller said he had been sit-

ting in his tree stand the previous evening and heard the people on the next street shooting a .22 semi-automatic. The man told deputies he thought some of the shots had come close to him and heard one of the shots hit his house. He said he yelled at the people to stop. They apologized and quit shooting, he said. The following morning, the man discovered that a bullet had gone in one side of his garage and out the other. At the shooter’s home, the deputy found a small earth berm with a bale of straw at its base. In the distance, the deputy could see the roof of the complainant’s house. The man told the deputy his tree stand was just northeast of his house. When the deputy spoke with the suspected shooter, she said her friend was shooting a .357 into the bale and shot high. The woman said she is familiar with gun safety and had stopped shooting immediately. She said she did not want her young friend to get in trouble. The parties discussed the incident and no charges will be filed.

Woman finds flat tires and broken window A Middleville woman called Barry County Deputies to file a malicious destruction of property report. She told deputies when getting into her car on Greenwood Street she noticed that one of the tires was flat. Then she noticed her other vehicle had a smashed window and a flat tire. Deputies found no apparent holes in the tires, but asked if she would have the tire store inspect the tires. The tire store found small punctures in each tire. Damage is estimated at $500.

Shadows in the headlights leave damage A Delton woman on Perch Point Drive contacted deputies Nov. 4 to report that her pole barn had been vandalized. Deputies reported that the jam on the west entry door was cracked and the door sprung, plus the two-car garage door was wide open. A neighbor reported seeing a large Blazer-like vehicle near the property and a person walking back and forth in the headlights the night before. The neighbor had also noticed the following day that the pole barn’s garage door was open, but thought the activity was the owner or her son. The women said neither she nor her son were in the pole barn that day. Deputies reported that the garage door opener had been disconnected and the garage door sensors knocked out of place. Nothing was reported missing in the pole barn. Deputies have the name of a person of interest.

Old photos lead to new violence A woman arrived at the Barry County Sheriff’s office Nov. 7 crying and hysterical at times, telling deputies she had an argument with her fiancé. She told deputies during the argument the 35-year-old Delton man threw her on the bed and began to choke her. Deputies reported seeing broken blood vessels on the woman’s neck and a bruised wrist. The woman said she fought back, scratching the man’s face. She told deputies she then left the Mullen Road home in Orangeville Township. When deputies spoke with the man, he admitted the argument had turned physical and said it was possible he had grabbed her in the upper chest or neck area. He said she was upset about some boxes of his high school items in the garage, and she went out of control. He told deputies he had let the woman take all her belongings and they returned house keys to each other before parting. The man also let the woman use his debit card to put minutes on her cell phone before leaving the house. The man was arrested for domestic violence, and the case is pending review by the prosecutor’s office.

Girlfriend is protective of cigarettes Deputies and Barry Township Police were called Nov. 10 to East Shore Drive in Johnstown Township for a reported verbal dispute. The deputy spoke with a woman who said she and her boyfriend had been drinking beer all day and were intoxicated. She said her boyfriend gets mean when he consumes alcohol, and after an argument started, he alleged pushed her down. The woman refused to take a portable breath test. When the deputy spoke with the 67year-old man, he said his girlfriend started the argument by accusing him of taking her cigarettes. Reportedly, the argument lasted for about an hour before he knocked her down. The man’s Breathalyzer registered .15 percent. He was placed under arrest for domestic violence, and a charging request has been filed.

Father tells son to get a life Deputies were called to a Cloverdale Lake Drive residence Nov. 5 on a report of domestic assault. According to the Delton man, he had gone into his 19-year-old son’s room and asked him to get his life together, which started an argument. Reportedly, there was yelling and shoving, then the son threw his father’s car keys into the lake. That’s when the father called 911 to report the incident. He told deputies at some point during the argument his eye-glasses had been knocked off and his thumb was cut. When deputies arrived, the son had left the house. The father told deputies he wanted his son out of the house and he wanted him arrested for assault. Deputies told the father he would need to go through an eviction process. Following up the next day, deputies were unable to located the son and his father had not seen him since the altercation on the previous evening. A charging request was made to the prosecutor’s office for domestic violence alleged committed by the son.

Hooded man gets gas and goes A cashier at the Orangeville Fast Stop reported that a man in a dark-colored hoodie pumped $77 of gas into a red SUV and drove off on Marsh Road Nov. 12. She said the man, whom she said was in his 30s, had been in the store three days prior to the theft. Deputies will examine video surveillance from the store. Further information is pending.

Unwanted guest reported in basement Deputies were called to a home on South M-66 near Nashville for a reported breaking and entering in progress around 11 p.m. Nov. 6 . The 911 caller said a man was inside his home. He told dispatchers his garage door was open, the water pump was running and lights were on in the basement. He had left the house with his girlfriend and thought he saw a shadow through the basement window, and then saw a man in the basement. He said the man had black hair, a full black beard, wrinkles and gray eyebrows. The caller also reported seeing a flashlight in his barn, and said his dog was missing. When the first deputy arrived, the homeowner said he saw no one leave the house or barn. When two more deputies arrived, the residence was checked, with nobody discovered. Deputies found the garage entry door jam had been damaged. The Michigan State Police K9 unit was requested. Nothing was found missing in the home or barn, and there was no damage other than the garage entry door. The case is inactive.

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 15, 2012 — Page 11

LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF MORTGAGE SALE FOSTER, SWIFT, COLLINS & SMITH, P.C. IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF A MORTGAGOR IS IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. DEFAULT having been made in the conditions of a certain Mortgage made on June 11, 2004, by Jeffrey L. Noteboom and Diane M. Noteboom, husband and wife, as Mortgagor, given by them to MainStreet Savings Bank, FSB, whose address is 629 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, as Mortgagee, and recorded on June 17, 2004, in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan, in Instrument Number 1129483, which mortgage was assigned to Commercial Bank by an Assignment of Mortgage dated February 29, 2012, recorded on March 8, 2012, in Instrument Number 201203080002412, Barry County Records, on which Mortgage there is claimed to be due and unpaid, as of the date of this Notice, the sum of One Hundred One Thousand Five Hundred Fifty-Four and 56/100 Dollars ($101,554.56); and no suit or proceeding at law or in equity having been instituted to recover the debt or any part thereof secured by said Mortgage, and the power of sale in said Mortgage having become operative by reason of such default; NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 1:00 o'clock in the afternoon, at the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan, that being one of the places for holding the Circuit Court for Barry County, there will be offered for sale and sold to the highest bidder or bidders at public auction or venue for purposes of satisfying the amounts due and unpaid on said Mortgage, together with all allowable costs of sale and includable attorney fees, the lands and premises in said Mortgage mentioned and described as follows: LAND SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF HASTINGS, COUNTY OF BARRY, MICHIGAN, DESCRIBED AS: Lot 17 and the West half of Lot 18 of East-Mar-Heights, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 5 of Plats on Page 22, Hastings Township, Barry County, Michigan. Commonly known as: 1630 Boulder Drive, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Parcel Number: 08-06-225-017-00 The period within which the above premises may be redeemed shall expire six (6) months from the date of sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with M.C.L.A. Sec. 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the time of such sale. Dated: November 1, 2012 FOSTER, SWIFT, COLLINS & SMITH, P.C. COMMERCIAL BANK Benjamin J. Price of Hastings, Michigan, Mortgagee Attorneys for Mortgagee 313 S. Washington Square Lansing, MI 48933 (517) 37177572291 8253 (11-08)(11-29)

IF YOU ARE NOW ON ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY OR HAVE BEEN IN THE PRIOR NINE MONTHS, PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT 248-5021502. MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Adam Howe and Holly Howe, husband and wife, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender's successors and/or assigns., Mortgagee, dated December 18, 2008 and recorded January 8, 2009 in Instrument Number 20090108-0000184, Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Wells Fargo Bank, NA by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Twenty-Nine Thousand Three Hundred Fifty-Five and 11/100 Dollars ($129,355.11) including interest at 6.5% 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 12/13/2012. Said premises are located in the Township of Rutland, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Legal description: Township of Rutland, County of Barry, Michigan Beginning at a point on the East Section 11, Town 3 North, Range 9 West, distant South 00 degrees 18 minutes 52 seconds West 1906.22 feet from the Northeast corner of said Section 11; thence South 00 degrees 18 minutes 52 seconds West 478.22 feet along said East line to the centerline of West State Road; thence North 74 degrees 54 minutes 04 seconds West 104.71 feet along said centerline; thence continuing Northwesterly 330.11 feet along said centerline and the arc of a curve to the right, the radius of which is 764.48 feet and the chord of which bears North 62 feet 31 minutes 51 seconds West 327.55 feet; thence continuing along said centerline North 50 degrees 09 minutes 37 seconds West 184.50 feet to the East line of Hillcrest Road as shown on the Plat of Buenavista Heights as recorded in Liber 3 of Plats, Page 108; thence North 39 degrees 44 minutes 16 seconds East 104.16 feet (recorded as 71.13 feet) along said East line of Hillcrest Road; thence South 68 degrees 30 minutes 40 seconds East 75.00 feet; thence North 22 degrees 14 minutes 09 seconds East 3.93 feet; thence South 64 degrees 35 minutes 56 seconds East 44.67 feet; 52 degrees 24 minutes 41 seconds East 46.64 feet; thence North 35 degrees 20 minutes 00 seconds East 24.09 feet; thence South 58 degrees 26 minutes 57 seconds East 7.71 feet; thence North 32 degrees 40 minutes 03 seconds East 120.08 feet; thence North 90 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds East 235.77 feet to the point of beginning. Subject to an easement for public highway purposes over the Southwesterly 33 feet thereof for West State Road. 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: November 15, 2012 Orlans Associates, P.C. Attorneys for Servicer P.O. Box 5041 Troy, MI 48007-5041 File No. 326.9994 (11-15)(12-06) 77572492

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 James W. Warner Jr, a/k/a Jim Warner a single man, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., Mortgagee, dated March 12, 2008, and recorded on March 20, 2008 in instrument 20080320-003150, 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 Ninety-Nine Thousand Two Hundred SixtyTwo and 58/100 Dollars ($99,262.58). 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 December 13, 2012. Said premises are situated in Township of Orangeville, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Beginning At A Point On The EastWest Line Of Section 18, Town 2 North, Range 10 West, Orangeville Township, Barry County, Michigan; Distant North 89 Degrees 59 Minutes East 907.74 Feet From The West 1/4 Post Of Said Section 18; Thence Continuing North 89 Degrees 59 Minutes East Along Said 1/4 Line 239.22 Feet; Thence South 00 Degree 47 Minutes 10 Seconds East 160.00 Feet To The East Line Of The West Fractional 1/2 Of The Southwest 14 Of Said Section 18: Thence South 89 Degrees 59 Minutes West 140.00 Feet; Thence South 00 Degrees 47 Minutes 10 Seconds East 30.00 Feet; Thence South 89 Degrees 59 Minutes West 125.00 Feet: Thence North 00 Degrees 47 Minutes 10 Seconds West 89.68 Feet; Thence North 89 Degrees 59 Minutes East 25.78 Feet; Thence North 00 Degrees 47 Minutes 10 Seconds West 100.32 Feet To The Place Of Beginning. Subject To Easement For Public Highway Purposes Over The Northerly 33 Feet Thereof For Saddler Road And The Easterly 33 Feet Thereof For Dennison Road. Beginning At A Point On East-West 1/4 Line, Section 18, Town 2 North, Range 10 West Distant North 89 Degrees 59 Minutes 00 Seconds East 660.00' From The West 1/4 Post Said Section 18, Thence Continuing North 89 Degrees 59 Minutes 00 Seconds East Along Said 1/4 Line 486.96, Thence South 00 Degrees 47 Minutes 10 Seconds East 238.46', Thence North 89 Degrees 59 Minutes 47 Seconds West 165.00, Thence North 00 Degrees 47 Minutes 10 Seconds West 16.03, Thence North 89 Degrees 59 Minutes 47 Seconds West 323.41, Thence North 00 Degrees 24 Minutes 48 Seconds West 222.24' To 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: November 15, 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 #414615F01 (11-15)(12-06) 77572322

FORECLOSURE NOTICE This firm is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for this purpose. If you are in the Military, please contact our office at the number listed below. MORTGAGE SALE – Default has been made in the conditions of a certain mortgage made by: Carl Forsythe, an unmarried man and Tammy L. Peters, an unmarried woman to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for America's Wholesale Lender its successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated August 17, 2006 and recorded August 28, 2006 in Instrument # 1169197 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage was assigned to: BAC Home Loans Servicing, LP fka Countrywide Home Loans Servicing, LP, by assignment dated March 29, 2011 and recorded April 15, 2011 in Instrument # 201104150004237 on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Seventy-Two Thousand Six Hundred Twenty Dollars and NinetyFive Cents ($172,620.95) including interest 7.125% 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, Circuit Court of Barry County at 1:00PM on November 29, 2012 Said premises are situated in Township of Thornapple, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: The East 132 feet of the West 30 acres of the North one half of the Southeast one quarter of Section 32, Town 4 North, Range 10 West, except the North 583 feet thereof; also the South 208.71 feet of the West 181 feet of the East 313 feet thereof. Also a strip of land described as: The North one half of the Southeast one quarter of Section 32, Town 4 North, Range 10 West, except the West 30 acres thereof. Also except the East 50 acres thereof. Commonly known as 11377 Davis Rd, Middleville MI 49333 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241 or MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or upon the expiration of the notice required by MCL 600.3241a(c), whichever is later; or unless MCL 600.3240(17) applies. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, 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. Dated: 10/25/2012 Bank of America, N.A., successor by merger to BAC Home Loans Servicing, LP fka Countrywide Home Loans Servicing, LP, Assignee of Mortgagee Attorneys: Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 811 South Blvd. Suite 100 Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 844-5123 Our File 77572033 No: 12-69983 (10-25)(11-15)

IF YOU ARE NOW ON ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY OR HAVE BEEN IN THE PRIOR NINE MONTHS, PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT 248-5021502. MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by William G Mosher, Samantha L Mosher, husband and wife, to Fifth Third mortgage - MI, LLC, Mortgagee, dated September 16, 2005 and recorded September 19, 2005 in Instrument Number 1153026, Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Fifth Third Mortgage Company by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Four Thousand Eight Hundred Forty-Two and 90/100 Dollars ($104,842.90) 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 Circuit Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan in Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 p.m. on 11/29/2012. Said premises are located in the Village of Freeport, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Land situated in the Village of Freeport, County of Barry, State of Michigan: Lots 3 and 4 of Block 11 of Samuel Roush's Addition to the Village of Freeport, according to the recorded plat thereof, being a part of the North 1/2 of Section 1, Town 4 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. 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: November 1, 2012 Orlans Associates, P.C. Attorneys for Servicer P.O. Box 5041 Troy, MI 48007-5041 File No. 200.9462 (11-01)(11-22) 77572092

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 ERIC W. BEADLE and JODI S. BEADLE, HUSBAND AND WIFE, to MORTGAGE PLUS OF AMERICA CORPORATION, Mortgagee, dated September 25, 2002, and recorded on October 8, 2002, in Document No. 1088998, and assigned by said mortgagee to U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Twenty-Four Thousand Four Hundred Twenty-Four Dollars and Forty-Nine Cents ($124,424.49), including interest at 6.250% 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 November 29, 2012 Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: COMMENCING AT THE WEST 1 / 4 POST OF SECTION 28, TOWN 1 NORTH, RANGE 8 WEST, THENCE WEST 107.00 FEET TO THE CENTERLINE OF BANFIELD ROAD; THENCE SOUTH 28 DEGREES 00 MINUTES EAST ALONG SAID CENTERLINE 1414.00 FEET TO THE TRUE PLACE OF BEGINNING; THENCE SOUTH 28 DEGREES 00 MINUTES EAST, ALONG SAID CENTERLINE OF BANFIELD ROAD, 500.00 FEET; THENCE NORTH 62 DEGREES 00 MINUTES EAST 383.00 FEET; THENCE NORTH 28 DEGREES 00 MINUTES WEST 500.00 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 62 DEGREES 00 MINUTES WEST 383.00 FEET TO THE TRUE 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. U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C. 23938 Research Drive, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, MI 48335 77572245 USB.002825 FHA (11-01)(11-22)

Banner CLASSIFIEDS

CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 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 Joseph A Lively, a married man and Laura Lively, his wife, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registrations Systems, Inc., as nominee for Centennial Mortgage and Funding, Inc. its successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated December 14, 2007, and recorded on December 20, 2007 in instrument 20071220-0005400, and modified by Affidavit or Order recorded on June 27, 2012 in instrument 2012-001648, and assigned by said Mortgagee to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association 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-Four Thousand Four Hundred Sixty-Five and 36/100 Dollars ($194,465.36). 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 November 29, 2012. Said premises are situated in Township of Barry, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Parcel 1: A parcel of land in the Southeast 1/4 of Section 18, Town 1 North, Range 9 West, described as: beginning at a point on the East and West 1/4 Line of said Section 18, which lies 1955 feet due West of the East 1/4 post of said Section 18, Thence South 225 feet; thence West 175 feet; thence North 225 feet; thence East 175 feet to the place of beginning. Parcel 2: Commencing at a point on the East and West 1/4 line of Section 18, Town 1 North, Range 9 West, which lies 1825 feet West of the East 1/4 post of said Section 18; thence South at right angels to said East and West 1/4 line 225 feet; thence West parallel with said East and West 1/4 line 130 feet; thence North 225 feet to said East and West 1/4; thence East 130 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: November 1, 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 #379217F02 (11-01)(11-22) 77572109

For Sale

National Ads

Help Wanted

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THIS PUBLICATION DOES NOT KNOWINGLY accept advertising which is deceptive, fraudulent or might otherwise violate law or accepted standards of taste. However, this publication does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of any advertisement, nor the quality of goods or services advertised. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all claims made in any advertisements, and to use good judgment and reasonable care, particularly when dealing with persons unknown to you ask for money in advance of delivery of goods or services advertised.

Estate Sale

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COMMUNITY LIVING SUPPORT SPECIALIST for mental health treatment program. Job responsibilities include assisting in rehabilitation, recreational skills, and other duties related to program implementation. Experience in working with persons with developmental disabilities and mental illness helpful. Record keeping and data collection and entry skills desired. Clean driving record and ability to obtain Chauffeur’s license required. Send resume to Barry County Community Mental Health Authority, 915 West Green Street, Hastings, Michigan, 49058 or email jobs@bccmha.org. No phone calls. EOE.

ESTATE/MOVING SALES: by Bethel Timmer - The Cottage House Antiques. (269)795-8717 or (616)9019898.

BASEMENT WATERPROOFING: PROFESSIONAL BASEMENT SERVICES waterproofing, crack repair, mold remediation. Local/licensed. Free estimates. (517)290-5556.

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For Rent MIDDLE LAKE RENTAL: 1BD apartment. All appliances included, washer, dryer, central air. 1st months rent plus security deposit. Call Joe (269)838-2650.

Real Estate

LOOKING FOR A caring, trustworthy, reliable independent female full time 5 days/24 hours, Sunday PM through Friday PM every week (weekends off) to stay with mom in her home in the Yankee Springs area. No certifications required. Would like references and history. Please leave name and number at (269)8383449.

HASTINGS GREAT ACREAGE 70 rolling, wooded w/stream. Private location to build custom home or cabin. Priced to sell!!! ROOM FOR RENT $280,000. Call Bill Sikkema GET EASY CASH with ex$300/month, (269)672-6129. 269-488-0576, Prudential tra household goods and Preferred Realtors. tools. Advertise with classiWALL LAKE, DELTON: 2 fieds in the Reminder and bedroom apartment. ReferRecreation Hastings Banner. Phone ences & deposit. No pets, (269)945-9554. 269-623-8218. WANTED HUNTING LAND: (2) Families are inPUBLISHER’S NOTICE: terested in leasing acreage All real estate advertising in this newsfor this years deer season. paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act Call (269)795-3049 and the Michigan Civil Rights Act

Help Wanted DRIVERS: CDL-A DEDICATED Lanes Company Drivers & Owner Operators. Team & Singles. $1,000 SignOn Bonus for 0/0. Fuel Discount. Safety Bonus Program. Excellent Fuel Surcharge. Open Board Drivers40 CPM. 6 months verifiable exp. 800-599-0087. NEED BUSINESS CARDS, envelopes, brochures or more? Call J-Ad Graphics at (269)945-9554.

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.

77564784

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Page 12 — Thursday, November 15, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

TK fills more than half of all-county girls’ XC team by Brett Bremer Sports Editor Delton Kellogg’s varsity girls’ cross country program has made a habit of reaching the Division 3 Lower Peninsula State Championship in recent years. They had some company in Division 2 this year. Thornapple Kellogg’s varsity girls’ cross country team finally emerged from its annual brutal regional to earn its first appearance as a team in the state finals since 2002. The Trojans finished fourth at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn Nov. 3, with sophomore Melissa Winchester earning the area’s only state medal. It was depth that got the Trojans to the finals, and helped them win an OK Gold Conference championship along the way. Delton Kellogg’s girls were 27th at the Division 3 state finals, after a runner-up finish in the Kalamazoo Valley Association. Those were the big team highlights of the 2012 girls’ cross country season for the Barry County schools. Thornapple Kellogg’s girls won the Barry County Championship Oct. 29, at the meet they hosted in Middleville. TK put four girls among the top seven and four others among the second seven to hit the finish line. The top seven at the Barry County Meet earned All-Barry County First Team honors this fall, while finishers eight through 14 have been named to the all-county second team.

Girls’ Cross Country First Team Olivia Lamberg, Thornapple Kellogg: A freshman who was a big part of the Trojan team’s surge this fall, regularly finishing as her team’s third scorer. She was fifth at the Barry County Meet in 20:58.1. Barker was only one spot further back at the OK Gold Meet, placing sixth in 20:31.6 at Johnson Park. She was 61st at the state finals in 19:30.9. Casey Lawson, Thornapple Kellogg: The Trojan senior came up just short of earning her third state medal this fall, placing 37th at the Division 2 State Championship with a time of 18:58.7. Lawson was fourth at both the Barry County Meet and the OK Gold Meet. She fin-

The 2012 All-Barry County girls’ cross country first and second teams. First team members are (front from left) Trista Straube (HHS), Melissa Winchester (TK), Jessica Rushford (MV), Casey Lawson (TK), Olivia Lamberg (TK), Ariel Moore (HHS) and Janie Noah (TK). Second team members are (back from left) Shelbi Shepherd (TK), Taylor Ward (TK), Bryn Beyer (TK), Rachel Rimer (HHS), Morgan McNutt (TK) and Maria Palacio (HHS). Missing from photo is second team member Christi Boze from Delton Kellogg. (Photo by Brett Bremer) ished the county meet in Middleville with a time of 20:48.3. Ariel Moore, Hastings: Running second for the Saxons most of the season, Moore was sixth at the Barry County Meet in 21:27.1. Moore had a great day at the OK Gold Meet, earning a medal with her ninth-place time of 21:23.9 at Johnson Park. Janie Noah, Thornapple Kellogg: Noah was the fourth Trojan to hit the finish line at the Barry County Meet, placing seventh in 21:34.7. A sophomore, her place at the county meet was the same as her freshman year. She moved way up in the OK Gold though, placing seventh at the conference meet in 21:09.5.

Jessica Rushford, Maple Valley: A senior, she capped off her career with a 45th-place time of 19:39.8 in her third appearance in the Division 3 State Finals. That time was a new personal best. Rushford was third at the Barry County Meet, hitting the finish line in 20:38.8. She was also third at the KVA Championship, coming in at 19:52. Trista Straube, Hastings: The fastest Saxon just missed out on a second trip to the state finals in her junior season as she placed 16th at her team’s Division 2 Regional Meet. She came back with a vengeance to win the Barry County Meet in 20:08.3. Straube was the third-place finisher at the OK Gold Meet

this season, coming in at 19:25.6. Melissa Winchester, Thornapple Kellogg: Winchester finished off a great sophomore season by making her first appearance in the state finals and earning her first state medal. She was 24th with a time of 18:38.2 at the Division 2 state championship in Brooklyn. Winchester was the runner-up at both the Barry County Meet (20:20.4) and the OK Gold Conference Meet (19:18.9) this fall.

Girls’ Cross Country Second Team Bryn Beyer, Thornapple Kellogg: Beyer was tenth at the Barry County Meet with a

time of 22:16.3. She helped the Trojans to their conference title with a 12th-place time of 21:40.9 at the OK Gold Conference Meet, and went on to place 152nd at the Division 2 State Finals with a time of 20:32.4. Christi Boze, Delton Kellogg: The Panthers’ senior leader, Boze closed out her high school running career by placing 102nd at the Division 3 State Finals with a time of 20:30.7. She was all-conference this season in the KVA, after placing fifth at the league’s championship meet with a time of 20:00. Boze was 11th at the county meet in 22:20.8. Morgan McNutt, Thornapple Kellogg: Not a regular scorer for the deep Trojan varsity team this fall, but someone who pushed the pack. McNutt was the eighth Trojan to finish at the Barry County Meet, but was 13th overall in 22:37.7. Maria Palacio, Hastings: A senior who ran a solid time of 22:19.0 at the Saxons’ Division 2 Regional Meet, to place 71st. She was 14th at the Barry County Meet in 22:54.7. Rachel Rimer, Hastings: The third in a trio of juniors who led Hastings all fall, Rimer was 12th at the Barry County Meet in 22:21.2. Rimer was the third Saxon to place at regionals and at the OK Gold Meet as well, her time of 21:30.7 put her in 56th place at her team’s Division 2 Regional hosted by Carson City-Crystal. Shelbi Shepherd, Thornapple Kellogg: A few seconds behind teammate Noah for the final spot on the all-county first team, Shepherd was eighth at the county meet in 21:47.9. She was one of five Trojans in the top eight at the OK Gold Meet as well, placing eighth at Johnson Park in 21:23.6. Taylor Ward, Thornapple Kellogg: One of three sophomores in the top seven for the Trojan team, Ward was ninth at the Barry County Meet in 22:12.4. She ran a time of 20:49.0 to place 167th at the Division 2 State Finals, after running a 21:13.0 that put her in 46th-place at her team’s Division 2 Regional Meet.

Two of county’s fastest ended year at state finals by Brett Bremer Sports Editor Most of the best runners from Barry County’s varsity boys’ cross country teams walked off the course this season with an eye to the future. Only four seniors were among the top 14 runners at the Barry County Meet, which was held Oct. 29 at Thornapple Kellogg High School in Middleville. Only one of those four, Delton Kellogg’s Jarryd Calhoun, was among the top seven who earned first team all-county status for this season. Calhoun was one of two local runners to run again after the county meet, at the Lower Peninsula Cross Country Championship the following Saturday at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. Calhoun ran in the Division 3 race, while Thornapple Kellogg junior David Walter took part in the Division 2 race. It was the first time running in the state finals for both of them. Walter led a young Trojan team, which included one senior, two freshmen and two sophomores, to the championship at the county meet this season. The Trojans edged their OK Gold Conference rivals from Hastings by just three points. Here are the 2012 All-Barry County boys’ cross country teams.

Boys’ Cross Country First Team Micah Bromley, Maple Valley: Bromley earned honorable mention All-KVA this fall, placing 16th at the KVA Championship in Portage with a time of 18:04. Bromley was seventh at the Barry County Meet in 18:56.8. Jarryd Calhoun, Delton Kellogg: A senior, Calhoun earned his first trip to the Division 3 Lower Peninsula Cross Country Championship this fall. He placed 130th in the finals race at MIS with a time of 17:36.8. Calhoun was fourth at the Barry County Meet, coming in at 18:41.8. He was fifth at the KVA Championship in Portage with a time of 17:22. Ronnie Collins, Hastings: Chance Miller, Hastings: Jake Miller, Hastings:

Austin Rood, Maple Valley: Rood was the Lions’ leader at the Barry County Meet in Middleville, placing sixth in 18:51.6. He earned honorable mention All-KVA this fall with his 17th-place finish at the conference championship meet, where he finished the course at Portage West Middle School in 18:08. David Walter, Thornapple Kellogg:

Boys’ Cross Country Second Team Sam Benedict, Maple Valley: The final second team qualifier, Benedict placed 14th at the Barry County Meet in 19:19.0. On the fast course in Portage, Benedict earned a 25th-place finish at the KVA Championship meet with his time of 18:38. Joe Gaikema, Thornapple Kellogg: One of four Trojans to come across the finish line in less than a ten second span at the county meet, Gaikema was ninth in 19:04.9. A freshman, he was fifth on the team and 71st overall at the Trojans’ Division 2 Regional Meet where he finished in 18:48.0. Zach Haas, Delton Kellogg: The Delton senior finished off an injury plagued season with a 13th-place time of 19:14.5 at the Barry County Meet. He just made the cut-off for honorable mention All-KVA, placing 21st at the league’s championship meet with a time of 18:20 in Portage. Austin LaVire, Thornapple Kellogg: A senior who moved up and down in the Trojan pack. He was second on his team at its Division 2 Regional Meet, placing 41st in 17:46.1. LaVire was tenth at the Barry County Meet in 19:10.6. Conor Leach, Thornapple Kellogg: Leach, a sophomore, placed eighth at the Barry County Meet with a time of 19:02.9. He was well under the 19-minute mark at his team’s Division 2 Regional Meet, placing 66th in 18:40.9. Daniel Sauers, Lakewood: The Vikings’ leader when he wasn’t playing soccer, Sauers placed 12th at the Barry County Meet in 19:12.0. He also paced the Viking pack at its

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The 2012 All-Barry County boys’ cross country teams. First team members include (front from left) David Walter (TK), Ronnie Collins (HHS), Chance Miller (HHS), Jarryd Calhoun (DK), Jake Miller (HHS), Austin Rood (MV) and Micah Bromley (MV). Second team members include (back from left) Conor Leach (TK), Joe Gaikema (TK), Austin LaVire (TK), Daniel Vannette (TK), Daniel Sauers (LHS), Zach Haas (DK) and Sam Benedict (MV). (Photo by Brett Bremer) Division 2 Regional Meet hosted by Carson City-Crystal, placing 77th in 19:10.4. Daniel Vannette, Thornapple Kellogg: A

senior, Vannette was the second fastest Trojan at the OK Gold Conference Meet, placing 12th overall in 18:31.0.

He was 11th at the Barry County Meet in 19:11.2.

BOWLING SCORES Sunday Night Mixed Comebacks 25; Street Bowlers 22; You’re Up N Shit 20; H2O 20; Sunday Snoozers 16; Straightliners 16; Heath Gang 11. Women’s good games and series - S. Vandenburg 202-570; M. Daniels 221-549; M. Simpson 170-461; K. Becker 190. Men’s good games and series - R. Guild 269-675; M. Snyder 191-556; C. Santana 199522; C. Featherly 177-459; J. Craven 148414; B. Hubbell 197; E. Bartlett 187; S. Jewell 172; B. Kelley 165; B. Heath 159; T. Demott 155. Tuesday Trios Washking 34-10; Sam 31-13; CBS 24-20; Team Turkey 23-21; Look Ins. 22-22; Classic Trio 22-22; Coleman Ins. 20-20; Lu’s Team 16.5-23.5; Blair Landscaping 16.5-27.5; Ghost Team 9-44. High Game - Karen 213; Tammy D. 194; Shirlee V. 193. High Series - Shirlee V 550; Tammy D 536; Luanne P. 519.

Monday Mixerettes Dewey’s Auto Body 30-10; Dean’s Dolls 28-12; Kent Oil 25.5-14.5; Creekside Growers 17.5-22.5; Nashville Chiropractic 17-23. Good Games & Series: S. Dunham 173462; K. Fowler 188; P. Fowler 161; B. Anders 173; T. Redman 135; J. Rice 180; L. Elliston 187; M. Rodgers 180. Senior Citizens Sun Risers 28-12; Butterfingers 25.5-14.5; M&M’s 22-18; Usedtobe #1 22-18; King Pins 22-18; Three Gals & a Guy 20-20; Ward’s Friends 18-22; Kuempel 16-24; Just Having Fun 15.5-24.5; Early Risers 11-29. Women’s good games and series: Y. Cheeseman 156-437; G. Scobey 203-523; J. Gasper 189; B. Maker 174-468; A. Tasker 155; C. Stuart 158-439; M. Wieland 180; N. Frost 157-420. Men’s good games and series: K. Schantz 178; D. Kiersey 205-557; R. McDonald 204;

B. Terry 213-547; B. Akers 191; P. Gasper 222; L. Markley 156-408; D. Murphy 158; W. Mallekoote 173-458. Wed PM Court Side 31-9; Boniface Construction 2515; Hair Care 25-15; Eye & ENT 21-19; Delton Suds 17-23. Good games & series: S. Stevens 131; A. Tasker 162-386; M. Adams 150-415; B. Norris 118-309; P. Shellington 146; S. Beebe 187; J. Rice 204-550; L. Elliston 196-508; T. Christopher 199-517; K. Moore 141-347; P. Freeman 148. Sat Majors (Youth League) Walking Dead 14.5-5.5; Kit Kats 13.5-6.5; Grimm Reapers 12.5-7.5; Leones 9-11; Saxons 8.5-11.5. Girl’s good games & series: S. Gross 94. Boy’s good games & series: K. Kenyon 124; B. Hall 168-377; K. Keegan 149-385; C. Stout 180; C. Davis 81-239.

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 15, 2012 — Page 13

Vikes and Saxons finished golf season in top 10 by Brett Bremer Sports Editor Two thirds of the varsity girls’ golf teams in Barry County ended their season at the Division 3 State Finals at Bedford Valley Golf Course in Battle Creek. A tough conference season once again got the Saxons and Vikings ready for the postseason. Hastings placed seventh at the state finals and Lakewood tenth. Junior Kylee Nemetz led the way for the Saxons, making it the fifth consecutive season Hastings has had an all-state golfer. The Saxons and Vikings were both runners-up in their own conferences during the regular season. Hastings finished just behind South Christian, both in the OK Gold Conference standings and at the state finals

Olivia Barker where the Sailors were sixth. Lakewood once again did battle with Lansing Catholic in the Capital Area Activities Conference White Division. The Cougars bested the Vikings for the conference crown, then bested everyone at the Division 4 State Finals - finishing 54 strokes ahead of the runner-up team. Here are the 2012 All-Barry County girls’ golf teams.

Girls’ Golf First Team Emily Barker, Lakewood: With a great freshman season Barker helped the Vikings to their first appearance ever as a team in the Division 3 State Finals. She had a 9-hole average of 45.9 this season, and an 18-hole average of 91. She was all-conference in the CAAC-White and also won an all-academic award in the league.

Katie Brown

Olivia Barker, Lakewood: A junior, she made her second trip to the Division 3 State Finals this season. She led the Vikings each day at Bedford Valley Golf Course, shooting a 92-89-181. She had a 9-hole average of 43.5 this fall, and an 18-hole average of 89.7. She was allconference in the CAAC-White and also won an all-academic award in the league. Katie Brown, Hastings: Brown had a great junior season for the Saxons. Her twoday total of 176 at the Division 3 State Finals put her in 17th-place individually. Brown tied for fifth-place at the OK Gold Conference Tournament at The Meadows with a 92, and also tied teammate Lindy Kloosterman for sixth at their team’s Division 3 Regional Tournament with a score of 89. Victoria Hager, Lakewood: The Vikings’ number three all season, Hager had a 9-hole average of 47.2 and an 18-hole average of 97. A senior who was a three-year varsity player, Hager was all-conference in the CAACWhite this season and won the league’s allacademic award as well. Lindy Kloosterman, Hastings: Honorable mention in the OK Gold Conference this fall, missing a spot on the first team by just two strokes. Kloosterman tied teammate Katie Brown for sixth at the team’s Division 3 Regional Tournament with an 89, and also placed in the top 11 at four other tournaments throughout the course of the season including the OK Gold Championship where she was eighth with a 95. Kylee Nemetz, Hastings: An all-state golfer in Division 3, Nemetz tied for seventh at the Division 3 State Finals with her 85-84169. She won two tournaments through the course of the season, the Comstock Invitational at Yarrow, and then the OK Gold Tournament at The Meadows. She was third at her team’s Division 3 Regional Tournament

at Angels Crossing, where she shot an 87.

Girls’ Golf Second Team Kennedy Hilley, Lakewood: Hilley was honorable mention all-conference in the CAAC-White this fall, helping her team to a runner-up finish in the league. She shot a 107 at regionals to help her team get to the state finals, then shaved off a few strokes there with a 102-100-202 over the course of the 36-hole tournament. Hannah Lamberg, Thornapple Kellogg: Lamberg was 28th overall in the OK Gold, with a 9-hole average of 58.2. Lamberg led her team at the first OK Gold Conference jamboree of the season.

Kylee Nemetz

Emily Barker

DeeJay Minor, Thornapple Kellogg: Minor was named the Trojans’ MVP this fall. She was 22nd in the OK Gold Conference standings with an average of 55.1 strokes per nine, and led her team with a 115 at the conference tournament at The Meadows. Amanda Sarhatt, Hastings: One of two seniors in the Saxons’ top five, Sarhatt contributed the fourth score for her team each day at the Division 3 State Finals. She also helped her team to a regional championship, shooting a 102 at Angels Crossing.

Singles guys fill many spots for all-county tennis by Brett Bremer Sports Editor It was kind of a tough fall for the Barry County varsity boys’ tennis teams. All three schools, Hastings, Lakewood and Thornapple Kellogg, had some trouble filling their line-up at some point during the season. Hastings and Thornapple Kellogg finished in the middle of the pack in the OK Gold Conference, which was a little less tough than it had been in the past due to the fact that Forest Hills Eastern and Caledonia left the league this fall. Lakewood had a tough time in the Capital Area Activities Conference White Division, which had solid showings from Portland, Williamston and Lansing Catholic again. Those top three teams in the CAAC-White finished fifth, 11th and 12th respectively at the Division 4 State Finals. The three local teams were mostly young though, and showed improvement throughout the season. Here are the 2012 All-Barry County boys’ tennis teams.

Boys’ Tennis First Team Singles Justin Bergstrom, Thornapple Kellogg: An all-conference performer in the OK Gold, Bergstrom was third at the conference tournament. He finished the year with 11 wins at second singles for the Trojans as a sophomore. Chris Doxtader, Hastings: Doxtader was a consistent second singles player for the Saxons as a senior, winning nine matches. “His ability to hit good passing shots with both his forehand and backhand was his strength,” said Hastings head coach Ed von der Hoff. “The team will miss Chris next

year.” Parker Haskin, Lakewood: The Vikings’ third singles player was named honorable mention all-conference in the Capital Area Activities Conference White Division this fall. He won eight matches on the year, and was named the Vikings’ Most Improved Player. He also won his team’s Norm Harris Most Dedicated award. Travis Himick, Thornapple Kellogg: Himick took over at first singles for the Trojans this fall, and took on opponents’ top players each afternoon. He won four matches this fall. Himick was a team captain, and earned allconference honors in the OK Gold at the end of the season. Stephen Nisbet, Lakewood: The Vikings’ first singles player, a four-year varsity player, won five matches this fall. He was a co-captain for the Vikings and was named his team’s co-MVP. David Parks, Lakewood: A senior who shared co-MVP honors this season for the Vikings. He won ten matches this season and was named honorable mention all-conference in the CAAC-White. Parks was a four-year varsity letter-winner. Ryan Thornburgh, Hastings: Thornburgh won eight matches this year, split between fourth singles and second doubles. “Ryan keeps his composure as well as any player that I have encountered,” said coach von der Hoff. “His ability to execute solid shots will only get better in the future.” Logan VanPutten, Thornapple Kellogg: A freshman who just started playing tennis this summer, VanPutten finished the year with six wins at third singles for TK. Head coach Steve Rosenberg said that

early in the year. Marshall Cherry and Scott Garber, Hastings: The Saxons’ sophomore duo at second doubles, they won half their matches this year and finished as the runners-up at a couple of tournaments. “Marshall plays a very consistent game that features many very good backcourt winners,” said coach von der Hoff. “He also has a good net game and is showing improvement with his serve. Jaleel is a very powerful player that punishes opposing net players. He has the uncanny ability to hit winning shots even when it looks like he is beat.” Jaleel Richardson and Adam Shaeffer, Hastings: A pair of freshmen who teamed up at third doubles mostly this fall and won ten matches. “Scott developed into a solid consistent player that was very effective at the service line, and Adam covered the court while returning winning shots with the forehand and backhand,” said coach von der Hoff. Chris Doxtader

Travis Himick VanPutten continually showed improvement. He was named honorable mention all-conference in the OK Gold. Connor von der Hoff, Hastings: von der Hoff earned all-conference honors in the OK Gold this fall, playing first singles for the Saxons. A three-year varsity letter-winner as a junior, von der Hoff won nine matches this year. “Connor is very competitive and at times extremely difficult to score points against,” said coach von der Hoff. Drew White, Hastings: At third singles most of the year for the Saxons, the sophomore White was named his team’s Most Improved Player and earned honorable mention all-conference in the OK Gold. “Drew uses quick reflexes to return all shots and quickly develops winning shots,” said coach von der Hoff. “He also agitates his opponents with his uncanny ability to return very good shots.” Doubles Mack Clisso and James Isola, Hastings: A pair of juniors who formed a very good first doubles team for the Saxons. They had a winning record together for the year at first doubles, 8-7. “Mack learned to control his competitive instincts and hit many good forehand winners,” said coach von der Hoff. “James has a very good backhand and always displayed a positive attitude on the court.”

Boys’ Tennis

Connor von der Hoff

Second Team Doubles Cade Bowman and Hunter Herich, Thornapple Kellogg: Started the year as the Trojans’ number two doubles team, but earned the spot as TK’s top doubles team

Annual YMCA Turkey Trot will be held Thanksgiving

The YMCA of Barry County, Pennock Health and Wellness and Barry County United Way will host the fourth annual Turkey Trot 5K Fun Run/Walk Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 22. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. and the race steps off at 8:30 a.m. on Buehler Road and finishes at Camp Algonquin. This annual event provides families a fun beginning to their Thanksgiving celebration, said Ryan Rose, Y program director. “Many families and individuals have made it a tradition to come out and walk or run as a start to the holiday’s festivities,” he said. “This is a great way to engage the whole family in a healthy way — both mentally and physically.” Although some money is raised for the United Way and Y, the event is more about healthy family fun and collecting food, said Rose, adding that typically about 300 pounds of food is gathered that morning. The race will include men’s and women’s divisions, along with three family divisions, based on ages of the children. The first family in each division to have three runners cross

the finish line will be the winner of that division. Walkers will also be a part of the competition. Since the first year, walkers have been included in the prizes, Rose said, either as top walkers or as part of the raffle at the end of the race. The fee is $15 per person or $35 per family, up to four participants. Each extra family member will be an additional $5. As a part of the registration fee, each participant is asked to donate a non-perishable food item that will be given to the Barry County United Way Fresh Food Initiative, which helps provide additional food resources for families in need. Registration is still open. Although the early registration (and T-shirt guarantee) deadline has passed, Rose said the sooner people register, the better their chances are or receiving a T-shirt. Registrations and more information on the Turkey Trot are available at the YMCA website, www.ymcaofbc.org, or by visiting the Pennock Health and Wellness Center.

Page 14 — Thursday, November 15, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

Vikes need just three sets to earn spot in semi’s by Brett Bremer Sports Editor Lakewood only needed three sets to knock off Berrien Springs Tuesday, and earn a spot in the Class B Semifinals. That didn’t mean the match was much easier than the back-to-back five-setters the Vikings played to get to the state quarterfinal match at Allegan High School. The Vikings topped the Shamrocks 26-24, 25-13, 29-27. “We were a little uptight, a little pressurestruck I believe, but when we buckled down

as we did in the second game we play very well,” said Lakewood head coach Kellie Rowland. She Shamrocks’ big hitter Holly Toliver blasted down kills to get her team the first two points of the match, then the two teams went back and forth throughout the first set. Eventually, the Shamrocks built a 24-22 lead, but Emily Kutch blasted a kill to get her team the ball back. A Shamrock time-out was followed by Kutch and Taylor Shook blocking an attack by Toliver. Olivia Davis then closed out the set with two aces for the

down. That was our goal,” said Lakewood senior Taylor Shook, who led her team with three blocks. “We did it, and I could not be more proud of the front row. I am so proud of us. “It was about keeping an eye on her, where she goes. She goes left, we go left. She goes right, we go right.” Kutch added two blocks, and the Vikings only had nine as a team, but Rowland said getting a touch on the ball to slow it down for the back row defenders was important all match. Toliver even resorted to tipping over the block more often than usual. That helped setter Brooke Wieland lead the Viking team with eight digs. Beth Tingley had eight. Wieland also had 21 assists and seven kills. Wieland and Tingley were each able to find open corners at times with well-timed tips. Kutch led the Vikings with 14 kills and Davis had nine. Lakewood closed out the second set by winning 15 of the last 19 points, with big service runs by Kutch and Kietzman. “You lose a tough first game, the second

game can sometimes be difficult,” said Berrien Springs head coach Jim Bermingham. “We kind of stoned up. Our faces, they had that glazed look, but then again they didn’t do that in the third game so that’s a good thing.” The third set was much like the first, with Berrien Springs moving out to an early lead, then the two teams battling back and forth. The Shamrocks led late again, 23-20, and again Lakewood rallied for the win. The Shamrocks changed up their rotation, to free up a couple other hitters and it actually improved their block, but not enough. Setter Jullian Wold had 24 assists for the Shamrocks. Desiree Scoggin finished with six kills and 11 digs. Taylor Weckel had seven digs. Jennifer Marren finished with five kills, five blocks and six digs. “I’m pumped,” said Shook. “I am ready for a good practice tomorrow so we can sweep them again on Thursday.” The Vikings take on Dearborn Divine Child in the second Class B Semifinal at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek this evening at 7:30 p.m. Whitehall faces North Branch at 5:30 in the first Class B Semifinal.

Lakewood setter Brooke Wieland leaps up to tip the ball over the block of Berrien Springs’ Alexis Sorce during the third set of Tuesday’s Class B Quarterfinal. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

Lakewood’s Taylor Shook (left) and Emily Kutch (right) team up to block an attack by Berrien Springs’ Holly Toliver during the first set of their Class B Quarterfinal at Allegan High School Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

Vikings. The ability of the Vikings to block, or at least slow down Toliver’s attacks was key. “We took her away at the end,” Rowland said. “She was forcing hits. That’s why she hit the net. She started hitting into our blocks. We tried to make her do something she’s not comfortable at. She had to come middle sometimes. With the left hand, she has to cut the ball to make a good clean shot. She’s tough, I’m not going to take anything away from her, but we stepped up and stopped her.” Toliver did still have a game-high 20 kills, along with nine digs and seven blocks. “All of us went in knowing they were going to set her up, so we went in to shut her

The Vikings’ Jordan Kietzman stretches forward to receive a Shamrock serve during the third set of Tuesday’s Class B Quarterfinal at Allegan High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

Lakewood’s girls get past their 2012 nemesis

Lakewood senior Olivia Davis gets set to hit the final serve of Thursday’s Class B Regional Final, which her team won in five sets against Forest Hills Eastern at Thornapple Kellogg High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

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by Brett Bremer Sports Editor The ball hung in the air above the center of the court. The setter? The libero? The setter? Which one? No one. Pandemonium. As the ball hit the floor so did the Lakewood students. The Lakewood girls were swarmed by a mass of smiles, hugs and tears - some of them their own. “I just knew we had to be ready for it when they got it up, but when they didn’t it was tears of joy,” said Lakewood senior setter Brooke Wieland. “We expected it, but we just had to push. Our backs were up against the wall again and we just kept going.” After going 0-2 against Forest Hills Eastern at tournaments during the course of the regular season, the No. 1 ranked Lakewood varsity volleyball team got the win when it had to have it, in the Class B Regional Final at Thornapple Kellogg High School in Middleville Thursday. The previous two best of three matches went three sets, with the No. 3 ranked Hawks coming out on top. It was best of five in the regional final, with the Vikings winning in five 25-27, 27-12, 23-25, 25-21, 15-7. Lakewood made its first appearance in the state quarterfinals since 2008 when it traveled to Allegan and beat Berrien Springs Tuesday. The seven Lakewood seniors were in eighth grade in the fall of 2008. Since that quarterfinal match Emily Kutch, Olivia Davis and Wieland have been starters for the Vikings. Beth Tingley joined the varsity midway through their freshman year in the fall of 2009. “Kellie has coached us seven seniors since seventh grade. She hasn’t stopped,” Wieland said. “She keeps coming in for us. We commit ourselves, summer, winter and fall. We put in the hours. It makes everyone completely different come the start of the season, and it helps us tremendously in the postseason.” That foursome, along with fellow seniors Taylor Shook, Jordan Kietzman and Sunshine Young led the Vikings Thursday. “It’s exciting,” said Tingley, the Viking libero who played her best match of the postseason so far Thursday. “It’s probably the most, best experience I’ve ever had in my whole life. I never thought seven years of working this hard would pay off, but it did. “We worked so hard to get here. If it wasn’t for (coaches) Kellie, and Cameron (Rowland) and Claire (Rowland) and Jeff (Duits) we wouldn’t be where we are today.

Lakewood’s Madison Neustifter gets a hug from coach Kellie Rowland after getting her regional champion medal Thursday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Not even close.” Tingley finished the night with a team-high 17 digs. Kietzman and Wieland added ten each. Wieland, the setter, had 40 assists to go along with five kills and a team-high three aces. She also teamed up with Shook for a couple of huge blocks late in the fourth set. Shook finished with eight blocks total on the night and Wieland four. The Vikings aren’t the tallest team in the state, but they took advantage of their edge at the net against the Hawks. Davis and sophomore Vanessa Reynhout had two blocks each as well. While Forest Hills Eastern setter Holly Myer hit quick balls across the net for her teammates throughout the match, Wieland threw her sets up high to let her attackers get up over the Hawk block. “Emily (Kutch) was on fire. Oh, my gosh,” coach Rowland said. “She hit over .400. Emily Kutch had 24 kills with over a .400 kill efficiency.”

Davis had 16 kills. “We knew the outside was ours,” coach Rowland said. “They are little on that right side. We knew Em and Olivia could swing. Olivia was a little cold to start, but she still had a way to score. They can’t forget about Taylor, Vanessa and Charlie (Smith). If we have to have them, they come in and it’s pretty open for them to swing away because they concentrate on the two outsides. We knew that.” The Vikings led for nearly every serve of the match. The only times that Forest Hills Eastern had a two-point advantage were at 31 in the first set, 27-25 at the end of the first set, and 25-23 at the end of the third. “I’m just so happy with our fifth-game play, because until this tournament I didn’t know what we would play like in a fifth game,” said Lakewood head coach Kellie Rowland. “But boy, they know how important it is to get in, and not make errors, and pound at them and make them try to come at us.” In the final seven points of the fifth set, the only one the Hawks won was on a serve by the Vikings’ that flew long following a Hawk time-out. It was the Hawks who put together late strings of points in games early. Lakewood led the opening set 20-11, before FHE rallied for the 27-25 win. In the second set, the Vikings also built up a 20-11 lead, but this time closed out the win quickly. The Vikings held a one- to four-point lead through most of the third set, before the Hawks pulled in front in the final few points. Lakewood held as similar lead throughout the fourth set. The big blocks by Wieland and Shook, and a couple of huge kills by Kutch though allowed the Vikings to force the fifth set. “We just kept executing,” Wieland said. “We never let them score more than two points in a row. We knew they were going to get a point here and there, but we had to keep coming back stronger.” Alli Gutschow led the Hawks with 16 kills. Myer had 49 assists. Jaclyn Goble had a teamhigh 25 digs.

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