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County-wide recycling option explored

Raise taxes or cut spending?

Winter sports teams previewed

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THE HASTINGS

VOLUME 159, No. 48

NEWS BRIEFS Band, quintet presenting free concert Friday The Thornapple Wind Band will again be joined by the Coldwater Brass for its holiday concert Friday, Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m. in the Hastings High School lecture hall.

The Thornapple Wind Band will play some concert pieces, including “Moorside March” and “Exaltation,” as well as some holiday favorites, such as “Sleigh Ride” and “Greensleeves.”

Also, for “Suite of Carols” by Leroy Anderson, the band will be split into a woodwind choir and a brass choir and each will play special selections.

The Coldwater Brass quintet will perform “Gesu Bambino,” “We Need a Little Christmas,” “Christmas Time is Here,” “The Christmas Song” and “Deck the Halls.”

For more information, call Mike or Kathy Scobey, 616-374-7547.

Residents can meet new director Area residents will have a chance to meet Dr. Diana Newman, the new director of the Barry County Animal Shelter, Saturday Dec. 8, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the shelter.

Newman will be available to meet people and share her vision for the future.

“Please join us Saturday, and be sure to ask about the Home for the Holidays adoption event,” she added.

The shelter is located at 540 N. Industrial Park Drive, Hastings.

Open mic comedy night returning to Moose Lodge

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Thursday, December 6, 2012

Commissioners approve forensic audit Recent suicides consultation into animal cruelty case are call to action

by Doug VanderLaan Editor To some, the investigation into operations at the Barry County Animal Control Department smells like a rat.

To Barry County Commissioners, who agreed Tuesday to consult with a forensic auditor on questions related to a Middleville woman whose foreclosed home and property was discovered last month to contain bags of dead dogs, the investigation may smell more like an onion.

more technical review.

That wasn’t enough for some commissioners, however.

“I’ve had 25 to 30 calls since our last meet-

ing about this (use of euthanasia drugs),” said Commissioner Don Nevins who later added,

See AUDIT, page 6

“I’m not going to sit here and take the hit for spending money for a forensic audit, because we wouldn’t even be talking about this if the sheriff had done his job when he should have done it.”

Commissioner Joe Lyons

“It will be like peeling back an onion,” suggested County Administrator Michael Brown in describing how he envisioned the inquiry into determining if animals found on the Middleville property came from the county’s animal shelter and if some of the county’s euthanasia drugs had been used illicitly to kill the dogs.

Marcie Tepper turned herself in to authorities last month and was given 10 days to arrange a court appearance for arraignment on animal cruelty charges. As of press time Wednesday, the arraignment has not taken place.

Complicating matters has been Tepper’s status as a member of the Barry County Animal Shelter Advisory Board, appointed by Sheriff Dar Leaf who also made Tepper a special deputy advisor.

Although he had provided two references for commissioners to consider as forensic auditors, Brown said he thought the county’s current financial auditors and new animal shelter director Diana Newman could provide an initial examination and then call in forensic auditing experts, if the situation merited a

Secrets for Santa Claus Noah Lucas, 3, gets a chance to talk to Santa after the Christmas parade in Middleville Saturday. The Jolly Old Elf and some very able assistants have been spotted around the area in recent days, including at parades in Middleville and Hastings, as well as at Delton’s Hometown Christmas Tuesday. One of his next visits to Barry County will be the Christmas parade in Nashville Saturday, Dec. 15. (Photo by Julie Makarewicz)

2013 coming attractions: Hastings Spray Plaza

The Hastings Moose Lodge will again host the standup comedy open- microphone Moose Chuckles event Monday, Dec. 10. Moose Chuckles is a free comedy show featuring everything from first-time comedians to professional comics.

Doors will open at 8:30 p.m. Host Emily Allyn will start the show at 9 p.m.

Moose Chuckles is the second Monday of every month.

The Hastings Moose Lodge is located at 120 N. Michigan Ave. Guests must be 21 to enter. Non-members are welcome; no cover charge is required.

Ball drop committee looking for vendors The planning committee for the fourth annual New Year’s Eve Community Celebration in downtown Hastings is extending an invitation to all nonprofit groups of young people or adults to participate in the event by selling refreshments or New Year’s Eve party items.

Organizations must receive advance approval to participate. If interested, contact the planning committee for additional information by calling 269-8388407.

Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856

This site plan shows how the spray plaza and band shell will fill the vacant lot next to Hastings 4 Cinema.

by Sandra Ponsetto Staff Writer Coming soon next to a theater near you: a spray plaza for children and the young of heart to enjoy during the sultry days of summer and a mini-band shell to serve as a small concert venue.

Monday evening, after holding a public hearing, the Hastings Planning Commission

See SPRAY PLAZA, page 14

for Delton Kellogg Schools

by David DeDecker Staff Writer Local and state data indicates Barry County has a higher rate of suicide than the state average, along with increasing rates of suicide attempts and threats called in to local law enforcement agencies.

After four suicide deaths by current Delton Kellogg High School students or recent graduates, members of the Delton community and school staff realized something needed to be done, and they called in local experts to help.

According to Delton Kellogg Board of Education member Marsha Bassett, the group has set goals to provide awareness to parents, students and residents to help them recognize suicidal thoughts and behaviors in their friends and loved ones and to provide tools, resources and courage to ask for help. The group is also looking to build partnerships within the region to address suicide-related issues and concerns.

“We will need to seek grant funding for some of the larger programs we are considering, but with the alarming number of young people committing suicide in the area, we hope to find the resources needed to bring the necessary program into the school” said Bassett, who is also a parent and member of the district’s committee coordinating the suicide awareness and prevention efforts.

Concerned citizens have met on several occasions, calling in experts, such as Judy Whitehurst from Gryphon Place in Kalamazoo, Dr. Cindy Cook from Calhoun Intermediate School District and Liz Lenz from the Barry County Substance Abuse Task Force, for input on the most effective ways to address the issues surrounding suicide. These efforts will include elementary, middle and high school students, staff and parents, who are learning the coping skills they will need in life.

In an effort to take immediate effective action, Bassett said information has been developed for school newsletters and links and information have been placed on the home page of the school’s website, www.dkschools.org. The website contains information for students, parents and residents on signs of suicide and what to do if a person suspects someone is considering suicide. She said this is the first step in many efforts that are planned by the district. Plans are underway to expand the website, making it a meaningful source of research-based strategies to help those contemplating suicide and those suspecting others of taking their own lives.

In order to educate the public, a parentcommunity night has been scheduled for Monday, Dec. 10, in the auditorium at the high school at 6:30 p.m. The evening will include several speakers and a panel of experts to answer questions. The program is free and open to the public, thanks to support of the Delton Area Rotary Club and Delton Parents Unite, a grassroots group of parents and students working to support activities and programs for young people of Delton.

Consultant John Clement will present training in “Question, Persuade, Refer.”

QPR is designed to help a person intervene with someone who may be considering suicide.

Also speaking will be Michael Reiffer, a counselor from Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, who is currently working on a part-time basis with Delton Kellogg students. Reiffer will present information on strategies to help parents raising teens and managing difficult emotions. He also will discuss the importance of developing interpersonal relationships as buffers against hopelessness, while giving parents tips to help develop children’s coping skills.

The third speaker will be Judy Whitehurst, clinical director of Gryphon Place, who will present information about

See SUICIDES, page 8

Page 2 — Thursday, December 6, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

Governor makes training center opening official

Governor Rick Snyder cuts the ribbon to officially open the Bradford White International Technical Excellence Center. Pictured, from left, are Middleville Village Council President Charles Pullen, village council member Ed Schellinger (in back), Thornapple Township trustee Walt Eavey, Bradford White Executive Vice President and general manager Eric Lannes, Snyder, Bradford White director of technical services Dustin Bowerman, and Barry County Commissioner Craig Stolsonburg.

by Julie Makarewicz Staff Writer Gov. Rick Snyder said Bradford White is a great made-in-Michigan story, and he toured the company’s new international technical excellence center Friday morning.

The company officially opened the new center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tours of the facility. Officials expect contractors, distributors and business people from all over the United States and Canada to visit and to train at the center.

“This is a great made-in-Michigan story; it’s a leading-edge company,” said Snyder, who cut the ribbon along with Bradford White Executive Vice President and General Manager Eric Lannes and direcctor of Technical Services Dustin Bowerman.

Located on Eagle Drive next to a cornfield in Middleville, Gov. Snyder said the training center is a shining example that business growth and excellence can take place anywhere in the state.

“There are very talented people here and a talented workforce. Talented people continue to live and excel in this area and enjoy the quality of life here,” said Snyder.

“The goal is to help companies find the best ways to be successful and create greater environments where jobs can flourish,” said Snyder of his administration.

He said his office is working to find ways to support businesses, to help communities support businesses, to keep tax systems favorable for business growth and retention, and to allow businesses to be successful in the state.

“These are great jobs and people here enjoy a great quality of life,” said Snyder, who reminded everyone that he spends a great deal of time in the area at his home on Gun Lake.

Snyder got a tour of the facility and expla-

nations of how the facility was constructed with energy-efficiency in mind.

Bradford White builds all of its products strictly for wholesale distribution; company officials believe trained professionals should properly install and service water heaters.

Bowerman said it’s a very unique facility offering visitors not only hands-on learning experiences with new Bradford White water heaters and technology, but also a facility that runs efficiently using natural resources like solar energy, and rain water to power the company’s needs.

“This used to be just a pole barn,” pointed out Bowerman. “Roughly a year ago, we started on this project, and here we are today with a facility that will draw people from around the United States. This will really put Middleville on the map.”

Bowerman spoke to a group of officials from the Village of Middleville, Thornapple Township and Barry County invited to the opening ceremony.

Bowerman said the facility was intentionally built to inspire people to ask questions.

From the state-of-the-art LED lighting, to tables in the dining area made from water heater parts and a trash can made from the outer jacket of a water heater, the facility makes visitors think outside the box.

“Customers cannot escape what we do,” said Bowerman. “It’s an energy that’s all around them wherever they look.”

The tech center classroom has seating for up to 64 participants. Bowerman said the smaller hands-on learning lab area is designed for groups of about 15. That allows participants to have about a 1-to-4 student to presenter ratio.

The facility also features advanced technology to allow video conferencing and training

Gov. Rick Snyder (middle) cuts the ribbon inside the Bradford White iTEC facility along with officials from the village of Middleville, Thornapple Township, and Barry County. for those who can’t make the trip to Middleville.

Bowerman touted the facility’s use of natural resources, including a rainwater collection system that can collect up to 200,000 gallons of rainwater per year. Up to 30,000 gallons can be stored for irrigation and water needs within the facility.

Solar panels help gather sunlight for energy needs. In-floor heating systems are throughout the facility. And outside, snowmelt systems are installed and demonstrated working under concrete, asphalt and stone.

The building is in the process of earning Gold Leadership in Engery and Environmental Design, or LEED, certification recognizing its green initiatives. LEED certification is a green building rating system aimed to promote design and construction practices that increase profitability while reducing negative environmental impacts.

The system offers four certification levels, with the Gold status being the third highest level.

Bowerman expects more than 50 groups per year to visit the training center. Most classes will be from one to three days.

The facility has about 18,500 square feet of usable space, including the customer support and tech service call center, which is staffed 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

Bradford White makes all of its products entirely in the United States and provides support services within the U.S. “We’re very proud of being 100 percent American-made, and we’re very proud to be in Middleville,” said Bowerman. “People sometimes wonder where Middleville is, and we’re doing our best to let everyone know.”

Bradford White Corporation is Barry County’s largest employer and one of the largest employers in the greater Grand Rapids area with more than 1,400 employees working three shifts.

The company produces a full line of residential, commercial and industrial products for water heating, space heating, combination heating and storage applications.

Gov. Snyder views the mechanical room of the facility with explanations from director of technical services Dustin Bowerman (right) and executive vice president and general manager Eric Lannes (middle).

Bradford White executive vice president and general manager Eric Lannes (left) and director of technical services Dustin Bowerman (right) give Gov. Rick Snyder a quick tour of the training room within the facility.

Gov. Rick Snyder talks with Village Council member Sue Reyff during his visit to the Bradford White center.

LARGE or small, We Ship It All! 1351 N.Broadway (M-43) Hastings

269.945.9105 Officials from Barry County, the village of Middleville, and Thornapple Township take a tour of the facility.

OPEN MON.-FRI. 8:30 - 5:30

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 6, 2012 — Page 3

Christmas season marches into Hastings

BCN-Technical Services turned old press parts into holly-decked Christmas ornaments for the company’s entry in the 2012 Hastings Christmas Parade.

The Hastings High School Marching Band prepares to play “Sleigh Ride” while marching through downtown Hastings.

A clown from Hastings Cinema 4 Theater makes its way down the parade route on a tricycle.

Children ride in a wagon pulled behind a truck carrying a vintage sleigh from Historic Charlton Park and Village.

At Home Real Estate’s entry includes a Santa and Elf costumed characters.

At Home Real Estate’s entry includes a Santa and Elf costumed characters.

St. Nicholas waves to the crowds from the Emmanuel Episcopal Church entry.

This float from Thornapple Valley Community Credit Union incorporates the lyrics from “Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog.” The parade’s theme is ‘Joy to the World.’

The Vermontville Maple Syrup Queen Megan Zank (right) and her court (from left) Shennondoah Fighter, Yulanda Sheridan and Gretchen Hakenjos, wave to Hastings parade-goers.

Page 4 — Thursday, December 6, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

Raise taxes or cut spending to avoid fiscal cliff?

‘Blue Goose’ and more are stuffed for the holidays Michigan State Police Trooper Phil McNabnay and two young shoppers help “stuff the Blue Goose” with toys, clothing and food for area families Saturday. The children used a $100 gift card donated by Walmart to pick out what they thought other kids would want for Christmas. The goal of “Stuff the Blue Goose” is to donate enough food, toys and clothing to fill a MSP patrol vehicle. The donated items are then forwarded to the United Way of Barry County for families during the holidays. The Chevy Tahoe and a Dodge were filled to the brim.

Did you

see?

The Ugly Duckling version 2.0

Tery Bailey of Lake Odessa was surprised when a family of mute swans that had been raised on the channel behind her house on Jordan Lake returned recently and she realized that one of the cygnets was actually a trumpeter swan.

Mute swans, most easily identified by the knob on their heads, are an aggressive, invasive species, while the native trumpeter swans are on the state’s endangered species list. Bailey said all six of the young swans swam together since birth.

“I was amazed that one never changed color. Turns out, it’s not a mute at all but a trumpeter,” said Bailey.

Do you

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.

know?

Angels overhead

Do you recognize any of these men or know why this photo was taken? Where are they standing? Although the angels above seem to indicate it’s Christmastime, the man on the right is wearing a short-sleeved shirt. That shirt seems to be bedecked with guitar images, so is he a musician? Or, are those ukuleles on a Hawaiian shirt?

(Notice the disembodied left angel, the porcelain coffee pot and the pack of cigarettes on the table.) What can you tell us about this photo?

The Banner archives have numerous photographs from the middle of the past century that have no date, names or other information. We’re hoping readers can help us identify the people in the photos and provide a little more information about the event to reunite the photos with their original clippings or identify photos that may never have been used. If you’re able to help tell this photograph’s story, we want to hear from you. Mail information to Attn: Newsroom

Both.

For months, especially since the election, Congressional leaders and the Obama Administration have turned their attention to the self-imposed fiscal cliff they didn’t want to address in the months leading up to the election.

Now they have only a few days left in the scheduled legislative session to come up with a plan to avert a financial disaster or to agree to put it off again until sometime next year.

In even more frank terms, the two parties continue to argue rather than work to find a reasonable solution to our economic woes.

Republicans want to reduce the cost of government by controlling spending, while Democrats and the Obama Administration profess the problem comes from a lack of revenue and want to raise taxes on “the rich.”

We must be mindful, however, of an important reality as this process unfolds.

As officials look for new revenue sources, a number of benefits, if taken away, would negatively impact most taxpayers.

Some are calling for taxing medical insurance benefits, eliminating the homestead exemption and increasing the death tax rates to bring in new revenue.

If we look back, the best solutions to economic slowdowns have been found in a combination of raising taxes and cutting spending. During the recent election, seven of 10 voters said they preferred a combination of the two approaches: increasing taxes and cutting programs.

The federal government reportedly now spends about 22 percent of the value of the nation’s gross domestic product per year while only taking in around 17 percent of GDP from taxes. Consequently, there’s no way we can get the deficit under control unless we do both.

If social programs continue to grow and if we add a new national health care program to our country’s long-term debt, we must find an equitable solution to this fiscal crisis — sooner rather than later.

In February 2008, I wrote an editorial that included comments by nationally syndicated newspaper columnist Charley Reese, who said that just 545 people are responsible for America’s woes. “One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president and nine Supreme Court Justices, for a total of 545 men and women selected from over 300 million American citizens, are directly, legally, morally and individually responsible for all the domestic problems that plague this country,” said Reese.

Now this Congress wants to sidestep responsibility and wants us to accept the fact that the financial crisis needs a bailout to save our nation from financial insolvency. At no time did we see any leaders getting up on the table and yelling out. “We are headed for a crisis. We have the responsibility to protect the taxpayers from a financial meltdown. We must act now and save Americans from potential financial destruction.”

As Reese said in his column, “Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible for their actions. Their decisions are what got us into this mess in the first place.”

Those 545 people, alone, still have the power to set us in a new direction. But now we, as taxpayers, must hold them accountable for finding solutions to these serious issues — even if it means they

What do you Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; email news@jadgraphics.com; or call 269945-9554.

L a s t w e e k ’s photo of p e o p l e working on a parade float drew responses from longtime members of G r a c e Lutheran Church in Hastings.

Sharon

Bancroft and Shirley Beck said they recognized fellow parishioners in the photo that was likely taken in the garage of one of the Leary’s stores on East State Street (now Ace Hardware). They were creating the Lutheran church’s entry for the “Put Christ Back Into Christmas” parade in the early to mid-1950s.

Bancroft and Beck thought that the woman sitting on the float is Carolyn O’Connor, the one on the bottom left is Louise Leary, and Matilda Trinklein is in the bottom center.

They suggested that the man on the far left might be either Leon Corey or Jim O’Connor. Neither recognized the women on the bottom right. Beck remembered the time-consuming task of stuffing the chicken wire with toilet tissue (notice the rolls to the right). Bancroft said, “I have fond memories of those days and people, and we need still to put Christ back in Christmas, today more than ever. Thanks for the memories.”

stay in session every day right on through the holidays.

The House of Representatives is scheduled to be in session only 14 days in December, and the president is planning a vacation to Hawaii with his family while Americans, rich and poor, will be impacted if elected officials can’t come to some agreement before the end of the year.

The president should change his demeanor to one of a militant facilitator and sequester leaders from both parties in the White House to work across the table rather than across televisions networks.

Those leaders need to hammer out a reasonable agreement that both parties, working together, can use to convince the nation that they have the right medicine for a speedy recovery — and no one leaves Washington until there’s an agreement.

Most experts agree that you can’t solve the problem by just raising more revenue — it will take both new revenue and spending cuts to get to any meaningful resolution.

The best resolution has always been a healthy, growing economy. Since World War II, the country’s strongest years came when we were adding jobs and making purchases.

In recent years, the overall economy has been measured by tepid growth, adding few jobs other than in narrow sectors along with consumer spending in very specific areas.

The best safety net for all Americans is a job — always has been; always will be.

So let’s concentrate on getting the economy going again. That’s the right medicine and it sends the message around the world that we’re serious about our deficit and are willing to do what’s necessary to get it under control.

Corporate executives met with President Obama Tuesday calling for a balanced solution to the nation’s fiscal cliff and a long-term plan to deal with deficit and debt issues, including meaningful and comprehensive tax and entitlement reforms.

According to a report released Monday, the manufacturing sector posted its weakest performances in three years — and executives warn the uncertainty over the negotiations in Washington, D.C., was a factor.

The answers will be found in a compromise, by strategically increasing taxes along with adjusting entitlement spending that continues to grow out of proportion with future revenues.

If taxpayers expect to see any action in the coming weeks, it will be found in strong leadership from both sides — not in accusations that create division and frustration.

Our nation’s fiscal problems, today and beyond, come from the inability of these 545 men and women to legislate within reasonable budget projections. That’s left us with a national deficit of $16 trillion and growing — along with a weak economy and government spending that outpaces revenues. These conditions are not conducive to a strong and vital economy.

The solutions are possible, but their success will only be realized if the leadership can come together looking for solutions -- rather than politicians looking to serve constituents.

Fred Jacobs, vice president, J-Ad Graphics

think?

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

Last week’s question: Last week, the Hostess company — maker of the iconic Twinkie — announced its liquidation after both management and union workers refused to make concessions. Will you regret losing this piece of cultural history?

For this week: Congressional lawmakers adjourn for the holiday break next week with crucial revenue and spending issues still unresolved.

Would you be willing to pay more taxes to avoid going over the ‘fiscal cliff?’ q q

Yes No

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The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 6, 2012 — Page 5

IURP RXU UHDGHUV Pittsburgh woman appreciates work by Barry Twp. police To the editor: A year ago I was scammed through my small business and had over $8,000 worth of T-shirts ordered and then stolen with bad credit cards. There is an international ring using Americans to have the shirts delivered to them here in the states. The FBI got involved and told me I would most likely never recover my money.

One year later, I received a call from Detective Eric Gustavson of the Barry Township Police Department saying they had 41 boxes of my T-shirts that had been confiscated and were due to be auctioned off at their annual auction. That phone call was the beginning of a two-month process to get them

returned so I could get reimbursed from my supplier. Detective Gustavson took the initiative to find me and work patiently to get the merchandise returned to me.

I am from out of town and I must stay you have a very nice police department with quality people there. Chief Victor Pierce, Detective Gustavson and Officer Brian Keeler all kindly helped me through the process so my company could get reimbursed for a portion of what was stolen. I would like to come and visit your town someday and meet the people who worked unselfishly to help me recover my loss.

Linda Speed, Pittsburgh, PA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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by Julie Makarewicz Staff Writer At the urging of state officials, the Village of Middleville is applying to become a member of the Michigan Main Street program at the associate level.

The Downtown Development Authority made the application, and the village council endorsed the application at its Tuesday council meeting.

“Members of the state felt Middleville would be a good fit for this program and that’s why we were approached,” said Village Manager Rebecca Fleury.

She told council members there is no cost to become a member and no funds will be accepted by the DDA through the service.

Being a member simply may allow the village to receive technical assistance from state experts on building, generating and maintain a strong downtown area.

“The DDA felt this would be a way to obtain some technical assistance for the DDA to help promote the downtown. The DDA board would act as the Main Street board,” said Fleury.

The Main Street program uses a four-point approach to strengthen commercial activity and improve buildings in a community’s downtown. Michigan Main Street was formed in 2003 and provides consulting services to up to three communities per year that commit to the four-point approach. That approach includes design, organization, promotion and economic restructuring.

Fleury said making the application does not commit the village to being part of the program and does not ensure the state will accept the village as a partner member.

“They could turn us down, or we could turn

them down,” she said.

If the village is accepted as an associate member, the Main Street organization will be formed to stimulate economic development and historic preservation in the downtown.

The Main Street area will not include the entire DDA area — only the traditional Main Street areas.

“I think any ideas on how to better our downtown area — any little help we can get — seems like it would be a good thing.

Especially if it doesn’t cost us anything,” said council member Phil Van Noord.

Council member Joyce Lutz voted against the application, saying she didn’t know enough about it to make an informed decision. She also questioned why the matter went to the DDA before going to the village council.

“It seems like it should have come to us first — especially if they need a resolution from the council,” said Lutz. “It seems like we’re kind of after the fact.”

In other matters before the council Tuesday: • Mike Lytle was re-appointed as village council president pro-tempore. He will assume the duties of the president whenever the council president is unavailable. Council President Charlie Pullen said Lytle has served in this capacity in the past and has done a good job.

“I would like to have him on board again,” said Pullen.

• Fleury reported the DDA LED sign is installed and will hopefully be working by Dec. 1. Lutz questioned why the sign doesn’t have some kind of “welcome to Middleville” address.

“You don’t even know it’s Middleville,” she said. “It just points you to come downtown.”

She also said the sign cannot be seen when approaching from the south or the west and that it signals out only the downtown area.

Fleury said the DDA chose the sign and location.

• Catherine Getty, zoning administrator, said the updated master pan has been sent to neighboring municipalities for review. A public hearing will be scheduled on revisions in January.

• Fleury reported information about replacing the personal property taxes. She said should be of great concern, since 16 percent of the village general fund, or about $200,000, comes from those taxes. Fleury said she will keep the council informed and updated about the state’s progress in finding or creating permanent ways to replace those funds.

“It’s something we’re going to have to watch very closely,” she said.

• Allison LeRoy thanked the council its work with Bradford White on the building expansion. She said she’s pleased with what’s happened so far and is appreciative of the work between the village and the company.

“You’ve helped it be as good as it could be for us,” she told the council.

• Lutz questioned Lytle about a comment he made during re-election campaigns. She asked what he meant by wanting to get Middleville back to the way it was. Lytle said when he went to school in the 1950s, the downtown was thriving with many different businesses, and he wants to see the downtown filled and thriving again.

State News Roundup State refinances bonds at historically low rate The State of Michigan closed last week on a refinancing deal at a historically low interest rate of 1.16 percent, which generated nearly 10 percent in debt service savings over the previous bonds. The bonds were issued to refund outstanding general obligation environmental program bonds.

“The eagerness of bond purchasers to invest in Michigan is a testament to the strong financial turnaround that is taking place,” said State Treasurer Andy Dillon. “The bold actions that Gov. Snyder has taken to balance the state budget and make Michigan the ‘Turnaround State’ have made an impression on investors throughout the country, as reflected in the historically low rate we received on this deal.”

The 1.16 percent interest rate was made possible by the economic recovery in the state, as well as sound financial decisions that have resulted in a consistently balanced budget, said Dillon.

A record 15 bidders from underwriters throughout the country took part in the pricing Nov. 15. The overall savings produced will total $9.4 million, in net present value.

Holiday shoppers started before Thanksgiving Michigan retailers began the traditional Thanksgiving-to-Christmas holiday shopping season with a head of steam caused by shoppers starting their gift buying early, according

to the Michigan Retail Index, a joint project of Michigan Retailers Association and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

The state’s retail industry boosted its performance in October, setting the stage for what’s expected to be a solid holiday season, the latest monthly survey of MRA members found.

“After a lull in September, sales rose for more Michigan retailers in October,” said MRA President and CEO James P. Hallan.

“Others’ surveys point to early holiday shopping as a likely reason for the rise. More than half of consumers reported having started their holiday shopping well in advance of the Thanksgiving weekend.”

Three out of four Michigan retailers expect to increase sales this holiday season, many by more than 5 percent, according to the Index’s September survey. Their forecasts are the most optimistic in more than a decade, noted Hallan.

The October Michigan Retail Index found that 47 percent of retailers increased sales over the same month last year, while 34 percent recorded declines and 19 percent saw no change.

The results create a seasonally adjusted performance index of 59.4, up from 54.0 in September. A year ago October it was 58.3.

The Index gauges the performance of the state’s overall retail industry, based on monthly surveys conducted by MRA and the Federal Reserve. Index values above 50 generally indicate positive activity; the higher the number, the stronger the activity.

Looking forward, 57 percent of retailers expect sales from November through January to increase over the same period last year, while 17 percent project a decrease and 26 percent no change. That puts the seasonally adjusted outlook index at 72.1, down from 76.8 in September. A year ago October it was 64.4.

BUSINESS BRIEFS • Michael Puerner, vice president and general counsel for Hastings Mutual Insurance Co., has been elected a 2013 officer for the Insurance Institute of Michigan, a government affairs and public information association representing property and casualty insurance companies and related organizations operating in Michigan.

• Hastings as been recognized as the 2012 Gus Macker Rookie Community of the Year by the Gus Macker Basketball organization based, in part, on the teamwork that made this past summer’s community event a success.

Pennock Health Services and Brann’s Restaurant have renewed their commitment to be key sponsors for the 2013 event.

• Garrett Bensinger of Independent Bank has been appointed a vice president of community banking for the Vermontville branch and five other local Independent Bank branches.

Send us the business news from your company or organization and we’ll be happy to run it as space allows. Mail to Business Briefs c/o The Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058 or news@jadgraphics.com.

Area Locations to purchase the Hastings Banner!

Hastings: One Stop Shop (BP) (M-43 North) Tom’s Market Superette Family Fare One Stop Food (BP) (M-37 South) Hastings Speedy Mart (Shell) Bosley Admiral Penn-Nook Gift Shop P.B. Gas Station (W. State St.) BP Gas Station (M-37 West) Xpress Mart Family Fare Gas Station Woody’s General Store

Middleville: Speedway Middleville Marketplace Greg’s Get-It-N-Go Shell Gun Lake: Sam’s Gourmet Foods Gun Lake Amoco Gun Lake Shell Orangeville: Orangeville Fast Stop

Cloverdale: Cloverdale General Brown’s Cedar Creek Grocery Delton: Felpausch Shell Banfield: Banfield General Store Lacey: Clyde’s Sportsman Post

Pine Lake: Pine Lake Grocery

Dowling: Goldsworthys Dowling General Store

Prairieville: Prairieville Fast Stop

Woodland: Woodland Express

Nashville: Trading Post Little’s Country Store Shell MV Pharmacy Nashville C Store Carl’s Lake Odessa: Lake-O-Express Lake-O-Mart Shell Carl’s

Freeport: L & J’s Freeport Milling Shelbyville: Weick’s Food Town The Store at Southshore

77566089

Brett Bremer Julie Makarewicz Fran Faverman Sandra Ponsetto

• ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT •

Middleville submits application to join state’s Main Street program

Page 6 — Thursday, December 6, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

AUDIT, continued from page 1 “This investigation needs to start right now.

We owe it to somebody to find out what happened.”

Though he voted with the minority in a 5-3 vote to hire Debra Pellerito of Kalamazoo to provide an initial forensic audit review, Commissioner Dan Parker echoed Nevins’

call for immediate action.

“When I talked about taking our time [at last week’s meeting], I got people jumping on me,” said Parker. “We need to get on with it.”

Parker said he preferred the phased approach outlined by Brown, and he voted with commissioners Craig Stolsonburg and

Worship Together…

77572747

...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.

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.

HASTINGS FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green Street, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Don Spachman. Office Phone (269) 945-9574. Office hours are Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. to noon. Sunday morning worship hours: 8:45 a.m.

Traditional Worship; 10 a.m.

Refreshments; 10:45 a.m.

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

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

Pastor Daniel Graybill, Pastor Brian Teed, and Youth Pastor Eric Gillespie. Sunday: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. 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. 9 - Worship Service 8 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Dec. 9- - Noisy Offering for Love, Inc.; Men & Women’s Alcoholics Anonymous 7 p.m. Dec. 10 - Gracegram Deadline; Adventurerers Bible Study 7 p.m.; Recovery Bible Study 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 11 - Grand Rapids Pastor’s Conference 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 12 - Wordwatchers Bible Study 10 a.m.; Advent Supper 6 p.m.; Advent Vespers 7 p.m. Dec. 13 - Staff Meeting 12:15 p.m.; Clapper Kids Bell Choir 3:45 p.m.; Grace Notes Bell Choir 5:45 p.m.; Adult Choir 7:15 p.m. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 9452645, fax 269-945-2698. 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.

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

Lauer Family Funeral Homes

770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541

1401 N. Broadway Hastings

945-2471

Howard “Hoot” Gibson against hiring Pellerito.

It was Gibson who, at the board of commissioners meeting one week previous, termed the entire investigation a “witch hunt” on the part of Commissioner Robert Houtman and suggested a forensic audit could cost as much as $20,000.

As described by Brown, however, the initial work to be conducted by Pellerito — a certified fraud examiner — would involve one to two days of seeking facts, interviewing key individuals and then providing a definition of the scope of the work that may need to be conducted, which could lead to an accurate cost for a full forensic audit. Brown’s estimate of the consultation was between $1,000 and $3,000.

“This start to the peeling-onion stage is most appropriate, and it’s money well spent,” said Houtman. “I look at this board of commissioners and the people represented through us as having a responsibility to determine what happened [in the Middleville animal cruelty case].

“All county boards have a responsibility for animal control, and we have a right and a responsibility to know if we were involved.

Asking for this to protect the interests of Barry County cannot be termed a witch hunt.”

Commissioner Joe Lyons was hunting at Tuesday’s meeting for an answer as to why the board needs to take the blame for an investigation that the public is demanding.

“I’m not going to sit here and take the hit for spending money for a forensic audit,” said Lyons, “because we wouldn’t even be talking about this if the sheriff had done his job when he should have done it.

“My point is that we, as a board, get our feet held to the fire for calling for a forensic audit and spending county money when it’s something the public is demanding.”

Lyons may have been referencing direct and candid remarks offered during the public comment portion of Tuesday’s meeting from citizen Jack Miner.

“This issue demands justice,” said Miner in prepared remarks, “justice for the families that brought their animals to the shelter expecting humane treatment, justice for the people that worked and volunteered at the shelter, justice for citizens that funded and helped build the physical structure and want to know what the heck happened to their dream — and last, but not least, justice for the animals for which you have a moral responsibility.

“The voters will put up with a lot from their elected officials because they know you are human and make mistakes. In fact, they will tolerate almost anything, except a real or perceived cover-up. The best example we have of this truism is the downfall of Richard Nixon,” said Miner.

Lyons had direct words for Leaf’s handling of the affair, reminding commissioners that they interviewed Tepper for a position on the Animal Control Advisory Board, turned her down, then watched as Leaf appointed her as his representative to the board.

“We all know what’s going on here,” said Lyons, “everybody needs to be honest and say what’s on their mind.”

Lyons was referring, in part, to the commission’s vote Nov. 20 to recommend that the Michigan State Police conduct the investigation, due to the appearance of a conflict of interest on the part of Leaf.

Stolsonburg reminded Lyons that the MSP could only be authorized by County Prosecutor Tom Evans to assume that authority. Evans saidd last week that he had advised Leaf to counsel with the Michigan Sheriffs Association on the matter.

Leaf, who attended Tuesday’s meeting but was detained by an emergency call during discussion of the issue, missed Nevins’ question on whether the MSA contact had been made.

“Yes, I called and they said ‘Send us an email,’” said Leaf, who stated following the meeting that he had yet to do so. “When I talked to the State Police they told me ‘We don’t determine it to be a conflict of interest, you’ve already done an investigation and you’ve got an arrest warrant.’ “What more do they want?”

Leaf attributes the tumult to Houtman and Commissioner Jeff VanNortwick, who seconded Houtman’s motion Tuesday to begin a forensic audit.

“I endorsed their opponents [in the Aug. 7 primary vote] and their opponents won,” maintained Leaf. “I know the public knows I did right thing. A forensic audit is fine, it’s their building. and they can do whatever kind of audit they want.”

Leaf pointed out that a recent financial audit of the facility, conducted soon after animal control operations were separated from

In Loving Memory of our Father, Grandfather & Great Grandfather

RAYMOND HAUSE, SR. Who passed away Dec. 5, 1996.

102 Cook Hastings

945-4700

1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554

118 S. Jefferson Hastings 945-3429

We miss you.

Love you always, your family 77572764

“All county boards have a responsibility for animal control, and we have a right and a responsibility to know if we were involved. Asking for this to protect the interests of Barry County cannot be termed a witch hunt.”

Commissioner Robert Houtman

animal shelter responsibilities last fall, cost the county $2,300 and he questioned why commissioners wouldn’t rely on Newman, the new animal shelter director, to do a capable audit as part of her responsibilities.

Leaf also questioned Tuesday’s meeting process.

“It [the forensic audit discussion] was not even on the agenda,” pointed out Leaf. “I leave the room and they vote on something I didn’t know anything about. It was almost like an ambush.

“I’m offended for my staff by the comments from commissioners. If I’m corrupt, the whole department is corrupt. They don’t understand the collateral damage they cause.”

In other business, the board approved formal recommendation of the following at its next meeting: • A change in the name of the Animal Control Shelter Board to the Animal Shelter Board to reflect the separation made last fall between animal control and animal shelter functions. Also recommended was a reduction in the board’s composition from 11 members to nine. The two eliminated positions would be those of Rebecca Neal and the designated sheriff’s representative position. The resignations of Chuck Reid and Kim Veldheer will create two openings on the board, for which the commission will advertise volunteer opportunity.

• Direction that Carlton Township resident Eldon Shellenbarger consult with state legislators in regard to a requested amendment to the Barry County Animal Control Ordinance. Following a recent car accident

with a cow running at large, Shellenbarger said county law enforcement officers were not able to investigate the incident because they did not witness the livestock in question.

Shellenbarger sought the board’s assistance in rewriting the ordinance to establish investigations in similar future matters leading to the identity of the livstock owner for the establishment of liability and making such an offense more than a civil infraction.

Stolsonburg said the ordinance falls under the state’s Farm Act, leaving change in the ordinance up to the state.

“What good is this animal control ordinance, then?” asked Shellenbarger. “It’s not worth the paper it’s written on. This is a public health and safety issue, and, until we get some bite in the law, if somebody gets killed, it will be a civil infraction.”

• Authorization for Barry County Transit Director Joe Bleam to apply for state and federal grants for the 2014 fiscal year and making Bleam the official transportation coordinator authorized to provide needed and requested grant information.

• Approval to purchase recording equipment for the hearing room in the county Courts and Law building at a cost of $18,427 to replace aging equipment that is no longer maintained by the vendor.

• A co-authorization with the judicial council, the administrative arm of the Barry County Trial Court, to create and enforce policies needed to maintain security for the courts and buildings housing the courts. The authorization will allow expedient implementation of security measures, such as identification cards and magnetometer compliance for county employees, trial attendees and courthouse visitors.

• Approval of a Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program request from Randy and Shawn Durkee of Carlton Township.

• Approval for the preparation and submission of a 2012 Michigan Blight Elimination application needed to receive money dedicated to the removal of blighted and abandoned homes and commercial businesses at nine sites in Delton, the city of Hastings, and Middleville. Planning and Zoning Director James McManus and Jon Hart of the City of Hastings said they expect several sites in Nashville to be added to the target list of blighted properties.

• Approval of a 2013 fiscal year quote for workers compensation excess insurance coverage with a retention amount of $500,000 from the Midwest Company and renewal with Eagle Claims Management for third-party management services in the amount of $44,263.

The next meeting of the Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 9 a.m. in the commission chambers at the Barry County Courthouse.

Area Obituaries Ward Duane Pierce

Patricia Kay Slater

THREE RIVERS, MI - Rev. Ward Duane Pierce, age 82, was born on Aug. 5, 1930 in Grand Rapids, the son of Ward F. and Mary E. Pierce. He went home to the Lord on Sunday Dec. 2, 2012 at Three Rivers Health following a brief illness.

Ward was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son; two wives, Joan (Holcomb) Pierce and Muriel (Casteel) Pierce.

He is survived by two daughters, Melody Mitchell of White Cloud and Michelle (Dan) Robrahn of Middleville; a sister, Bette Zies of Burton, TX; 11 grandchildren; cousins and in-laws.

Ward was a loving husband and father.

After a variety of other occupations, he answered the Lord's call to the ordained ministry in 1967, and served faithfully in several United Methodist churches. He held several District positions within the West Michigan Conference as well as the General Church as Disaster Response Coordinator. He also served as Chaplain in the United States Corps of Chaplains, and the Free and Accepted Masons. He was active in service organizations in all of the communities in which he served and was an instructor for the American Red Cross for over 30 years.

Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday Dec. 9, 2012 at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon, and where a Masonic Rite will take place at 6 p.m. Sunday by F&AM Lodge #137.

The first of two memorial services will take place 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 10, 2012 at the Mendon United Methodist Church. A second memorial service will take place 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012 at the Lakewood United Methodist Church in Lake Odessa with Rev. George Speas, Rev. John Wait, and District Superintendent Rev. Tamara Williams officiating. His ashes will later be interred in Sherman-Mesick Cemetery.

It is suggested that memorial donations be directed to any of the following United Methodist churches: Mesick, Harrietta, Brethren, Lake City, Wesley Park, Buchanan, Lakewood, Mendon, West Mendon, or to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). An online register is available and condolences may be left for his family at www.eickhofffuneralhome.

HASTINGS, MI - Patricia Kay Slater, age 72, of Hastings, passed away Saturday, December 1, 2012 at Pennock Hospital in Hastings.

She was born May 11, 1940 in Plainwell, the daughter of Allan and Maxine (Gill) Grinage.

Pat attended Woodland High School, graduating in 1958. She and David Dean Slater were married on March 2, 1963 at the Woodland Methodist Church. Pat was employed at EW Bliss for five years and True Value Hardware for many years. She was a cub scout leader, a youth group leader at the Hope United Methodist Church, an avid cook, reader and shopper. Pat loved to spend time with the love of her life, David, children, and her beautiful grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Allan and Maxine Grinage; brother-in-law, Robert Heath; brother-in-law, Stuart Rose; father and mother-in-law, Forest and Ester Slater.

Pat is survived by her husband, David Dean Slater of Hastings; sons, Christopher Slater and Todd (Jamie) Slater; daughters, Dena Rozell (Marty Hall), Jean (Jon) Christensen; grandchildren, Jessica Slater, Erika Rozell, Chase Slater, Dawson Slater, Haven Slater, Justine Christensen, Josh Christensen and Janelle Christensen; brother, Steve (Alma) Grinage; sisters, Gloria Heath, Gayle (Roger) Chase, Marsha (Lavon) Hamp, Paula (Brian) Killewald and many nieces and nephews Pat was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother and will sadly be missed by all that knew her.

A funeral service was held Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at Thornapple Valley Church in Hastings.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help pay for medical expenses that have been incurred.

Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, please visit our website at www.girrbachfuneralhome.net to sign the online guest book or to leave a memory or message to the family.

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 6, 2012 — Page 7

SOCIAL SECURITY COLUMN

BETTER BRIDGE IN BARRY COUNTY

by Gerald Stein

Medicare age is still 65 Ruth Leichleitner to celebrate 99th birthday

N: 4 M: K Q 9 8 6 3 L: K J 7 4 K: 8 5

Ruth Leichleitner will celebrate 99 years of blessings on Dec. 13. If you would like to celebrate with her, please send a postcard to: 1821 E. Center Rd., Hastings, MI 49058.

Dealer: East Vulnerable: Neither Lead: Pick It North ???

East Pass Pass

South 2M Pass

West Pass Pass

In a recent online bridge tournament, thirty-six tables played today’s hand. With neither side vulnerable, South elected to open a weak two-bid with eight high card points and six hearts. The hearts were good hearts. The weak 2M bid here is the ideal bid.

With both East and West passing, North had to reach a major decision. What bid did North have to make since he had only one chance to bid it knowing that his partner had exactly what she said she had: six hearts and a minimum number of high-card points.

North had a powerful hand. The fit in hearts is a given. Where should the contract be placed?

What are the choices? Four hearts would be a sign-off bid indicating a game in hearts. Five hearts is a wishy-washy bid. Six hearts is a slam try in hearts with a small slam and bonus points for bidding and making a small slam. Seven hearts is also a slam try for a grand slam and all the possible points for this hand. What is your choice?

Counting the high card points in the North hand is a good place to start to determine the correct and best contract for the North/South team. Knowing that the contract will be in the heart suit, North does the math: 18 high-card points with five hearts, five spades, one diamond, and two clubs. The diamond and the club suits are incredible holdings for North. There is not a concern in those two suits nor in the heart suit since North knows that they have eleven hearts between them. No, the major concern is the spade suit with a KN and four small spades. Here are North’s choices: go for the sure game in hearts and collect the game bonus plus any overtricks? Or go for the slam choices? Which slam? Again, what would you have done as a Barry County bridge player?

Four hearts? Five hearts? Six hearts? Seven hearts? The huddle is over. It is time for action as a bridge player. Your decision? Bid the slam, of course. Six hearts or seven hearts? Time for another huddle, but this time, the decision seems easier knowing about the weak spades in the North hand. North pulled out the six heart card from the bidding box, and all passed.

West had the lead. There was no hesitation on West’s part. The AN was the lead, of course.

No sense in giving North/South a chance to take all thirteen tricks. The AN held the trick, and then West had to consider another lead. A trump lead or a club lead could not hurt. West chose the club lead, hoping that his QK might set up.

South took the AK and drew trumps in two rounds, East showing out on the first time. South then took the AL, the KK, the KN, trumped a spade, led the KL and discarded a spade, led another diamond, trumped a diamond, led a spade, trumped a spade, led a diamond and trumped a diamond, led a spade, trumped a spade, led the last diamond, trumped a diamond, led a spade, and trumped a spade, and claimed. North/South had bid and had made the small slam in hearts.

How did you do?

In the online tournament, with 36 tables in play, 27 tables bid and made 6M. No one made an overtrick. Six bid and made 4M with two overtricks, and one bid 5M, making one overtrick. The message is obvious: when a spectacular hand appears, go for the most that you think you can make. In this case, most of the online players knew that this was an unusual hand, and that they should bid it to the maximum. Happy bridge playing 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)

1351 N. M-43 Hwy. P.O. Box 188 Hastings, MI 49058-0188

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Dear Dad, it’s your birthday And I want you to know I appreciate you more As the years come and go.

All your good qualities Stand out and shine; Fathers are priceless, And I’m so glad you’re mine!

PR

Thornapple Wind Band and the Thornapple Brass Saturday. The Thornapple Valley Dulcimer Society will perform Sunday.

Charlton Park is a collection site for the Barry County United Way Toys for Barry County Kids.

“Please bring a new, unwrapped toy or a donation of nonperishable food or household supplies with you for to the event,” said Graham.

Donations are currently being accepted and can be brought to the Upjohn House Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission to Of Christmas Past is $5 for anyone 13 and up, $3 for children age 5 to 12 and free for children 4 and under.

For additional information, visit www.charltonpark.org or call 269-945-3775.

Historic Charlton Park is located between Hastings and Nashville, north of M-79 at 2545 Charlton Park Road.

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Children and the young at heart can experience the holidays of yesteryear during Of Christmas Past at Historic Charlton Park Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 8 and 9 from noon to 5 p.m.

The park’s turn-of-the-century village will be staffed by volunteers and adorned with festive decorations and fresh evergreens.

Guests can take a sleigh (or wagon) ride, and then visit with St. Nicholas who will have plenty of candy canes for good boys and girls.

“Try your hand at various crafts, including candle making, corn husk angels and sachets,” suggested Stacey Graham, office manager at Charlton Park. “Sample traditional food and drink, including wassail, plum pudding, roasted chestnuts and popcorn.”

In addition, the Charlton Park Foundation Board will provide cookies at the Sixberry House.

Live holiday music will ring through the church, courtesy of members of the

Autumn Jane, born at Pennock Hospital on Nov. 16, 2012 at 9:02 a.m. to Kerri and Adam Zwerk of Lake Odessa. Weighing 4 lbs 15 ozs. and 17.5 inches long. ***** Roselynn Allene, born at Pennock Hospital on Nov. 19, 2012 at 3:55 p.m. to Bethany Johncock and Mike Mooney of Shelbyville.

Weighing 7 lbs. 8 ozs. and 20 inches long. ***** Hailey Jo, born at Pennock Hospital on Nov. 21, 2012 at 1:58 p.m. to Ashley Forest and Tom May of Nashville. Weighing 5 lbs. 7 ozs. and 19 1/4 inches long. ***** Ellinor Rose, born at Pennock Hospital on Nov. 21, 2012 at 3:04 p.m. to Mercede and Colby Wilcox of Hastings. Weighing 6 lbs. 9 ozs. and 18 1/2 inches long. ***** Adelita Marie, born at Pennock Hospital on Nov. 22, 2012 at 7:31 a.m. to Danielle Hall and Randy Tobias of Delton. Weighing 6 lbs.

13 ozs. and 18 1/2 inches long.

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Charlton Park will celebrate Christmas as it was in the late 1800s

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before age 65 do not need to apply; they will be automatically enrolled in Medicare.

There is no additional charge for Medicare hospital insurance (Part A) since you already paid for it by working and paying Medicare tax. However, there is a monthly premium for medical insurance (Part B). If you already have other health insurance when you become eligible for Medicare, you should consider whether you want to apply for the medical insurance. To learn more about Medicare and some options for choosing coverage, visit www.Medicare.gov or call 800MEDICARE. To learn more about applying for Medicare Only using the online application, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly.

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

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by Vonda VanTil Social Security Public Affairs Specialist If you’re in your 60s, you probably know that the age to receive full retirement benefits has changed. However, the age to begin receiving Medicare has not — it is still 65.

Even if you wait until after age 65 to apply for retirement benefits, you still may want to file for Medicare at age 65.

If you want Medicare coverage when you first become eligible, we suggest you apply within three months of reaching age 65. You can do it online in as little as 10 minutes at www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly.

Why go online to apply for Medicare?

Because it’s fast, easy and secure. You don’t need an appointment, and you can avoid waiting in traffic or in line. As long as you have 10 minutes to spare, you have time to complete and submit your online Medicare application.

People who started receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits

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GRAND OPENING!

Happy 65th Birthday MIKE HALLIFAX ~ 12-7-12 ~

Americans have never paid more at the pump than they did this year, according to GasBuddy.

The yearly national average is running at $3.63 per gallon so far for 2012, and it’s all but guaranteed that 2012 will go down as the year with the highest average ever, said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy, in a press release issued Nov. 29.

With one month left, DeHaan said it is mathematically possible that 2012 could close without becoming the most expensive year ever for American consumers at the gas pumps, but that would necessitate an unthinkable calamity.

“We did the math, and the numbers don’t lie,” he said. “Last year’s average price of gasoline nationwide was $3.51 per gallon.

The national average price of gasoline in the

U.S. would have to drop to $2.35 per gallon or lower for every day for the remainder of 2012 in order for the 2012 yearly average price to fall below last year’s level.

“There’s no question that the national numbers were elevated by major supply problems in California over the summer and more recently on the East Coast when Hurricane Sandy delivered major flood damage and power outages at northeastern refineries,” said GasBuddy’s Gregg Laskoski, also a GasBuddy analyst. “It reminds us exactly how vulnerable our nation’s fuel infrastructure is and why the U.S. should be looking to increase refining capacity where it is needed most.”

For more information, visit www.gasbuddy.com.

Sunday, Dec. 9th Noon to 5pm

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Page 8 — Thursday, December 6, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

Lake Odessa Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of

by Elaine Garlock The women’s fellowship of First Congregational Church will meet at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 12 for a cookie exchange.

The refreshment committee that evening will be Doris McCaul and Marcia Raffler. Lola Haller will provide the program. Those attending are invited to bring a favorite Christmas ornament to tell the story behind it.

The Lake Odessa Area Historical Society will meet Thursday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. in the Freight House for the annual potluck supper.

Members and friends or guests are invited to join. The evening will include a program and reports on Christmas ‘Round the Town.

The next meeting of Mulliken Chapter 161 Order of the Eastern Star will be Friday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m. in the Masonic Temple.

Meeting dates have been changed from Thursdays to Fridays. There will be no meetings in January or February.

Chief Deputy Brian Peacock, son of Richard and Gayle Peacock, has retired after 26 years with the Eaton County Sheriff’s office. Much of his time was in teaching safety classes. His retirement party was last week Friday. The cantata presented by the chancel choir of Central United Methodist Church Sunday was well received by the full house of music lovers. The choir was under the direction of Ginny Kruisenga.

In the fellowship hall, the Gentners and Banfields, with assistance from others, had a bountiful table of sweet goodies ready for

munching. Visitors that evening included Doug and Dottie Lawson of Jackson in company of Bonnie and David Sckoville, James King of Big Rapids in company of his father Theron.

Saturday, 15 members of the Garlock family from Big Rapids and Kalamazoo and points between were in Grand rapids for the memorial service for their uncle William Gedris, former president of Ideal Seating Company who had died earlier in the week.

A full house awaited the start of the production “Stink, Stank, Stunk” Saturday at Lakewood United Methodist Church under the direction of John Waite. This was yet another program by the Living Stones and others from the host church. Kelly Sanderson was the choreographer. Tammy Mattice was in charge of costumes and Dan Mattice was in charge of the set, which included long ramps in the outer aisles. Tablesful of cookies in the dining room awaited the audience which lingered long for conversation, cookies and coffee. The same program was produced Sunday evening.

The Lake Odessa Community Library is having Christmas Fun for Teens Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 3:45 p.m. They will decorate cookies and make a craft and also enjoy hot cocoa. This is for anyone age 11 to 18. On the same day, homeschoolers will be at the library at 1 p.m. for cookies and crafts. Those attending are asked to RSVP in advance.

SUICIDES, continued from page 1 post-crisis intervention strategies.

The group will then be joined by counselors from the district and Calhoun ISD regional school health coordinator Dr. Cindy Cook for a brief question-and-answer session.

Resource tables will be accessible before and after the program with materials for participants to take home While older high school students will benefit from listening to the speakers, younger students and children will be offered ageappropriate activities coordinated by Heather Albee, integrated education director from Sherman Lake YMCA, and graduate student in counseling and psychology at Western Michigan University. She will be joined by members of the high school student council, plus National Honor Society and leadership students.

In addition to the short-term goals, Bassett

said the committee has proposed long-term goals and strategies, including rekindling in the district the Michigan Model health curriculum, which is a comprehensive K-12 health education program including elements relative to this initiative. Bassett said the district will be investigating the Good Behavior Game for elementary school students, SOS for the middle school students and Teen Screen for high school students. Bassett added that the district has been reviewing its Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth data to determine where the greatest need is before proceeding. The ultimate goal is to identify at risk students and have trained counselors available in the district to work with students identified to be at risk.

For more information about the Dec. 10 program or the efforts planned, call Delton Kellogg Schools, 269-623-9225.

77572904

NOTICE

The Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the following Boards/Commissions: Agricultural Preservation Board (4 positions: 1 representing Natural Resource Conservation, 2 representing Agricultural Interest, and 1 representing Real Estate or Development Interest) Animal Shelter Advisory Board (3 positions, Citizen at Large) Commission on Aging Board (2 positions) Community Mental Health Authority Board (1 position, must be a primary consumer) Parks and Recreation Board (3 positions, Citizen at Large) Planning Commission (1position, term expiring 4/30/13) Region 3B Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council (1 position, Member at Large) This position requires completion of a special application form. Please contact the County Administrator’s Office to request a copy, at 269-945-1284.

Applications may be obtained at the County Administration Office, 3rd floor of the Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings; or www.barrycounty.org; and must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 26, 2012. Contact 269-945-1284 for more information.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

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.

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

Now that 2012 is drawing to a close, you may want to review the progress you’ve made this past year in many areas of your life — including your financial situation. By going over your investment portfolio and other key areas related to your finances, you can learn what moves you may need to make in 2013 to stay on track toward your important objectives, such as college for your children, a comfortable retirement and the ability to leave the type of legacy you desire.

To get a clear picture of where you are, consider asking yourself these questions: • Am I taking on too much risk? Although 2012 has generally been a pretty good year for investors, we’ve certainly seen periods of considerable volatility. During these times, did you find yourself constantly fretting about big drops in your portfolio value? In fact, have you consistently experienced this type of worry throughout your years as an investor?

If so, you might be taking on too much risk for your individual risk tolerance. Review your holdings to determine if you can lower your risk level without jeopardizing your overall investment strategy.

• Am I investing too conservatively? Just as you can take on too much investment risk, you can also go to the other extreme by investing too conservatively. If your portfolio contains a preponderance of investments that offer significant preservation of principal but very little in the way of growth potential, you may be endangering your chances of accumulating the resources you’ll need to achieve your long-term goals.

• Am I contributing as much as I can afford to my retirement plans? If you have access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k), 403(b) or 457(b), consider yourself fortunate. Your plan has the potential to grow on a tax-deferred basis, and you typically contribute pre-tax dollars — the more you

HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, Dec. 6 — Movie Memories gets ready for Christmas with “Remember the Night,” starring Fred MacMurray, 5 to 8 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 7 — preschool story time enjoys snowmen, 10:30 a.m.

Monday, Dec. 10 — computer class takes on how to edit photos online, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 11 — toddler story time enjoys the stories of Jim Aylesworth, 10:30 a.m.; young chess tutoring class, 4:30 to 5:30; genealogy club meets, 6 to 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 12 — Royal Readers party and rehearse “The Hysterical History of the Trojan War,” 4 to 5 p.m.

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

Area TEA PARTY MEETING

7:00 pm • Tuesday, Dec. 11th, 2012 America’s Survival...Your Thoughts?

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The Barry County Road Commission is offering for sale three 2012 GMC 1/2 ton Crew Cab SLE pickups.

Time for year-end review of your financial strategy?

BARRY COUNTY

BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION

EDWARD JONES

Middle Villa Inn

4611 North M-37, Middleville Gary L. Munson • 269-623-8464

NOTICE TO BARRY COUNTY CITIZENS Hastings City-Barry County Airport is accepting applications for the position of

(Member at Large) to serve on the Hastings City-Barry County Airport Commission. The Term is for 2 years, starting in 2013 ending December 31st, 2015.

Please send resumes to:

Attention Airport Board, Hastings City-Barry County Airport, 2505 Murphy Drive, Hastings, MI 49058.

Must receive resumes by December 18th, 2012, any resumes received after December 18th will not be accepted.

For more information call 269-945-6306 and ask for Mark.

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put in, the lower your annual taxable income.

Plus, your employer may match part of your contributions. So if you’ve been under-funding your retirement plan, ratchet up your funding in 2013. At the same time, you may still be eligible to contribute to an IRA; if so, try to “max out” on it. A traditional IRA grows tax deferred while a Roth IRA can grow tax free, provided you meet certain conditions.

• Am I adequately protecting my income — and my family? Over time, you’ll experience many changes in your life — marriage, children, new job, new home, etc. Most, if not all, of these changes will require you to make sure you have adequate life insurance in place to help guard your family’s future, should anything happen to you. Furthermore, to help replace your income should you become disabled, you may well need to purchase an adequate amount of disability income insurance.

• Do I need professional help? As the above questions indicate, maintaining control of your financial situation can be challenging — especially if you try to do it all on your own.

You might benefit from working with a financial professional — someone who can analyze your situation objectively and make recommendations based on your risk tolerance, time horizon and specific goals.

Before the clock runs out on 2012, take the time to ask yourself the above questions. The answers may well spur you to take positive action in 2013.

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 33.49 +.34 AT&T 33.92 +.30 BP PLC 41.00 -.35 CMS Energy Corp 24.38 +.43 Coca-Cola Co 37.15 -.27 Eaton 51.28 +.23 Family Dollar Stores 70.71 +1.77 Fifth Third Bancorp 14.14 -.40 Flowserve CP 140.90 +2.14 Ford Motor Co. 11.31 +.21 General Mills 40.63 +.01 General Motors 25.41 +.40 Intel Corp.

19.97 +.04 Kellogg Co. 55.23 -.22 McDonald’s Corp 87.20 +1.28 Pfizer Inc. 25.16 +.91 Perrigo Co. 105.00 +2.00 Ralcorp 89.45 +.65 Sears Holding 42.88 -3.17 Spartan Motors 4.96 +.40 Spartan Stores 15.44 +.94 Stryker 54.35 +.13 TCF Financial 11.80 +.03 Walmart Stores 72.12 +2.62 Gold $1,696.95 -$45.50 Silver $32.93 -1.11 Dow Jones Average 12,951 +73 Volume on NYSE 631M 12M

Too much exercise

by Dr. E. Kirsten Peters I’m not going to give you permission in this piece to live a sedentary life, sitting at a desk at work all day and then on the couch watching television each evening.

But medical science increasingly has some evidence of a general principal your mother warned you about: There is such a thing as too much of a good thing.

A few folks really throw themselves headlong into aerobic exercise, running, biking, rowing or swimming for hours and hours each week. Most of these hard-core endurance athletes start young. Many fall by the wayside in middle age, but there are also those who keep going, completing marathons and similar events well into retirement age.

What happens to the heart muscles of such titans of lifelong exercise?

A recent British study set out to address that question. It found men ranging in age from 26 to 67 who were chronic and lifelong exercise kings. The men came from the ranks of Olympic teams in distance running and rowing, and from what the Brits apparently call the 100 Marathon club – a group that requires applicants to have completed at least 100 marathon races.

Okay, we’re clear on the picture. These guys were and are fantastically fit. But what could be said about the hearts of the older men in the group compared to the younger athletes and also compared to healthy older men who may have walked around and gardened a bit but who didn’t do crazy things like run 100 marathons?

Researchers used a new type of MRI exam on the three groups of men — the young and old athletes and the control group made up of the healthy older men who had never exercised strenuously day after day. The sophisticated MRI was capable of showing truly early stages of scarring, or fibrosis, of the heart muscle.

Interestingly, none of the younger athletes had early fibrosis in their hearts, but neither did the older men who didn’t follow enormously demanding exercise regimes. Remember, the older men had been screened to be healthy subjects — not guys wheezing at every breath from decades of heavy cigarette smoking, nor men with heart defects or a history of heart attacks.

But what was striking were the results from the older male athletes. Half of them

had hearts that showed some muscle scarring. And the men with the fibrosis were those who had exercised the hardest and the longest.

To repeat, the information from Britain doesn’t get us off the hook when it comes to exercise. Let’s face it, most of us Americans are generally in no danger of running 100 marathons over our lifetimes.

Again and again, in one major medical study after another, the health benefits of exercise have been shown. Aerobic exercise, the sort of thing that makes you breathe deeply, is good for the old heart and lungs, and will help you ward off such maladies as Type II diabetes. And if you’ve noticed lately that you’re getting just a bit older, exercise is your best single bet to help combat the battle of the bulge.

But it’s also true that completing more than 100 marathons may be a bit excessive.

Here’s one final thought on the British study: Inquiring minds reading about such research programs might well ask why women were left out of the investigations.

For years, it’s been commonplace to leave us females out of many research populations. The logic has been that women are different from men. (Yes, doctors have noticed that.) In order to have a simple study with only a few people in it, so the reasoning goes, it’s best to eliminate women from the research because their bodies might have differences that would affect the outcomes of the work. Thus, after medical studies of various types, doctors have generalized from results really known only for men but nevertheless applied to women.

Mind you, we could reverse that logic.

Researchers interested in heart health, diabetes, colon cancer or whatever could study only women – because after all, including men in such studies could complicate results. Then we could just assume what’s true for women simply must be true for men.

That’ll be the day.

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

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 6, 2012 — Page 9

Read the history of Christmas card traditions added to special greeting card section, part 1 The following series of articles was taken from the Dec. 24, 1952, Sun and News as part of a Christmas card-themed advertising section.

Beginnings Since earliest times many of the inhabitants of the world have observed that there is a period during the year when “the days begin to lengthen and the cold begins to strengthen,” and others express it, “when the earth began to waken under the kiss of light, when new hopes rose in frozen hearts.” It was the winter solstice when the sun, parent of fertility, began to rise over the world with renewed vigor and power after having been at the lowest point in the heavens. Some old opinions were that in winter the sun actually stood still for 40 days, based, no doubt, on the presence of the Midnight Sun. The northern people considered the sun as a wheel that alternately threw its glow upon the earth and away from it. This sun wheel was known as hweol and, perhaps, from this was derived our word, “yule.”

The first Christmas card It is reputed that the first Christmas card, as we now think of it, was dispatched in 1845 by W.C. Dobson, one of Queen Victoria’s favorite painters. He sent lithograph copies to his friends.

The following year, John Calcott Horsley, royal academician, was asked to design a card for Sir Henry Cole. It seemed that Sir Henry, finding himself very busy and not able to write a vast quantity of Christmas letters to his friends, asked Horsley to produce a card that he might send out in lieu of correspondence. Copies of this card are in existence.

Horsley’s card depicts a merry family, three generations, leaning back comfortably.

Kindly disposed toward the fruit of the vine, and celebrating their annual deed of kindness to the poor. There was “brimming cheer” for everyone, from Grandma to little Nell. Mr. Horsley’s drawing was severely criticized by the zealous friends of temperance, declaring the design was an out-and-out promoter of drunkenness. There was such an unwarranted to-do over the point that by the time Christmas 1847 rolled around, a number of people who might never have known about the Cole card were getting out one of their own. At each side of the happy family group, in smaller panels, were shown acts of charity: “feeding the hungry” and “clothing the naked.”

The name of Louis Prang is an outstanding one in the history of Christmas cards. Prang was an exile following the German revolution of 1848 and the founder of L. Prang and Company, which introduced the art idea to public schools in the form of the Prang Method of Education, the first to develop the creative impulse in students and train them in good taste. Prang started to print cards in 1874, in Roxbury, Mass., using and perfecting a lithographic process that sometimes employed as many as 20 colors. At this period, it was common to offer prizes for the best design submitted. One, Dora Wheeler, received a prize of $2,000.

Interesting changes have taken place in cards over the years. Some years they were extremely sentimental. Other years tiny animals were popular. Then the card design was switched to the ridiculous.

Christmas tree history Since the earliest days, the bringing of evergreens indoors at Christmastime has been one of the first ways of giving the home a fes-

tive air. As William Muir Auld says in his Christmas Traditions, “The graceful custom of the use of evergreens has its roots in the profound reverence of the Ancients for all natural phenomena. To their simple and unartificial minds, Nature was everywhere alive.

Every fountain had its spirit, every mounting its deity, and every water, grove and meadow its supernatural associations. The whisperings of the trees through their leafy boughs was the subtle speech of the god who dwelt within, while the sound of the waves breaking over a pebbly beach was the joyous laughter of the divinities of the sea.

And so, one thing is certain – evergreens were not first used for their decorative value but because of their significance and their ability to bring the world of nature to the indoors.

Perhaps the use of trinkets on the tree dates from the early Roman days when it was common to hang little masks of Bacchus upon trees and vines to impart fertility to every side of the trees to which the wind turned the faces. Virgil refers to these dangling objects as oscilla and describes how a pine tree is laden with them.

The use of evergreens was so closely associated with the garlands of pagan days that in many of the early church celebrations, they were forbidden. For instance, Bishop Martin of Bracae, in 575 forbade the use of all greenery and “other dangerous Calend customs.” It was therefore not until the 16th century that Christian homes were commonly decorated.

In many European countries, fir trees were put up in rooms and adorned with roses cut from many colored papers, with apples and leafgold and sweets. Perhaps this decoration was reminiscent of the old beliefs that many trees bloomed at Christmastime.

When Christ was born The definite date of the birth of Christ has been fixed by church council who gained their knowledge from the historical records of that period. The people of Christ’s day did not regard Jesus as the Messiah of God from birth, but merely thought of Him as becoming the Christian’s god when He was 30 years old, at the time when the Holy Spirit descended on Him at the baptism in the Jordan. St. Mark and St. John both begin with that event as being the first one of importance in Christ’s career. The principal holy days in the early church were Christmas (the birth of Christ), the Epiphany (the coming of the Magi to Bethlehem), Good Friday (day of crucifixion), Easter (day of resurrection) and Ascension Day followed by Pentecost (when the Holy Spirit descended upon the infant church with tongues).

Christendom did not begin to date its years from the birth of Christ until almost 550 A.D., when the method was introduced by Dionysius Exiguus, a learned monk of Rome.

In the 3rd century, the Western countries came to think of Christ as a god from birth, each of the four Gospel narratives testifying to this. This thought spread through the Mediterranean regions, but never reached the Far East.

To the early church, Christmas from the start “bore the mark of being of Roman creation.” Between Dec. 25 and the Roman Calends were 12 days, which gradually came to be revered as Twelve Holy Days. Centuries later they were called Twelve Nights. Days were not reckoned by the early Germans, but nights were.

St. John Chryostom, writing in 386, said Julian made an extensive investigation of the correct birthday of Christ and found that the Western churches all considered Dec. 25 as the Nativity date, although the Eastern churches claimed Jan. 6. There were scattering opinions that the birth of Christ should be observed April 20, May 20, March 29 and Sept. 29.

St. Chryostom wrote, “They called this Dec. 25, the birthday of the Invincible One (Mithras); but who was so invincible as the Lord? They call it the Birthday of the Solar Disc; but Christ is the Son of Righteousness.”

Julian, basing his opinion on the majority, went ahead and decreed Dec. 25 as the Nativity date for Christ. This was readily accepted by most churches because it had always been a holiday of some sort.

Nevertheless, the Armenians did not accept Dec. 25 until after the World War. During these centuries they retained January 6 as the Christmas celebration time.

(To be continued)

County-wide recycling options explored

by David DeDecker Staff Writer Local residents gathered at the Barry County Commission on Aging Nov. 29 to discuss how the county can develop a comprehensive recycling program, what the program should look like, and how to pay for it.

The Barry County Solid Waste Oversight Committee has not yet made a decision concerning a county-wide recycling program.

Grand Valley State University was asked by the committee to help with an assessment and then report recycling activity in Barry County. The objective of the partnership is to gather data and then develop a user-friendly and sustainable recycling plan for the county.

Speaker Kim Walton of GVSU guided participants through a variety of recycling models. She is a program coordinator for GVSU’s Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center.

According to Walton, 21 of Michigan’s 83 counties have comprehensive recycling programs. In Barry County, 45 percent of residents have no recycling facilities available.

However, the county recycles 135 tons of material per year through curbside pickup, 216 tons dropped off at township recycling sites and 320 tons from commercial ventures.

So, with only 55 percent of Barry County having access to recycling services, 671 tons are diverted from the landfill each year and potentially used to make other products.

Walton summarized five different recycling models, but ultimately each model came down to cost. Walton reminded participants there is a cost to all material entering the waste stream, whether or not it is reclaimed by recycling. Transportation and staffing are the two main costs. Volunteer time may cut staffing costs, as will using inmates or people sentenced to community service.

Transportation of waste has many variables, she said.

Funding can come from a variety of sources. Walton said the sale of recycling materials gathered typically brings in about one-third of the recycling program’s cost. In Allegan County households pay a fee of $25 to $50 per year for recycling. In Eaton County each house with trash pickup pays $7.20 for recycling. Other counties have “pay to throw” fees each time a person brings recycling to a site. Money to cover costs can also come from the sale of sorted materials.

The first model Walton reviewed would require county-wide policy change. The model requires all waste haulers to offer recycling if they offer curbside service. Each hauler must record and report the weight of recyclable materials they have gathered, and they must promote the recycling service. This levels the playing field, said Walton.

Homeowners under this model would be charged $40 to $72 for curbside recycling.

Walton said many rural haulers are not happy when required to offer the service.

The second model, a pay-per use plan, also requires county-wide policy change. This program charges less, she said, since the amount of landfill garbage goes down and the amount of recycling goes up. Walton said this model is a great incentive to increase recycling in areas, but as changes occur, the demand for different customer containers also increases.

In the third model, townships set up and

fund drop-off sites through local funding.

Walton said this model is expensive and becomes more expensive as recycling rates go up. She said it also provides uneven coverage within a county and is subject to abuse by non-residents.

The fourth model is a county-wide staffed drop-off site in which haulers are paid to pull the recycling bins on a regular schedule and take to a sorting facility. This model would require county-wide funding and would be available to all county residents. Again, this model is expensive to operate and requires at least a part-time staff.

A county-wide staffed drop-off site in which the materials are marketed and sold is the fifth model she presented. Although partially funded by the sale of materials, all county residents would still be charged an amount for the system. However, as the price for recyclables sold goes up, the cost to the county and presumably each resident would go down. The model requires a building, material-handling equipment and a full-time staff.

The final model presented is a regional system set up through cooperation of county governments. This model has the economy of scale, but may also have higher transportation fees. County cooperation may also slow down the implementation timeline, she said.

Walton then compared the demographics of Eaton County to Barry County and what a recycling program in Barry County would look like if modeled after Eaton County’s successful program. Eaton has a population of 108,056 with 47,163 households, compared to Barry at 59,899 and 27,090, respectively. In 2011, Eaton County recycled 916 tons and Barry County, 812 tons.

Eaton County currently charges each household $7.20 whether or not they use the recycling service. Walton said the annual surcharge yields $249,470. Waste hauler fees paid to the county currently are $1,245 for a total income of $252, 010. Plus the revenue generated from sale of recycled materials, which Walton estimates at $60,000, adds up to a total revenue of $312,010.

If Barry County would implement a similar model, it would generate $95,048 in revenue from a $7.20 surcharge to all households.

Current waste hauler fees would add another $1,000, she said, and estimated sales revenue from collected recyclables would be $80,343, for a total revenue of $176,391.

At the end of the gathering Walton had participants fill out surveys. Surveys are also available for county residents at www.barrycounty.org/barry-county-solid-waste-committee.

The Michigan Recycling Coalition, in its recent report, said that if Michigan could move forward to a 30 percent recycling rate, it would create 7,000 to 13,000 jobs, up to $300 million in income, $3.9 billion in receipts and as much as $22 million in additional state tax revenue.

MRC Executive Director Kerrin O’Brien said in the report, “An investment of less than $8 per capita can yield nearly $500 million or about $50 per capita. This tells us how much a statewide recycling program would cost and how much we can expect in return. It’s a worthwhile investment.”

For more information or to read the entire MRC report, go to www.michiganrecycles.org.

Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads PUBLIC NOTICE

GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner.

Readers were greeted with Christmas card ads like this from Finkbeiner Implement Company. Finkbeiner Implement was on Russell Street just west of the Thornapple River.

Call 945-9554 for more information.

Report on Lead and Copper Monitoring for 2012 The municipality listed below did not successfully complete lead and copper monitoring requirements prior to September 30, 2012. This information is required under the Safe Drinking Water Act 1976, PA 399, as amended; R 325.10710, Collection and analysis of samples for inorganic chemicals; R 325.10734, Required reporting to the department of the 1979 Administrative Code.

City of Hastings Department of Public Services Water Treatment Plant 135 West Mill Street Hastings, MI 49058 Violation – In accordance with R 325.10710a, lead and copper in tap water; monitoring requirements, acidification of first draw samples must be completed within 14 days after the same is collected to resolubilize the metals.

The City of Hastings collected 21 water tap samples during the summer of 2012.

Eleven (11) of the samples collected were analyzed successfully and none of the results exceeded the EPA’s action levels for lead and copper. However, ten (10) of the samples were not analyzed because they arrived at the laboratory after the 14 day time period during which they needed to be acidified. This is a violation of Administrative Rule R 325.10710a.

Corrective Action Taken – To return to compliance, the City of Hastings must successfully complete monitoring requirements for lead and copper during June, July, August, or September of 2013.

Compliance Status – The City of Hastings is in non-compliance with R 325.10710, Collection and analysis of water samples for inorganic chemicals (lead and copper).

Tim Girrbach, Director of Public Services 77572919

Page 10 — Thursday, December 6, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

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

MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by 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 (11-22)(12-13) 77572509

IF YOU ARE NOW ON ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY OR HAVE BEEN IN THE PRIOR NINE MONTHS, PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT 248-502-1400.

MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Judy McMillan and Ronald McMillan wife and husband, to Centex Home Equity Company, LLC, Mortgagee, dated October 26, 2005 and recorded November 9, 2005 in Instrument Number 1156026, Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee for Soundview Home Loan Trust 2006-2 by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Seventy-Six Thousand Seven Hundred Eleven and 50/100 Dollars ($176,711.50) including interest at 8.8% 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 01/03/2013.

Said premises are located in the Township of Assyria, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: The following described premises situated in the Township of Assyria, County of Barry and State of Michigan: The Northeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 15, Town 1 North, Range 7 West.

EXCEPT: The North 544.5 feet of the East 400 feet of the Northeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 15, Town 1 North, Range 7 West.

Subject to an easement for public highway purposes over the Northerly 33 feet thereof for Cox Road, and over the Easterly 33 feet thereof for Guy Road.

This property may be located within the vicinity of farm land or farm operation. Generally accepted agricultural and management practices which may generate noise, dust, odors, and other associated conditions may be used and are protected by the Michigan Right to Farm Act. 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: December 6, 2012 Orlans Associates, P.C. Attorneys for Servicer P.O. Box 5041 Troy, MI 48007-5041 File No. 306.4731 (12-06)(12-27) 77572885

MORTGAGE SALE

AS A DEBT COLLECTOR, WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. NOTIFY US AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. MORTGAGE SALE - Default having been made in the terms and conditions of a certain mortgage made by ELMER L HOLBROOK, JR. , A SINGLE MAN, Mortgagors, to Bank of America NA, Mortgagee, dated the 12th day of June, 2006 and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds, for The County of Barry and State of Michigan, on the 16th day of June, 2006 in Liber Instrument No. 1166074 of Barry County Records, page , said Mortgage having been assigned to Green Tree Servicing LLC on which mortgage there is claimed to be due, at the date of this notice, the sum of Ninety Three Thousand Two Hundred Eleven & 41/100 ($93,211.41), and no suit or proceeding at law or in equity having been instituted to recover the debt secured by said mortgage or any part thereof. Now, therefore, by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, and pursuant to statute of the State of Michigan in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that on the 3rd day of January, 2013 at 1:00 PM o’clock Local Time, said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale at public auction, to the highest bidder, at the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, MI (that being the building where the Circuit Court for the County of Barry is held), of the premises described in said mortgage, or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay the amount due, as aforesaid on said mortgage, with interest thereon at 7.125% per annum and all legal costs, charges, and expenses, including the attorney fees allowed by law, and also any sum or sums which may be paid by the undersigned, necessary to protect its interest in the premises. Which said premises are described as follows: All that certain piece or parcel of land, including any and all structures, and homes, manufactured or otherwise, located thereon, situated in the Township of Castleton, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and described as follows, to wit: THE EAST 51 FEET OF LOT NUMBER 69 OF 0. A. PHILLIPS ADDITION TO THE VILLAGE OF NASHVILLE, ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED PLAT THEREOF, ALSO, A PARCEL OF LAND DESCRIBED AS: COMMENCING AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 69 OF 0. A. PHILLIPS ADDITION TO THE VILLAGE OF NASHVILLE FOR THE PLACE OF BEGINNING; THENCE WEST 51 FEET; THENCE NORTH TO THE SOUTH BANK OF THE THORNAPPLE RIVER; THENCE EAST ALONG THE BANK OF THE THORNAPPLE RIVER TO A POINT NORTH OF THE PLACE OF BEGINNING; THENCE SOUTH TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. ALSO, A PARCEL OF LAND DESCRIBED AS COMMENCING AT A POINT WHICH LIES 232 FEET EAST OF THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF LOT 67 OF 0. A. PHILLIPS ADDITION TO THE VILLAGE OF NASHVILLE FOR THE PLACE OF BEGINNING; THENCE EAST 53 FEET; THENCE NORTH TO THE SOUTH BANK OF THE THORNAPPLE RIVER; THENCE WEST 53 FEET; THENCE SOUTH TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING During the six (6) months immediately following the sale, the property may be redeemed, except that in the event that the property is determined to be abandoned pursuant to MCLA 600.3241a, the property may be redeemed during 30 days immediately following the sale. Pursuant to MCLA 600.3278, the mortgagor(s) will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: 12/6/2012 Green Tree Servicing LLC Mortgagee FABRIZIO & BROOK, P.C. Attorney for Green Tree Servicing LLC 888 W. Big Beaver, Suite 800 Troy, Ml 48084 248-362-2600 GTSD FNMA HolbrookElm 77572873 (12-06)(12-27)

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

Please contact our office at the number below if you are in active military duty.

Default has occurred in the conditions of a mortgage made by RONALD K. HARNEY and JODI L. HARNEY, husband and wife, Mortgagors, to INDEPENDENT MORTGAGE CO. WEST MI, with offices at 4200 East Beltline, Grand Rapids, MI 49525, Mortgagee, dated January 8, 2007 and recorded January 9, 2007 in Instrument No. 1174850 and Modification Agreement recorded in Instrument No. 201004190004052 of Mortgages, Page which was assigned to INDEPENDENT BANK of 4200 East Beltline, Grand Rapids, Michigan, by Assignment recorded in Instrument No. 2012-005873. By reason of such default the undersigned elects to declare the entire unpaid amount of said mortgage due and payable forthwith.

At the date of this Notice there is claimed to be due for principal and interest on said mortgage the sum of ONE HUNDRED SIXTEEN THOUSAND THREE and 14/100 ($116,003.14) dollars including interest at the rate of 5.0% per annum. No suit or proceeding at law has been instituted to recover the debt secured by said mortgage or any part thereof.

Notice is hereby given that by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided and to pay said amount with interest as provided in said mortgage, and all legal costs, charges, and expenses, including attorney fees allowed by law, said mortgage will be foreclosed by sale of the mortgaged premises at public vendue to the highest bidder at the east door of the Barry County Courthouse, the place of holding the Circuit Court within the County of Barry, City of Hastings, Michigan, on January 17, 2013, at 1:00 p.m., local time.

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

The premises covered by said mortgage are situated in the Township of Castleton, County of Barry, State of Michigan, described as follows, to wit: Beginning at a point on the East and West 1/4 line of Section 33, Town 3 North, Range 7 West, Castleton Township, Barry County, Michigan, distant South 89 degrees 51'07" East 218.82 feet from the West 1/4 corner of said section; thence North 00 degrees 03'57" West 305.27 feet; thence South 89 degrees 51'07" East 325.84 feet (also described as 325.64 feet); thence South 00 degrees 03'57" East 305.27 feet to said East and West 1/4 line; thence North 89 degrees 51'07" West 325.64 feet along said 1/4 line to the point of beginning. Except and subject to an easement for public highway purposes for Highway M-79 (formerly Scott Road) as described in the document in Liber 238 of Deeds on Page 77.

INDEPENDENT BANK, Assignee of INDEPENDENT MORTGAGE CO. WEST MI SCHENK, BONCHER & RYPMA Curtis D. Rypma P44421 601 Three Mile Road, N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49544-1601 (616) 647-8277 77572899

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 (11-22)(12-13) 77572515

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 Chadwick M. Castine, a single man and Sharon Sinkler, a single woman, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., Mortgagee, dated December 24, 2004, and recorded on December 29, 2004 in instrument 1139383, 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 Seven Thousand Four Hundred Sixteen and 75/100 Dollars ($107,416.75).

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 3, 2013.

Said premises are situated in Township of Thornapple, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: That part of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 22, Town 4 North, Range 10 West, described as: Commencing at the intersection of the centerline of Finkbeiner Road and the North line of said Section which is 748.40 feet North 88 degrees 53 minutes 45 seconds East for the North 1/4 corner of said Section; thence South 42 degrees 11 minutes 15 seconds East 410.00 feet along the centerline of Finkbeiner Road, thence South 47 degrees 48 minutes 45 seconds West 260.00 feet; thence North 42 degrees 11 minutes 15 seconds West 410.00 thence North 47 degrees 48 minutes 15 seconds East 260.00 feet to the place of beginning: Except that part of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 22, Town 4 North, Range 10 described as: Commencing at the North 1/4 corner of said Section; West thence North 88 degrees 53 minutes 45 seconds East 748.40 feet along the North line of said Section thence South 42 degrees 11 minutes 15 seconds East 256.0 feet along the centerline of Finkbeiner Road to the place of beginning; thence continuing South 42 degrees 11 minutes 15 seconds East 154.0 feet along centerline; thence South 47 degrees 48 minutes 45 seconds West 260.00 feet; thence North 42 degrees 11 minutes 15 seconds West 154.0 feet; thence North 47 degrees 48 minutes 45 seconds East 260.0 feet to the place of beginning. Subject to highway right of way for highway purposes over that part lying Northeasterly of a line which is 33 feet Southwesterly from and parallel with the centerline of Finkbeiner 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: December 6, 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 #412369F01 (12-06)(12-27) 77572750

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 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 (11-15)(12-06) 77572451

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 (11-29)(12-20) 77572767

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 (11-15)(12-06) 77572328

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 6, 2012 — Page 11

Fleury chosen as 2012 Athena Award winner

Rebecca Fleury

Shauna Swantek

Celebrating the principles and the inspirational qualities of the Greek goddess Athena, the Barry County Chamber of Commerce has named Rebecca Fleury, manager and director of finance for the Village of Middleville, as its 2012 Athena Leadership Award recipient.

Fleury is Barry County’s fourth winner in a program that started in Lansing in 1982 and is now based in Chicago as Athena International. The Athena Leadership Award honors outstanding professionals for excellence in their fields and who provide valuable service to their communities by serving as role models to women in the attainment of professional goals and leadership skills.

The local award review committee also recognized Shauna Lea Swantek as its 2012 Athena Young Professional Leader for Barry County. Swantek is the executive director of Putnam District Library in Nashville.

“The review committee put great thought and discussion into its decision to honor Rebecca and Shauna as well-deserved Athena Award recipients,” noted Valerie Byrnes president of the Barry County Chamber. “All the nominees presented to the committee are worthy and amazing leaders within Barry County. I speak for all committee members when I say it is a humbling process to read the stories behind those that serve in leadership roles within our community.”

Fleury was nominated by Jean Lamoreaux, event coordinator with the Village of Middleville. A variety of staff members and community leaders added their input with support letters that accompanied Lamoreaux’s nomination.

“In my opinion, she is the perfect candidate for the Athena Award,” read Catherine Getty’s support letter. “She fully represents the highest level of professional excellence with a strong commitment of her time and energy to improving the quality of life for Middleville residents, while encouraging those around her to reach their full leadership potential, as well.”

Fleury was hired by the Village of Middleville in January 2011, creating a teamoriented staff with a common vision and passion for serving the community. She received a master’s of public administration-local government degree from Western Michigan University while working full-time as the financial service manager for the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. Fleury is involved with state and regional professional organizations and locally contributes her expertise as a board member of the Barry

County Economic Development Alliance, treasurer of the Middleville Rotary Club, a solicitor with Barry County United Way and as a member of the Barry County Solid Waste Oversight Committee.

Fleury and her husband, Matt, have been married for 23 years. The couple has two children, Ryan, 19, and, Jamie, 16.

The Athena Young Professional Leadership Award was designed to recognize emerging women leaders who demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their profession who provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in the community and who clearly serve as role models for young women both personally and professionally.

Swantek, who was nominated by Emily Mater and Kathleen Welch, joined the Putnam District Library as director in December 2007, bringing a personal approach to leadership while cultivating a shared vision and personal connections with patrons and staff that have enhanced the quality of the library experience.

As a former high school English teacher, Swantek has a special connection with teens.

In 2009, she started a teen advisory group at Putnam District Library, providing teens the opportunity to contribute to the betterment of library programs while having a positive influence within the community.

Swantek’s current community leadership involvement includes serving on the Barry Community Foundation Board since 2009, as board member at large on the Thornapple Arts Council and on the advisory council for Navigate, Barry County College Access Network, as a participant on the Barry County Broadband Initiative.

The two Athena Award recipients will be recognized and honored at the chamber’s annual dinner Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013, at Yarrow Golf and Conference Center.

The event, hosted by the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and open to Chamber members, prospective-members and community leaders, is a celebration of business and leadership in Barry County. Friends and family of 2012 Athena Award recipients are welcomed and encouraged to attend.

The chamber will also present annual awards recognizing Chamber members for their service and success in Barry County.

Reservations can be made to attend the annual dinner by contacting the Chamber at 269945-2454 prior to Jan. 7.

Lakewood Area Choral Society presents final 2012 performance As the finale for its 27th year, the Lakewood Area Choral Society will present a concert of sacred and secular Christmas music at Lakewood High School Fine Arts Auditorium Sunday, Dec. 16, at 3 p.m.

Dr. Robert C. Oster conducts the 112member adult choir, more than 90 of whom will be singing in this concert, entitled Angels We have Heard on High. The choir will be accompanied by Joy French.

On various numbers, she will be joined by Lisa Bondarenko on piano and keyboard, and Cathie Ott on flute.

Lisa Sterkenberg, president of the society, noted that attendees will not only get to hear a semi-professional adult choir singing a variety of Christmas music, they will also be treated to solos and ensembles, and have the opportunity to join in on sing-along numbers.

Secular numbers by the choir include two songs from the movie “Home Alone 2,” “Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas” and “Somewhere in My Memory,” which will feature a quintet of LACS members Anna Williams, Lisa Bondarenko, Jon Cleveland, Marty Snoap and Larry Ott. “Somewhere in My Memory” will also feature a special video collage of childhood photos of LACS members.

The choir will once again present its audience-participation version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”

Among the sacred songs to be performed

are traditional favorites such as “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “Adoration Suite” and “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming,” as well as many others.

The What Four Quartet will perform Mr. Santa” and “Never Saw You in the Twilight.”

Members of the quartet include sopranos Sterkenburg and Williams and altos, Bondarenko and Nola Payne. Solo performances include “Ring the Bells” by soprano Janet James, and “Leise Rieselt der Schnee,” a German Christmas folk song, performed by tenor Klaus Schmidt.

In lieu of tickets, a freewill donation will be collected.

“With all this and more, the public is encouraged to attend,” Sterkenberg said.

Call anytime for Hastings Banner classified ads 269-945-9554

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Betty L. Rosendall Trust Notice to all Creditors: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: Betty L. Rosendall, who lived at the 3320 Elmwood Beach Drive, Middleville, MI 49333, died November 10, 2012.

The decedent died without probate assets.

Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the decedent or the Betty L. Rosendall Trust will be forever barred unless presented to Fifth Third Bank, a Michigan Banking Corporation, named Trustee, care of: Linda M. Johnson, Fifth Third Bank, 111 Lyon St. NW, MD #RMNR4A, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice.

Date: 12-6-12 Fifth Third Bank C/o Linda M. Johnson, MD #RMNR4A 111 Lyon St. NW 77572878 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate Estate of CLIFFORD A. CRAVEN. Date of birth: 06/30/1935.

TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: the decedent, CLIFFORD A. CRAVEN, died 11/21/2012.

Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to WANDA ALLERDING, named personal representative or proposed personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 WEST COURT STREET, HASTINGS and the named/proposed personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice.

Date: 11/27/2012 TIMOTHY L. TROMP P41571 501 WEST STATE STREET HASTINGS, MICHIGAN 49058 (269) 948-9400 WANDA ALLERDING 600 EAST BROWN ROAD FREEPORT, MICHIGAN 49325 (616) 765-5107 77572744

STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 2012-26230-DE Estate of DORIS MAE DEWEY. Date of Birth: October 16, 1926.

TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, DORIS MAE DEWEY, died October 12, 2012.

Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to DEBRA KNIGHT AND LINDA WOODEN, named personal representative or proposed personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 West Court, Suite 302, Hastings, MI 49058 and the named/proposed personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice.

DAVID H. TRIPP P29290 206 SOUTH BROADWAY HASTINGS, MI 49058 (269) 945-9585 DEBRA KNIGHT AND LINDA WOODEN 310 SCRIBNER STREET, DELTON, MI 49046 10797 NORTH SHORE DRIVE, DELTON, MI 49046

IF YOU ARE NOW ON ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY OR HAVE BEEN IN THE PRIOR NINE MONTHS, PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT 248-502-1502.

MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Warren Searles, Charlotte Searles, husband and wife and Thomas J. Alvey and Christina N. Alvey, husband and wife, to Fifth Third Mortgage - MI, LLC, Mortgagee, dated August 10, 2005 and recorded October 20, 2005 in Instrument Number 1154900, and , Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Fifth Third Mortgage Company by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Nine Thousand Eighty-Five and 59/100 Dollars ($109,085.59) including interest at 6.25% per annum.

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the Barry County Circuit Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan in Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on JANUARY 3, 2013.

Said premises are located in the Township of Hope, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: The land referred to is situated in the Township of Hope, County of Barry, State of Michigan, is described as follows:Parcel C: That part of the South 64 rods of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 27, Town 2 North, Range 9 West, described as: Commencing at the Southeast corner of said Section 27; thence North 88 degrees 59 minutes 06 seconds West on the South Section line 867.54 feet; thence North 0 degrees 31 minutes 30 seconds East 534.59 feet; thence North 3 degrees 03 minutes 18 seconds East 30.26 feet to the Place of Beginning of the parcel of land herein described; thence North 3 degrees 03 minutes 18 seconds East 491.48 feet; thence South 88 degrees 59 minutes 06 seconds East parallel to the South Section line 481.53 feet; thence South 1 degree 15 minutes 00 seconds West 491.40 feet; thence North 88 degrees 59 minutes 06 seconds West parallel to the South section line 498.34 feet to the Place of Beginning. Together with and subject to an easement for ingress, egress and public utilities over a 66 foot wide strip of land the centerline of said easement being described as commencing at the Southeast corner of said Section 27, thence North 88 degrees 59 minutes 06 seconds West 867.54 feet to the Point of Beginning of said easement; thence the centerline of said easement runs North 0 degrees 31 minutes 30 seconds East 534.59 feet; thence North 3 degrees 03 minutes 18 seconds East 250.56 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. 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: December 6, 2012 Orlans Associates, P.C..

Attorneys for Servicer P.O. Box 5041 Troy, MI 48007 File No. 12-510737 77572910 (12-06)(12-27)

SYNOPSIS PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Special Meeting October 30, 2012 Supervisor J. Stoneburner called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.

Present: Supervisor J. Stoneburner, Treasurer K. McGuire, Clerk DeVries, Trustee Grundy and Trustee R. Goebel Absent: none Also present were 0 guests.

Pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence for our troops Agenda was approved.

No Minutes to approve.

Correspondence, if any, was read.

Public Comment, if any, was received.

Approved correction in the description of the proposed Pine Lake Aquatic Plant Control Project.

Approved a new public hearing date of November 27, 2012 Approved the 2012 total appraised value for the jointly owned BPH fire department land.

Approved the 2012 total appraised value for the jointly owned BPH fire department equipment/trucks.

Public comments, if any, were received.

Board comments were received.

Meeting adjourned at 3:25 p.m.

Submitted by: Ted DeVries, Clerk Attested to by: 77572869 Jim Stoneburner, Supervisor

CIRCUIT COURT SALE BELOW WILL BE ADJOURNED FROM December 6, 2012 TO December 13, 2012 Case No. 12-141-CH CIRCUIT COURT SALE In pursuance and by virtue of a Judgment of the Circuit Court for the County of Barry, State of Michigan, made and entered on the 17th day of July A.D., 2012 in a certain cause therein pending, wherein THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWABS, INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-9 was the Plaintiff and Teresa Herlein and Duane T. Herlein were the Defendants. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that I shall sell at public auction to the highest bidder, at public venue, at the Barry County Courthouse (that being the place of holding the Circuit Court for said County), on the 29th day of November, A.D., 2012 at 1 pm o’clock in the forenoon, Eastern Standard Time, the following described property, viz: All certain piece or parcel of land situated in the Township of Thornapple, County of Barry and State of Michigan, described as follows: Lot 8, Near Lane Estates No. 1, as recorded in Liber 6 of Plats, Page 7, Barry County Records Tax ID: 14-140-0008-00 Commonly known as: 12942 Near Lane, Caledonia, MI 49316 This property may be redeemed during the six (6) months following the sale. Dated: October 4, 2012 Mark Sheldon Deputy Sheriff Randall S. Miller & Associates, P.C. Ronald S. Glaser (P46986) Attorneys for Plaintiff 43252 Woodward Ave., Suite 180 Bloomfield Hills, MI 77572756 48302 (248) 335-9200 (12-6) SYNOPSIS PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Regular Meeting November 14, 2012 Supervisor J. Stoneburner called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Present: Supervisor J. Stoneburner, Treasurer K. McGuire, Clerk DeVries, Trustee Grundy and Trustee R. Goebel Absent: none Also present were 6 guests.

Pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence for our troops Agenda was approved.

Minutes from the October 10, 2012 and October 30, 2012 were approved.

Correspondence, if any, was read.

Public Comment, if any, was received.

Barry County Commissioner report was given.

Parks Report was given.

Fire Departments report was placed on file.

Police Department report was placed on file.

Supervisor’s Report was received.

Treasurer’s Report was received.

Clerk’s Report was received.

Approved to pay Township bills for $29,192.52 Approved the Resolution regarding Oak Drive Special Assessment District No. 04-1 Approved the Insurance Policy renewal with Burnham & Flowers Approved the quote for snow plowing for fall 2012 through spring 2013 Approved the budget meeting schedule in January Approved sending Clerk DeVries to the New Officials Training Phase 1 Approved the leave of absence for Chip & Karen Vickery from the Prairieville Twp Fire Dept Public comments, if any, were received.

Board comments, if any, were received.

Meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.

Submitted by: Ted DeVries, Clerk Attested to by: 77572871 Jim Stoneburner, Supervisor

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 CREDITORS Decedent’s Trust In Re: Georgia E. Otis, deceased. Date of birth: June 28, 1928.

TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Georgia E. Otis, who formerly resided at 61 Culbert Drive, Hastings, Michigan 49058 died October 5, 2012.

Successor Trustee of the GEORGIA E. OTIS REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST under agreement dated January 3, 2011, gives notice to all creditors of the decedent that all claims against the Trust will be forever barred unless presented to Elaine Hammontree and/or Thomas Otis, whose address is 1455 Culbert Dr., Hastings, MI 49058 and P.O. Box 11, Gobles, MI 49055, respectively, the named Successor Trustees for said trust within four (4) months after the date of publication of this notice.

Dated: November 21, 2012 Elaine Hammontree Successor Trustee 1455 Culbert Dr. Hastings, MI 49058 (269) 948-3902 Thomas Otis Successor Trustee P.O. Box 11 Gobles, MI 49055 (269) 628-5292 77572897

NOTICE OF JUDICIAL 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 IF YOU ARE A BORROWER ON ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY ATTENTION PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the circuit court at the request of the plaintiff. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest, as determined by the court. Barry County Circuit Court Case No. 10-618CH NOTICE OF JUDICIAL SALE JUDICIAL SALE IN PURSUANCE and by virtue of Judgment(s) and/or Order(s) of foreclosure in the Circuit Court for the County of Barry, State of Michigan, made and entered on the 12th day of January, 2012, in a certain cause therein pending, wherein HSBC Mortgage Services, Inc. was the Plaintiff and Jeff Schantz was the defendant. The aforementioned Judgment(s) and/or Order(s) established a debt owing to Plaintiff in the amount of $127,979.10, plus post-judgment interest at an annual rate of 8.125% and other amounts recoverable pursuant to said Judgment(s) and/or Order(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in order to satisfy said Judgment(s) and/or Order(s), in whole or in part, the property described below shall be sold at public auction, by an authorized sheriff / deputy sheriff or county Clerk/Deputy county Clerk, to the highest bidder, at the Circuit Court for the County of Barry, on the 24th of January, 2013 at 1:00 PM, local time. On said day at said time, the following described property shall be sold: property located in the City of Hastings, County of Barry, State of Michigan, particularly described as The West 1/2 of Lots 1302 and 1303 of the City, Formerly Village of Hastings, according to the recorded plat thereof.. Tax Parcel ID: 08-55-201-447-00 More commonly known as: 227 W South St, REDEMPTION PERIOD IS SIX MONTHS. For more information please call 248.642.2515. Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, MI 48334-2525 T# 329389L02 (12-06)(01-10) 77572736

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE STEPHEN L. LANGELAND, P.C. A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTENTION PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest.

MORTGAGE SALE - Default has occurred in a Mortgage made by Jason E. Gleason and Frances J. Gleason to Omni Family Credit Union n/k/a Omni Community Credit Union dated December 12, 2002, and recorded on December 18, 2002 at Document No. 1093911 Barry County Records. No proceedings have been instituted to recover any part of the debt, secured by the mortgage or any part thereof and the amount now claimed to be due on the debt is $76,734.93.

The Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the property at public auction to the highest bidder, for cash, on December 13, 2012 at 1:00 p.m., local time, at the East entrance, Barry County Courthouse, Hastings, Michigan. The property will be sold to pay the amount then due on the Mortgage, together with interest at 5.75% per annum, legal costs, attorney fees, and also any taxes or insurance or other advances and expenses due under mortgage or permitted under Michigan law. The property to be sold is described as: Located in Barry County, Michigan: A tract of land commencing at the SW corner of the SE 1/4 of S9, T1N, R7W; thence N 400 feet; thence E 300 feet; Thence S 400 feet; thence W 300 feet to the point of beginning. Which has the address of: 7543 Cox Rd., Bellevue, MI 49021.

During the six months immediately following the sale the property may be redeemed, unless determined to be abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241(a), in which case the redemption period shall be thirty (30) days from the date of sale.

Dated: November 12, 2012 OMNI Community Credit Union By: Stephen L. Langeland (P32583) BUSINESS ADDRESS: Stephen L. Langeland, P.C. Attorney at Law 6146 W. Main St., Ste. C Kalamazoo, MI 49009 269/382-3703 77572464

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

October 29, 2012 RIVERSIDE CEMETERY COMPANY OF HASTINGS, MICHIGAN 1003 West State Road Hastings, Michigan 49058 77572165

Page 12 — Thursday, December 6, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

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

MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by 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)

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 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

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 8730529-1 77572689

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 (11-22)(12-13) 77572606

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 8723050-1 77572621

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

MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by James W. Warner Jr, a/k/a Jim Warner a single man, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., Mortgagee, dated March 12, 2008, and recorded on March 20, 2008 in instrument 20080320-003150, and assigned by said Mortgagee to Bank of America, N.A., successor by merger to BAC Home Loans Servicing, L.P. fka Countrywide Home Loans Servicing, L.P. as assignee as documented by an assignment, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Ninety-Nine Thousand Two Hundred SixtyTwo and 58/100 Dollars ($99,262.58).

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on December 13, 2012.

Said premises are situated in Township of Orangeville, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Beginning At A Point On The EastWest Line Of Section 18, Town 2 North, Range 10 West, Orangeville Township, Barry County, Michigan; Distant North 89 Degrees 59 Minutes East 907.74 Feet From The West 1/4 Post Of Said Section 18; Thence Continuing North 89 Degrees 59 Minutes East Along Said 1/4 Line 239.22 Feet; Thence South 00 Degree 47 Minutes 10 Seconds East 160.00 Feet To The East Line Of The West Fractional 1/2 Of The Southwest 14 Of Said Section 18: Thence South 89 Degrees 59 Minutes West 140.00 Feet; Thence South 00 Degrees 47 Minutes 10 Seconds East 30.00 Feet; Thence South 89 Degrees 59 Minutes West 125.00 Feet: Thence North 00 Degrees 47 Minutes 10 Seconds West 89.68 Feet; Thence North 89 Degrees 59 Minutes East 25.78 Feet; Thence North 00 Degrees 47 Minutes 10 Seconds West 100.32 Feet To The Place Of Beginning. Subject To Easement For Public Highway Purposes Over The Northerly 33 Feet Thereof For Saddler Road And The Easterly 33 Feet Thereof For Dennison Road.

Beginning At A Point On East-West 1/4 Line, Section 18, Town 2 North, Range 10 West Distant North 89 Degrees 59 Minutes 00 Seconds East 660.00' From The West 1/4 Post Said Section 18, Thence Continuing North 89 Degrees 59 Minutes 00 Seconds East Along Said 1/4 Line 486.96, Thence South 00 Degrees 47 Minutes 10 Seconds East 238.46', Thence North 89 Degrees 59 Minutes 47 Seconds West 165.00, Thence North 00 Degrees 47 Minutes 10 Seconds West 16.03, Thence North 89 Degrees 59 Minutes 47 Seconds West 323.41, Thence North 00 Degrees 24 Minutes 48 Seconds West 222.24' To Point Of Beginning.

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

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

Dated: November 15, 2012 For more information, please call: FC X (248) 593-1302 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #414615F01 (11-15)(12-06) 77572322

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 (11-29)(12-20) 77572639 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS FIRM IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. MORTGAGE SALE: Default having been made in the conditions of certain Mortgage made by JUDITH L. MILAN, a single woman, of 1270 Norway Avenue, Hastings, MI 49058, to THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, acting through Rural Development, United States Department of Agriculture, with its Office being located at 4300 Goodfellow Blvd., Building 105, FC215, St. Louis, MO, 63120, the Mortgagee, the Mortgage being dated May 8, 1996, and recorded May 10, 1996, in Liber 659, Page 988 in Barry County Records, and the borrower having assumed a mortgage between ARCHIE L. LEATHERMAN and THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, acting through Rural Development, United States Department of Agriculture, the Mortgage being dated May 3, 1993 in Liber 570, Page 865, Barry County Records, such Mortgage being given to secure Promissory Note payable to the Government, and by reason of such default the Mortgagee elects to declare the entire unpaid amount of such Mortgage due and payable forthwith, on which Mortgage there is claimed to be due as of December 6, 2012, for principal, interest and other charges, the sum of SIXTY NINE THOUSAND, NINE HUNDRED EIGHTY-SIX AND 92/100 ($69,986.92) DOLLARS, and no proceedings having been instituted at law or equity to recover the debt now remaining secured by said Mortgage, or any part thereof, whereby the power of sale contained in said Mortgage has become operative; Now, Therefore, Notice is Hereby Given that by virtue of the power of sale contained in said Mortgage and in pursuance of the statute of the State of Michigan in such case made and provided, the said Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the premises therein described, or so much thereof as may be necessary, at public auction, to the highest bidder, at the east steps of the County Courthouse at 220 W. STATE STREET, in the City of Hastings, County of Barry, Michigan, that being the place of holding the Circuit Court in and for said County, on THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013 at 1:00 p.m., local time, and said premises will be sold to pay the amount due as aforesaid on the Mortgage together with 6.75% interest, legal costs, attorneys' fees and also any taxes and insurance that said Mortgagee does pay on or prior to the date of said sale; which said premises described in said Mortgage are situated in the State of Michigan, Barry County and are described as: A parcel of land in the Southwest onequarter of Section 2, T3N, R9W, Described as: Beginning at the Southeast corner of Lot 70 of the Plat of Smith’s Lakeview Estate No. 1 as recorded in Liber 5 of Plats, Page 2 in County Records, and running thence North 00 degrees 08 minutes East 109.48’ to the Southernmost corner of Lot 65 of said Plat; thence North 49 degrees 51 minutes East 167.19’ to the Easternmost corner of said Lot 65; thence South 40 degrees 09 minutes East 100’; thence South 49 degrees 51 minutes West 219.31’; thence North 88 degrees 42 minutes 30 seconds West 24.90’ to the POB. Being a part of outlot L. Rights of the public and of any governmental unit in any part thereof taken used or deeded for street, road or highway purposes. Right of way in favor of Consumers Power Company, recorded in Liber 356, Page 354, and in Liber 356, on page 520.

Right of way to Michigan Bell Telephone Company recorded in Liber 354, Page 329. Also described as: Lot 81, Amended Plat of Part of the Northwesterly Portion of Outlot E, Smith’s Lakeview Estates No. 1, according to the plat thereof recorded in Liber 6 of Plats, Page 46, Barry County Records. During the six (6) months immediately following the sale, the property may be redeemed unless the property is abandoned, in which case the redemption shall be thirty (30) days from the date of sale. According to MCL §600.3278, if the property is sold at a foreclosure sale, 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.

For further information with regard to this foreclosure, contact USDA - Rural Development, Centralized Servicing Center, Foreclosure Centralization Initiative, 4300 Goodfellow Blvd., Building 105, FC-215, St. Louis, MO, 63120, telephone (800) 349-5097 ext. 4500. Dated: December 6, 2012 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, acting through the Farmers Home Administration (now Rural Development), United States Department of Agriculture, Mortgagee Michael I. Conlon (P43954) Running, Wise, Ford, P.L.C. 326 E. State Street, P.O. Box 686 Traverse City, MI 49685-0686 (1206)(12-27) 77572892

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 6, 2012 — Page 13

HHS production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ opens tonight Starting this evening, Thursday, Dec. 6, Hastings High School will present “A Christmas Carol” based on the novel by Charles Dickens at 7 p.m. The cast and crew of approximately 40 students will also present the play Friday, Dec. 7, and Saturday, Dec. 8, at Central Auditorium in Hastings.

“A Christmas Carol” is the classic tale of the miser Ebenezer Scrooge and how he learns the true meaning of season and the importance of opening his heart when he is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. Members of the cast and crew are include narrators Anna Ellege, Christa Wright and Sara Porter; Ryan Carlson, Scrooge; Marshall Cherry, Fred; Jay Molette, Bob Cratchit; Emma Shute, first solicitor and Belle; Casey Demink, second solicitor and young Jacob Marley; Damon Cove, Marley’s Ghost and Larchmont; Sam Kobe, Ghost of Christmas Past; Matthew Maurer, Tiny Tim and Young Ebenezer; Emily Shafer; Shelby VanderMel, Fanny; Patrick Singleterry, Mr. Fezziwig and Topper; Whitney Martin, Mrs. Fezziwig; Ariel Leonhardt, Nell; Brian Cote, young Scrooge; Travis Raab, Graves and Nell’s husband; Abby Campbell, Ghost of Christmas Present; Sidney Dudley, Mrs. Cratchit; Elizabeth Cason, Martha; Maggie Marsh, Cratchit daughter; Sarah Main, Belinda Cratchit; Claire Green, Cindy Cratchit; Olivia

Scrooge’s nephew, Fred, played by Marshall Cherry (right), gives directions to his maid, Gena, played by Naomi Van Dien.

Rose, Elizabeth; Jaelynn Koning, Mary; Ashley Weinbrecht, Ghost of Christmas

Future; Natalie Anderson, wealthy friend; Anna Pattok, Miss Grubb; Yara Van Spanje, Mrs. Dill; Naomi Van Dien, Gena; Amanda

Nell, played by Ariel Leonhardt, and young Ebenezer Scrooge, Brian Cote, plan a future together.

Sarhatt, Tess and townsperson; Avery Lomas, Tickets will be available at the door: $9 for Want and townsperson. adults, and $6 for students and seniors.

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Wealthy Friend, played by Natalie Anderson, and Larchmont, played by Damon Cove discuss Scrooge’s upcoming funeral.

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Page 14 — Thursday, December 6, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

SPRAY PLAZA, continued from page 1

POLICE BEAT BEA Man does not play requests, is arrested Hastings Police were called to a residence in the 400 block of South Hanover Street Dec. 2 regarding a loud music complaint.

Reportedly, officers had responded to the same address five times recently. Police spoke with the 33-year-old resident, who reportedly had been drinking and began to argue about the music. The man refused to keep the music down and was placed under arrest for being a disorderly person. He registered .16 percent blood alcohol level on a portable breath test.

Woman caught napping while man leaves Hastings Police were dispatched to the 200 block of North Park Street Nov. 28 on a domestic violence complaint. Officers spoke with a woman who said she was taking a nap and her 27-year-old Hastings boyfriend had been watching her children.

When she awoke, she said the man was gone and her children were unattended.

When he returned, the two began to argue and she said the man grabbed her by the throat and threw her to the ground. Officers spoke with the boyfriend and placed him under arrest.

Theft generates latent interest A resident the 700 block of East Grant Street, Hastings reported Nov. 28 that his portable Coleman PowerMate generator was missing from his garage.

Approximately three weeks ago, he told officers, he had left his house to run some errands and returned to find the garage door open. He didn’t notice anything missing until he went looking for his generator.

Reportedly, there were no apparent signs of forced entry into the garage or house. The generator was valued at $1,000.

Reindeer take flight from city lawn Two life-sized reindeer lawn ornaments were reported stolen from a yard in the 700 block of East Thorn Street, Hastings, Dec. 1.

The homeowner said he heard his dog barking the night before, looked out the window and noticed a vehicle and several people in front of his house. He told officers he didn’t think much of this because neighbors down the street were having a party. When he awoke the next morning, he said the reindeer were missing. The case remains open.

Work van stolen from residence A Rutland Township resident reported his work van stolen Nov. 25. He told deputies he drove the van to his West M-179 residence the night of Nov. 23 and parked it near the driveway with the keys still in the van. He told deputies he has done this for years. When he left in a different vehicle that evening, the van was still there.

Reportedly, when he woke the following morning, his wife asked where the van was.

The white 2003 Ford E250 had all of his work tools and other items in it. The case remains open.

Trail camera catches thief’s eye A Middleville man contacted deputies Dec. 3 to report the theft of a trail camera.

His property borders state land, and he believes someone took his $150 Eyecon Blackwidow trail camera while on state land. He said he simply wanted to report the missing camera, in case similar calls came in. The case is closed pending more information.

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WALL LAKE, DELTON: 2 bedroom apartment. ReferTHIS PUBLICATION ences & deposit. No pets, DOES NOT KNOWINGLY 269-623-8218. accept advertising which is PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: deceptive, fraudulent or All real estate advertising in this newsmight otherwise violate law paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act or accepted standards of and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to taste. However, this publicaadvertise “any preference, limitation or tion does not warrant or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, guarantee the accuracy of national origin, age or martial status, or any advertisement, nor the an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” quality of goods or services Familial status includes children under advertised. Readers are cauthe age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people tioned to thoroughly investisecuring custody of children under 18. gate all claims made in any This newspaper will not knowingly advertisements, and to use accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our good judgment and reasonareaders are hereby informed that all ble care, particularly when dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity dealing with persons unbasis. To report discrimination call the known to you ask for money Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980.

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voted unanimously to approve a site plan and grant a special-use permit that will allow construction of the spray plaza, band shell and public restroom facility on the vacant lot on the northwest corner of West State and North Church streets next to Hastings 4 Cinema.

The project is being funded by a $250,000 donation by Flexfab International; $87,950 donated the Hastings Rotary Club, which includes a $50,000 anonymous matching donation, $25,000 club donation, $7,500 anonymous member donation, and $5,450 combined member donation; and funds from the Hastings Downtown Development Authority.

Hastings Community Development Director John Hart said Monday the park will be known as the Hastings Splash Plaza, but plaques will be incorporated into the site recognizing those who contributed to the park.

Hart said the city plans to seek bids on the project in February and start construction in the spring, as soon as weather allows, and be completed by the end of June.

The site plan for the spray plaza includes a brick retaining wall with columns to match the existing downtown streetscape, a 30-foot diameter ground-level jumping jet water feature that can be turned on by a button, raised decorative planters and built-in seating. More raised planters will separate the terraced seatwalls facing the mini-band shell on the north end of the plaza. The band shell will be big enough to accommodate trios, quartets and other smaller musical combos, similar to those that have performed across the street on the Barry County Courthouse lawn during the Fridays at the Fountain concert series, said

Challenges move Chad Curtis case to Michigan Court of Appeals

by David DeDecker Staff Writer After months of pre-trial motions and hearings in the criminal sexual conduct case against Chad Curtis, challenges to rulings made by Judge Amy McDowell will go to the Michigan Court of Appeals, moving the start of the actual trial in Barry County Circuit Court from Jan. 14 to sometime in early May 2013.

Curtis, a former Major League Baseball player and Lakewood High School volunteer, is charged with six acts of criminal sexual conduct involving teenage girls attending Lakewood schools. Curtis’ attorney, David Dodge, has opted to challenge motions that he lost before McDowell in Barry County Circuit Court.

Dodge argued Dec. 5 that Barry County Assistant Prosecutor Chris Ellsworth was a necessary witness in his client’s defense and motioned to have Ellsworth disqualified from the case in order to take the witness stand.

In question, according to Dodge, was a brief meeting between Ellsworth and a thenwitness who has now been identified as a victim. The witness/victim allegedly told Ellsworth about an event between her and Curtis. No third party was present at the meeting, and Ellsworth did not record the conversation. Dodge said there was nothing unethical about what Ellsworth did or did not do, but Ellsworth needed to testify to what was said in the conversation.

Ellsworth told the court that, as soon as the victim came forward with new information, he called a Barry County Sheriff’s detective who then conducted a forensic interview.

McDowell denied Dodge’s motion to disqualify Ellsworth from prosecuting the case, saying the necessary information could be brought to light during the victim’s testimony, depending on Dodge’s skill with questioning.

Dodge also wanted the court to clarify a motion ruling made three weeks ago. Dodge argued then that an expert psychology witness should be able to testify to case-specific behavioral science and the alleged victims in the case. McDowell said she had ruled previously that the expert witness can testify to general principles, but not to specific victim testimony-related analysis because that would be a “veiled attack on the victim’s credibility.”

Dodge said he expects the Court of Appeals to rule on his challenges to McDowell’s rulings by the end of March.

That will move Curtis’ trial to some time in early May.

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This architectural drawing shows how spray plaza will look, facing west from Church Street.

Hart. The band shell facility also will include a mechanical and storage room and two public restrooms.

Hastings Planning Commission Chair David Hatfield commended Hart and other city staff members who worked on the project.

“This is going to be a really nice addition to the downtown,” he said.

In other business, the commission also unanimously approved a motion to recommend an amendment to the city zoning ordinances that would give the planning commission greater flexibility in establishing maxi-

mum and minimum setbacks for new construction in most of the downtown business district and surrounding business districts, including the neighborhood-edge or mixeduse zone, but excludes the M-37/M-43 corridor west of downtown.

During the public hearing on the amendment and discussion preceding the vote, Hatfield stressed that the amendment would not be more restrictive. Instead, it would allow more the commission more flexibility to approve site plans without requiring a variance from the zoning board of appeals.

COURT NEWS Karen Cay Hamilton, 42, of Hastings was sentenced in Barry County Circuit Court Nov. 29 for assaulting, resisting or obstructing a police officer. Judge Amy McDowell sentenced Hamilton to 45 days in jail, with credit for nine days served. Hamilton must pay $698 in court assessments and serve 18 months on probation. The balance of her jail time will be suspended upon successful completion of probation. Hamilton must complete anger management counseling and pay $50 per month toward court assessments. The Barry County Prosecutor’s office dropped the charge of assaulting, resisting or obstructing a police officer causing injury.

Catrina Ann Bagnoud, 26, of Hastings was sentenced Nov. 28 in Barry County Circuit Court for larceny of a person. Judge Amy McDowell ordered Bagnoud to serve nine months in jail with credit for 160 days served.

Bagnoud must pay $698 in court assessments and serve 24 months on probation. The balance of her jail time will be suspended upon successful completion of probation. Bagnoud must have a mental health assessment, attend counseling take part in cognitive behavior therapy. She must pay $40 per month toward court assessments. A charge of unarmed robbery was dropped by the Barry County Prosecutor’s office.

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

Good senior group gets help from underclassmen

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor Andrew Mains is off and running with his varsity coaching career after one year on the junior varsity level at Hastings High School.

He hopes his girls are ready to run too.

He wants his girls to play full-court defense and push the ball once they’ve got possession for it.

“We’re trying to get them used to playing our up-tempo, fast speed,” Mains said.

“Last year they were kind of a half-court defense. They would run down and run flex offense. We are trying to get them to push it a lot more. We want to get them to up the speed to use our quickness and speed on a lot of teams this year.”

There are some Xs and Os to learn to get used to playing that style, but also a lot of conditioning to do.

Mains coached the Saxon junior varsity last year, after some time as an AAU coach.

He graduated from Gull Lake High School in 2006 and went on to play at Davenport University after that.

He’s a young coach, and he’s got a couple of young players that are already doing big things for the Saxons. He said freshman

center Maddie Dailey is averaging about 15 points per game through the first three contests of the year. Sophomore point guard Grace Meade is in her second season on the varsity.

There are a lot of experienced ball players to lead the way for the youngsters too.

“The nice thing about this group is we have Nikki Redman back, Grace Meade, Erin Gray, Rachel Quillen, Taylor Carter, Kaitlin Allan and Shelby Price,” Mains said.

Other than Meade that group is all seniors. Mains said he also expects solid contributions from junior Grace Bosma as well.

The Saxons are 1-2 on the season. They fell at DeWitt Tuesday after earning their first victory of the season at Comstock Park Friday night.

“The nice thing is, in the first two games we got down by a quick ten points and these girls have not quit,” Mains said. “They continue to fight back. I can’t talk about their resiliency enough.”

The Saxons are home for their next four ballgames, against Reeths-Puffer Friday night, then Lakewood Dec. 11, Hopkins Dec. 13 and Delton Kellogg Dec. 18.

At Right: The 2012-13 Hastings varsity girls’ basketball team. Team members are (front from left) Kaitlin Allan, Alizee Sponga, Shelby Price, Taylor Carter, Erin Gray, Nikki Redman, Rachel Quillen, (back) head coach Andrew Mains, Becky Barnard, Haley Lyke, Maddie Dailey, Grace Bosma, Grace Meade, Katy DelCotto and coach Bill Wallace. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

Saxon’s line-up very strong through the middle

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor It should make for some pretty interesting practices.

The Hastings varsity wrestling team has a ton of good to great middleweights this winter. There’s a list of returnees that includes Joe Siska at 140 pounds, Stephen Kendall at 145, Jason Slaughter at 152, Kenny Cross at 160, Chase Huisman at 171 pounds and Cody Newton at 189.

“Our biggest hurdle will be that all those middle guys have got to spread out in weights,” said Hastings head coach Mike Goggins. “Some of them are moving up a little bit. Some of them are going to have to cut a little and get down. They would all really like to be 152 or 160 pounders, and they’ve got to go from 145 to 171, so that’s really the biggest problem. They’re all the same size, Chase, Kenny, Jason Slaughter, Stephen Kendall, Cody Newton could all be 52s or 60s.”

He’s confident they’ll all get to where they need to be, which will make for a lot of interesting matches for the Saxons.

“The good thing about that is they’re all experienced wrestlers that know what the sacrifice is and know that it’s not very much fun sometimes, but know that’s what it is,” Goggins said. “If they were younger it could be a problem, because they might not have the heart to get down there.”

Cross is a two-time state qualifier as an individual. Huisman is a regional qualifier, as well as a few of the Saxons’ lighter guys - Joe Siska at 140 pounds, Zach Wilcox at 125 and Aaron Williams at 119 pounds.

Ethan Haywood returns to wrestle at 130 or 135 pounds, and on the other end Nate Pewoski returns, moving up to 285 this winter.

Goggins said he expects to see a couple of freshmen at 103 pounds and 112 pounds, and there are a handful of guys competing for the 215-pound spot in the line-up “It’s a pretty solid line-up right through the middle, a little bit of questions on the ends. We’ll see,” said Goggins.

The OK Gold Conference has changed a bit, with Forest Hills Eastern and Caledonia gone. There are now just four full wrestling teams in the league plus whatever group of wrestlers that Ottawa Hills is able to put together.

The Saxons expect to be battling Thornapple Kellogg once again for an OK Gold Conference championship. The Saxons were second in the league last winter. Goggins said he also expects Grand Rapids Catholic Central to be good come tournament time.

The Saxons open their season Saturday at the Greenville Duals. The league season starts Dec. 12 when the Saxons visit Wayland.

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The 2012-13 Hastings wrestling team. Team members are (front from left) manager Sammy Ackels, Donavin Taggart, David Hause, Jeremiah Shaffer, Jason Slaughter, Ethan Haywood, Stephen Kendall, Zach Wilcox, Aaron Williams, manager Jessi Slaughter, (second row) manager Dani King, John DeVoss, Austin Morris, Alex Traister, Jesus Delangel, Colten Dillon, Lindsey Kuhlman, William McKeever, Quentin Wigg, Luke Leinaar, Justice Lamance, manager Abby McKeever, (third row) coach Dennis Redman, Nic Schaefer, Philipp Schwaiger, George Murphy, Travis Hoffman, Duane Kissinger, Tony Gibson, Tyler Youngs, Tom Patterson, Mitchell Sarhatt, coach Mike Goggins, coach Darrell Slaughter, (back) Jeremy Miller, Patrick Murphy, Nate Pewoski, Kenny Cross, Chase Huisman, Joe Siska, Cody Newton and Bret Thomas. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

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Page 16 — Thursday, December 6, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

HHS lost just two from its district championship team

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor Hastings saw two of its top three scorers graduate last spring, but almost everyone else is back from the team which won a Class B District championship a season ago.

Senior Maxwell Clark was the Saxons’ scoring leader at about 10.6 points per game last winter as a junior. Also an outstanding defender, he and fellow senior Ian Beck will give opposing back-courts fits.

Luke Heide, a strong outside shooter returns for his senior season in the backcourt as well.

While roles might be a bit bigger for guys like Beck and Heide, there is also a bigger role for coach Steven Storrs.

Already very involved in the offense, he’s taking more of the defensive reigns from coach Don Schils this season. Schils will still be on the bench for the Saxons as well, for a 20th season.

There’s experience in the back-court, on the bench, and a bit in the front-court.

Senior Eric Hart is back for his senior season, after missing parts of last season with an injury he’s getting a little bit of a late start this winter as well. He’ll be joined in the paint by fellow seniors Alex Cherry and Stefan Horvat, who each saw just a little varsity action a year ago. This will be the third varsity season for Hart, as well as Clark.

Cherry and Horvat are each listed at 6-4, a couple inches taller than Hart, so the Saxons don’t have a lot of size inside.

Storrs thinks his team can make up for some of that lack of size with its senior leadership and its overall experience as a group.

The Saxons are 1-0 after a win over DeWitt Tuesday and will return to action at Alma Friday. Hastings visits Lakewood Tuesday evening.

The OK Gold Conference season doesn’t start until the new year. The Saxons will be home for their first two league contests, against Wayland Jan. 15 and Ottawa Hills Jan. 18.

The 2012-13 Hastings varsity boys’ basketball team. Team members are (front from left) Stefan Horvat, Luke Heide, Maxwell Clark, Michael Eastman, Eric Hart, Ian Beck, Alex Cherry, (back) manager Maria Palacio, coach Steven Storrs, Carson Williams, Danny Sprague, Jon Wilcox, Zach McMahon, Matt Johnson, Bo Morgan, coach Don Schils and manager Lindy Kloosterman.

(Photo by Brett Bremer)

Hastings High School finally adds bowling teams

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor League bowling was interrupted at Hastings Bowl Wednesday night when it was announced that Kyle Hoyt would be coming around selling 50/50 raffle tickets.

The announcement was met with applause.

Hoyt is trying to raise funds for the new Hastings High School bowling club, which will have its first competition Dec. 29 at Hastings Bowl when the Saxons take on Sparta.

Having a high school bowling team in Hastings is something that has been a long time coming in may peoples’ eyes.

Hoyt’s daughter, Ashland, is in the fourth grade and is one of the state’s top bowler’s for her age. He said that folks from Pennfield and Gull Lake have been trying to talk him into transferring his daughter to their schools for high school so she can be a part of a high

school bowling team.

His answer to them has been, “I like Hastings.”

He put together some statistics, some information and some numbers and presented it to Hastings High School athletic director Mike Goggins in early November. What was supposed to be a 15 minute meeting turned into a 45 minute meeting.

“The biggest things that helped this time that hadn’t happened in the past were one, he came to me with a fully organized plan and two, maybe this should be number one, was the student interest,” said Goggins.

A sign-up sheet in the high school gathered about 40 signatures of students interested in joining the club. Goggins said there hadn’t been that kind of response from students in the past.

The other big key is that Hoyt is willing to work to make sure that the club can be a com-

pletely self-funded organization. The plan was shared with the school board Nov. 13, and the Saxons are off and rolling.

Hoyt said that community support has been tremendous so far. Flexfab, the Coleman Insurance Agency, Hastings Bowl and Feed Sack Fashions have helped to sponsor the boys’ and girls’ teams, and Hoyt is still looking for more help.

Hastings had been the only team in the OK Gold Conference without a bowling team prior to the formation of this club. The club formed too late to get fully included in the conference slate this year, but the Saxons do plan on participating in the conference tournament Feb. 16 at the Middle Villa Inn in Middleville.

Goggins said he wouldn’t be surprised to see the team become a self-funded varsity sport, like the Unity Knights hockey team, in the near future if interest remains high.

Swim team looks to improve its depth Thornapple Kellogg/Hastings varsity boys’ swimming and diving head coach Tyler Bultema knows who his team’s leaders are.

Now the Trojan team is trying to find out who can be right behind those leaders.

Senior Daegan Mix and juniors Levi Ryfiak and Dexx VanHouten return to lead the TK/Hastings team, with the help of sophomores Jared Bailey, Ronnie Collins, Brandon Gray and senior Garret Bowers.

Bultema calls that a good core of returning swimmers.

“We need to build a more competitive

group of secondary swimmers,” he said.

Freshmen will try and fill some of those secondary spots. The group of ninth graders includes Nick Meyers, Ben Anderson and Troy Boonstra.

Bultema expects to have five divers who will be able to compete this season.

The TK/Hastings boys started their season Tuesday, falling 85-82 at South Haven.

TK/Hastings won both the freestyle relays in an effort to keep pace with the Rams. The team of Levi Ryfiak, VanHouten, Nate Ryfiak and Mix won the 200-yard race in 1 minute 45.68 and the

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TK/Hastings also had Mix win the 100yard freestyle in 55.75 seconds and the 100-yard freestyle in 2:25.74. Levi Ryfiak won the 200-yard individual medley in 2:25.74.

TK/Hastings will swim again this evening at the Byron Center Tri, then will be off until Tuesday when it plays host to Unity Christian in the first home meet of the year.

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Heers, senior base Sadie Walsh, senior back spot Chelsea Eldred, senior base Brianne Whiteman and junior flyer Michelle Howlett this winter. The Saxons will also get a boost with the return of senior flyer Faith Pearlman who took her junior year off from the cheer team.

The Saxons are putting time in to try and improve their jumping this season. Hubbell said the team is getting great help in that from volunteer coaches Sara Radant, Alex Wendorf Emily Hoke and parent helper Deanne Stanton.

Hastings opens its season with a trip to Byron Center Jan. 5, then will start the OK Gold/Green season Jan. 9 at Holland Christian.

Hastings will host the conference Feb. 6.

That will be the second of two home meets for the Saxons this season. They will host their annual Saxonfest Jan. 12.

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by Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Saxons have strengthened their gymnastics over the years and it is paying off.

Hastings’ varsity competitive cheer team was second in the OK Gold Conference a year ago, and ended up the year finishing a strong sixth at its regional meet.

Hastings head coach Amy Hubbell said her team has set goals of finishing better at regionals this year, and finishing higher at its district than the fourth-place finish it had a year ago.

The team also wants to do well in the new conference, the OK Gold/Green. The conference will be tough at the top, with Thornapple Kellogg from the Gold and Holland Christian from the Green expected to be both be very good once again.

Hubbell said that her strong stunting and tumbling team is led by senior flyer Desi

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like sophomore Cheyanne Roush and junior Mitchell Philley.

Right now there are just five dates for sure on the schedule. The competition with Sparta to start the season, the OK Gold Tournament at the end of the regular season, a trip to take on Marshall at M-66 Bowl in Battle Creek Jan. 2, a trip back to M-66 Jan. 6 for the Battle of the Baker, and a contest in Hastings against South Christian Jan. 29.

Saxons gearing up for the challenge of new conference

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The paperwork isn’t all back yet, but the Saxons are expecting to be eligible to compete in the Michigan High School Athletic Association postseason tournament.

There are currently eight boys and seven girls on the two teams. Hoyt said he’s seen a lot of progress already. On the first day he had kids rolling 30s, 40s and 50s who were up to 80s, 90s and 100s with just the tiniest bit of coaching.

He said he has some strong bowlers too,

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

Saxon defense shuts down DeWitt in 4th quarter

The Saxons’ Stefan Horvat puts an offensive rebound back up for two points in front of DeWitt’s Raymond Stein during the fourth quarter Tuesday night. (Photo

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Wilkes said Pierce worked hard chasing Smith around, and the other girls worked hard defending their responsibilities as well.

It was slow going a bit on the other end to start for Maple Valley. The Lions scored six points in each of the first three quarters as the Irish built a 36-18 lead.

Olivia Ricketts led the Lions with 11 points and Timara Burd added seven.

Behind Smith for the Irish, Danielle Reits had ten and Chrissie Schnelker six points.

Portland St. Patrick topped the Lions 6415 in the season opener in Portland Tuesday (Nov. 27).

“They’re a good ball club,” Wilkes said.

“They have an excellent 2-2-1 press and an excellent 2-3 zone they play. They applied a lot of ball pressure and took us our of our game real quick and real fast.”

Ricketts had five points in the loss for the Lions and Emily Mattocks had three.

The Lions return to action Friday night, when they travel to Delton Kellogg for another KVA contest.

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by Brett Bremer Sports Editor It’s a work in progress.

Maple Valley’s varsity girls’ basketball team started off the 2012-13 season 0-2 this week, falling to Portland St. Patrick Tuesday in the season opener and then to Hackett Catholic Central in the Kalamazoo Valley Association opener Friday night.

The Fighting Irish topped the Lions 4129 in Kalamazoo Friday, but the Lion head coach Landon Wilkes said his team showed progress in every single quarter.

There were better screens, then girls posting up better, then better bounce passes into the post.

In the second half, the defense was better. The Lions went to a box-and-1, with Marissa Pierce focusing on Hackett’s Grace Smith. Smith made just two free throws in the second half, after hitting three threes and scoring ten points in the first half.

Smith led the Irish with 12 points on the night.

The Lions outscored the Irish 17-15 in the second half, with the help of an 11-5 fourth quarter run.

Hastings forward Michael Eastman drives past DeWitt’s Raymond Stein early in the fourth quarter Tuesday night at Hastings High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

R LO

Lions get a little better every quarter in first KVA contest

Raymond Stein had nine points and Ryan Bennett eight.

Hastings will be at Alma Friday.

CO PIE

utes of the first half and the first two minutes of the second half put the Eagles in control of the ballgame.

“We came out in the second quarter and they had the same kind of pressure.

Nothing changed and we did not answer the bell,” Mohn said.

Aleena Janousek led the way for the Eagle team which had eight different girls score. She had 14 points. Hayley Walkouski finished with 13.

Kristen Mohn and Mallory Sewell had eight points each for Delton Kellogg.

Sewell added four rebounds. Brooke Martin had six points and eight rebounds.

The Delton Kellogg girls are now 1-1 on the season. They’ll be home Friday night for another KVA contest, against Maple Valley.

Eastman led the Saxons with 11 rebounds and Horvat had four.

Behind Anderson for the Panthers,

Looking For a

The Saxons’ Ian Beck goes up for a lay-up between the Panther’s Andrew Walker (left) and Ryan Anderson (right) after a steal in the fourth quarter Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

Olivet’s pressure gets to DK girls in KVA opener The biggest thing Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ basketball head coach Mike Mohn saw Friday night was that his team has got to get tougher.

The Panthers were tough enough early on to handle Olivet’s pressure, but eventually the Eagles’ defensive onslaught was too much and the Eagles opened the Kalamazoo Valley Association season with a 48-26 victory over the Panthers in Delton.

“They never stop guarding you. They get after you and they make life miserable. We should be handling that, and we didn’t,” coach Mohn said.

At least, the Panthers didn’t handle it after the first quarter. Delton led the game 11-4 with two minutes left in the opening quarter. A 12-0 run over the final two min-

enced centers Stefan Horvat and Alex Cherry getting their first real varsity action.

The Saxons will get a boost when senior center Eric Hart returns to the line-up soon.

Heide matched Anderson for game-high scoring honors, finishing with 15 points.

Clark had 11 points. Eastman finished with nine points, Horvat seven and Cherry had four.

N

the Saxon defense went to work in the fourth. The Saxons held the Panthers scoreless for the first six minutes of the final period.

The Saxons had and early lead in the game as Heide and Maxwell Clark drilled threes in the opening minutes. DeWitt led 12-11 after one quarter, then really slowed the Saxon attack down in the second quarter.

Storrs said the Panthers played more zone defense than the Saxons were expecting, and the Hastings offense isn’t quite where it wants to be against a zone yet this early in the year, especially with inexperi-

NG

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Saxon student-section had already finished its “it’s all over chant” when Ian Beck’s pressure at the top of the key forced DeWitt’s Ryan Anderson to fire a pass that sailed past the basket and slammed against the cement wall on the east end of the Hastings High School gymnasium Tuesday.

After the Saxons passed the ball in and let the final ticks go off the clock it really was “all over.”

Hastings’ varsity boys’ basketball team opened the 2012-13 season with a 52-41 win over visiting DeWitt.

Beck and the rest of the Saxon defense was a terror for Anderson and the Panthers in the second half. The Panthers led 27-19 at the half, but managed just 14 points in the entire second half including just four in the fourth quarter. Anderson tied for the game-high with 15 points, but had just two in the fourth quarter.

Saxon coach Steven Storrs said that Beck moved into the role as the Saxons’ defensive stopper last season, coming on really strong in their team’s district victory over Thornapple Kellogg.

“Coach sat me down and said to me ‘you’re going to be a defensive stopper,’” Beck said. “Before the game, and in practices leading up to the game ,I knew who I was going to guard. I knew I was going to guard number 4 (Anderson) and I knew he was going to shoot it every time he got the ball. I knew my role before I got to the game today.”

Beck finished the night with six points, five steals and four assists. He had a couple of steals that turned into break-away layups in the fourth quarter, helping the Saxons to pull away.

“I felt like it brought some energy to my team as well as translating to points on offense with the steals,” said Beck. “It felt good to help out my team in a way other than offense. It felt like I contributed to the team and I did my role well. It felt good to get a win in the first game. It really sets the tone for the rest of the season.”

Michael Eastman had a big offensive contribution early in the second half. He scored seven points in the first three minutes of the third quarter to help the Saxons dig out of their half-time hole. He hit a three with 5:06 left on the third-quarter clock that pulled his team within one at 2928.

A little over a minute later Luke Heide hit the second of his three three-pointers in the game to put the Saxons in front.

The two teams were back and forth throughout the rest of the third quarter, until

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Page 18 — Thursday, December 6, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

Delton has young wrestling team this season

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor Being young and inexperienced can be weaknesses in high school wrestling.

Those things might be weaknesses for the Panthers early on this winter, but Delton Kellogg varsity wrestling coach Dan Phillips thinks that those things might just turn out to be strengths.

“They are willing and eager to learn,” he said.

He’s looking for solid contributions from a handful of freshmen, Jake Reed at 145 pounds, Cody Reed at 160, Brogan Smith at 119 and Robby Madden at 103 pounds.

Sophomore Calob Montes should contribute at 215 pounds.

The Panther team doesn’t have a single regional qualifier back, although they only had one regional qualifier last winter.

Evan Curtice should fill the 171-pound slot

quite nicely for Delton. He was the Kalamazoo Valley Association runner-up at 160 pounds a year ago.

Curtice leads a list of returnees that also includes 171-pounder Hunter Chilton, 285pounder Blake Mast, 130-pounder Kenmark Maligat, 135-pounder Bobby Bottom and 140-pounders Cameron Hudson and Aaron Addison.

The Delton boys were fourth in the Kalamazoo Valley Association a year ago, and will be chasing the ultimate goals of winning conference and district titles this winter according to Phillips. Great team chemistry could help them get there, although Constantine and Schoolcraft will be tough again in the league, along with Parchment and Pennfield.

The Delton Kellogg team opened its season at Hopkins last night.

The 2012-13 Delton Kellogg varsity wrestling team.

Delton girls team has experience, needs depth

The 2012-13 Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ basketball team.

Senior trio set to lead Delton Kellogg boys squad

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor Steve Miknis is still a Panther, but the wardrobe has changed from Pennfield’s green to Delton Kellogg’s maroon.

It’s as fresh start for the Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ basketball team this season, after one of the best seasons ever for the program last winter. Delton won the 2011-12 Kalamazoo Valley Association (KVA) championship, finishing the year with a 17-4 record.

Miknis takes over as head coach and he’ll have a lot of new guys on the floor for him.

“We lost a lot of seniors from last season

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and have three returners,” Miknis said. “This year, our goal is to be competitive and continue to grown on and off the court. I like what I have seen so far from this group in practice and I am very excited to get to work with this group of kids.”

The three returnees in the group are senior point guard Zach Leinaar, senior power forward Zach Meyers and senior center Justin Ferris.

The Panthers will be looking for some guys to step up and fill roles, guys like junior guards TJ Wooden, Jeff Minehart, and Sam Horrocks, senior forward Josh Arkwright, senior center Colton Tobias, junior forward

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Defending the KVA championship won’t be easy. Schoolcraft, Olivet and Pennfield all have solid groups hitting the floor this winter once again.

Delton Kellogg opens the season, and KVA play, Friday at home against Maple Valley.

The boys will play the 6 p.m. game for the first half of this season on Friday nights in the league.

Delton’s boys will be home for their first three contests, taking on Hackett Catholic Central Tuesday and Constantine next Friday (Dec. 11).

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The 2012-13 Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ basketball team. Team members are (front from left) Madison Conrad, Sarah Rendon, Rachel Parker, Brooke Martin, Aleeha Davis, (back) Hannah Okeley, Brookelynn OMeara, Mallory Sewell, Christy Gonzalez, Alexis Shoup, Kristen Mohn and Brianna Russell.

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Panthers have either played a lot of basketball, or they haven’t.

Delton Kellogg’s varsity girls’ basketball team returns four three-year varsity players this winter, and five real key contributors from last year’s squad. Behind them though, there isn’t much experience.

Panther head coach Mike Mohn said that he’s got four girls who have never played any basketball above the middle school or junior varsity level.

“We have to stay healthy, we have to stay out of foul trouble, and we have to make good decisions,” said Mohn. “The experience will help us out through the long run.”

That group of three-year varsity players includes senior Mallory Sewell in the post and senior guards Brooke Martin and Rachel Parker, and junior guard Sarah Rendon.

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Sewell was all-conference a year ago in the Kalamazoo Valley Association, averaging 8.5 points and 6.9 rebounds per game and Parker earned honorable mention all-conference for her tremendous defense.

Sophomore forward Kristen Mohn is also back on the varsity after moving up from the junior varsity late last season.

Coach Mohn said he could see junior center Christy Gonzalez stepping up to help out Sewell in the post this season.

Parchment and Olivet are expected to be on the top of the KVA standings once again. The Eagles have already knocked off the Delton Kellogg girls this season. Delton takes on Parchment for the first time in the first game after the holiday break.

Coach Mohn thinks that’s as good a time as any to face Parchment’s pressure, giving his girls plenty of time to prepare for it.

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The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 6, 2012 — Page 19

The 2012-13 Delton Kellogg varsity competitive cheer team.

DK cheer team wants to defend conference crown

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor Delton Kellogg varsity competitive cheer coach Zoe Reynolds spent a little time with the Delton middle school teams recently.

One of the key things her varsity has been working on recently is coordination on its round one and two jumps.

“It’s a lot of repetition and a lot of training to get that core really strong to get height with the legs and having those arms on time,” said Reynolds.

By the end of a couple of practices with the middle school girls, Reynolds was thankful for the work that gets done before the Delton Kellogg girls get to the varsity.

All that work has paid off for the Panthers.

They won the Southern Michigan Competitive Cheer Conference last winter, and they’re hoping to do so again this winter.

Seniors Corinthia Andersen and Cassidy Morgan are back to lead the way, along with junior Kelsey Vaughn and sophomore Riley Smith.

Reynolds said she also expects key contributions from sophomores Claudia Andersen and Emmalea Wooden.

The Panthers are feeling good heading into the season. At their first competition Reynolds saw things to clean up, but no major problems. Round three looked good, it was mostly just precision things to work on in the first two rounds.

The Panthers are hoping for more than just a strong showing in the SMCCC though. The postseason has a chance of being more pleasant for the Panthers as they’ve dropped down to Division 4 this winter. Delton also wants to continue improving on the school record high score it set last season.

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Men’s good games and series - C. Santana 223-570; J. Shoebridge 207-561; T. Santana 188-470; R. Guild 210; E. Bartlett 202; B. Hubbell 198; B. Allen 194; B. Heath 166.

Tuesday Mixed Hurless Machine Shop 37; Hometown Lumber 37; Barry Co. Red Cross 35.5; Boyce Milk Haulers 35; J-Bar Antique Tractors 21.

High Game - D. Blakely 205; D. Benner 204; C. Featherly 190; G. Hause 186; R. Boniface 185; Sis 180; B. Ramey 168.

High Series - D. Benner 564 and C. Featherly 529.

Monday Mixerettes Dewey’s Auto Body 38-14; Kent Oil 34.517.5; Dean’s Dolls 33-19; Nashville Chiropractic 25-27; Creekside Growers 22.529.5.

Good Games & Series: V. Carr 181-498; S. Nash 134-389; N. Potter 151; S. Dunham 192; K. Eberly 179; D. Snyder 170; T. Christopher 188; L. Elliston 204; B. Hathaway 156.

Senior Citizens Sun Risers 36.5-15.5; Butterfingers 33-19; M&M’s 30-22; King Pins 30-22; Usedtobe #1 26-26; Ward’s Friends 22-30; Early Risers 2230; Three Gals & a Guy 21-31; Just Having Fun 20.5-31.5; Kuempel 19-33.

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Wed PM Court Side 35-17; Hair Care 35-17; Boniface Construction 34-18; Eye & ENT 2626; Delton Suds 25-27.

Good games & series: S. Beebe 174-472; M. Adams 167-480; E. Ulrich 190-486; J. Pettengill 137; P. Freeman 159; J. Shurlow 146; L. Elliston 177-489; T. Christopher 169.

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High Game - Shirlee V. 203; Renee B. 178; Lindsey 170.

High series - Shirlee V. 527; Renee B. 501; Donna 487.

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A H A H A H

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 TBA Boys Varsity Wrestling 9:00 am Boys JV Wrestling 10:00 am Girls MS Cheer

OPEN DATE H Lakewood HS A Lowell MS (Lowell MS Inv) A

MONDAY, DECEMBER 10 4:15 pm 4:15 pm 5:30 pm 5:30 pm

Boys Boys Boys Boys

8th A 7th A 7th B 8th B

Basketball Basketball Basketball Basketball

Wyoming Jr. HS Wyoming Jr. HS Wyoming Jr. HS Wyoming Jr. HS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:30 pm 5:30 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm

Boys Girls Boys Girls Boys Boys Girls

Fresh.

Fresh.

JV JV Varsity Varsity Varsity

Basketball Basketball Basketball Basketball Swimming Basketball Basketball

Lakewood HS Calvin Christian HS Lakewood HS Lakewood HS Unity Christian HS Lakewood HS Lakewood HS

A H H A A H A H H A H

Times and dates subject to change

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12 4:15 pm 4:15 pm 5:30 pm 5:30 pm 6:00 pm 6:30 pm

Boys Boys Boys Boys Boys Boys

7th B 8th B 8th A 7th A JV Varsity

Basketball Basketball Basketball Basketball Wrestling Wrestling

Duncan Lake MS Duncan Lake MS Duncan Lake MS Duncan Lake MS Wayland Union HS Wayland Union HS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:30 pm 5:30 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm

Boys Girls Boys Girls Girls Boys Girls

Fresh.

Fresh.

Varsity JV MS JV Varsity

Basketball Basketball Basketball Basketball Cheer Basketball Basketball

Hopkins HS @ MS Parchment HS @ HS Hopkins HS @ HS Hopkins HS @ MS Wayland MS Hopkins HS @ MS Hopkins HS @ HS

A H H A A A

H H H H A H H

Thanks to This Week’s Sponsor:

Hastings Orthopedic Clinic, P.C. “Quality Care with Compassion”

840 Cook Rd. Hastings, MI 49058 Phone: 269-945-9520 Toll Free: 800-596-1005 Contact us on the web @ www.hoc-mi.com

HASTINGS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS Contact Nancy 945-2742 or hastingsathleticboosters@gmail.com to sponsor the schedule

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6

1351 N.Broadway (M-43) Hastings 269.945.9105 OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:30 - 5:30 SAT. DEC. 15 & 22 8:30 - 1:00

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Page 20 — Thursday, December 6, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

LHS boys win by 20 in opener

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor More than once the Viking coaching staff had to tell its players “you’ve gotta relax” in the lead-up to Tuesday’s season opener at Charlotte.

New Lakewood varsity boys’ basketball coach Wayne Piercefield said that senior Alex Potter came up to him before the game and said, “my heart feels like it’s going to beat our of my chest.”

Somehow the Vikings settled down and settled in. They knocked off the host Orioles 65-45.

Piercefield said he thought his guys were just sick of beating each other up after a few weeks of tough, physical practices. They were really ready to lean on somebody else.

Potter led the way, knocking down five three-pointers and finishing with 17 points.

The Vikings were 10-of-18 from three-point range as a team, and shot better from behind the arc than they did inside of it.

Jacob Buehler added nine points and three assists for the Vikings. Point guard Kalib McKinney had eight points to go along with eight assists. Dylan Durkee had six points as well as a team-high nine rebounds. David Parks contributed six points, six rebounds and four steals.

McKinney led a total team effort against the Orioles’ non-stop full-court pressure.

“There were two or three times in the first

quarter where the ball never even hit the floor and we shot lay-ups,” said Piercefield.

Lakewood raced out to a 30-14 lead in the first two quarters.

“We had great help-side defense,” Piercefield said. “Charlotte tried to run a lot of ball screens and we helped extremely well.

It was five guys, five guys working on the floor at all times.”

Charlotte put together a bit of a run, but the Vikings held them off in a whistle-filled fourth quarter. The Orioles were 13-of-20 at the free throw line in the fourth quarter, and the Vikings went 5-of-14 at the stripe in the final period.

That is one spot the Vikings would like to get better. They were just 13-of-31 at the free throw line for the night.

Alec Trzeciak led the Orioles with 12 points. Latrell Lavenduski had eight and Donnie Prudden seven. Pruden got all seven of his points going 7-of-8 at the three throw line in the fourth quarter.

The Vikings open Capital Area Activities Conference White Division play Friday at home against Williamston.

Lakewood’s Jacob Buehler pushes the ball past Charlotte’s Jesse Haga for an easy transition lay-up Tuesday. (Photo by Perry Hardin)

The Vikings’ Alex Potter was deadly from the three-point line at Charlotte Tuesday.

He led all scorers with 17 points on the night. (Photo by Perry Hardin)

A little help from everyone gets Vikings past P-W

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor Ellie Reynolds had a big smile on her face after committing her fifth foul with 1:53 left to play Friday.

The Lakewood senior guard made her way over to the bench, slapped a couple of fives, and sat down and covered her face with her hands before turning around with a smile to grab her water bottle.

It was that kind of night for the Vikings - a little frustrating at times, but mostly good.

Lakewood’s varsity girls’ basketball team opened the 2012-13 season with a 41-33 victory over visiting Pewamo-Westphalia.

The Vikings could have won by a little more. Their lead was as many as 16 points in the third quarter. They could have won by a little less. The Pirates were 0-of-5 at the free throw line in the final 30 seconds of the game.

“It’s a good win for us with everything that’s taken place,” said Lakewood head coach Denny Frost. “The girls stepped up and did the job.”

Senior Emily Kutch led the way for the Vikings with 16 points, eight rebounds and four steals. She was 10-of-13 at the free throw line.

Senior point guard Brooke Wieland had five points, to go along with three assists and three steals.

The Vikings also got five points each from seniors Liz Campeau and Hannah Morris and nine points from junior Konnor Geiger.

Lakewood’s Emily Kutch surveys the floor as she’s defended by PewamoWestphalia’s Madison Smith during the first half Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) “I give credit to Hannah. She didn’t play hardly at all last year. She worked hard this

summer. She’s worked hard this fall and she played her butt off. She dug for loose balls, she got rebounds, she hit a big three when they were making a run. She did a lot of little things.”

Morris’ three came with 4:35 to go in the fourth quarter, and accounted for the Vikings’ first points of the period. Pewamo-Westphalia scored the first six points of the fourth quarter to cut into the Vikings’ lead. The Pirates had it down to ten before Morris’ three made it 3219.

The Pirates were as close as six points in the final two minutes. Madison Smith hit two free throws, after Reynolds’ fouled out, to make it 37-28. Hannah Thelen then completed a three-point play at the foul-line, after racing in for a lay-up following a Viking turnover with 1:43 to play, making it 37-31.

“We got tired and we didn’t execute as well in the second half,” Frost said. “The first half, (Kutch) broke open for some easy shots inside and got to the free throw line. In the second half, as we got tired, we didn’t cut as hard. We didn’t pick as well. So, the offense got stagnant.”

Campeau found space for a couple of inside buckets, Kutch attacked the basket well, and Geiger hit some big jumpers to get the Vikings off to their good start.

“Ellie Reynolds who didn’t play a lot last year, stepped up and gave me good minutes,” Frost said. “McLean came in and played great defense, which is what we ask her to do.

Lakewood’s Brooke Wieland dribbles around Pewamo-Westphalia’s Hannah Thelen during Friday night’s season opener at Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

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Konnor Geiger obviously was huge scoring nine points in her first varsity game.”

Reynolds had three steals. Morris had a team-high four steals. McLean had four rebounds.

Marlena Klein led Pewamo-Westphalia with 12 points and Smith added eight.

With Wieland and Kutch controlling the basketball, the Vikings didn’t have too much trouble with the Pirates’ full-court pressure, but Frost said he expected it to be tougher against the talented Charlotte team the Vikings faced Tuesday.

Kutch didn’t get to deal with it much. She only played three minutes before the fourth quarter because of foul trouble Tuesday.

Frost called it a great win for his team’s bench though as the Vikings topped the visiting Orioles 38-35.

Reynolds, McLean, Taylor VantLand and Geiger came off the bench to provide solid defensive minutes.

“It was an ugly game from an offensive stand point, but the kids gave great energy at the defensive end and competed against a solid team,” said Frost. “Our bench won the game by keeping us in it until we could get Emily back in. We kept the game at our pace and didn’t allow Charlotte to get us into an open court game. They have some very solid perimeter players. We made them work for the points that they did get.”

Charlotte took a 24-19 lead with a 14-5 run in the third quarter.

Kutch came back to help the offense in the fourth, going 11-for-11 at the free throw line in the final eight minutes. She finished with 19 points and five rebounds.

Wieland had a solid defensive effort as well, and hit a big three to cut the Oriole lead to three points in the fourth quarter. She finished with six points, four rebounds and four steals.

Liz Campeau had nine rebounds to go with four points. Geiger had four points as well, and six rebounds.

The Vikings open conference play against Williamston at home Friday.