Survey shows what Delton residents want from bond
Lansing looking to reform education – again
Delton girls start hoops season strong
See Story on Page 2
See Editorial on Page 4
See Story on Page 13
THE HASTINGS
VOLUME 159, No. 47
BANNER Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856
PRICE 75¢
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Proposed forensic audit called a ‘witch hunt’ NEWS
BRIEFS Delton Moose hosting breakfast with Santa
Youngsters can enjoy breakfast with Santa Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Delton Moose Lodge from 9 to 11 a.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for a free pancake and sausage breakfast. The Clauses also will have a little time to pose for photos with good little boys and girls, and some elves will be available to print the photos. Children will be able to decorate frames for their photos. The lodge is on M-43, north of Delton. For more information, call 269-623-2112.
Christmas parade will fill streets Hastings will host the annual Christmas parade at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. The parade will line up along East State Street near Boltwood Street, head west down East State Street, turn south down Church Street and travel to Center Street. The parade will head east on Center Street to the former Felpausch parking lot, where it will disband.
State Police collecting for the holidays The Wayland Post Michigan State Police are organizing a drive to gather toys, food and clothing for needy individuals and families. The Michigan State Police has long referred to each of its patrol cars as a “Blue Goose” and hope to stuff the cars full of toys, food and clothing. MSP cruisers and troopers will be in the parking lots of Hastings and Plainwell Walmart stores Saturday, Dec. 1, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. All items donated will be given to the United Way of Barry County and Project Hope of Dorr for families in Barry and Allegan counties.
Pets seeking ‘home for the holidays’ Barry County Animal Shelter pets will be featured in Home for the Holidays, an open house for the public to see the animals available for adoption. The event will be Wednesday, Dec. 5, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Barry County Commission on Aging on Woodlawn Avenue in Hastings. The Barry County Humane Society will also have coupons for $20 off the cost of spaying or neutering shelter pets being adopted. People who are not able to adopt a pet are encouraged to bring a small cat toy or dog treat to donate.
Thornapple Trail reopening Dec. 1 The Paul Henry Thornapple Trail in Middleville will reopen Dec. 1. A portion of the trail was closed in November for deer hunting season. It will reopen Dec. 1 for non-motorized use throughout the winter. The trail starts at Stagecoach Park off Main Street in Middleville and travels southeast along the Thornapple River.
by Doug VanderLaan Editor Add a parliamentary procedure rule book to the holiday gift list of Barry County Commissioners who, in Tuesday’s board meeting, thought they had approved a motion by a 4-3 vote, then learned later they hadn’t. The miscue involved the emotional and controversial animal control issue and led to some direct and personal charges. “Mr. Houtman is on a witch hunt,” said Commissioner Howard “Hoot” Gibson of fellow Commissioner Robert Houtman following the meeting, “and I’m not serving as a commissioner to waste taxpayers’ money.” It was Houtman who had proposed a motion that the county order a forensic audit of Barry County Animal Control operations for two general purposes: to conduct an inventory baseline of assets for newly hired Animal Shelter Director Diana Newman and to determine possible animal control department involvement in alleged animal cruelty charges brought against a special advisor to County Sheriff Dar Leaf (see related article in this issue). The 4-3 vote, with Houtman, Dan Parker, Joe Lyons and Jeff VanNortwick approving, overruled the votes of Chair Craig Stolsonburg, Vice Chair Ben Geiger and Gibson. Commissioner Don Nevins was absent. The decision was declared passed and it stood until the meeting approached its conclusion. “I’m sorry that I’m not up on parliamentary
procedure, but the 4-3 vote for the audit is not enough votes to pass,” said Stolsonburg. “In order for a resolution like this to pass, it states a majority of the sitting, elected commissioners must approve. The four ‘yes’ votes isn’t enough, it takes five to approve.” County Administrator Michael Brown added his clarification, confirming that a final action vote did require a five-vote majority, though a recommendation for him to return to a future board meeting with information and data leading to a final action could be approved on a 4-3 vote. County Clerk Pam Jarvis righted the misstep by pointing out that her discussion notes indicated a board resolution for Brown to further investigate and that the 4-3 vote could stand. Saving face, however, did not quell the issue’s roiling undercurrent. “A forensic audit would tell us if controlled substances were used improperly,” said Houtman in reference to the discovery of dead animals at a foreclosed Middleville home belonging to the special advisor to Leaf who sat on the Animal Shelter Advisory Board. “I’m interested in more than just an inventory of what’s on the shelf today.” In remarks following the meeting, Houtman said he is concerned that the investigation into the animal cruelty allegations is not being conducted by the Michigan State Police — as recommended by the board last week — but by Leaf, a county employee who appointed the alleged animal abuser as his
special deputy advisor. “We have an obligation to determine if our assets or pets were involved,” maintained Houtman, “this has got to see the light of day. If I was sheriff, I would want a third party involved. I believe the sheriff questioned her about euthanizing dogs at her house. How did that happen — and how many dogs were euthanized?” Leaf, who attended the board meeting but did not speak publicly, insisted at its conclusion that the investigation was complete and did not require state police involvement at the direction of the county prosecutor’s office. “It’s done, it was a misdemeanor,” said Leaf of the investigation. “She was a volunteer, not a full-time employee. If she had been drunk driving, it would not have been enough to involve the Michigan State Police. I’m concerned about the liability of commissioners trying her in commission chambers with very little evidence rather than in a court of law.” In a later telephone call, Leaf pointed out a similar situation with a parking enforcement officer in the City of Hastings convicted of indecent exposure. “Everybody’s talking about a conflict of interest,” pointed out Leaf, “but when the City had that problem, they did their own investigation and no one hollered then.” The cost of a forensic audit, estimated by Gibson to be $15,000 to $20,000, also escalated the concern of other commissioners. “I believe a baseline should be available to
a new director,” offered VanNortwick. “To sensitize this with cost and putting some hysteria into the discussion is inappropriate. We don’t need to jump into an hysterical situation and try to derail this thing.” Gibson, who pointedly accused Houtman of mounting a witch hunt against Leaf, offered a caustic compromise as Tuesday’s meeting ended. “I would suggest that Mr. Houtman pay for the audit,” proposed Gibson. “If they find anything, we’ll reimburse him.” In other business, the board: • Presented its annual evaluation of Brown, rating his performance at 4.52 on a scale showing 5.0 as the optimum mark. Ratings were returned by seven of eight commissioners who evaluated Brown’s performance in 12 categories. Brown received a perfect 5.0 from all commissioners for financial management. Six of the seven provided a similar mark for interaction. Brown’s lowest rating came in delegation, though Stolsonburg remarked that “we’ve asked a lot of you this year. Not only were you our administrator, but you were equalization director, animal shelter director and Veteran’s Affairs director. Added Geiger: “Michael just raises the bar because he promotes such a professional culture.” Parker told the story of visiting recently with a Muskegon couple, one a township official and the other a county commissioner.
See AUDIT, page 2
Steve Reid to lead Christmas parade as grand marshal by Sandra Ponsetto Staff Writer The theme of this year’s Hastings Christmas parade is “Joy to the World,” and that makes the selection of this year’s grand marshal particularly apt. Whether serving as the director of Love Inc. of Hastings, or promoting and organizing a variety of community musical events, performing original dramas or serving as one of Santa’s helpers, Steve Reid has done much to bring joy into the lives of others during the Christmas season, and all year round. “We wanted to honor Steve because he has done so much to support Christmas in downtown Hastings and beyond,” said Karen Heath, a member of the Downtown Business Team and one of the organizers of this year’s Christmas in Hastings weekend.
Reid said he is honored to have been chosen to lead the parade, which steps off at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, in downtown Hastings. “It was Joan Foster from the Chamber of Commerce who got me started as Santa’s helper in 1981. As his helper, I’ve ridden on floats at the back of the parade, gone to Santa’s house and even ridden on the airplane to get Santa to the North Pole,” said Reid. “One year I even had to walk about half of the parade route before my ride came. But, this year I have the privilege of riding in a convertible from Salvation Army.” In addition to helping Santa, Reid keeps the Christmas spirit alive and well in Hastings by arranging for live music on the Holly Trolley since 1987.
See GRAND MARSHAL. pg. 2
Steve Reid stands outside the office of Love Inc. in Hastings, where he has worked for more than 30 years.
Many questions go unanswered in animal cruelty case by David DeDecker Staff Writer Controversy continues to swirl over the handling of an investigation into animal cruelty and abandonment charges brought against a Middleville woman whose foreclosed home was found two weeks ago by the new owner to contain dog feces on the floors and bags of dead dogs on the property. Because Marcie Tepper is a member of the Barry County Animal Shelter Advisory Board and a special deputy advisor to Sheriff Dar Leaf, some community members and groups are suggesting that the county sheriff’s investigation into the charges against her is a conflict of interest. At the request of the Animal Shelter Advisory Board, the Barry County Board of Commissioners voted 6-2 Nov. 20 to direct County Administrator Michael Brown to request that the Michigan State Police take over the investigation to provide third-party clarification of questions related to how many dogs were involved, from where they came, how they were killed, and if euthanizing drugs may have been used illicitly. However, in phone interviews with Brown and Michigan State Police Lt. Steve Harper, the Banner learned that only the county prosecutor or the Michigan Attorney General’s office may request the MSP to investigate a case. Contacted Tuesday, Barry County Prosecutor Tom Evans expressed confidence
in Leaf’s handling of the matter. “Our office immediately issued charges with regard to the neglected animals, and the defendant will be brought to court,” recounted Evans of the actions taken by his office following receipt of Leaf’s investigative report. “The reports I have show a diligent investigation. Our office will review any additional possible charges that are brought to us.” Some question, however, why no effort was made to determine how the dogs died and if illicit use of euthanizing drugs may have been involved. Leaf told the Banner last week that the bagged dead dogs had been sent to the MSU veterinary college for autopsies, but reversed that position on Tuesday. “We never sent the dogs to Lansing,” said Leaf. “We had asked that, and the prosecutor’s office said ‘no.’ We tagged them and entered them as evidence, but [an assistant prosecutor] in the prosecutor’s offices said he didn’t want them.” Evans said, “The initially seized deceased dog had a necropsy performed at [a local veterinary office]. Given the state of decomposition, no cause of death could be determined. That dog is part of the charged offense. “We were informed by an officer on the scene, with regards to the deceased dogs found later, that they were very badly decomposed and were not suitable for necropsy,” said Evans. “We did advise the sheriff department that the dogs, including the necropsied
“What it boils down to is the appearance of impropriety and conflict of interest. The proper way to address these concerns is through the Michigan Sheriff’s Association. They have best practices and standards in place and will review the investigation. I have advised the sheriff to seek the MSA’s counsel.” Prosecutor Tom Evans
dog, did not have to be maintained.” Leaf said Tepper took possession of between four and eight dogs, since 2008, from the Barry County Animal Shelter. He maintained that the level of the charges and Tepper’s role as a volunteer — not a fulltime employee — precludes any suggested involvement by the state police. “It’s over, this was just a misdemeanor,” said Leaf on Tuesday of the investigation. “Everyone’s concerned about this being a conflict of interest, but she was a volunteer, not a full-time employee. This comes down to
a couple of commissioners wanting to try her in the commission chambers rather than a court of law.” Evans said commissioners have raised the question of conflict of interest with the Sheriff investigating Tepper, his hand-picked volunteer. Evans said he has spoken to both Leaf and Harper about the situation. “What it boils down to is the appearance of impropriety and conflict of interest,” said Evans. “The proper way to address these concerns is through the Michigan Sheriff’s Association. They have best practices and standards in place and will review the investigation. I have advised the sheriff to seek the MSA’s counsel.” Leaf attended Tuesday’s county board meeting where commissioners voted to authorize Brown to look into the cost of a forensic audit which would include a record of the euthanizing drug inventory at the Barry County Animal Shelter. After the meeting, Commissioner Howard Gibson came to the Banner office to say there are no drugs at the animal shelter now and wondered how long it has been since a euthanizing drug supply was kept there. According to the Animal Control office those drugs have not been on hand since midsummer. The contracted veterinarian now inventories the required substances. (For a related story on the Tepper incident see the county commissioners’ meeting in this issue.)
Page 2 — Thursday, November 29, 2012 — The Hastings Banner
Survey reveals what Delton residents want from upcoming bond Board refinances bond debt to save district $646,711 by David DeDecker Staff Writer The Delton Kellogg Board of Education Nov. 19 heard results from a survey showing what residents hope to get out of a bond proposal the board has scheduled for the May 2013 election. Citizens Rob Bunday and Geoff Stevens, members of a committee researching what physical improvements the community would like to see in the school district, presented the information. No dollar amount has been set for the bond proposal. The committee has worked over several months to compile a list of priorities in the
schools. Three levels of priority items have been formulated with the high-priority items having a price tag of nearly $10 million. Bunday said the community indicated that overall goals of the proposed 2013 bond should be to support and improve education; improve school operations; save energy; address health and safety concerns; improve handicap accessibility; improve athletic facilities; increase community engagement; and enhance the curb appeal of the schools. Survey responders said the highest priority is paving and drive improvements. The next priority, and the lowest cost, is to replace windows in the elementary school with more energy-efficient windows. The main grouping on the list of priorities is to modernize science and computer labs in the middle school, update the vocational education shops in the high school, install new boilers in all three schools and replace the roof on the elementary school addition. Also on the top-priority list are replacing
GRAND MARSHAL, continued from pg. 1 “It’s been a lot of fun,” said Reid. “We’ve had Frank Zappa’s guitarist, a member of the Classics Four, Mr. Blues, who makes up impromptu songs about the riders, Acoustic Christmas, a band from Grand Rapids. We try to have a wide variety of music — bluegrass, four-part harmony, oldies groups and more.” “My goal is to keep helping out with the trolley as long as I can,” said Reid. In addition to scheduling music for the trolley during the holiday season, with the exception of a three-year hiatus, Reid has scheduled musical groups for the Summerfest main stage since 1980. He also scheduled and promoted Community Music Showcase at Arby’s from 1991 until 2001 and last year’s Community Concert series. “There was so much appreciation for what we were doing at Summerfest — that is how we got started at Arby’s,” said Reid. “We scheduled 250 concerts during 10 years at Arby’s. My dad, [ Don Reid] videoed all the concerts for [cable] television.” Throughout the years, Reid has also performed two original dramas— one about Simon Peter and the other about Joseph. “I’ve done them inside and out,” he said. “I’ve performed them in churches, and one time we did a live drama of Mary and Joseph that went through downtown, with sheep and donkeys, and llamas instead of camels. We had angels on the roof of the cinema. It wasn’t until afterward that we learned one of the
angels was afraid of heights — we haven’t seen her since,” he added with a chuckle. As the director of Love Inc. since Jan. 1, 1984, Reid has helped spread Christmas cheer to hundreds, if not thousands, of people during the holiday season through the agency’s Christmas basket program. Whether serving as the director of Love Inc., performing in a drama, organizing and promoting concerts or helping Santa, Reid said he enjoys what he does because of people’s reactions. “I like to help Santa with [public relations],” he said. “I ask them if they believe in Santa or if they are skeptical what Santa has brought them over the years,” he said. “I like to see people laugh when Mr. Blues makes up a song ... “People say a person has to be out of their mind to do all this, but it’s the only mind I have,” said Reid, who said he plans to keep planning concerts, working at Love Inc. and scheduling music for the trolley as long as he is able because it gives him joy, as well. “My wife, Joyce, died two years ago and she was very supportive of all of this when she was alive,” said Reid. “With her passing, this kind of helps fill in some of the gaps. “I have a picture of my wife with Santa and it is one of my prized possessions,” said Reid. “To do all of this, I have had to be over generous with my time, but she always supported me and I will never forget her for it.”
Hastings kicks off holiday season with celebration beginning tomorrow Christmas returns to Hastings this weekend. The festivities start Friday, Nov. 30, with the Hastings Holiday Hop downtown from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring free Victorian carriage rides, a manger and tree-lighting ceremony, caroling, live music, an arts and crafts show at the library and more, and continues throughout the weekend with a production of “Miracle of 34th Street” by the Thornapple Players, and the annual Hastings Christmas parade at 2 p.m. Saturday. During the Holiday Hop, participating downtown businesses will be decorated for the season, and many will offer light refreshments for shoppers, as well as live music at some locations. Gift wrapping will be available at Our Favorite Things, 123 W. State St., with donations given to local charity and at the Christmas village set up inside the old Walker’s store next to Richie’s. While at the Christmas village, youngsters can visit with Santa and his elves, who will be serving hot chocolate. For an additional dose of old-fashioned Christmas charm, free horse-drawn Victorian carriage rides will be available, compliments of participating downtown businesses. Free rides on the Holley Trolley also will be available during the event and for the remainder of the holiday season. Special events during the hop will include a manger dedication on the Barry County
Courthouse lawn and a tree lighting at Hastings City Hall at 8:30 p.m. In conjunction with the Hastings Downtown Business Team’s Holiday Hop, Hastings Public Library will hold its sixth annual Taste of the Holidays and third annual Art at the Library, from 5 to 8 p.m. During the event, 27 local artists will be located around the library, displaying a variety of creative works that can be purchased for Christmas giving. After shopping, guests may stop in the library’s community room and taste holiday goodies that are traditions in many local households and vote for favorites The Thornapple Players will present “Miracle on 34th Street” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, Friday, Nov. 30, and Saturday, Dec. 1. Matinee performances will be given at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, and Sunday, Dec. 2, in Leason Sharpe Hall inside the Barry Community Enrichment Center, located at 231 S. Broadway. For tickets, call 269-945-2332 or visit Progressive Graphics on South Jefferson Street in Hastings. The annual Christmas parade, which will be led this year by grand marshal Steve Reid and feature a theme of “Joy to the World,” will step off at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1. The parade will march down State Street west to Church Street where it will turn south to Center Street then east continue to the old Felpausch parking lot.
the high school gym floor and bleachers, the bathrooms/concession/ticket building near the football field, and replacing the track asphalt and surfaces. A major expenditure on the list is to purchase new furniture for 33 percent of the classrooms. Auditorium lighting and sound improvements are among the high priorities, as is replacement of auditorium seating. Doors and hardware also need replacing, according to the community, and are high on the priority list. Finally, respondents supported the need for two new school buses. Bunday and Stevens spoke about a second tier of priorities, with a cost of just over $6.5 million. A third tier tallies up to nearly $1.5 million and new fencing around the baseball fields. There were also numbers for new athletic facilities including a 21,500-square-foot community center priced at $4.56 million. Committee members working on the new proposal discussed a new team building, new multi-purpose gym in the elementary, an addition to the high school gym, a wrestling room addition, and elevated indoor track and a fitness center. One person asked whether building maintenance and upkeep for a new community center was included in the $4.56 million estimate. It is not. The next tentative community meeting to discuss the proposed bond issue is scheduled for Dec. 12 at the high school. In other business, the board unanimously approved refinancing of the remaining balance on 2003 school building and site bonds. The refinancing, a 7.444 percent savings, will reduce the district’s interest expense by $646,711 over the next seven years. Athletic Director Mike Mohn introduced nearly 30 scholar athletes from the fall season and congratulated them on their successes. He said the girls’ cross-country team had a cumulative GPA of 3.513 and volleyball had a team GPA of 3.49, making both teams recipients of first team Academic All-State Team honors. Mohn said the cumulative GPA for the 30 students honored at the board meeting is 3.55. Teacher Kim Nguyen and middle school
principal Diane Talo spoke about a method of teaching called Strategic Instruction Model. Nguyen and other Delton Kellogg teachers were certified as SIM trainers recently and are bringing their expertise to the classroom. They may also bring their training expertise to other school districts. Talo said students are being asked to have increased levels of higher-order thinking and problem solving. She said standardized testing are changing to challenge students in these specific areas. “We are now prepared to rise to the occasion,” said Talo. High school principal Stewart Schofield told the board that a humanities trip to Chicago for the senior class is being planned for the spring. Board member Jim McManus said the building trades house is ready for winter, and students will be working inside the house. He said the project is on schedule. Marsha Bassett said the suicide prevention committee will host three speakers for a community parents night Dec. 10. The meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. in the high school audito-
rium. The board approved the first reading of school policy changes and will begin a second reading review. During the public comment portion of the meeting, a resident shared his concern over people not stopping for school buses near his home. He said on three occasions, different cars have gone around the school bus when the flashing lights are on and the stop sign is extended. The man said his 7-year-old granddaughter has to cross the road after getting off the bus and that drivers are not even slowing down. He said a car once knocked over his mailbox while going around a school bus. The man asked the board to do something to educate people about safety issues, and if caught, the large fine and points that could be put on their driver’s licenses. The meeting then went into closed session for contract negotiations and student reinstatements. The next meeting of the Delton Kellogg Board of Education will be Monday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. in the elementary school.
AUDIT, continued from page 1 “I started talking about our situation and they kept asking me, ‘What’s this guy’s name?’ I didn’t want to tell them.” • Approved $24,630 from the data processing fund to purchase network switches from NuWave Technologies and installation services from Syekon, Inc. • Approved the waiver of adoption and other fees to pay spay and neutering fees on a revolving basis through the use of donated funds for adoptable animals at the county animal shelter to approved animal rescue organizations. • Approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Barry County Animal Shelter for the Carroll Petrie Foundation Dog Rescue Project. The approved agreement will provide grants from the Petrie Foundation to shelters
that increase the number of dogs saved through relocation. • Approved a budget amendment reflecting several adjustments for insurance claim reimbursements and expenditures for cleanup of a sewer backup at the jail, for purchase of tactical uniforms, and for line-item transfers of funds between the general fund and several department budgets. • Approved transfers and disbursements in the amount of $633,021. • Acknowledged and supported the application for grant funds from MSU Extension and the Great Lakes Integrated Science Assessment Center to establish a climate adaptation planning program for Barry County. • Approved the hire of Newman as the Barry County Animal Shelter director.
Stopping for a school bus is the law by David DeDecker Staff Writer Area residents have recently expressed concern over what they consider a trend of passing school buses when the buses have stopped to pick up or drop off students. A Hastings resident called the Banner to say he witnessed several vehicles going around school buses when the buses were stopped and had signals flashing. A Delton resident stood during public comment at last week’s board of education meeting to say his 7-year-old granddaughter was in danger because cars were going around the stopped school bus. He said one vehicle had even run over his mailbox. Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation into law July 3 that requires motorists to stop completely at least 20 feet from school buses that have turned on red flashing lights and engaged the stop arm when students are loading or unloading. SB1030 states motorists shall remain stopped until the school bus deactivates its flashers and retracts the federally required stop arm and the bus resumes motion. The law deletes a previous provision that allowed motorists driving through intersections, controlled by a traffic officer or a stopand-go signal, to pass a bus “at a reasonable and
proper speed but no more than 10 miles per hour and with caution for the safety of passengers getting on or off the bus.” Parents are required to ensure children’s safety when approaching or leaving a school bus. “It is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian to see that a child gets safely to and from the bus stop,” states the Michigan Department of Education on its website, www.michigan.gov/mde. “The school district provides transportation as a non-mandated service and establishes placement of the bus stops in accordance with the requirements of the law.” The lights on a school bus used to notify other traffic of an upcoming stop must be activated 200 feet from the stop, and so, bus stops must be at least 200 feet apart. The website also says the primary concern is visibility of the bus to other traffic and the consideration of stopping distances necessary for other motor vehicles in order to accomplish safe loading and unloading of the children. In general, state law requires 400 feet of clear and continuous visibility on a highway or roadway where the speed limit is more than 35 miles per hour, and 200 feet where the speed limit is less than 35 miles
per hour. According to the Michigan Secretary of State’s website, www.michigan.gov/sos, three points will be added to an individual’s driver’s license for both “disobeying a traffic signal or stop sign or improper passing” and for “failure to stop for a school bus or for disobeying a school crossing guard.” Current law also states that if a vehicle illegally passes a school bus, the court considers it evidence the registered owner was the driver at the time of the incident. Sentencing guidelines show fines of $100 to $500 if convicted of illegally passing a school bus. Fine money goes to public libraries. The law also allows a court to assess convicted motorists a maximum of 100 hours of community service to be performed at local schools. A woman went before the Barry County magistrate this week for driving around a stopped Hastings school bus. She received a $250 fine. The court will forward the civil infraction information on to the State of Michigan. She may now be facing three to six points on her Michigan driver’s license as determined by the Secretary of State.
The Thornapple Players will present
Miracle on 34th Street
77572734
Adapted by Mountain Community Theater from the novel by Valentine Davies. Based upon the Twentieth Century Fox motion picture Miracle on 34th Street.
NOV. 29, 30, & DEC. 1 AT 7PM & DEC. 1 AT 3PM & DEC. 2 AT 2PM in Leason Sharpe Hall Barry Community Enrichment Center 231 South Broadway, Hastings Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for senior citizens (62 and over) and students. Questions, call 269-945-2332 or 269 945 9249 ask for Doug
Tickets available in advance Progressive Graphics
All seats are $5 on Thursday for Dress Rehearsal
‘Miracle on 34th Street’ opens tonight The Thornapple Players will present the Christmas classic, “Miracle on 34th Street,” this weekend in the Barry Community Enrichment Center’s Leason Sharpe Hall. Performance times are Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Brian Reynolds will play Santa in the Thursday and Saturday afternoon performances, and John Merritt will be Friday and Saturday night. They will share the stage Sunday afternoon. Here, Susan (Julia McLean) meets Santa (John Merritt) as Fred Gayley (Chris Cote) and some of the elves (Alyssa Dipert and Tommy Johnson) look on. Santa Claus will be at the Barry Community Enrichment Center at 6 p.m. Saturday and at 1 p.m. Sunday before the shows. The Barry Community Enrichment Center is located at 231 S. Broadway, Hastings. For tickets, call 269-945-2332 or stop into Progressive Graphics on South Jefferson Street in Hastings.
The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 29, 2012 — Page 3
More than 400 turn out for Turkey Trot
More than 400 runners and walkers wait in anticipation of the fifth annual Turkey Trot 5K on a foggy Thanksgiving morning near Camp Algonquin.
Winners of the Family Division 11- to 17-year-old family division are (from left ) Mark, Tom, Jerry and Griffin Christensen.
Thanksgiving Day started off on a healthy foot for 406 runners and walkers in the fifth annual Turkey Trot 5K at YMCA Camp Algonquin. The weather cooperated for the event with temperatures in 40s at the 8:30 a.m. start of the race, said Ryan Rose of the YMCA. Sponsored by the YMCA of Barry County, Pennock Health and Wellness and the Barry County United Way, the event provides a fun venue for families to be active with divisions for runners, walkers and all ages, he said. As part of the race registration, more than 500 pounds of food was received for the Barry County United Way Food Bank.
Winners of the 2012 Turkey Trot 5K Run are Jacob Pratt and Brook Brenner.
Winners of the 2012 Turkey Trot in the 10-and-under family division are (from left) Heather, Jonah, Brian and Allison Teed.
Overall run winners were Jacob Pratt for the men and Brook Brenner among the women. Walking winners were Dylan Johns and Ashlee Rizor. Fifty families participated in three divisions to encourage all ages get involved, said Rose. Winners of the under 10 and under family division were Brian, Heather, Allison and Jonah Teed. Winners of the 11- to 17-year-old family division were Mark, Jerry, Tom and Griffin Christensen. The adult family Division was won by Jerry, AJ and Mitchell Singleterry.
Winners of the adult family division are (from left) AJ, Mitchell and Jerry Singleterry.
HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Friday, Nov. 30 — November Reading Club concludes; preschool story time enjoys dots, 10:30 a.m.; Taste of the Holidays Recipe Exchange shares holiday treats; Art at the Library gift show, 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1 — Lego Club has an Adventure in Lego-land, holiday style, noon to 2 p.m.; pictures with Santa after the Christmas parade. Monday, Dec. 3 — Taste of the Holidays Recipe Exchange continues. Tuesday, Dec. 4 — toddler story time enjoys snowmen, 10:30 a.m.; young chess tutoring class, 4:30 to 5:30; genealogy club meets, 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5 — 1st to 3rd Club has fun with Christmas, 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.; Library Book Club discusses True Sisters by Sandra Dallas. Call the Hastings Public Library for more information, 269-945-4263.
Ashlee Rizor is the winner of the adult walking division.
Call for Hastings Banner classified ads 269-945-9554
Page 4 — Thursday, November 29, 2012 — The Hastings Banner
Did you
see?
Masked visitor
State legislators looking to reform education – again
Tery Holly of Lake Odessa snapped this photo of a backyard guest. Holly said she thinks the critter was ousted by hunters, since his usual haunt is across the nearby channel on Jordan Lake. He left by twilight the day she took the photo, and hasn’t been seen since. 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. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@jadgraphics.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?
Christmas afloat 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 iden-
Do you recognize these ladies (and one man in the left corner) who appear to be working on a float for the Christmas parade? Do you know where they are working? What can you tell us about this photo? tify 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. The man in the white shirt in last week’s photo, ‘Amazing Grain,’ was reported to be Kenneth Kelsey, pictured with his brother-inlaw, Ronald Lehman, said Lehman’s brother Harold and Kelsey’s daughter Jean Long. Both said the pair were pictured watching wheat be unloaded at the grain elevator that once stood at the southeast corner of Michigan and Apple streets in Hastings. Long said her dad may have been bringing in a load of wheat, or he may have just stopped to chat with his brother-in-law. [The childhood memories of Kelsey’s widow, Dorothy (Lathrop) Kelsey, were published earlier this year in the Banner.]
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Now that the election is over, Michigan’s legislators are using the lame-duck session to deal with some momentous issues. Two bills that could drastically impact the education system may be up for consideration. House Bills 5923 and 6004 would change the way the state funds education by creating a student voucher system that would impose a statewide funding district, rather than the community-based system we currently use. According to experts, House Bill 5923 would create a new type of school that would operate like a charter, draining significant resources from local school systems. House Bill 6004 would put the Education Achievement Authority, currently operating in Detroit, into law and give that authority broad control over student education in every district and the physical use of all public school buildings. These are major changes that should be investigated and debated in public so Michigan taxpayers fully understand the impact these changes would have on local districts. They both may be acceptable legislation, but a short legislative session doesn’t allow enough time to fully understand the implications. Lame-duck legislative sessions can be the devil’s workshop. Current legislators don’t have the time to fully study legislation, but they still are allowed the opportunity to push through bills that would never have chance of passage under normal circumstances. Looking at the pending legislation, one might question, “are legislators looking for a way to improve the quality of education or are they looking for a way to weaken teacher labor unions?” For years now, Michigan legislators have been pushing the charter school movement as a way to solve long-term issues dealing with education. Michigan got into the charter school business in 1994 when it approved 12 charter schools. Since then, the numbers have grown to 277, of which for-profit companies control 75 percent of all charter schools. The surge was brought on when the state lifted restrictions on the number of charter schools that can be opened. And, if House Bills 5923 and 6004 are passed, it will open the floodgates to unlimited growth. Has the charter movement been so successful that the state should throw the public schools under the bus in favor of private operations? Or, have we allowed years of underlying issues to impact the way we operate our schools? In a Los Angeles neighborhood plagued by poverty and violence, an exceptional pubic school classroom called Room 56 makes a case for increasing standards. The fifth-graders inside Room 56 are largely from immigrant families, most live in poverty, and few speak English as their first language. Yet, they play Vivaldi, perform unabridged plays by Shakespeare, and go on to attend some of the finest universities in the country. It’s their teacher, Rafe Esquith, who helps his students achieve these accomplishments. How does he do it? In his book, Teach Like Your Hair’s On Fire, Esquith gives teachers and parents the tips, techniques, exercises, innovations and the vision that’s made him one of the most celebrated teachers in the world. In his classroom, Esquith teaches his students to “be nice and work hard.” His students voluntarily come in early and leave late. They learn to handle money with an in-class economic system. They read great literature, tackle algebra, take field trips all over the country and play baseball and rock ‘n’ roll. But most of all, his students are treated with respect and are challenged to engage in a world of ideas. In his book, Esquith states his concern with the deterioration of our culture. “We’ve created a culture that considers athletes and pop stars more important than research scientists and firefighters, making it practically impossible to develop kind and brilliant individuals. “Yet we’ve created a different world in Room 56. It’s a world where character matters, hard work is respected, humility is valued and support for one another is unconditional. Perhaps when parents and teachers see this, and realize that my students and I are nothing special, they will get a few ideas and take heart.” Should we expect the problems facing Michigan’s public schools to be solved by adding more charter operations? Or are we afraid to challenge our schools to be more innovative in a constantly changing world? Another success story is the Khan Academy. It’s a nonprofit education program with a goal of changing education for the better by providing a free world-class education system made available for anyone, anywhere. The academy’s resources are available whether you’re a student, teacher, home-schooler, principal or adult returning to the classroom to prepare yourself for the new workplace. The program is the work of MIT and Harvard graduate Sal Khan. Khan says that so far, over 41 million adults and children around the world have learned from his special videos last year alone. Experts confirm that Khan’s step-by-step programs and practice exercises, which can be tailored to a student’s rate of learning, could revolutionize the traditional lecture driven school instruction. Khan’s program emphasizes mastery of a subject. “If you barely understand pre-algebra, there’s
no point in making the student take algebra [as is required in Michigan schools]. A core grounding in basics is fundamental,” says Khan. In his program, Khan uses instructive video programs to take students through the exercises, working with them until they fully understand the problem — before going on to the next level. He becomes their coach — keeping track of their progress while helping them progress through the tutorials until they understand the material. Khan says that his company has put a lot of energy into making sure that the Academy empowers teachers by giving them access to the data they should’ve had for years. “You’ll know instantly if a student is struggling in multiplying fractions, or if they hit a streak and is now far ahead of the class,” says Khan. Looking at the impact these two educators have on students, one might ask, “Is the problem charter vs. public schools or is the issue buried deep within years of mismanagement of the entire educational system?” One thing for sure, the debate is causing frustration throughout the system — rather than creating the kind of environment conducive for a great education. In a recent Banner article about former superintendent Richard Guenther, we acknowledged his gift of leadership. “He was a straight shooter, not willing to pass the buck to anyone,” said one of his former teachers. Another teacher said, “He didn’t want any other school in the state to be better than ours. So he set high standards for the school and staff — which set the stage for the way he guided his ship.” In the same publication, the lead article talked about the Hastings teachers heading to fact-finding with the school board over contract negotiations considered at an impasse. Across the state, school districts are in trouble due to state funding cutbacks, reduced enrollment and increasing costs. However, experts are cautious to admit that Michigan schools have been under attack for several years now by debating achievement with silly slogans and measurement systems that have done little to create a better climate for students to achieve in. For years now, “we’ve allowed good teachers and parents to surrender to forces that sap their potential excellence,” says Esquith. “The demons are everywhere. Those who care deeply often feel outgunned by apathetic or incompetent administrators and politicians. Which means that expectations for children are often ridiculously low — meaning a child’s true potential will not be developed.” This isn’t the time to add more competition to an ailing public school system with even more pressure over their financial viability. We didn’t get into this mess in a few months — it’s taken years of abuse and mismanagement of the system, so we should expect it will take some time to get it turned around. “Young people in these struggling districts need a financially sustainable education system for which it is possible for both students and teachers to succeed,” warns Gov. Rick Snyder. “They need a system that efficiently directs limited taxpayer dollars toward smart, researchbased efforts proven to help all students perform at dramatically higher academic levels.” Snyder goes on to say, “We must embrace profoundly different expectations of our schools, teachers and students. If we expect success, we must encourage them to thrive by providing a structure that shuns complacency and mediocrity.” In districts throughout the state, teachers find themselves frustrated with the system and parents over the results, while politicians look for a scapegoat to place the blame on a system that seems adrift from the reality that the system is broken. We should look to Rafe Esquith and Sal Khan for some of the answers to our quandary. The solutions won’t be found in a new funding mechanism for public education — it has more to do with setting higher standards, looking for innovative approaches and setting clear expectations of teachers, administrators and yes, parents because they play a major role in their students success. The Hastings school board and administration must find a way to set aside their differences and move on. We’re coming up on the halfway mark of another school year. Which means the current students have around five months left of the current school year to learn the material necessary to proceed to the next grade level. It’s imperative that we place our full attention on student achievement by looking for new and innovative ways to educate our youth. This won’t get done if we’re bogged down with contract talks that sap the energy needed for higher achievement. It’s in the best interest of the staff and our community that our district becomes solvent once again. Looking back, much of the staff, administrators and school board were all on board as the system began its financial decline and did little to avert the inevitable. Let’s all agree that there’s plenty of blame to go around, but now is the time to put aside differences and work together to solve our immediate problems so we can get back to the real work at hand — that of educating our students. Fred Jacobs, vice president, J-Ad Graphics
The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 29, 2012 — Page 5
Sunfield woman stabbed at friend’s house
IURP RXU UHDGHUV McCauley was among the finest serving in Barry County courts To the editor A great many individuals have served the greater Barry County community with little recognition and these are some of the people I kept in my thoughts Thanksgiving Day. One was the Hon. Patrick H. McCauley, mentioned briefly as follows in the most recent Michigan Bar Journal: “... of Kalamazoo died Sept. 12, 2012. He was born in 1921, graduated from the University of Michigan Law School, and was admitted to the Bar in 1954.” That’s it. A life on the bench of some twenty-odd years, having handled the trials and sentencings of hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals warrants two meager sentences in the gospel for Michigan lawyers. Judge McCauley is one of only six Barry County judges I had the honor of appearing before over some 13 years of work here as a prosecutor. McCauley was a visiting judge for Judge Richard Shuster. He was a good, honest, humble and humorous man. Judge McCauley was the closest judge I have ever known to the likes of the few other Barry County judges before whom I appeared — the closest one could ever ask of a perfect judge. Whatever your side or standing, you
knew with Judge McCauley that both sides would get a fair shake. He would do his best with whatever was presented. And in the end, you, your client, the defendant and the People would feel as though they had been listened to and heard fairly. With Judge McCauley, whether it had been a few weeks or a few months since his last sitting in for Judge Shuster, he would remember something about most everyone he came in contact with, either on the bench or back in chambers, and make a point of asking after that person, and then actually listening to the response. Judge McCauley was an at least partially retired jurist when he would do his Barry County gigs, and could always be expected to talk about his “back in the days” time as a boxer — after the morning’s business was finished. Judge Patrick McCauley was a good, humble and honest man, with a quick smile and a kind manner. He served Barry County well and deserves to be remembered for his service, and for what he brought to our bench when he presided here. Shane McNeill, Woodland
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.
A Sunfield woman who spent Monday night at a friend’s house in Lake Odessa was stabbed by a man who apparently was upset with the homeowner. Lake Odessa Police officers responded Nov. 27 to a 911 call at the Lakewood Mobile Estates, located just off Tupper Lake Street, for a possible stabbing. Officers found the 23-year-old Sunfield woman, who had been stabbed multiple times. The suspect had already fled the scene in his vehicle, said Lake Odessa Police Chief
IURP RXU UHDGHUV Pizza order brings appreciation To the editor: Recently at my work, a man called and ordered a pizza. I knew nothing about him, other than his name was Jesse and he liked pepperoni, bacon and ground beef on his pizza. When he came to pick it up, he ran into an old friend who also had ordered a pizza. They started talking, and I couldn’t help but hear their conversation. Jesse was in the military and was getting sent to Afghanistan on a nine-month deployment. He also had a very young boy at home and, when he would return, his boy would be just over 1 year old. I didn’t get a chance but want to thank Jesse for what he’s doing for this country. (And I apologize for his pizza having no ground beef; we had run out.) Courtney Sheffer, Delton
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Mark Bender. The suspect, 38-year-old Daniel Hank Surline of Grand Ledge, was arraigned Wednesday on charges of assault with intent to murder; home invasion, first degree; aggravated stalking; and domestic violence. He is scheduled in Ionia County District Court Dec. 10 at 8:30 a.m. The victim, Emily Faul of Sunfield, was transported by ambulance to Spectrum Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids where she is listed in stable condition,
“The victim had no relationship at all with the suspect; she was obviously at the wrong place at the wrong time,” said Bender. “It is believed the intended victim was actually the homeowner who had a past relationship with the suspect.” Lake Odessa Police were assisted in the investigation by Michigan State Police, Ionia County Sheriff’s Department and the Lansing Police Department.
City approves urban services agreement with Rutland twp. by Sandra Ponsetto Staff Writer After years of negotiating, the City of Hastings and Rutland Charter Township have signed a resolution allowing the municipalities to move forward with an urban services agreement. The resolution, approved unanimously by the Hastings City Council during its meeting Monday evening, was approved earlier this month by the Rutland township board. In his written communication to the council, Hastings City Manager Jeff Mansfield said, “We look forward to this final step in the process of developing and approving the agreements. These agreements represent the culmination of many, many hours of hard work by many well-intentioned individuals seeking to do what is very best for our collective community. They certainly represent a ‘win-win’ outcome for all involved.” The resolution approved by the city and township includes three components: First, letter of agreement defining the project in the Rutland Charter Township/City of Hastings Urban Services and Economic Development Agreement as consisting of water and sewer mains extended to the site of a new hotel being constructed in the township just outside of the city limits; second, the urban services and economic development agreement to allow the city to provide urban services to the initial service district, which will include the site of the new hotel and property owned by the township and east of that site toward the city limits; and, third, an escrow agreement placing the urban services and economic development agreement in escrow until the project is completed. In other business, the council: • Approved a request from Rick Plite of Kisscross Events for a variety of accommo-
Call 945-9554 for more information.
dations to allow the 2013 Founders/BarryRoubaix Killer Gravel Road race to begin and end in Hastings Saturday, March 23, 2013, and hold a street party, including a beer tent, in conjunction with the event. Plite estimated the event could draw up to 4,000 people to the city. The council unanimously approved a motion to allow plans for the event to proceed under direction of city administration. • Approved amendments to the city’s 201213 fiscal year budget to reflect changes in revenues and expenditures during the first quarter of the fiscal year relating to the continuation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Brownfield Assessment program, due diligence regarding to the city’s possible assumption of responsibility for Riverside Cemetery, adjustments due to the Michigan Avenue bridge project, and the Library Fund for Operations and Capital Improvements. • Accepted the resignation of Timm Oyer from the Hastings Public Library Board of Directors. • Approved a motion awarding a bid for engineering services and water main construction projects to Williams & Works in an amount not to exceed $29,975, as recommended by Tim Girrbach, director of public services. • Passed a motion approving the following sales and purchases as recommended by Girrbach: a bid for the sale of the 1993 Ford Super Duty Dump Truck to Thornapple Lake Estates for $12,5000; the sale of the 2001 Chevy pickup truck to Knowlco for $7,501; the purchase of a 2012 four-wheel drive utility truck from Henkel Auto Group for $47,952, without trade-in; and, the purchase of the two four-wheel drive pickup trucks from Berger Chevrolet for $73,222, without trade-in.
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Know Your Legislators:
State Representative Mike Callton, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, MI 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: mikecallton@house.mi.gov U.S. Congress Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 1714 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 2255144. District office: Room 166, Federal Building, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. 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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Charles Franklin Hoffman A.K.A. Riggs September 18, 1984 ~ November 10, 2012
Charlie’s parents, Karen L. Lawrence and Dee L. Hoffman are in deep mourning in his unexpected death as well as Charlie’s four sisters and five brothers. Charlie passed away in Kentucky and the family is holding a benefit to help raise money to bring Charlie back to Michigan to have him put to rest properly. All donations will be used for transportation and burial fees. Please join the family on: 77572685
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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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OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2 11:00AM-2:00PM Host: Jess Webb
6235 OAKWOOD DR. 1. OPEN HOUSE! Come see this move in ready up to date home on Dec.2nd * 3 lots & deeded access to Guernsey Lake there is plenty to offer * Choice of Delton-Kellogg or Hastings schools! Call Jess @ 616-350-7948 ...........................................$110,000 Directions: Take M-43 to Guernsey Lake Rd. & follow the signs.
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Page 6 — Thursday, November 29, 2012 — The Hastings Banner
Worship Together…
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Area Obituaries
...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852-9228. Morning Celebration 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 408, (corner of Milo Rd. & S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Thursday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 1716 North Broadway. Rev. Timm Oyer, Pastor. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Morning Worship Service 10:45 a.m.; Evening Service 6 p.m.; Wednesday Evening Service 7 p.m. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Dan Currie, Sr. Pastor; Josh Maurer, Youth Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages,10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Jr. Youth Group 5-7 p.m. & Sr. High Youth Group 7-9 p.m.. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30 p.m., Awana, Bible Study, Praise and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information on MOPS, Children’s Choir, Sports Ministries. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Gary Simmons. Sunday Worship 9:15 a.m. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (616) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Susan D. Olsen. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m.; Sunday School, 10:45 a.m. ST. ROSE CATHOLIC CHURCH 805 S. Jefferson. Rev. Richard Altine, Pastor. Saturday Mass 4:30 p.m.; Sunday Masses 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.; Confession Saturday 3:30-4:15 p.m. ST. CYRIL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH Nashville. Rev. Richard Altine, Pastor. A mission of St. Rose Catholic Church, Hastings. Mass Sunday at 9:30 a.m. . 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.
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. New! Starting... Nov. 25... Worship Service 9:15 and Children’s Sunday School (ages 2 thru 5th grade). Worship Service: 10:45 a.m. & Children’s Junior Church (4 years through 4th grade). Junior and Senior High Youth Group 6:00 p.m., and several adult small group opportunities. Wednesday Mid-Week 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. 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. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God’s Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Sunday, Dec. 2 - Worship Service 8 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Dec. 2 - Jail Worship 1 p.m.; High School Youth Group 6 p.m.; Men & Women’s Alcoholics Anonymous 7 p.m. Dec. 3 - Women of Faith Dinner Outing 5:30 p.m.; Recovery Bible Study 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 - Brothers of Grace Dinner Outing 6:30 p.m. Vision Team Meeting 7 p.m. Dec. 5 Wordwatchers Bible Study 10 a.m.; Advent Supper 6 p.m.; Advent Vespers 7 p.m.; Sarah Circle Christmas Party 8 p.m. Dec. 6 Clapper Kids Bell Choir 3:45 p.m.; Middle School Youth Group 5 p.m.; Grace Notes Bell Choir 5:45 p.m.; Stewardship Committee Meeting 6 p.m.; Adult Choir 7:15 p.m. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269945-2698. Pastor Amy Luckey. http://www.discover-grace.org FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 405 N. M-37, Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. Rev. Dr. Jeff Garrison, Pastor. Sunday Services: 8:55 a.m. Traditional Worship Service; 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
Ronald H.D. Armbruster
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.
Fiberglass Products
1401 N. Broadway Hastings
Keith Buehler
CHURCH OF CHRIST 541 N. Michigan Ave., Hastings. Minister Collin Pinkston. Phone 269-945-2938. Sunday School 10 a.m.; Worship 11 a.m. Wednesday Night Bible Study 7 p.m.
This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses:
Lauer Family Funeral Homes
Norval E. Thaler
118 S. Jefferson Hastings 945-3429
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HASTINGS, MI - Norval E. Thaler, age 87, of Hastings, passed away November 21, 2012 at Woodlawn Assisted Living in Hastings. He was born February 11, 1925 in Freeport, the son of John and Anna (Roush) Thaler. Norval attended Freeport High School, graduating in 1942. He honorably served in the US Army Air Corp. as a aerial gunner during World War II. After the war Norval worked at the Freeport Creamery. He was a co-owner of Freeport Supply Hardware in the early 50s until 1976. Norval was the Barry County Clerk from 1976 until his retirement in 1988. Norval and Norma were married on July 10, 1945. He was a member of the Freeport United Methodist Church. Norval held several Barry County government positions. He was a board member and volunteer for the Barry County Habitat for Humanity. Norval also served as treasurer for many organizations. He had many interests that included, hunting, fishing, golf, bowling, softball, playing cards, singing and travel. Norval was preceded in death by his wife, Norma on January 21, 2008; three brothers and five sisters. He is survived by his daughters, Linda (Joe) Alberding, Sue (John) Biermacher; grandchildren, Scott Wilcoxson, Collin (Heather) Wilcoxson, Sarah (Mike) Garcez and five great grandchildren. Funeral services were held Monday, November 26, 2012 at Freeport United Methodist Church, 175 Cherry St., Freeport. Memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity. Arrangements are by the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings, please visit our website to leave a message or memory to the family. www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.
James D. Cool FREEPORT, MI - James D. Cool, age 62, of Freeport, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at his residence. He was born November 24, 1949 in Hastings, the son of James A. and Dorothy R. (Woods) Cool. He attended and graduated from Thornapple Kellogg High School. Jim was the manager of the Hastings Airport for more than 20 years. He loved aviation and also enjoyed hunting and mushrooning. He was a long time member of the Hastings Elks Lodge. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Rebbecca Reed and brother, Rodney Cool. Jim is survived by a son, Andrew Cool of Freeport; sister's, Rosemary Count (Ray James) of Delton and Lory Biermacher of Middleville and many nieces and nephews. Respecting his wishes cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to charity of one's choice. Arrangments are by the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. Please visit our website to leave a message or memory to the family.
FREEPORT, MI - Keith Buehler, of Freeport, passed away November 26, 2012, at his home, with his family at his bedside. Keith was born August 8, 1927 on the family farm in Freeport, the son of Forrest and LuVada (Karcher) Buehler. A top ten member of the graduating class of 1944 at Freeport High School, Keith was a dairy farmer and hardware service man at Freeport Supply, where he earned the title of Freeport's Fix It Man. Keith will be remembered as a jack of all trades, and an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed bowling, playing cards with family and friends, and participating in tractor pulls at Freeport Homecoming Days. Keith excelled at softball, earning a membership in the Freeport Softball Hall of Fame. A former boy scout and 4H leader, Keith was a former member of the Freeport Historical Society, the Freeport Volunteer Fire Department and a life member of the Knights of Pythians. On January 17, 1948 in Lacey, Keith married the love of his life, Nyla VanSyckle, who survives. Other members of his family include their children, John (Barb) Buehler of Freeport, Bonnie (Armand) Ranguette of Hastings, and Jerry (Kimberley) Buehler; a sister, Betty Usborne of Freeport; six grandchildren; eight great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Keith was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Milton and sister-in-law, Joyce Buehler; sisters, Vivian Vierk and Velma Humphrey; a brother-in-law, John "Stub" Usborne Jr.; and a nephew, John Usborne III. A funeral service will be conducted at Beeler-Gores Funeral Home in Middleville, on Thursday, November 29, 2012, at 11 a.m., Chaplain Amy Young, officiating. Burial will take place in Freeport Cemetery. Memorial contributions to Freeport Historical Society or Pennock Hospice will be appreciated. Please visit www.beelergoresfuneral.com to view Keith's online guest book, or to leave a condolence message for Keith's family.
BATTLE CREEK, MI - Ronald H.D. Armbruster, age 95, of Battle Creek, died Sunday, November 25, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Hospice Residence. Ronald was born, February 21, 1917 in Sanborn, MN to Fred J. and Mary D. (Dammann) Armbruster and was a 1934 graduate of the Sanborn Public Schools and was first in his class. Ronald came to Battle Creek in 1962 from Philadelphia. Ronald served with the occupational forces of the US Army in Japan until 1947. He began his studies in mechanical engineering at the University of Cincinnati and received his bachelor of science from the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1957. Ronald had been employed by the Ault & Wiborg Co. of Cincinnati, the Wright Aeronautics Co., Black Clawson Co. of Hamilton, OH, the Continental Can Co. in Chicago and Newark, the Baldwin-LimaHamilton Co., the Crown Cork and Seal Co. and retired in 1979 after 17 years of service for the E.W. Bliss Co. of Hastings, and then worked for the Vermont Marble Co. until 1982. Ronald was a past president of the Battle Creek Engineering Society, past president of the Michigan Engineering Society, a member of the Urbandale Planning Council, past Chairperson of the Battle Creek Alliance of Neighborhood Councils, a member of the Tau Beta Pi National Honor Society and a member of the First Congregational Church. Ronald held an engineering license in Ohio and held seven engineering patents. Ronald traveled extensively in his work, he worked in Russia, Poland, Germany, England, Australia, Africa, Japan, China, Mexico, France, Puerto Rico, Canada, Hawaii and South America. Ronald became a licensed pilot at the age of 79; he also enjoyed music and played trombone in a Big Band. Ronald is survived by his daughters, Judy Cottrell of Wyoming, MI and Debra Noha of Edwards, CO; a son, Ronald Bliss of Anchorage, AK; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren; a brother, Willard Armbruster, of South Dakota and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen M. Cummins, in 1968 and Ella A. Tyler, in 1992, and brothers, Morris and Floyd Armbruster. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, November 29, 2012, at the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, 223 N. Bedford Rd., Battle Creek. Memorials may be given to the First Congregational Church or the Good Samaritan Hospice. Please visit Ronald’s web page at www.bachmanhebble.com.
Spetoskey helps Davenport to first National Tournament With a team made up almost entirely of players from West Michigan, Davenport University’s Women’s Volleyball team made its first appearance in the NAIA National Tournament Nov. 17. Sophomore Lexie Spetoskey, a 2011 Lakewood High School graduate, stepped in as a defensive specialist this season for the Panthers. Soon after the Viking varsity team took part in the Class B State Championship, Spetoskey stepped on the court for Davenport in La Crosse, Wisc. Her and her teammates fell 25-22, 25-23, 25-12 to No. 21 ranked Viterbo University in the opening round of the national tournament. Spetoskey had 11 digs and a kill in
the loss. Kelse Moon, the Panthers’ lone senior, led her team with ten kills and ten digs. Amber Getty, a Wayland graduate, had 29 assists for the Panthers. Nicole Chase from Caledonia had eight kills. It was only the third time all year that the Panthers fell in three sets. Davenport set a new school record with its 32 victories this fall under head coach Megan Lenhart. Spetoskey was second on the Panther team this fall with 184 assists and fourth on the team with 254 digs. Getty had 1,229 assists to lead the Panthers, and Chase had a team-high 343 kills on the season.
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The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 29, 2012 — Page 7
Calley, lawmakers offer plan to reform personal property tax
BETTER BRIDGE IN BARRY COUNTY by Gerald Stein NORTH N: 8 4 3 M: K 4 2 L: K K: A K Q 10 5 3
WEST
EAST
N: K Q 10 5 M: Q 10 6 5 L: 8 7 3 K: 8 7
N: A 9 7 6 2 M: A 8 7 L: Q 2 K: J 6 2 SOUTH: N: J M: J 9 3 L: A J 10 9 6 5 4 K: 9 4
Dealer: North Vulnerable: North/South Lead: KN North 1K 3K Pass
East Pass Pass Pass
South L 1L 3L
®
West Pass Pass
Today’s bridge column continues the bidders’ dilemma. To bid or not to bid is certainly the question on today’s hand. If you hold the East or West hands in today’s auction, would you be willing to jump in with a bid, or would you be willing to let the North/South team bid away to a part score, even though it sounds like they have a misfit? It is a dilemma. What are the options here? With North/South vulnerable, North opened the bidding with 1K with 15+ points. East, with a five-card spade suit, elected to pass, feeling that the spade suit was not that good for an overcall. Remember, East, you are only at the one level. South responded with 1L after East passed, promising at least four diamonds and at least six points. With only seven points, and having heard nothing from partner East, West passed with four hearts and four spades and seven points. North’s second bid of 3K promised at least six clubs and better than opening count of 12 or 13 total points. By this time, East should have awakened and smelled the coffee. It appeared that North/South were in the minor suits, struggling to find a fit together. Did East regret not having bid the one spade bid when the level was low and the danger was even lower? To bid now at the three-level would take a lot of courage. East, unfortunately or fortunately, passed again. With seven diamonds in his hand, South placed the contract at 3L, and all passed. West, on lead, had listened to the bidding and knew that the minor suits belonged to North/South. The majors must belong to East/West. A good logical approach provided West with the KN for his lead, the top of a sequence, promising the QN to his partner. With three small spades in the dummy, East signaled an encouraging sign with the 7N, promising something in his hand. When the JN fell from the South hand, however, West needed to change the next lead to a heart. Leading the second spade would provide a ruff for South, a chance to draw trumps, use the clubs to throw away all of the losers in the South hand, and claim 12 tricks. West saw the JN fall, and he wisely elected not to lead another spade to his partner, but to lead a heart to his partner’s AM, keeping North/South to 11 tricks and a part score of 150 points. Did East/West miss a tremendous opportunity to compete in this auction? Suppose that East had bid one spade as an over-call immediately after North’s 1K opening bid. While the spades were not spectacular, yet there were five of them, and there were other points in the other suits as well. Now South could have bid 2L if he dared. With just a long diamond suit, no fit in clubs, vulnerable as well, South might have passed. West, having heard the spade bid by partner East, knew enough to compete to the 2N level. Now the bidding had changed this hand considerably. Now East/West had found a nine-card spade fit, and if North had bid 3K, East would have bid 3N, probably ending the auction. Three spades in the East/West versus three in a minor? That is the question. While the East/West team had little chance of making three spades, yet they would have been extremely competitive, would have bought the auction, and would have taken away the minor suit misfit from the North/South team. Even if North/South had continued to bid, they would have found that they had to bid at the four-level, and it would have been highly unlikely that they would have bid to the five-level and game in a minor suit. East/West could have interfered with the bidding to their advantage, and even though they would likely have gone down one trick, it would only be a mere 50 point gain for the North/South team. There are times, especially early in the auction, that a one-level bid is a good bid. Your partner might have your missing cards for a Golden Fit in your suit, and you might steal away a bid that might have gone to the North/South team uncontested. Keep bidding in Barry County. ***** (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)
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Republican state leaders outlined on Tuesday a plan they said would keep Michigan’s economy moving forward by reforming the personal property tax, though any approved changes would not begin until 2014. The PPT is imposed on job providers for their commercial, industrial and utility equipment. The 100-year-old tax poses several barriers to job creation and economic growth, according to Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville and House Speaker Jase Bolger who presented the plan. Both Calley and Gov. Rick Snyder have been at work on the issue with a bipartisan group of lawmakers and stakeholders to reduce the burden on job providers while minimizing revenue losses to local units of government, many of which rely on PPT revenue. Supporters of the plan include the Fraternal Order of Police, Police Officers Association of Michigan and the Michigan Professional Firefighters Union, said Calley in a press release made available Tuesday. The proposal does not impose a new tax. Reimbursement funding to local units of government would come from a portion of the existing Use Tax, which is paid on out-ofstate purchases. Losses to the state’s General Fund due to the redirection of a portion of the Use Tax would be made up with savings realized through expiring certificate tax credits. “This is a fiscally responsible strategy that helps to lay the groundwork for a more prosperous future,” Calley said. “It’s an excellent compromise that balances the tax-relief needs of job providers with the revenue needs of our communities and schools. Michigan has come a long way in the past two years but we’re not content. We must eliminate obstacles to growth like the PPT, so that more families can get better jobs. Reducing this unfair burden on job providers will attract investment and expand local tax bases. This is a critical step that keeps Michigan on the right track.” The plan proposed on Tuesday would provide reimbursement rates to most local units of government at 100 percent for police, fire and ambulance revenue losses and at a minimum of 80 percent for everything else. It also holds the school aid fund harmless and fully covers school debt, according to a press release from the governor’s office. “The PPT is a tax that punishes job creation while providing essential support for local governments,” said Bolger, R-Marshall. “We need to reform this tax so that we can attract the investments that will create new jobs for Michigan’s workers. “I realize many communities rely heavily on the support they receive from the personal property tax. That is why it is essential to pro-
vide full replacement funding for police, fire and schools. Things that are worthwhile are rarely easy and this tax reform is no exception. The House looks forward to working on this package with the Senate and the Governor’s Office to take another giant step forward in improving Michigan for hardworking families.” Richardville, R-Monroe added his resolve that the Senate would offer its support. “Reforming the personal property tax has been at the top of the Senate’s agenda for quite some time,” said Richardville. “This is a tax that literally punishes our job providers for growth and expansion. In order to support our local businesses and attract new companies and industries to Michigan, we have to continue to eliminate obstacles to job creation. Reforming the personal property tax is the next logical step in the process of getting Michigan back to work.” Specifically under the proposal: • Beginning in 2014, all of a taxpayer’s industrial and commercial property within a local tax collecting unit will be exempt, as long as the combined taxable value of such property within the unit is less than $40,000. • Beginning in 2016, new eligible manufacturing personal property and eligible manufacturing personal property that was new in 2012-2015 would be fully exempt. • Beginning in 2016, eligible manufacturing personal property that was new in 2005 or earlier will be fully exempt. In each subsequent year, one additional year is added to the exemption until all existing eligible manufacturing personal property is exempt in 2022. • Eligible manufacturing personal property means all industrial and commercial personal property located on a parcel of real property if the personal property is used more than 50 percent of the time in industrial processing or direct integrated support. • Regarding reimbursement of lost PPT to local units and school aid fund, 80 percent of non- police/fire/ambulance personal property loss will be replaced by the state, except for those subject to the “no reimbursement” threshold. There is no reimbursement for locals whose exempt personal property taxable value is less than 2.5 percent of their total taxable value for all property. • Locals could levy a special essential services assessment on the real property of exempt taxpayers at a rate needed to replace all of the lost PPT revenue that otherwise would have funded police, fire and ambulance services from their general fund. • Taxpayers claiming the eligible manufacturing PPT exemption will have to pay the ESA. School aid fund and school debt PPT losses will be fully reimbursed, and reimbursement will begin in fiscal year 2016.
• In order to reimburse the locals for PPT losses, a portion of the state use tax currently going to the general fund will be dedicated to reimburse locals for PPT revenue losses. The use tax will continue to be capped at 6 percent. • The state general fund and the school aid fund will be reimbursed for the loss of the Use Tax revenue by the savings on the certificated credits that are expiring. • The local use tax component provides a mechanism for distributing certificated credit savings to locals that is not subject to the annual legislative appropriations process. The proposal calls for levying a new “metropolitan areas” component of the existing Use Tax on a statewide basis to generate replacement revenue for PPT reductions. At the same time, the state component of the use tax will be reduced by the amount of the metropolitan areas component so that total state and metropolitan areas use taxes will never exceed the current 6 percent rate, which is constitutionally limited. Under the plan, about 1 cent to 1.5 cents of the 6-cent use tax will be used for PPT reimbursement. • The 6 percent use tax will continue to be paid by businesses and consumers in the same manner as under current law. However, a “metropolitan authority” will receive the revenue generated by the metropolitan areas’ component for distribution to local taxing units as replacement for reduced PPT revenue. • Local revenue will not be distributed by the state, but instead by a metropolitan authority with statewide jurisdiction. Funds generated by the metropolitan areas component tax will be funds of the metropolitan authority, and not state funds subject to the legislative appropriations process. • The change in the Use Tax will be “revenue neutral” and will not increase total state and local taxes levied in Michigan. The levy will require statewide voter approval before taking effect. • The metropolitan authority will distribute the metropolitan component tax revenue to local units as replacement for reduced PPT revenue. Initially, the replacement will equal 80 percent of the non-police/fire/ambulance loss. Over time, a growing percentage of the reimbursement will be based on the amount of industrial real property in the taxing unit.
Social News
BUSINESS BRIEFS • Hastings Manufacturing Co. was named Vendor of the Year by Engine and Performance Warehouse as announced by Performance Business Magazine. The award is presented to vendors who perform well in distributions/sales policies, pricing policies, inventory, returns, labor claims, office support and shipping/packaging, according to EPWI. Bob Kollar, CEO, and Tom DeBlasis, vice president of domestic aftermarkets sales, accepted the award at EPWI’s conference in Colorado. • Carla WilsonNeil, chief operating officer of Pennock Health Services, has successfully completed the requirement to become certified as a Fellow of the American College of H e a l t h c a r e Executives. Fellow status represents Carla Wilson-Neil both a history of professional achievement and an ongoing commitment to excellence in health care. Earning the FACHE credential involves fulfilling multiple requirements covering both academic experience and professional and community involvement. Once certified, candidates commit to continuing education, professional development and recertification every three years. • Maggie Coleman, board chair of Pennock Health Services, was recognized by the Michigan Hospital Association for successful completion of the Excellence in Governance Fellowship. The program guides Maggie Coleman individuals through the process of generating new thinking, developing advanced knowledge and enhanc-
ing efforts as community stewards and leaders. Coleman has served on the Pennock Health Service Board of Trustees since 2003 and has served as chair since 2010. • Jeff and Bonnie Steinman and Nunzino Pizza of Hop Head Farms in Hickory Corners have received verification from the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program for their farmstead and cropping systems. The Steinmans and Pizza worked with a local technician to become verified by adopting environmentally sound land management practices. Hop Head Farms has 15 acres of hops and a full processing center to service a network of growers in the surrounding area. • David Muilenberg and Jeffrey Keessen of Discovery Financial have been awarded the Accredited Investment Fiduciary designation, allowing them both to provide fiduciary advice to retirement plan trustees. Discovery Financial provides retirement planning to executives and business owners in a variety of industries with offices in Ada and Hastings.
Betty Cappon to celebrate 88th birthday Betty Cappon will celebrate her 88th birthday on Dec. 9, 2012. To help her celebrate you may send her a card at 764 Wellman Road, Woodland, MI 48897.
Marriage Licenses
• Laurie DeDecker, RN, has received certification as a healer and as a trainer in energy medicine through the nonprofit Healing in America. She has opened WoodsEdge Healing practice serving Barry County.
Josephy Tyler Sparks, Shelbyville and Stacy Lynn Howard, Shelbyville.
• Hastings Orthopedic Clinic has been awarded the Joint Replacement Excellence Award by Healthgrades, Inc., a developer and marketer of quality and safety ratings for health care providers nationwide. The award recognizes hospitals and practices for superior outcomes in knee and hip replacement or resurfacing.
GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY!
• Hastings City Bank has been recognized as a five-star bank by Bauer Financial Inc., the nation’s leading bank rating and research firm. A five-star rating indicates one of the strongest banks in the nation based on excellence in areas of capital quality, asset quality, profitability, and others. Hastings City Bank, established in 1886, has earned the five-star superior rating for the past 11 quarters.
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Page 8 — Thursday, November 29, 2012 — The Hastings Banner
Lake Odessa
Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of
EDWARD JONES
Don’t take a ‘holiday’ from working toward financial goals by Elaine Garlock Sunday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary of Central United Methodist Church, the chancel choir will present a cantata “Season of Wonders,” celebrating the miracle of Christmas. Soloists will be Carole Reiser, Lori McNeill and Tom Reiser. Organist will be Patricia Werdon. The director is Ginny Kruisenga. The public is invited. Refreshments will be served. A free-will offering will be taken to benefit the Lakewood Christmas Basket project. Sunday, Dec. 2, First Congregational Church will have hanging of the greens at the 9:30 a.m. service. Following the service there will be finger foods served in the dining room. On Wednesday, Dec. 5, there will be a soup supper at 6:30 p.m. in the dining room of First Congregational Church, next week, with soup, breads, crackers and desserts. Everyone is welcome to attend. John and Debbie Stassek of Bloomingdale
joined other family members at the home of her brother for Thanksgiving. Thanks to the wonders of technology, they were able to talk with and see the faces of their two adult children on the West Coast. Downtown lamp posts are decorated with lighted wreaths, installed by village DPW workers. Many families took advantage of last week’s mild weather to put up outdoor Christmas lights. Several graves at Lakeside Cemetery are decorated; some even with miniature Christmas trees, complete with ornaments. Operation Christmas Child is a charity instigated by the Rev. Franklin Graham, of Billy Graham. Typical for a first year venture is for a church to fill about 20 shoeboxes with small gifts for an unnamed child. This year, a first, Central United Methodist Church filled 63 shoeboxes with socks, toys and more. Last year, 12 countries provided gifts for children in 130 countries. More than 8 million packed boxes were sent in 2011.
We’re well into the holiday season now. And while the holidays are joyous, they can also be expensive. In fact, at this time of year, many people make spending decisions they end up regretting. But you can enjoy the holidays and still stay on track toward your financial goals by following a few simple guidelines, including the following: • Set a budget — and stick to it. Whether you’re buying gifts or hosting holiday parties, you need to establish a budget and not exceed it. The people to whom you’re giving gifts and entertaining do not expect you to dig yourself into a financial ditch on their account — and they wouldn’t want you to do so, either. • Compare prices. With some searching, you can almost always find less expensive versions of those gifts you’re considering. But a word of caution: The earlier you start hunting for bargains, the better your chances of finding good prices. • Watch for “after-holiday” sales. The best bargains typically appear when the holidays are over. While these sales may not benefit you this year, they can prove quite valuable if you decide to “stock up” on gifts for the next holiday season. • Don’t over-use your credit cards. Try to limit your credit card purchases over the holidays. If you must use a card, at least pick the one with the lowest interest rate — and do the best you can to pay off the card quickly. Over the last few years, Americans have actually done a pretty good job of lowering their household debt levels — and that’s definitely a movement in which you’ll want to partici-
pate. Keep in mind that the higher your debts, the less money you’ll have available each month to invest for retirement, college for your children or any of your other financial goals. • Avoid dipping into long-term investments. If you find yourself coming up short when dealing with holiday expenses, you may be tempted to cash out at least a portion of your long-term investments. But this should be avoided, for at least two reasons. First, depending on the account you’re tapping into, you may face penalties, fees and taxes. Second, and perhaps even more importantly, you’ll be depriving yourself of resources you had earmarked for your key goals, such as a comfortable retirement. Of course, you may eventually be able to replace the funds you’ve withdrawn. But in the meantime, you’ve lost out on the growth potential these investments may have provided — and that period of lost opportunity typically cannot be regained. • Build a “holiday fund.” It might be too late for this year but, once the holidays are over, set up a special account for next holiday season. Even if you put in only a small amount each month, you’ll be pleased with how much you can accumulate in a year. Keep the money in a liquid, low-risk account — one that’s separate from any money you use for your normal day-to-day expenses. By following these suggestions, you may be able to take some of the stress out of this holiday season — and possibly even brighten all the other seasons of the year, too. 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 33.15 +.59 AT&T 33.62 -.20 BP PLC 41.35 +.12 CMS Energy Corp 23.95 +.69 Coca-Cola Co 37.42 +.18 Eaton 51.05 +.80 Family Dollar Stores 68.94 -.42 Fifth Third Bancorp 14.54 +.06 Flowserve CP 138.76 +.53 Ford Motor Co. 11.10 +.27 General Mills 40.62 +.16 General Motors 25.01 +.08 Intel Corp. 19.93 -.32 Kellogg Co. 55.45 +.71 McDonald’s Corp 85.92 +.88 Pfizer Inc. 24.25 +.11 Perrigo Co. 102.20 +.28 Ralcorp 88.80 +17.68 Sears Holding 46.05 -1.81 Spartan Motors 4.56 -.05 Spartan Stores 14.50 +.42 Stryker 54.22 +1.22 TCF Financial 11.77 +.43 Walmart Stores 69.50 +.48 Gold $1742.45 +$10.85 Silver $34.04 +.92 Dow Jones Average 12,878 +.83 Volume on NYSE 643M -18M
State News Roundup Bill would require law enforcement reporting I recently sponsored Senate Bill 132, which would require private security guards or private college security forces to notify a law enforcement agency when a crime is committed. This measure was introduced in response to an incident at Andrews University, a private college located in Berrien Springs, where allegedly on more than one occasion a campus security officer failed to report a criminal matter to the local police, although it was the unwritten policy of the college’s Department of Public Safety to do so at the time. Typically, the practice is for a college’s private police or security guard to report the
Call anytime for Hastings Banner classified ads 269-945-9554
incidence of a crime to the local police; however, this procedure is currently not in statute; therefore, reporting by a private officer is not specifically required by state law. Another example of untimely reporting occurred on the campus of the University of Michigan. While on a break, a medical school resident found several files containing child pornography on a computer in a locked lounge where residents work in the pediatric emergency department. The resident met with her supervisors and hospital security officials, sharing what she had seen and showing them the computer. She also met with the general counsel’s office and told them about it. The matter was considered closed a few days after the report was made. Unfortunately, university officials waited another six months before reporting the incident to university police. This is a crime that should have been reported immediately, not swept under the rug only to surface six months later. We cannot have a Penn State situation occur in our great state. My legislation would not have prevented the incidents at Andrews University or at the University of Michigan. But if passed, my bill would ensure that when a crime is committed, it will be reported to law enforcement agencies that have the necessary training to do a proper investigation in a timely manner.
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Gun Lake Tribe’s latest revenue sharing payments exceed $8.6 million Tuesday, the Gun Lake Tribe announced details of its fourth revenue sharing payments to the state and local governments. The State of Michigan received just over $7 million while the local revenue sharing board received nearly $1.7 million. Revenue-sharing payments are distributed semi-annually under terms of the tribal/state gaming compact. The figures were calculated on electronic gaming revenues reported from April 1 to Sept.. 30. “Since the Gun Lake Casino opened under two years ago, the Tribe has shared over $27 million with the state, local governments, schools and many others,” said D.K. Sprague, chairman of the Gun Lake Tribe. “That does not include donations made by our charitable giving program. This is another example of the Tribe living up to its word; promises made, promises kept.” Under the compact agreement, the Tribe agreed to share a percentage of electronic gaming revenues with the state and local governments. The local revenue share is based on 2 percent of net win from electronic gaming devices, while the state payment is calculated on a sliding scale between 8 and 12 percent. A portion of the current state payment was calculated at 10 percent of net win. The state revenue sharing payments are dependent on the continued preservation of exclusive gaming rights within the Tribe’s competitive market area, as defined by the gaming compact, which includes the cities of Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Lansing, as well as the entire counties of Kent, Kalamazoo and Ingham, among others. The local revenue sharing board receives and administers the semi-annual payments. The gaming compact prescribes mandatory funding to local municipalities for costs incurred due to the operation of the casino; public safety services; and replacement of tax revenue. The board established bylaws to govern the distribution process. In accordance with those bylaws, other possible uses for local revenue sharing money include funding for schools and civic organizations. Gun Lake Casino opened in February 2011 and now employs more than 800 team members. The Gun Lake Tribe has now shared more than $27 million with state and local governments.
Two-year study aims to aid in right-size planning The Michigan Historic Preservation Network and the National Trust for Historic Preservation have announced publication of “Putting the Right in Right Sizing: A Historic
Preservation Case Study.” The study, prepared by Brenna Moloney NTHP and MHPN preservation specialist, outlines lessons learned during her two years working closely with the cities of Saginaw and Lansing, and makes recommendations for these and other American cities that are undergoing the rightsizing process. “Right-sizing is a term coined to enable planners, city leaders and the public to enter into a conversation regarding the changes needed in the shrinking city,” said MHPN Executive Director Nancy Finegood. At the heart of the issue was the need to shift from the long-practiced planning with an expectation of growth to the need to manage a city’s contraction. Whether done consciously or unconsciously, right-sizing poses significant challenges to historic preservationists, said Finegood. In response to concern over seemingly unchecked loss of historic building fabric, the NTHP and the MHPN in the fall of 2010 created a preservation specialist position in the cities of Saginaw and Lansing. At the time, both of the target communities were undergoing some form of right-sizing planning. At the end of the two years of developing close working relationships with both communities, Moloney prepared this document on the state of right-sizing. The case study is designed for use across numerous disciplines (preservation, planning, municipal governments, community development corporations) to aid in efforts to incorporate historic preservation principles into right-sizing planning. The experiences in Lansing and Saginaw are intended to contribute to the growing knowledge base of information related to historic preservation and right-sizing, said Finegood. The case study provides a unique perspective on the issue that insists not only on well-laid plans but also on community involvement at every step of the process. This case study, she added, is intended to serve as a preliminary guide for historic preservation planning and advocacy in other cities across the country. Electronic versions of the study are available on the MHPN website, www.mhpn.org.
Development Corp. The office will help Michigan companies to research, identify and capitalize on market opportunities in a broad range of industry sectors across Canada. Snyder met with Ontario and Canadian government officials and key business executives Sunday to strengthen trade relationships and attract job-creating business investments. Concurrent with the governor’s visit, business leaders from six Michigan companies are in Canada this week meeting with prospective partners, distributors and buyers to increase export opportunities from Michigan to Canada. In addition to one-on-one matchmaking appointments, the group will receive customized market research, market entry strategy and business service support. The trade mission is being led by the MEDC. “Canada is an important and viable market with great demand for Michigan products and services across multiple sectors,” Snyder said. “This trade mission will open doors for these companies by helping them identify and enter into new relationships here.” The participating companies are B&D Cold Heading of Taylor; baabaazuzu of Lake Leelanau; IMECO Corporation of Iron Mountain; Prime Solutions Inc. of Otsego; Ralco Industries Inc. of Auburn Hills; and RSVP International Worldwide Logistics of Kalamazoo. Michigan is the top state in the U.S. for exports to Canada, with Michigan companies exporting $23.4 billion in goods and services to Canada in 2011. Michigan exports to Canada represent 46 percent of the state’s worldwide total. The state is home to 243 Canadian-owned companies that employ 22,500 Michiganders in 702 locations.
Michigan strengthens relationships with largest trade partner
The Michigan Department of Treasury is reminding shoppers that purchases made online are not tax-free during holiday season, or at any other time of year. Michigan’s use tax generally applies to transactions in which the retailer does not collect sales tax. This happens most frequently when an individual makes a purchase from online retailers, through mail-order outlets or television shopping networks that do not have physical locations in Michigan. When out-of-state vendors do not collect sales tax on purchases, under Michigan law, the purchaser is responsible for reporting and paying the use tax. Taxpayers can report the use tax annually when completing and filing their Michigan Individual Income Tax Return. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/taxes and click on the Sales and Use Tax tab. Michigan’s use tax is calculated at the rate of 6 percent. Purchases subject to the use tax include appliances, books, clothing, computers, DVDs/CDs, electronics, furniture, and pre-written computer software.
Gov. Rick Snyder Monday celebrated the grand opening of the Michigan Trade Office in Canada that will promote trade, tourism and cultural exchanges between Michigan and Canada. “The Michigan Trade Office builds upon the strong foundation we have with Canada,” Snyder said. “It will add to the level of service we can offer our businesses, strengthen our relationship on many fronts, and expand mutually beneficial opportunities for our businesses and citizens.” The Michigan Trade Office provides a physical presence for Michigan with office space and staffing provided through a collaborative program of the Great Lakes Council of Governors and the Michigan Economic
Cyber shoppers reminded to keep receipts and report use tax
The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 29, 2012 — Page 9
“Contrary to rumors being spread, the wiring for the incandescent and arc lights is so well insulated and safe that people can even touch them without danger.” Hastings Banner July 9, 1891
Electric service started by group here in 1891
The new LaBarge line went into operation Thursday afternoon, Dec. 12, 1901. The Banner of that date reads that: “Last evening 2,500 volts of electricity were turned on from the water power at LaBarge for purpose of testing it and everything was found to be all right. It is expected to turn on the full 25,000 volts this afternoon. Hereafter, we may expect a regular day current of electricity, which will be greatly appreciated.” Connect other communities During 1913, lines of lower voltage were extended to the village of Caledonia from the LaBarge plant and in 1916, lines of 22,000 voltage were extended to the villages of Woodland and Vermontville. Since then, service lines have been extended to Alto, Clarksville, Sunfield, Mulliken and a number of smaller communities. Gas service here came about 13 years after the first electric lines were in operation. In 1905, the city council granted Fred W. Freese and associates a franchise to construct a gas plant and supply gas service to the homes, business places and industries of the commu-
nity. This plant was constructed where the gas holder and regulator station of the Consumers Power Company [mid-1950s] now stands at East Center Street. It was in continuous operation until gas transmission lines were extended here from Lansing in 1930 to serve Hastings and other communities in Eaton, Ionia and Barry counties. Work on the first gas plant, according to a Banner news story in the issue of April 27, 1905, began during the week of April 13 of that year. Work progressed rapidly, and by the end of the month, brick walls had been erected for a building 28-feet-by-70-feet. Eight generators were included in the equipment. Plans for the storage tank had to be altered when water-bearing gravel was hit at a depth of 13 feet (the tank was supposed to go 16 feet underground). When completed, however, the tank was 47 feet in diameter and had a capacity of 25,000 cubic feet. Began making gas Service apparently began about June 25, 1905, for the Banner of Thursday, June 22, 1905, states that: “After having spent a week in slowly firing the retorts until they were brought to a white heat, the Hastings Gas Company started Monday, the actual manufacture of gas. It will take a little time for their product to force the air out of the pipes but by the end of the week, they will be ready to furnish gas to customers. Several business places and some homes are being piped for gas, and many more expect to use it. Mr. Ott is well pleased with prospects and looks forward confidently to a good business.” When gas became available, it was used considerably to supplement electric lighting in homes. Early electric service was a bit temperamental. Storms often interrupted service for hours at a time. As the quality of electric service improved, gas lighting became a thing of the past. One of the first uses of gas in residential homes was for cooking. To help the transition, many firms offered combination gas and
wood stoves for those who lacked full confidence in this “new fangled” invention. But here, too, gas service grew in favor and the family wood pile soon became a thing of the past. Gas plant sold Shortly after the gas plant was in operation, it was sold to the owners of the Hastings Electric Light & Power Company, and the combined reorganized as the Thornapple Gas & Electric Company. This new concern continued in operation until 1922 when it became a unit of the Consumers Power Company. During the past 42 years, there has been a tremendous local growth in both the gas and electric business. In 1914, there were 1,350 electric customers and 650 gas customers. Now the Hastings division serves 15,000 electric customers and about 5,150 gas customers. Present demands for both gas and electricity are far in excess of the capacities of the local electric and gas plants, which Consumers took over in 1922, but are readily met by means of Consumers’ interconnected electric and gas transmission systems. Interconnected network Power for Hastings now arrives via high voltage lines from substations in Battle Creek and Charlotte, and both of these substations are tied into the interconnected transmission network. The electric power Hastings now receives is thus derived from a variety of sources. The small steam plant that originally served this community was discontinued years ago. Many rural lines now serve farm homes in Barry County and more than 200 rural customers have the advantage of gas service. Some of the greatest changes in the way of the life here during the 100 years that have passed by since the Banner first hit Main Street, Hastings, have been brought about by the tremendous developments in connection with the use of gas and electricity.
Snyder says adaptability is key to state’s energy, environmental future This water wagon was actually a big wooden tank on wheels used for spraying water on the old dirt streets of Hastings. This kept down the dust, but the spraying had to be repeated often in warm, dry, sunny weather. [Photo reprinted from Hastings Long Ago, Book C, by Robert Palmer] named were F.H. Barlow, A.E. Keneston and A.E. Dickerman. Among the stockholders were Dan W. Reynolds, Chester and Richard Messer, W.D. Hayes, Archie McCoy, W.H. Goodyear, A. Black & Son, Richard Doyle, P.R. Dunning, Thomas Henry, Hams & VanArman, William Kelly, D.E. Fuller, Albert E. Renkes, Phin Smith, S.E. Phillips, R.K. Grant, C.M. Weaver, J. Russell, C.W. Jordan, Hale Kenyon, T.S. Brice, J.N. Wichwire, L.E. Stauffer and S.E. DeGroot. This group proceeded at once with construction work on an area now occupied by the north section of the Barry County garage at 301 Court Street. No information has been found relative to the capacity of the original plant which operated by steam, or as to the original rate schedule for private, use or as to the number of customers served during the first few years. Rumors are squelched Apparently there was some nervousness over the appearance of wire and poles in the city limits, because a Banner article of July 9, 1891, assured people that “Contrary to rumors being spread, the wiring for the incandescent and arc lights is so well insulated and safe that people can even touch them without danger.” The first complications of the scientific age had appeared. The Banner contains no record of when the new plant began operations. It must have been delivering current successfully during the later months of 1891, however, because the city council began investigating the feasibility of electric lights for city streets in late November of that year and eventually authorized the first contract on Jan. 12, 1892. First payment of a city electric light bill was noted in the council proceedings of March 11, 1892, when $8.80 was authorized to the Hastings Electric Light & Power Company. Reorganize company In 1901, there was a reorganization of the company with plans to operate on a much larger scale. New financing was obtained and the new company erected a hydro-electric plant on the Thornapple River about three miles north and east of Caledonia. This was known as the LaBarge Hydro-Electric station. It is now one of the inter-connected generating stations owned by the Consumers Power Company. The original capacity of 400 kilowatts has jumped to 700 kilowatts. [The LaBarge dam on 84th Street, Caledonia, is still in operation in 2012. That, along with similar plants in Middleville and Irving, are owned by Commonwealth Power Company of Concord, Calif.] Simultaneously with the construction of the hydro-electric plant, a 22,000-volt transmission line was built from LaBarge through Middleville to Hastings, where it inter-connected with the little steam plant that at this time (1901) had a capacity of about 200 kilowatts. Soon afterward the transmission line was extended to Nashville and Lake Odessa. This 22,000-volt transmission line was one of the first in this part of the country to carry so high a voltage.
or on the road. This challenge has and will only grow over time. Michigan needs to take action to ensure reliability is an area of strength for all of our state today and in the future.” Affordability — “Michigan’s energy needs to come at an affordable price to our businesses and homes, yet our electricity prices are the highest in the Midwest, and most of the U.S. enjoys lower prices. The economy and stiff federal requirements have driven up costs, putting further strain on families and businesses. Having affordable energy is critical for all of Michigan. Environmental protection — “Energy choices must always recognize the responsibility to protect Michigan’s environment. Strict and comprehensive regulations on drilling and wastewater management work and many successful companies safely produce oil and natural gas while making sure Michigan’s waters remain clean. Protecting the environment is integral to Michigan’s energy future.” Based on those pillars, Snyder said efficiency, production, transmission and an overall comprehensive strategy are essential. An efficient energy system will accomplish the same or more while expending less energy, saving customers money and better protecting the environment, he said. Making sure enough energy is available will lead to lower costs and better reliability. Having an adequate means to store and distribute energy is also a requirement, Snyder contended, and partnering with the federal government on a national energy policy will help improve Michigan’s energy use.
Energy-efficiency programs save on home and business energy use. Private financial institutions across the state will make more than $68 million available this year for efficiency improvements in buildings, and Snyder said more should be made available to increase savings. He said existing programs need to reduce paperwork and costs while increasing actual improvements by making smarter spending decisions on energy efficiency instead of on new infrastructure in high-demand areas. Snyder also called on the legislature to adopt a measure that would add energy efficiency information to home inspection reports. Increasing production and storage of natural gas and other energy assets, and using technology to revitalize aging systems, as well as developing new sources of energy and ways to deliver it are achievable goals. Snyder said a strategic natural gas reserve should be created for Michigan. The state owns many natural gas deposits, he said, and when private firms bring them into production, the state can either take its share in money or in natural gas. The governor said if the state owns gas, and the state owns storage, it could make sense to store that gas and sell it later at a better price. Environmentally, the governor said, Michigan must be strategic in making sure opportunities to enjoy Pure Michigan continue and grow. Snyder said reforming the way the state develops its environmental policies to a proactive, whole-ecosystem approach is what is needed to maintain and increase those
See ENERGY, page 12
Fracking News As Michigan prepares to deal with the coming of massive shale energy fields that will be fracked, Michigan’s legislature is working on a bill that will among other things not allow your doctor to tell you what chemical is poisoning you if it comes from a fracking fluid. That’s right HB 5565 introduced April 24, 2012 by Lisa Brown will require the “health professional to hold that information confidential” to protect proprietary rights of the fracking corporations. The “Michigan Right to Know Law” is being ignored in this industry and many will suffer including our first responders who may be called to the scenes of accidents and spills. Emergency room nurse Cathy Behr in Durango, Colorado almost died from contact with fracking fluids. House Bill 5565 is currently in the Energy Committee of the Michigan House of Representatives for discussion. It requires the drilling companies to tell the DEQ what chemi-
Vol. 2
cals they plan to use and that information will stay in the DEQ confidential unless written requests are made by health professionals who suspect poisoning. I ask, are they open 24 hours a day and how long will that process take? It means that the truckers carrying the fluids will not have the specific chemical information and the workers at the sites will not know what they are working with because the information will not be at the well sites. If your well is poisoned you will not know what to look for. House Bill 5565 seeks to legalize violation of the “Michigan Right to Know”, “The Michigan Firefighter’s Right to Know”, and “The Michigan Community Right to Know” laws to protect the gas and oil industry. Who has more rights in this State: large corporations or individual human being citizens? Join us in protecting Barry County State Land from this mess.
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The following undated article was likely from a mid-1950s Hastings Banner. Hastings began to modernize its lighting system in 1892. According to council proceedings for Jan. 12 of that year as published in the Banner, aldermen voted unanimously to install 12 arc lights of 2,000 candlepower each, distributed three to a ward. Current had already been available to homes and business firms for a matter of several weeks. Sign one-year contract But now Mayor Archie McCoy and Recorder John B. Roberts were authorized to make a one-year contract with the newlyformed Hastings Electric Power & Light Company at the rate of $75 per light, per year. According to the plan recommended by a special committee consisting of Alderman John Spence, W.S. Nelson, E.L. Sentz and Thomas Blinston, the lights were to be placed as follows: First ward: At corners of Michigan Avenue and Thorn Street; Michigan Avenue and Colfax Street and State Road and North Hanover Street (at that time, however, North Hanover from the Thornapple River to the city limits was called Elizabeth Street). Second ward: At the corners of State and Court streets, Hanover and Grand streets, and Walnut and Dibble streets. Third ward: Along Jefferson Street at State, Walnut and Clinton streets. Four ward: At corners of State Street and Broadway, Green and Market streets, and Green and Church streets. Twelve lights for the entire city wasn’t exactly a bold stroke – but even so, 12 lights were infinitely more than none at all – which is exactly what Hastings had before the council took action! Promoters cautious Although three electric power and light franchises had been voted by the Hastings City Council since 1888, results had been nil. Apparently the cautious promoters were never sure of an adequate return on their investment. However, the council on May 12, 1891, granted a franchise to Louis B. Bentley of Grand Rapids and his associates to construct a “suitable plant to generate, sell and supply electricity for light and power to the City of Hastings and the inhabitants thereof.” Included in the franchise was the right of the company to “use and occupy the streets, alleys and public grounds of the city for the setting of poles and placing of wires.” In return, the city was to have the option of light service at a rate not to exceed $20 per year for each 32 candlepower light and not to exceed $84 per year for each 2,000 candlepower arc light. Under those terms, the company was also to furnish the lamps, poles, wire and other material needed. Capitalized at $15,000 Apparently this new group was in earnest. At least the Banner of May 21, 1891, noted that on Wednesday of the previous week (May 13), “an Electric Light & Power Company, capitalized at 15,000 was organized with J.W. Bentley as president; W.F. Powers, vice president; Louis B. Bentley, secretary and B.R. Rose, treasurer. Directors
Gov. Rick Snyder Wednesday delivered a special message on energy and the environment, calling for long-term, adaptable policies that ensure Michigan has the energy future generations need to thrive, while ensuring Michigan’s natural wonders are preserved and protected for years to come. The governor spoke from the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station in Hickory Corners, where he highlighted his vision for a comprehensive energy policy that safely and efficiently delivers an abundant supply of energy through a reliable infrastructure that is environmentally friendly. Snyder said keeping the air, water and land in Michigan clean and beautiful is essential to upholding the state’s 175-year tradition of environmental stewardship. “The reinvention of Michigan will not be complete without energy and environmental policies that make our state a place our children and grandchildren will still want to live, work and play,” Snyder said in a press release issued after the remote broadcast from the shores of Gull Lake. “We must pursue policies that can adapt with the times while still offering solutions that will provide a future for our kids.” Snyder said Michigan must identify adaptable solutions that will be good for the state not just in one possible future, but in many possible futures, and that opportunities exist for which action can be taken today without regret, despite any future uncertainty. In addition to adaptability, Snyder’s message highlighted three pillars of energy policy that every decision must stand upon: Reliability — “We all depend on having the power stay on: whether at home, at work,
Page 10 — Thursday, November 29, 2012 — The Hastings Banner
LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE TO CREDITORS TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Patricia L. Burd, (date of birth May 10, 1928), Grantor of the Patricia L. Burd Living Trust dated September 5, 2001, who lived at 11250 Guy Rd., Nashville, MI 49073 died October 17, 2012. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the Trust will be forever barred unless presented to The current Co-Trustees, Anna Bender and Ronald Bender at 8800 Lacey Rd., Nashville, MI 49073, or to the attorney for the Trustee, Kathleen F. Cook, at 121 South Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813 within 4 months of the date of publication of this notice. Date: November 20, 2012 Law Office of Kathleen F. Cook Kathleen F. Cook P31842 121 S. Cochran Ave. Charlotte, MI 48813 06796222 (517) 543-7643
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 Cora Lee Greenburg, an unmarried woman, original mortgagor(s), to World Savings Bank, FSB, Mortgagee, dated July 30, 2002, and recorded on August 13, 2007 in instrument 1085507, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Two Hundred Forty-Five Thousand Five Hundred Two and 23/100 Dollars ($245,502.23). 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 January 10, 2013. Said premises are situated in Township of Prairieville, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lot 23, Supervisor's Plat of Long Point, as recorded in Liber 2 of Page 50, Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: November 29, 2012 For more information, please call: FC D (248) 593-1309 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #367213F04 77572639 (11-29)(12-20) 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 Bonnie Clark a single woman, original mortgagor(s), to Great Lakes Mortgage Company, LLC, Mortgagee, dated May 21, 2003, and recorded on August 15, 2003 in instrument 1111025, and modified by Affidavit or Order received by and recorded, and assigned to Fifth Third Mortgage Company as further evidenced in a Affidavit Of Lost Assignment dated September 18, 2012 recorded on September 26, 2012 in instrument 2012-004994, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Seventy Thousand Three Hundred Fifteen and 10/100 Dollars ($70,315.10). 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 20, 2012. Said premises are situated in City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lot 44 of The Andrews Addition to the City, formerly Village of Hastings, according to the recorded plat thereof The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. 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 22, 2012 For more information, please call: FC J (248) 593-1311 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #402153F01 77572515 (11-22)(12-13)
SYNOPSIS HASTINGS CHARTER TOWNSHIP Regular Meeting November 13, 2012 Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm Pledge and roll call Seven board members present, 5 guests attended Approved October minutes & various dept. reports Appointed Library Board Representative Approved Salary Resolution 2013 2012 Budget Revisions Damages to Cemetery Rezoning parcels to Light Industrial 2013 Budget hearing 12/11/12 Approved payment of warrants Board member comments Public comment Motion to adjourn 8:19 pm Read full minutes on twp. website Respectfully submitted, Anita S. Mennell - Clerk Attested to by Jim Brown - Supervisor 06796365 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 12-26240-DE Estate of Sally Jean Barnes, deceased. Date of birth: 08/21/1935. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Sally Jean Barnes, died 08/11/2012. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Richard M. Delnay, named personal representative or proposed personal representative, or to both the probate court at 135 E. South St., Hastings, MI 49058 and the named/proposed personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. William M. Wright P23110 7077 N. Noffke Dr. Caledonia, MI 49316 (269) 945-6325 Richard M. Delnay 135 E. South St. Hastings, MI 49058 77572628 (269) 948-2165 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 Donald J. Daldos and Janice M. Daldos, husband and wife as joint tenants, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., Mortgagee, dated November 10, 2004, and recorded on November 23, 2004 in instrument 1137660, and assigned by said Mortgagee to Bank of America, N.A., successor by merger to BAC Home Loans Servicing, L.P. fka Countrywide Home Loans Servicing, L.P. as assignee as documented by an assignment, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Thirty-Seven Thousand Five Hundred Sixty-Four and 35/100 Dollars ($137,564.35). 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 20, 2012. Said premises are situated in Township of Baltimore, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Parcel B: That part of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 14, Town 2 North, Range 8 West, described as: Commencing at the East 1/4 corner of said Section; thence South 00 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds West 659.50 feet along the East line of said Southeast 1/4 to the place of beginning; thence South 00 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds West 329.75 feet; thence South 89 degrees 41 minutes 11 seconds West 1306.24 feet; thence North 00 degrees 18 minutes 32 seconds East 329.92 feet along the West line of the Northeast 1/4 of said Southeast 1/4; thence North 89 degrees 41 minutes 36 seconds East 1304.76 feet to the place of beginning. Subject to highway rights of way for Charlton Park 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. 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 22, 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 #413865F01 77572509 (11-22)(12-13)
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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: Kevin P. Purgiel, a married man and Nacole Purgiel, his wife to Fifth Third Bank (Western Michigan), Mortgagee, dated March 17, 2008 and recorded April 7, 2008 in Instrument # 20080407-0003797 Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Eighteen Thousand Eighty-Five Dollars and FortySix Cents ($18,085.46) including interest 13.12% 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 20, 2012. Said premises are situated in City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lot Number 1 and the West 52 feet of Lot Number 2 of the Aben Johnson's Addition Number 1 of the City of Hastings. Commonly known as 407 E Lincoln St., Hastings MI 49058 The redemption period shall be 12 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. Fifth Third Bank, an Ohio Banking Corporation, as successor by merger to Fifth Third Bank, a Michigan Banking Corporation f/k/a Dated: 11/22/2012 Fifth Third Bank (Western Michigan) Mortgagee Attorneys: Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 811 South Blvd. Suite 100 Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 844-5123 Our File 06795990 No: 12-71211 (11-22)(12-13)
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 April 24, 2008, by Michael P. Scott and Laura A. Scott, 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 May 12, 2008, in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan, in Instrument Number 20080512-0005083, which mortgage was assigned to Commercial Bank by an Assignment of Mortgage dated August 23, 2012, recorded on August 27, 2012, in Instrument Number 2012-003840, 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 Eighty-Eight Thousand Four Hundred Forty-Five and 38/100 Dollars ($188,445.38); 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, January 3, 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 CASTLETON, COUNTY OF BARRY, MICHIGAN, DESCRIBED AS: The North 436 feet of the West 500 feet of the Northwest quarter of the Northwest quarter of Section 12, Town 3 North, Range 7 West, excepting therefrom that part deeded to the Michigan Department of State Highways, as recorded in Liber 250 of Deeds, Page 531, and as recorded in Liber 250 of Deeds, Page 575, Castleton Township. Commonly known as: 954 N. M-66 Hwy, Nashville, Michigan 49073 Parcel Number: 08-05012-000-010-00 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 23, 2012 FOSTER, SWIFT, COLLINS & SMITH, P.C. COMMERCIAL BANK Benjamin J. Price of Hastings, Michigan, Mortgagee Attorneys for Mortgagee 313 S. Washington Square Lansing, 77572699 MI 48933 (517) 371-8253 (11-29)(12-20)
STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 12-26248-DE Estate of Florence M. Girrbach, deceased. Date of birth: 01/02/1931. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Florence M. Girrbach, died January 5, 2010. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Timothy J. Girrbach, named personal representative or proposed personal representative, or to both the probate court at Ste. 302, 206 Court St., Hastings, MI 49058 and the named/proposed personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 11-26-2012 William M. Wright P23110 7077 N. Noffke Dr. Caledonia, MI 49316 (269) 945-6325 Timothy J. Girrbach 102 Sherbrooke Ct. Hastings, MI 49058 77572637 (269) 945-3911 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 Lena Thunder Aleman, a single woman, original mortgagor(s), to Charter One Bank, N.A., Mortgagee, dated May 5, 2005, and recorded on May 16, 2005 in instrument 1146513, in 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 One Hundred Eighty-Eight and 19/100 Dollars ($124,188.19). 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 20, 2012. Said premises are situated in Township of Assyria, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: A parcel in the Northeast one quarter of Section 34, Town 1 North, Range 7 West described as: Commencing at the Southwest corner of the West one half of the East one half of the Northeast one quarter of said Section 34; thence East 440 feet 5 inches for place of beginning; thence North 495 feet 5 inches; thence East 219 feet 7 inches; thence South 495 feet 5 inches; thence West to 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 22, 2012 For more information, please call: FC J (248) 593-1311 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #410702F01 77572521 (11-22)(12-13)
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 77572464 269/382-3703 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 TO BIDDERS BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION The Barry County Road Commission is offering for sale three 2012 GMC 1/2 ton Crew Cab SLE pickups.
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF RIVERSIDE CEMETERY COMPANY OF HASTINGS, MICHIGAN
Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M43 Highway, P.O. Box 158, Hastings, MI 49058, until 10:00 AM, Monday December 10, 2012 for the following items.
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
NOTICE
The minutes of the meeting of the Barry County Board of Commissioners held November 27, 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. 77572626
Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above address or at our website www.barrycrc.org. 3-2012 GMC 1/2 ton Crew Cab SLE pickups with caps 5.3 Liter 6 speeds 4 WD, Air, Cruise, PW & Locks, Keyless remote, Towing Package 1 Summit White, approx. 14,000 MilesMinimum Bid $24,000 1 Stealth Gray, approx. 25,000 MilesMinimum Bid $23,000 1 Silver, approx. 12,000 MilesMinimum Bid $24,000 The board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregularities in the best interest of the Commission. BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BARRY Frank M Fiala, Chairman David D. Dykstra, Member 77572657 D. David Solmes, Member
The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 29, 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)
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 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 David T. Gross and April I. Gross, as husband and wife, original mortgagor(s), to SBC Mortgage, LLC, Mortgagee, dated December 10, 2001, and recorded on January 9, 2002 in instrument 1072786, and assigned by said Mortgagee to Chemical Bank f/k/a Chemical Bank and Trust Company as assignee as documented by an assignment, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Sixty-Nine Thousand Nine Hundred Eighty-Five and 73/100 Dollars ($69,985.73). 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 Thornapple, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Beginning at the Southeast corner of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 16, Town 4 North, Range 10 West, thence West 206.25 feet, thence North 206.25 feet, thence East 206.25 feet, thence South 206.25 feet to 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 J (248) 593-1311 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #404590F04 77572451 (11-15)(12-06)
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 Robin Clemens and Timothy J. Clemens, husband and wife, original mortgagor(s), to Beneficial Michigan Inc., Mortgagee, dated January 7, 2005, and recorded on January 10, 2005 in instrument 1139992, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Fourteen Thousand Two Hundred Three and 85/100 Dollars ($114,203.85). 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 City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lot 9 and Lot 10, Block 12 of Daniel Striker's Addition except the West 1/2 of Lot 9, according to the recorded Plat thereof as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats of Page 11. Subject to easements, building and use restrictions of record. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: November 15, 2012 For more information, please call: FC H (248) 593-1300 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #413940F01 77572434 (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 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 77572322 (11-15)(12-06)
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: Robert Frisbie and Terry Frisbie, Husband and Wife to HouseHold Finance Corporation III, Mortgagee, dated August 14, 2007 and recorded August 22, 2007 in Instrument # 20070822-0001177 Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Two Hundred Ninety-Six Thousand Eight Hundred SixtyOne Dollars and Seventy-Seven Cents ($296,861.77) including interest 10.189% 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 20, 2012 Said premises are situated in Township of Rutland, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: That part of the South one-half of the Northwest one-quarter, Section 23, Town 3 North, Range 9 West, Rutland Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: Beginning at the center of said section; thence North 89 degrees 49 minutes 30 seconds West 400.0 feet along the South line of said Northwest one-quarter; thence North 00 degrees 00 minutes 01 seconds East 1310.04 feet; thence South 89 degrees 37 minutes 30 seconds East 400.0 feet along the North line of said South onehalf, Northwest one-quarter ; thence South 00 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds West 1308.64 feet along the East line of said Northwest one-quarter to the Place of beginning. Subject to highway right of way for Yeckly Road. Commonly known as 2520 Yeckley Road, 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: 11/22/2012 HouseHold Finance Corporation III Mortgagee Attorneys: Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 811 South Blvd. Suite 100 Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 844-5123 Our File 06795984 No: 12-71233 (11-22)(12-13)
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 Diana Marie Peters, a single woman, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., Mortgagee, dated January 10, 2003, and recorded on January 22, 2003 in instrument 1096042, and assigned by said Mortgagee to Flagstar Bank, FSB as assignee as documented by an assignment, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Fifty-Six Thousand Two Hundred Thirty-One and 43/100 Dollars ($56,231.43). 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 20, 2012. Said premises are situated in Township of Orangeville, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lot 69, Lynden Johncock Plat #1, according to the recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 3 of Plats on Page 93. 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 22, 2012 For more information, please call: FC J (248) 593-1311 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #402486F03 77572606 (11-22)(12-13)
NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE This firm is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information we obtain will be used for that purpose. Default has occurred in the conditions of a mortgage made by CARL D. MILLER and THERESA M. MILLER, husband and wife (collectively, "Mortgagor"), to FIRST FINANCIAL BANK, NA, a national association, of 300 High Street, PO Box 476, Hamilton, Ohio 45011-0467, dated February 27, 2006, and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan on March 7, 2006, as Instrument No. 1161010 (the "Mortgage"). First Financial Bank, NA, has assigned the Mortgage to CHEMICAL BANK, a Michigan banking corporation, of 333 East Main Street, Midland, Michigan 48640-6511 (the "Mortgagee"). By reason of such default, the Mortgagee elects to declare and hereby declares the entire unpaid amount of the Mortgage due and payable forthwith. Mortgagee is the owner of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage. As of the date of this Notice there is claimed to be due for principal and interest on the Mortgage the sum of Eighty-Four Thousand Nine Hundred Sixty-Eight and 78/100 Dollars ($84,968.78). No suit or proceeding at law has been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage or any part thereof. Notice is hereby given that by virtue of the power of sale contained in the Mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, and to pay the above amount, with interest, as provided in the Mortgage, and all legal costs, charges and expenses, including the attorney fee allowed by law, and all taxes and insurance premiums paid by the undersigned before sale, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by sale of the mortgaged premises at public vendue to the highest bidder at the east entrance of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan on Thursday the 10th day of January, 2013, at one o’clock in the afternoon. The premises covered by the Mortgage are situated in the Township of Carlton, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and are described as follows: A parcel of land in the Southeast one-quarter of Section 32, Town 4 North, Range 8 West, Carlton Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: Commencing at the Southeast corner of said Section 32; thence North 89 degrees 53 minutes West 1320.4 feet; thence North 0 degrees 04 minutes West 1886.75 feet; thence West 550.37 feet to the Place of Beginning; thence South 175 feet; thence West 433 feet; thence North 28 degrees 40 minutes East 85.5 feet to the South line of Outlot A, Supervisor’s Plat of Bauer’s Resort; thence East 359 feet; thence North 100 feet; thence East 33 feet to the Place of Beginning. Except the East 33 feet for right of way, described as follows: Commence at the Southeast corner of said Section 32; thence North 89 degrees 53 minutes West 1320.4 feet; thence North 0 degrees 04 minutes West 1886.75 feet; thence West 550.37 feet to the Place of Beginning; thence South 175 feet; thence West 33 feet; thence North 175 feet; thence East 33 feet to the Place of Beginning. Together with all the improvements erected on the real estate, and all easements, appurtenances, and fixtures a part of the property, and all replacements and additions. Commonly known as: 304 Leach Lake Road, Hastings, Michigan 49058 P.P. #08-04-032-497-00 Notice is further given that the length of the redemption period will be six (6) months from the date of sale, unless the premises are abandoned. If the premises are abandoned, the redemption period will be the later of thirty (30) days from the date of the sale or upon expiration of fifteen (15) days after the Mortgagor is given notice pursuant to MCLA §600.3241a(b) that the premises are considered abandoned and Mortgagor, Mortgagor's heirs, executor, or administrator, or a person lawfully claiming from or under one (1) of them has not given the written notice required by MCLA §600.3241a(c) stating that the premises are not abandoned. If the premises are sold at a foreclosure sale, under MCLA §600.3278 the Mortgagor will be held responsible to the person who buys the premises at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the Mortgagee for damaging the premises during the redemption period. Dated: November 29, 2012 CHEMICAL BANK Mortgagee Timothy Hillegonds WARNER NORCROSS & JUDD LLP 900 Fifth Third Center 111 Lyon Street, N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2487 (616) 752-2000 77572621 8723050-1
This firm is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information we obtain will be used for that purpose. Default has occurred in the conditions of a mortgage made by DAVID A. GAIKEMA and MARY ELLEN GAIKEMA, husband and wife (collectively, "Mortgagor"), to SAND RIDGE BANK, an Indiana corporation, of PO Box 598, Schereville, Indiana 46375, dated April 23, 2004, and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan on April 28, 2004, as instrument number 1126578 (the “Mortgage”). First Financial Bank, N.A., a national association, of 300 High Street, PO Box 476, Hamilton, Ohio 45011-0476, was the successor by consolidation to Sand Ridge Bank, and subsequently assigned the Mortgage to CHEMICAL BANK, a Michigan banking corporation, having an office at 333 E. Main Street, Midland, Michigan 48640-6511 (the "Mortgagee"), pursuant to the terms of a Branch Purchase and Assumption Agreement dated May 11, 2006, and a Bill of Sale dated August 18, 2006, evidence of which will be placed of record prior to the date of sale (the "Mortgage"). By reason of such default, the Mortgagee elects to declare and hereby declares the entire unpaid amount of the Mortgage due and payable forthwith. Mortgagee is the owner of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage. As of the date of this Notice there is claimed to be due for principal and interest on the Mortgage the sum of Two Hundred Sixty-Three Thousand Three Hundred Forty and 96/100 Dollars ($263,340.96). No suit or proceeding at law has been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage or any part thereof. Notice is hereby given that by virtue of the power of sale contained in the Mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, and to pay the above amount, with interest, as provided in the Mortgage, and all legal costs, charges and expenses, including the attorney fee allowed by law, and all taxes and insurance premiums paid by the undersigned before sale, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by sale of the mortgaged premises at public vendue to the highest bidder at the east entrance of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan on Thursday the 10th day of January, 2013, at one o’clock in the afternoon. The premises covered by the Mortgage are situated in the Township of Yankee Springs, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and are described as follows: Lot 22 of Ritchie Woodlands, according to the recorded plat thereof; also commencing on the East line of Beatrice Avenue of the Plat of Ritchie Woodlands, 33 feet Easterly from the North lot line of Lot 22; thence Easterly parallel with said North lot line 100 feet; thence Southerly parallel with East line of Beatrice Avenue 50 feet; thence Westerly parallel with the South line of Lot No. 22, 100 feet to Beatrice Avenue; thence Northerly 50 feet to beginning, being a part of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 28, Town 3 North, Range 10 West. Together with all the improvements erected on the real estate, and all easements, appurtenances, and fixtures a part of the property, and all replacements and additions. Commonly known as: 2926 Beatrice Avenue, Middleville, Michigan 49333 P.P. #08-016-190-014-00 Notice is further given that the length of the redemption period will be six (6) months from the date of sale, unless the premises are abandoned. If the premises are abandoned, the redemption period will be the later of thirty (30) days from the date of the sale or upon expiration of fifteen (15) days after the Mortgagor is given notice pursuant to MCLA §600.3241a(b) that the premises are considered abandoned and Mortgagor, Mortgagor's heirs, executor, or administrator, or a person lawfully claiming from or under one (1) of them has not given the written notice required by MCLA §600.3241a(c) stating that the premises are not abandoned. If the premises are sold at a foreclosure sale, under MCLA §600.3278 the Mortgagor will be held responsible to the person who buys the premises at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the Mortgagee for damaging the premises during the redemption period. Dated: November 29, 2012 CHEMICAL BANK Mortgagee Timothy Hillegonds WARNER NORCROSS & JUDD LLP 900 Fifth Third Center 111 Lyon Street, N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2487 (616) 752-2000 77572689 8730529-1
Page 12 — Thursday, November 29, 2012 — The Hastings Banner
SOCIAL SECURITY COLUMN Expert answers questions regarding prescription coverage, children, visual impairment and more I need to make changes to my Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. When can I do that? Open season for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. The Medicare Part D prescription drug program is available to all Medicare beneficiaries. Joining a Medicare prescription drug plan is voluntary and participants pay an additional monthly premium. While you are looking at changing your plan, you might want to revisit the Application for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs. If you have limited income and resources, you also may be eligible for Extra Help to pay monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments. The Extra Help is estimated to be worth about $4,000 per year. To learn more, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp. For more information about the Medicare Part D prescription drug program itself, visit www.medicare.gov or call 800MEDICARE (800-633-4227). I applied for a Social Security card for my baby at the hospital, but the card came back with a misspelled name. What should I do? Find at least two original documents prov-
ing your child’s U.S. citizenship and identity, as well as one proof of your identity as the parent. Then go to your local Social Security office to ask for a corrected card. The documents you show us must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. To find out more, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber. What are some of the documents Social Security will accept as proof of identity for a child? While you can use a birth certificate to prove age or citizenship, you cannot use it as proof of identity. For identity, we prefer to see the child’s U.S. passport. If you don’t have a passport, we may accept the child’s adoption decree; doctor, clinic, or hospital record; religious record (e.g., baptismal record); day care center or school record; or school identification card. We generally can accept a non-photo identity document if it has enough information to identify the child (such as the child’s name and age, date of birth and parents’ names). All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. To find out more, visit
Banner CLASSIFIEDS Real Estate
Card of Thanks
For Sale
HASTINGS GREAT ACREAGE 70 rolling, wooded w/stream. Private location to build custom home or cabin. Priced to sell!!! $280,000. Call Bill Sikkema 269-488-0576, Prudential Preferred Realtors.
THANK YOU Many, many thank you’s to all the people and family who took the time to wish me happy 80th with a card or just stopped to tell me in person or taking me out to eat. You all made my day! Thank you again! Karl Frohlich
AFFORDABLE PROPANE FOR your home/farm/business. No delivery fees. Call for a free quote. Diamond Propane 269-367-9700
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In Memoriam IN LOVING MEMORY OF Myrtle M. Cuddahee 2/19/1938 - 12/2/2005 ClaraBelle Apsey 7/12/1914 - 12/24/2004 It seems impossible to believe so many years have passed since we lost both of you. So many things have happened in our lives and many more will take place but you both will be in our thoughts, our prayers and our hearts as we go on. Forever loved and missed so very much. Brian & Brenda, Brenda Gale, Cathy, Felicia, Glen Jeremy, Andrew, Dylan Azaria & Jaxson
Estate Sale ESTATE/MOVING SALES: by Bethel Timmer - The Cottage House Antiques. (269)795-8717 or (616)9019898.
For Rent WALL LAKE, DELTON: 2 bedroom apartment. References & deposit. No pets, 269-623-8218.
Business Services PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.
BASEMENT WATERPROOFING: PROFESSIONAL BASEMENT SERVICES waterproofing, crack repair, mold remediation. Local/licensed. Free estimates. (517)290-5556.
Pets CHRISTMAS PUPPIES: CHIHUAHUAS born September 27th, $350. (269)9453525
Recreation WANTED HUNTING LAND: (2) Families are interested in leasing acreage for this years deer season. Call (269)795-3049
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SAXON WEEKLY SPORTS SCHEDULE Complete online schedule at: www.hassk12.org THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5
4:30 pm Boys Varsity Basketball Hastings HS Scrimmage H
4:15 pm 4:15 pm 5:00 pm 5:30 pm 5:30 pm
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30 Girls Girls Girls Boys
JV Fresh. Varsity Varsity
Basketball Basketball Basketball Ice Hockey
Comstock Park HS/MS Pennfield HS Comstock Park HS/MS Warren Mott HS
A A A A
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 4:15 pm Boys Varsity Ice Hockey Bishop Foley HS 8:30 pm Boys Varsity Wrestling Lakewood HS Lakewood Scrimmage
A A
Boys Boys Boys Boys
8th A 7th A 7th B 8th B
Basketball Basketball Basketball Basketball
Kraft Meadows MS Kraft Meadows MS Kraft Meadows MS Kraft Meadows MS
Boys Girls Boys Girls Boys Boys Girls
Fresh. Fresh. JV JV Varsity Varsity Varsity
Basketball Basketball Basketball Basketball Swimming Basketball Basketball
DeWitt HS DeWitt HS DeWitt HS DeWitt HS South Haven HS DeWitt HS DeWitt HS
Wayland MS Wayland MS West Catholic HS Wayland MS Wayland MS
A H A H A
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6 6:00 pm Boys Varsity Swimming Byron Center HS A 6:00 pm Girls MS Cheer Thornapple-Kellogg MS A Times and dates subject to change
A H H A
The Chris Youngs Family supports the Saxons!
H A H A A H A
Go Blue!
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:30 pm 5:30 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm
Basketball Basketball Ice Hockey Basketball Basketball
Thanks to This Week’s Sponsor:
MONDAY, DECEMBER 3 4:15 pm 4:15 pm 5:30 pm 5:30 pm
7th B 8th B Varsity 8th A 7th A
HASTINGS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS Contact Nancy 945-2742 or hastingsathleticboosters@gmail.com to sponsor the schedule
06796325
5:30 pm 5:30 pm 7:00 pm 8:00 pm
Boys Boys Boys Boys Boys
What is the earliest age that I can apply for my Social Security retirement benefits? The earliest age to receive retirement benefits is 62, but you can apply up to three months beforehand. If you retire at age 62 today, your benefit would be about 25 percent lower than what it would be if you waited until you reach full retirement age. Even if you are not ready to retire, you still should sign up for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday. You can do both online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline. What is Supplemental Security Income ? SSI provides monthly income to people 65 or older, blind or disabled, who also have limited income and financial resources. To be eligible, an individual also must be a U.S. citizen and resident of the United States or a noncitizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence. Some noncitizens, however, granted a special immigration status are eligible. To get SSI, an individual’s financial resources (savings and assets) cannot be more than $2,000 ($3,000, if married). For more information, read our publications, “Supplemental Security Income” or “Understanding Supplemental Security Income.” Both are available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs. Are Supplemental Security Income benefits subject to federal income tax? No. SSI payments are not subject to federal taxes. If you get SSI, you will not receive an annual form SSA-1099 from Social Security. However, your Social Security benefits may be subject to income tax. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov.
CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554
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.
www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.
LEGAL NOTICES Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure Sale THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Douglas R. Baker and Melissa M. Baker, husband and wife, original mortgagor(s), to Washington Mutual Bank, FA, Mortgagee, dated April 27, 2007, and recorded on May 3, 2007 in instrument 1180067, and modified by Affidavit or Order executed on March 1, 2012 and recorded on March 29, 2012 in instrument 201203290003158, 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 Two Hundred Forty-Nine Thousand Nine Hundred Forty-Nine and 58/100 Dollars ($249,949.58). 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 27, 2012. Said premises are situated in Township of Orangeville, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Commencing at the North 1/4 post of Section 13, Town 2 North, Range 10 West; thence South 89 degrees 44 minutes 37 seconds East, on the North line of said section, 1322.10 feet to the North 1/8 post of the Northeast 1/4 of said Section 13; thence continuing South 89 degrees 44 minutes 37 seconds East on said North line 774.23 feet to the point of beginning of the parcel of land herein described; thence continuing South 89 degrees 44 minutes 37 seconds East, on said North line, 547.87 feet to the Northeast corner of said section; thence South 00 degrees 32 minutes 18 seconds West, on the East line of said Northeast 1/4, 1322.90 feet, to the East and West 1/8 line of the Northeast 1/4; thence North 89 degrees 26 minutes 27 seconds West, on said East-West 1/8 line, 1325.07 feet to the North and South 1/8 line of the Northeast 1/4; thence North 00 degrees 40 minutes 03 seconds East, on said 1/8 line, 75.18 feet; thence North 87 degrees 15 minutes 02 seconds East, along an existing fence line and tree row, 811.90 feet to a point about 10 feet West of an existing fence line and tree row; thence North 01 degrees 03 minutes 05 seconds West, parallel with said fence line and tree row, 1208.45 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: November 29, 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 #329971F02 77572767 (11-29)(12-20)
Do disabled children qualify for disability benefits? Two types of Social Security disability programs provide benefits for disabled children. Under the Supplemental Security Income program, a child from birth to age 18 may receive monthly payments based on disability or blindness if the child has an impairment or combination of impairments that meet the definition of disability for children; and the income and resources of the parents and the child are within the allowed limits. Under Social Security, an adult child (age 18 or older) may receive monthly benefits based on disability or blindness if the adult child has an impairment or combination of impairments that meet the definition of disability for adults; the disability began before age 22; and a parent of the adult child worked long enough to be insured under Social Security and is receiving retirement or disability benefits, or is deceased. Under both of these programs, the child must not be doing any substantial work. The child also must have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in
death. Learn more by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability. Does Social Security provide special services or information for people who are blind or visually impaired? Yes. Social Security offers a number of services and products specifically designed for people who are blind or visually impaired. For example, we make all our publications available in multiple formats including Braille, audio cassette tapes, compact disks or enlarged print. Also, most of our publications are available online in audio format. To get any of these products in alternative formats, contact us by going online to www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/alt-pubs.html; calling us at 800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; contacting your local Social Security office; or mailing, calling, or faxing your request to Social Security Administration, Braille Services Branch, 6401 Security Blvd., L1141 West Low Rise, Baltimore, MD 21235, call 410965-6414 or 410-965-6407; fax 410-9656413.
ENERGY, continued from page 9 opportunities. The functions and services ecosystems provide and the services residents want must be examined, he said, and data and knowledge must be used to guide decisions about what the state’s ecological and natural assets should be. “Our natural resources form the basis of life and the quality of life that define Michigan,” Snyder said. “Identifying our priorities and moving forward with resolve and purpose will help safeguard our precious resources while creating a better place for our families.” Land, timber and water management strategies that protect the character and productive capacity of natural resources must also be developed, Snyder said. What the state owns, and why, is a part of that land management. And with one-fifth of the world’s freshwater supply, Michigan’s water systems are central to placemaking efforts across the state, he noted. These resources impact all of Michigan’s economy as well as the lifestyles that Michiganders enjoy. “The timber industry is an economic asset to our state, especially in rural communities,” Snyder said, adding that there is opportunity to provide for responsible growth in this sector. He said a business plan will be prepared for the future of the state’s timber industry to identify and prioritize opportunities for growth. A timber industry summit will be convened next April in this effort. The Great Lakes are Michigan’s greatest natural asset, yet aquatic invasive species are
increasingly threatening the ecosystem. Snyder said as the new leader of the Council of Great Lakes Governors, he will hold a Mackinac Island summit with the eight Great Lakes governors and Canadian officials to coordinate strategies to reduce the risk of new invasive species and ways to manage those already here so they do not devastate those precious resources. Trails are also an important contributor to Michigan’s quality of life and economy. Michigan has more total trail miles than most states, Snyder said, providing opportunity to make Michigan The Trail State. To accomplish this, the state must prioritize efforts to support and create trail connections. The governor called for the creation of a showcase trail from Belle Isle to the Wisconsin border that will team private and public trails into a signature Pure Michigan experience. Above all, Snyder said Michiganders should be reminded that ecosystems are all interconnected, and the best environmental solutions can solve more than one problem. “We are committed to reinventing Michigan and must work to support and enhance our efforts to protect our environment and ensure our energy future,” said Snyder. “With the help of both the Legislature and citizens, we will realize our full potential.” The entire Special Message on Energy and the Environment is available online at www.michigan.gov/documents/snyder.
POLICE BEAT ‘Grandson’ arrested and needs money, twice Hastings Police spoke Nov. 20 to a couple who had received a telephone call from a caller claiming to be their grandson. He told the pair he was in Mexico. The alleged grandson said he had been pulled over by police in Mexico and needed $2,000 for bond. He said he did not want his parents to find out and asked them not to tell. The couple then wired $2,000 to the person they believed to be their grandson. They received a second telephone call, hours later, and were again requested to send $2,000 for an additional bond. The couple then wired the second $2,000, but soon after became suspicious and called their daughter and asked the whereabouts of their grandson. When they were told their grandson was home, playing on the computer, they immediately called the police.
Baking biker stopped in street A 23-year-old Hastings man was stopped by police after they saw him riding his bike in the middle of a street without lights around 12:45 a.m. Friday, Nov. 23. He told officers he was just going home from a friend’s house. Officers asked the man if he had anything on him that he should not possess. He said he did not and gave permission for a search. The man then admitted to having a small amount of marijuana and gave it to the officer. He told police he was going to make “special brownies” for his friend and was arrested for possession.
Homeowner reports suspected meth lab Hastings Police were visited Nov. 21 by a resident of West Grand Street bringing in what he believed were components of a possible meth lab in his home. He told police he had let a couple of friends stay at his house, saw some abnormal activity and found what he thought was the makings of a methamphetamine lab. He told officers he did not want meth around his wife and four children
who were also in the house. Police met with a 26-year-old Hastings man and a 29-yearold Nashville man at the Grand Street home, where officers found an active lab. Meth lab components and a small amount of the illegal drug were confiscated, with help from by the Michigan State Police. The family was unharmed. Both suspects were arrested and remain at the Barry County Jail on $25,000 bonds. Hastings Police say this is the fourth methamphetamine lab recently located within city limits, and they encourage citizens to call police with suspected drug activity.
Gaming system disappears while owner is hunting Barry County Deputies were called to South Main Street in Woodland Nov. 19 in reference to stolen video games. The homeowner said when he came home from hunting, his xBox 360 system, three controllers and 15 to 18 games were missing from his living room. The items are valued at $420. Deputies found no evidence of a forced entry. The man said no other items were missing from his home. The case is inactive pending additional information.
Home repairs lead to argument, arrest Deputies responded to a domestic assault at a Bridge Park Road residence in Hastings Township Nov. 25 where a woman said she and her 32-year-old ex-husband were arguing over home repair and he started calling her names. The man began to leave the residence and the woman said she followed. She told deputies the man turned around and pushed her, causing her to fall. Then, she said, the man punched her in the arm before leaving the residence in his truck. Deputies contacted the man at his brother’s house. He told deputies during the argument the woman started throwing pieces of drywall at him, so he started to leave. She followed, kicking him in the shins and throwing pieces of drywall. He admitted to “slugging” her in the arm. The man was placed under arrest for domestic violence. The report was turned over to the prosecutor’s office.
The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 29, 2012 — Page 13
DK girls start strong against Allegan
Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ basketball coach Mike Mohn takes a time-out to settle his team down after a forth quarter run by Allegan Tuesday. (Photo by Perry Hardin)
Delton Kellogg guard Brooke Martin (32) takes it strong to the hoop over Allegan’s Siera Ruffer Tuesday. (Photo by Perry Hardin)
All-Barry County Corrections: There were a few mistakes in the 2012 Fall All-Barry County stories in the Hastings Banner Nov. 15 and Nov. 22. Three girls, Emma Anderson, Katie Beauchamp and Kourtney Dobbin from the Thornapple Kellogg/Hastings girls’ swimming and diving team should have been listed among the first team honorees on the AllBarry County Girls’ Swimming and Diving Team. Ronnie Collins, Chance Miller, and Jake Miller from Hastings and Thornapple Kellogg’s David Walter were listed among the first team honorees on the All-Barry County Boys’ Cross Country team, but their lists of accomplishments were omitted. Here are the entries that should have been included in the two stories. Girls’ Swimming & Diving First Team Emma Anderson, TK/Hastings: Anderson scored points in a couple of strokes at the 2012 OK Rainbow Tier II Meet. She was 12th in the 200-yard butterfly with a time of 1 minute 10.64 seconds and 14th in the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 1:23.00. Katie Beauchamp, TK/Hastings: One of the top distance freestyle swimmers for the TK/Hastings team, Beauchamp was ninth at the OK Rainbow Tier II Meet in the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 6:12.75. A sophomore, Beauchamp also scored a ninth-place finish at the conference meet in the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 2:17.82. Kourtney Dobbin, TK/Hastings: The junior Dobbin was a part of the Trojan team that was second in the 200-yard freestyle relay at the OK Rainbow Tier II Meet. She also had a good meet in individual events, taking sixth in the 50-yard freestyle and eighth in the 100-yard freestyle. Boys’ Cross Country First Team Ronnie Collins, Hastings: The runner-up at the Barry County Meet, Collins hit the finish line in Middleville with a time of 18 minutes 18.6 seconds to end his sophomore season. Collins was also the Saxons’ leader at the OK Gold Conference Meet, finishing eighth overall in 18:23. Chance Miller, Hastings: Miller was one of four sophomores to finish in the top four for the Saxons at their Division 2 Regional
Meet hosted by Carson City-Crystal. He led the team there with a 39th-place time of 17:43.0. He was third at the Barry County Meet in 18:28.8. Jake Miller, Hastings: Miller finished his junior season with a fifth-place time of 18:51.0 at the Barry County Meet, making him the third Saxon across the finish line there. Miller was the third Saxon to finish at each of the team’s last two meets, placing 61st overall at his team’s Division 2 Regional Meet with a time of 18:25.6. David Walter, Thornapple Kellogg: The Trojan junior earned a trip to the Division 2 State Finals for the first time this fall, placing 87th with a time of 16:39.1. Walter was the both the Barry County Meet champion and the OK Gold Conference Meet champion this season. He won the county meet in 18:15.0.
Lake makes WHAC’s list of top frosh Chelsea Lake was among the six girls honored on the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference’s All-Freshman team. Lake, a red-shirt freshman outside hitter for Cornerstone University, graduated from Lakewood High School in 2011. The Golden Eagles saw their season end with a 3-0 loss to Madonna in the semifinals of the WHAC Conference Tournament Nov. 10. The team could have used Lake in the conference tournament. She earned the AllFreshman honor despite missing the final five weeks of the season with a severe ankle sprain. The rest of the 2012 All-Freshman Team included Madonna’s Breanna Geile, Lourdes’ Michi Jimenez and Katie McKenty, Davenport’s Sidney Rodriguez and Siena Heights’ Carly Tillostson.
“It was kind of fun to watch her grow up as a young lady and a young basketball player. I was pleased with that,” coach Mohn said. He also saw plenty of growth from junior point guard Sarah Rendon. Rendon finished with nine points, and teamed up with senior guard Rachel Parker to limit one of the Tigers’ top scoring threats. Blair Arthur led Allegan with 21 points. She knocked down four three-pointers. A strong night at the free throw line helped Delton stymie the Tigers’ second half charge. The Panthers were 9-of-12 from the stripe in the second half.
TK girls score lopsided win on first night Thornapple Kellogg’s varsity girls’ basketball team opened the 2012-13 season with a 58-16 win at Kelloggsville Tuesday. The Trojans allowed the Rockets just five points in the first half, and scored 28 of their 58 points in the second quarter. Kelli Graham led the way for TK with 12 points and Victoria Fuller added 11. TK had ten different girls score in the contest. Crystal Smith added nine points, Molly Lark seven and Sydney Krol had six. Graham also had five steals and Smith four. Samary Givon, Kayla Shannon, Larissa Shumpert and Jennifer Stout had four points each for the Rockets. The Trojans play their home opener Tuesday against Ionia.
Panther senior guard Rachel Parker draws a foul from Allegan’s Blair Arthur with a strong move in the paint. (Photo by Perry Hardin)
BOWLING SCORES Sunday Night Mixed Comebacks 31; Street Bowlers 26; You’re Up N Shit 24; H20 23; Sunday Snoozers 22; Straightliners 21; The Heath Gang 14. Women’s good games and series - K. Becker 207-562; M. Daniels 214-551; M. Simpson 199-496; F. Ames 172-444; R. Hunt 151-354; A. Hubbell 182; J. Shoebridge 142. Men’s good games and series - E. Bartlett 215-591; C. Santana 240-571; C. Featherly 195-501; J. Craven 165-441; T. Santana 169; S. Jewell 160; B. Heath 153. Tuesday Mixed Barry Co. Red Cross 34.5; Hurless Machine Shop 34; Hometown Lumber 33; Boyce Milk Haulers 32; J-Bar Antique Tractors 21. High Game - D. Blakely 258; D. Benner 195; G. Hause 192; K. Beebe 191; S. Beebe 176; C. Featherly 169; B. Ramey 155; B. Norris 123. High Series - D. Blakely 622. Monday Mixerettes Dewey’s Auto Body 35-13; Kent Oil 32.515.5; Dean’s Dolls 32-16; Nashville Chiropractic 22-26; Creekside Growers 20.527.5. Good Games & Series: J. Alflen 175-510; J. Rice 200-563; L. Elliston 184; N. Goggins 160-445; S. Dunham 173; M. Rodgers 163; P. Shellington 138; S. Nash 146; D. Anders 155.
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Delton Kellogg’s Kristen Mohn (21) drives baseline for a shot off glass over Allegan defender Corrie Wolthuis. (Photo by Perry Hardin)
It was a good first win, and now the Panthers really need to get to work. Delton Kellogg’s varsity girls’ basketball team opened the 2012-13 season with a 55-41 non-conference victory over visiting Allegan Tuesday. The Panthers allowed just 12 points in the first half, and cruised to the 14-point win. “We came out of the chute really well, then got a little lackadaisical in that third quarter and let them reel it in a little bit,” said Delton Kellogg head coach Mike Mohn. The Panthers won’t get to be lackadaisical for a moment Friday as they open the Kalamazoo Valley Association season against Olivet. “We’ve got a lot of work to do tomorrow and Thursday,” Mohn said after Tuesday’s win. He did see plenty of good things Tuesday thought. Brooke Martin took charge on the offensive end, finishing with a team-high 16 points. Sophomore Kristen Mohn, coach Mohn’s daughter, stepped up and finished with 13 points and a team-high six rebounds.
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Senior Citizens Sun Risers 33.5-14.5; Butterfingers 30-18; M&M’s 27-21; King Pins 26-22; Usedtobe #1 25-23; Three Gals & A Guy 21-27; Ward’s Friends 21-27; Just Having Fun 19.5-28.5; Early Risers 19-29; Kuempel 18-30. Women’s good games and series: N. Frost 154; E. Ulrich 170-466; B. Maker 172-459. Men’s good games and series: D. Murphy 139; G. Waggoner 188-522; R. Boniface 185500; W. Talsma 186-489; R. McDonald 236653; B. Terry 214-552; G. Bennett 153; K. Schantz 167. Wed PM Court Side 34-14; Hair Care 31-17; Boniface Construction 30-18; Eye & ENT 2622; Delton Suds 22-26. Good games & series: J. Shurlow 156; N. Potter 160; L. Elliston 179; A. Tasker 142379; Y. Cheeseman 157; E. Ulrich 220-526; B. Norris 119-336. Tuesday Trios Washking 41-11; Sam 35-17; CBS 32-20; Coleman Ins. 26-22; Look Ins. 25-27; Team Turkey 25-27; Classic Trio 24-28; Lu’s Team 23.5-24.5; Blair Landscaping 17.5-34.5; Ghost Team 0-52. High Game - Tammy D. 200; Donna 196; Renee B. 190. High series - Tammy D. 558; Donna 510; Linsey 507.
Page 14 — Thursday, November 29, 2012 — The Hastings Banner
Defense helps Hastings rally late in loss at Otsego
Lakewood senior Emily Kutch (center) is joined by her parents Stephanie and Carl Kutch as she signs her National Letter of Intent to join the Northwood University Women’s Basketball Program in the Lakewood High School Media Center Tuesday morning (Nov. 20). (Photo by Brett Bremer)
Kutch follows state victory with basketball signing day by Brett Bremer Sports Editor Lakewood senior Emily Kutch went to the girls’ golf state finals as a freshman. She won a state championship with the varsity volleyball team two weekends ago. So naturally, she signed her National Letter of Intent to join the Northwood University Women’s Basketball Program in the Lakewood High School Media Center in front of friends, family, teammates and coaches last Tuesday. While even going to the state finals in two different sports is an incredible feat for a high school athlete, Lakewood athletic director Bill Barker and Lakewood varsity girls’ basketball coach Denny Frost made it clear that is not the only unusual thing about Kutch. Both mentioned that only about 1 percent of high school athletes will get any kind of a scholarship to play sports on the collegiate level. Frost said that the amount that get a full-ride scholarship, like Kutch, is maybe a tenth of that one percent. “It’s literally unheard of,” said Frost. Kutch is taking it all in stride. She’s excited to be getting back to basketball, but admitted that it’s been a little tough coming down from the high of winning a state championship. She said her first practice Monday was “a little shaky at first.” She’s known for a long time that basketball was the sport she wanted to pursue. “I’ve just been playing ever since I was a little kid,” Kutch said. “I just love to play it, play with the teammates, scoring those hoops, and then the atmosphere in the gym kind of gets your adrenaline going.” Once Northwood began pursuing her, she was sure it was a place she was going to love. “I felt most comfortable there,” she said. “I love the coaches and the atmosphere. The teammates I got to meet them, they were fun. The campus is really pretty. And, I wanted to go into business.”
The Northwood coaches like her quickness and her length on the perimeter. Kutch averaged 11.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game as a junior, earning all-conference honors in the Capital Area Activities Conference White Division for the second time. Her position has bounced around throughout her basketball career. She played in the post in middle school, but the Vikings needed her to play point guard as a freshman. She handled that task, and every other one thrown at her on a basketball court. “We are really excited about Emily signing with us,” said Northwood coach Jeff Curtis in a statement. “In fact, we were just talking last week that we wish she was here this year because she could help us right now. We are really excited about the youth of our program and the direction that we continue to head.” Kutch probably wouldn’t have minded being with the Timberwolves last week either. They were in Hawaii for the Oahu Classic. Kutch and the Vikings open their season Friday at home against Pewamo-Westphalia.
Future Saxon Night will be held Dec. 1 The Hastings High School boys’ basketball program will host its 6th annual Future Saxon Night on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Hastings High School. Students in grades K-6 are invited to spend the evening with the basketball teams, with activities including basketball, volleyball, swimming, karaoke, and arts and crafts. Pizza, pop, and candy will be available for purchase. The cost per student is $5.
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The Saxons’ Rachel Quillen is bumped by Otsego’s Allie Thiel (right) and Amanda Metz (left) as she tries to get a shot up during the second quarter Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings freshman center Maddie Dailey (right) and Otsego sophomore Sarah White tip-off the 2012-13 varsity girls’ basketball season at Otsego High School Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) by Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Saxons’ new style had its moments Tuesday. Steals by senior guard Taylor Carter and sophomore guard Grace Meade helped the Hastings varsity girls’ basketball team pull out of a 5-0 hole early in the season opener at Otsego High School. Full-court pressure defense also helped the Saxons dig themselves out of an 18-point hole in the second half against the Bulldogs. Hastings didn’t get all the way out of the hole though, falling 54-47 in the first game under new varsity head coach Andrew Mains. “It was a learning experience. I’m proud of the way the girls fought back. We were down 14 at half-time, and we only lost by seven I think it was,” Mains said. “I’m proud of the way we fought back. We’re young still. We start a freshman and a sophomore, so they’re learning how to play together right now. This is a good team. They’re going to win the Wolverine Conference. I grew up playing in that. There’s no doubt in my mind that they’re going to win that. This is like us playing a Catholic Central or South Christian.” It was a learning experience for the girls, and for Mains. He thought afterwards that maybe he should have gone to the full-court defense earlier in the second half. The Saxons started the game pressuring the Bulldogs, but after the Bulldogs’ Allie Thiel maneuvered the length of the court to put her team up 2012 early in the second quarter Hastings settled back into a half-court defense. Thiel was one of three Bulldogs in doublefigures. She had ten points. Shannon Nichols knocked down three threes and finished with 16 points. The Bulldogs also got 11 points from Sarah White. Carter and Maddie Dailey tied for the Saxon scoring lead with 16 points each. Meade added nine points and Rachel Quillen four. Dailey, the freshman starter, came up huge in her first varsity contest. She did an especially good job of setting picks on the perimeter and then rolling to the basket for open looks at the hoop.
Hastings’ Grace Bosma (5) and Nicole Redman force Otsego’s Amanda Metz to turn the ball over in the back-court late in the first half Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Meade, the Saxons’ sophomore starter, was part of a solid back-court duo with Carter. “We’re extremely proud of how hard they’re working,” Mains said of Meade and Dailey. “Those girls both play AAU. They came to all summer weights, the summer track, the summer basketball so we’re extremely proud of the way they’re working together and the way they’re starting to develop.” After the Saxons’ early six-point run in the first quarter, but Bulldogs took control of the game back with Nichols and Kylie Hukill banking in three-point shots. Otsego led 1510 after one quarter, then pushed its lead to 28-14 at the half. The Bulldog lead grew to as many as 18 points in the third quarter, and was still at 17 points with five minutes left to play in the fourth before Hastings started whittling it down. Hastings heads to Comstock Park Friday, then will be at DeWitt Tuesday. The Saxons’ first home contest of the season is against Reeths-Puffer Friday, Dec. 7.
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Hastings’ senior guard Taylor Carter dribbles past Otsego’s Shannon Nichols during the first quarter Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer)
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New Saxon varsity girls’ basketball coach Andrew Mains has a discussion with an official during the second half of Tuesday night’s season opener at Otsego High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer)