Hastings Banner

New county board takes green flag

1956 deficit fight similar to 2013

Vikings’ state title tops year in sports

See Story on Page 3

See Editorial on Page 4

See Story on Page 12

THE HASTINGS

VOLUME 160, No. 1

NEWS BRIEFS Friday is final deer check day The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that the last day to check in deer is Friday, Jan. 4.

Biological data received at deer check stations helps DNR staff make scientifically sound management decisions regarding the deer population. Skulls with intact jaws, teeth and antlers are needed for aging the animals.

Check-in is optional. Those who do check in their harvest will receive the 2012 deer management cooperator patch.

For a full list of deer check stations and hours of operation, go to www.michigan.gov/deer.

Thornapple Wind Band seeks musicians The Thornapple Wind Band is making plans for their next concert and is inviting all post-high-school musicians to join the group. Rehearsals are Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Hastings High School band room. The first rehearsal for the next concert will be Jan. 10.

The Thornapple Wind Band was formed in 1996 and consists of approximately 40 musicians of all ages from Barry County and surrounding areas. The group offers free concerts to the community several times a year.

To become a member, adult musicians may simply show up to the next rehearsal with their instruments or drumsticks. For additional information, call Mike or Kathy Scobey, 616-374-7547, or email kascobey@gmail.com.

The winter concert will be Friday, Feb. 8, at 7:30 in the Hastings High School Lecture Hall.

Blood drive in Nashville today Grace Community Church in Nashville will host a blood drive today, Thursday, Jan. 3, from 1 to 6:45 p.m.

Donors must be at least 17 years old, be in reasonably good health, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and not have donated blood in the past 56 days..

The church is located at 8950 E. M-79 Highway, just west of Nashville.

BANNER Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856

PRICE 75¢

Thursday, January 3, 2013

City to allow camping in Tyden Park during bike race

by Sandra Ponsetto Staff Writer The City of Hastings is staying its ordinances to allow overnight camping in Tyden Park. But, there’s a catch: It’s for two nights only, in March, for those participating in the Barry-Roubaix bike race, the shortest distance of which is 23 miles on hilly gravel roads.

Hastings City Manager Jeff Mansfield said KissCross Events is running the event which will begin and end in Hastings Saturday, March 23.

“They’ve held it for the last four years at Gun Lake, at the state park,” Mansfield told the city council during its semi-monthly meeting Wednesday, Dec. 26. “The state park was opened up for camping out there. Some of these folks, apparently, are pretty hardy souls and they would like to camp. Some of them also apparently have camper trailers, and they’d like to put those in the parking lot adjacent to Tyden Park.”

Mansfield said he thought allowing camping the night before and after the event would be a good idea.

“They certainly would be frequenting the local establishments during that time and using our restaurants,” he said. “Last I heard, they had 1,800 bikers [sign up] in the first nine days of registration. They have been very successful to date with registrations.

They are hoping to get around 2,500 and then another 2,000 spectators, and a small portion of those would like to camp here. Next year, they may want to stay in the hotel once it is available.”

Mansfield said event organizers will supply portable restrooms for the park during that time and will clean up the park afterward.

Hastings Mayor Frank Campbell said staying the ordinances to allow camping is similar to what has been done in the past for Relay for Life.

“My only objection is Relay for Life is a nonprofit organization; this is not,” said Hastings City Council trustee Don Bowers.

“In other words, this is for their own benefits.

I’m afraid it’s going to open the door for a lot of people that are not nonprofit, to enter into it. I don’t know how you can say ‘no,’ after you’ve allowed one. It’s always easy to say ‘yes’ to something. But, once you say ‘yes,’ you are not going to say ‘no’ again. They’re won’t let you. I mean they, the other people that want to do it. It’s like wages and anything else, once you give a benefit, try taking it

away.”

Trustee Barry Wood said he likes the idea of events that bring people into the city.

“We can get as many people in as possible so they can visit our restaurants, go to our movie theaters and those things while they are here,” he said.

Mansfield said camping is incidental to the event, which is a bike race; however, city staff members have discussed having a park for camping closer to the city.

“There are a lot of folks that would like stay overnight, and we would like to encourage that,” Mansfield said. “We may get additional requests [for camping]. I hope we do in many ways; we’d like to have more activity.

You like to bring more people to the town, particularly when they come in groups of 4,000 and 5,000.”

Hastings Community Development Director John Hart said he agreed with Mansfield and is in favor of allowing camping if it encourages people to come to and stay in Hastings.

“If it does not work out for the city, we can say ‘no,’” added Wood.

The council approved a motion to stay the necessary ordinances to allow camping in the park during that event by an 8-1 vote, with Bowers dissenting.

In other business, the council: • Held a public hearing on the city’s application for a Michigan State Housing Development Authority Community Development Block Grant not to exceed $600,000 for single-family home and rental rehabilitation in the neighborhood bound by East State Street, South Michigan Avenue and East Green Street. Hastings resident Mike Snyder asked why that neighborhood was chosen to receive the grant money. Hart said the neighborhood was selected because it is adjacent to downtown, which is a requirement of the grant, and the area is one that the city would like to rezone and redevelop from office/apartment use to single-family dwellings.

• Unanimously approved a motion to allow city staff to prepare and submit the application for the MSHDA CDBC grant.

• Unanimously approved a proposal from Infrastructure Alternatives to manage the city’s water and wastewater system for a sixmonth trial period at a cost of $8,500.

• Approved a request from Danielle Schild

See CITY, page 6

First baby of 2013 arrives Jan. 1 Kole Jaxon Butterworth, son of Emily Butterworth and Arthur Wilson of Nashville, is Barry County’s first baby of 2013 born at Pennock Hospital. Kole arrived at 10:12 p.m. on New Year’s Day, tipping the scales at seven pounds, 13 ounces, measuring 20 1/2 inches long. Mother and baby are doing well after a 14-hour labor without complications.

Happy New Year!

Middleville church to explore themes in ‘Les Miserables’ “The Gospel According to Les Miserables” is the new message series Morning Star Church will present beginning Sunday, Jan. 6.

The series will be based on the new film version of Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables, said Morning Star Pastor David Korsen.

Korsen, a long-time fan of the musical, said he has wanted to share a study of the work for years.

“The story and haunting lyrics of ‘Les Miserables’ have a gospel harmony being sung just underneath the melody,” is a long-held belief of Korsen’s.

With the release of the musical as a feature film, these spiritual themes will now be available to a much larger audience, he said.

Morning Star Church is located at 640 Arlington Court, just off M-37 in Middleville, next to Tires 2000. For more information go to MornngStarChurchOnline.org or call 269-743-4104.

Fireworks illuminate sky above Delton Delton’s New Year’s Eve celebration included fireworks put on by Joe Johnson of All-J's Well Service and public donations. Tujax Tavern hosted live music featuring Lake Effects and Sauce. (Photo by Jeff Baurs)

Fourth New Year’s Eve celebration has some firsts

by Sandra Ponsetto Staff Writer Despite the coldest temperatures in the event’s history, the New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown Hastings drew the largest crowd yet as many came to enjoy both live and recorded music and the family-friendly atmosphere as they welcomed in 2013.

“The people on the roof and the people helping on the street told me that they felt it was the biggest crowd ever, said Carl Schoessel, who organized the first event in 2009 at the suggestion of his late wife, Loretta. “They estimated that there were well over a thousand people. Jim Atkinson told me people were packed solid halfway down Jefferson Street and on East State Street, as well.”

Probably due of the temperatures, but also because of the children’s activities inside, which were sponsored by various local organizations, the warming tent was big attraction for the evening, he said.

“Diamond Propane and Two Brothers and a Tent did an excellent job keeping everyone warm,” said Schoessel.

See NEW YEAR, page 3

Page 2 — Thursday, January 3, 2013 — The Hastings Banner

New Year’s Day hike numbers more than double

Participants register before the hike and fill out surveys after completing the nearly four-mile trek.

Participants hike in groups of 15 to 20, led by volunteer trail guides from the Chief Noonday Chapter of the North Country Trail Association.

People and pets follow a boardwalk along the nearly four-mile loop.

Ron Sootsman of the North Country Trail shares information on the Yankee Springs Inn historic site from a hill overlooking the original springs.

Nearly 150 people donned weather gear and headed to Yankee Springs Recreation Area for the second annual “Shoe Year’s Day Hike” Tuesday morning.

Andru Jevicks, unit manager with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, estimated that 148 people took part in the walk which began at the winter parking area (former supervisor’s residence) on Gun Lake Road and hiked up and down hills, along ravines, across a boardwalk and over a bridge to reach the historic site of the Yankee Springs Inn on Yankee Springs Road, nearly two

miles away.

Hikers then could listen as Ron Sootsman gave a brief presentation on the history of what was once referred to as “Yankee” Bill Lewis’ seven-story inn known for its hospitality during the time of stagecoach travel.

Cookies, hot cocoa and coffee were available to Tuesday’s hikers, who then had the option to get a ride back to the parking area.

Jevicks said only about 10 people chose to go back by car,, including a couple of families with babies in backpacks.

Participants walked in groups of 10 to 20,

Unit Manager Andru Jevicks tells participants what to expect during Tuesday’s “Shoe Year’s Day Hike.”

guided by volunteers from the Chief Noonday Chapter of the North Country Trail

Association.

After completing the nearly four-mile round trip, each participant received a medallion to be attached to hiking sticks.

The first hike, a year ago, drew about 60 people despite winds and rain that turned to snow. Even with sunshine and temperatures in the upper 20s, Jevicks said he was still surprised at this year’s turnout.

“They just kept coming,” he said.

Surveys completed after the hike showed that about 20 percent of the participants were using the park for the first time, a number that pleased Jevicks. Lack of negative comments also pleased the unit manager.

“People thought it was a great way to start a new year in a healthy way and that it was a good way get exercise on a beautiful day,” said Jevicks.

Marcia Mellen of Hastings, one of the trail guides, said people in her group were from Caledonia, Lowell, Portage, Kalamazoo and Prairieville. Jevicks said Barry County was well represented, as were the Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo areas.

Mellen said she heard all positive feedback, as well.

“Beautiful trail,” was common among the comments she heard. “They said they wanted to come back and go kayaking, camp, hike — utilize the area,” Jevicks said he hopes to see just that.

“People just don’t realize that a half-hour in the woods on a quiet winter day is the same as walking on a treadmill inside for 30 minutes,” said Jevicks, adding that the park has a Hiking Spree program that awards medallions to people who complete designated hikes within the recreation area.

As for next year, he said they already are talking of ways to improve the hike.

The two-mile trail used in Tuesday’s trek is part of the 4,600-mile North Country Trail, which stretches from New York State to North Dakota. Along with Mellen, trail guides who led groups Tuesday included Eric Longman, Mick Hawkins, Charles Krammin, Ron Sootsman, Jerry Phillips, Steve Hicks and Randy Brodbeck.

North Country Trail volunteer Jerry Phillips of Portage explains the signage and use of the Columbia blue trail markers lining the route.

Hikers of all ages and experience enjoy the fresh air and sunshine New Year’s Day.

Sharon Warner and Ryan Varney of Middleville enjoy a cup of hot chocolate while they warm up by a fire after the hike.

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 3, 2013 — Page 3

New county commission takes the green flag

by Doug VanderLaan Editor “Lady and gentlemen ... start your engines!”

The newly constituted Barry County Board of Commissioners found the starter switch, buckled in Wednesday morning for its first lap together, and, after some minor sputtering, established a rhythm that promises some fast and wild times ahead.

“I’m requesting that [fellow commissioner] Mr. Geiger consider relinquishing his appointment to the Community Corrections Advisory Board,” stated new commissioner Joyce Snow, suggesting her extensive professional background would make her a better fit for that assignment.

Snow read from a prepared statement during an organizational meeting discussion on commissioner committee appointments.

“I’m hoping that [fellow commissioner] Mr. Geiger and the chair realize that my experiences working with ex-offenders, with Starting Over for Success, with my understanding of the various ex-offenders in my district, the experience I have with various exoffender jobs and programs, and the passion I bring to this area make me a logical choice.”

Snow, the first woman representative on the commission in 10 years, received an assent from Geiger and a promise from Chair Craig Stolsonburg that her request would be considered.

Commissioners each received six assignments to a variety of committees, Geiger was slated to sit on seven committees.

As they gathered for their organizational meeting Wednesday, followed by their first committee of the whole meeting, commissioners and the handful of attendees found a vastly different group from those of years past.

Population changes and redistricting of the county dropped the number of commissioners from eight to seven. Of this session’s seven, four are new commissioners. Only Stolsonburg, Geiger and Howard “Hoot” Gibson return with incumbent history and familiarity.

For part of the organizational meeting, commissioners stumbled over each other seconding motions and determining when to speak. Perhaps reaching for institutional knowledge, commissioners elected Stolsonburg and Geiger as chair and vice chair, respectively, positions they’ve held the past two years.

Following approval of board rules — which drew an inquiry from new commissioner James Dull requesting if an amendment could allow more evening meetings — and the 2013 board meeting schedule, the commissioners approved the recommended appointment of nine county citizens to various boards and commissions then adjourned their organizational meeting to begin their first official meeting as a board for 2013.

There the new commission put up unanimous votes on two county issues that have been simmering for some time.

In the first, the commission recommended for approval at the Jan. 8 board of commissioners meeting amended bylaws for the parks and recreation board, specifying that voting members be county citizens and that the Maple Valley Greenways Committee be added as stakeholder group of the board.

The amendments address a potential conflict cited months ago making it possible for outside county residents to take part in votes that could obligate Barry County citizens for taxes on projects that cross county lines.

Parks and Recreation Board Chair Michelle Skedgell termed the new amendment allowing outside county stakeholders to participate in meetings but not vote “good for the organization,” Geiger questioned the allowance of still permitting an outside stakeholder to make a motion.

Stolsonburg dismissed even the possibility but those making public comments near the meeting’s conclusion were adamantly opposed.

“It’s a terrible, terrible, terrible idea,” said Jim Brown, supervisor of Hastings Charter Township. “It’s basically letting somebody who can make a motion take a hand grenade,

NEW YEAR, continued from page 1

Taking a break from official business Wednesday, the newly constituted Barry County Board of Commissioners poses for its first official workday photo. Pictured are (front row, from left) incumbent commissioners Ben Geiger, Craig Stolsonburg, Howard “Hoot” Gibson, (back) Joyce Snow, Jim DeYoung, Jim Dull and Jon Smelker. wrap it up, and throw it in the middle of a room. They step back outside the room while this whole thing blows up, then somebody else has to clean up the mess.

“Bad idea. You want an advisory person?

Great, but do not let them make a motion. If they can’t vote, they shouldn’t make a motion.”

In solving the second thorny issue, commissioners recommended the approval of a contract with Barry County United Way to provide services for Barry County veterans.

The recommendation comes after a months-long struggle precipitated by the termination of Holly Steiner, the authorized agent for county veterans affairs, due to evidence and admission of employee fraud.

Since that time, Barry County United Way stepped in to help veterans with emergency needs. With access to a grant for such needs as heating assistance and from other charitable sources, both the county’s Veterans Affairs Commission and United Way sought a more formal association this first engagement a contract for $25,000.

“This has the potential to actually enhance the program,” pointed out Stolsonburg. “We were paying Holly $47,000, including benefits, and United Way is requesting only $25,000. We allocate the balance and it can be used as a benefit for veterans. It’s a win-win for everybody.”

Lani Forbes, executive director of Barry County United Way, added that more services can be offered for less money because the organization has already assigned a four-day-

“It’s a terrible, terrible, terrible idea. It’s basically letting somebody who can make a motion take a hand grenade, wrap it up, and throw it in the middle of a room. They step back outside the room while this whole thing blows up, then somebody else has to clean up the mess ... Bad idea. You want an advisory person? Great, but do not let them make a motion. If they can’t vote, they shouldn’t make a motion.”

Jim Brown, supervisor of Hastings Charter Township

per-week employee to assisting veterans.

With the $25,000 contract, five-day, all-day service can be added.

Veterans Frank Williams and Gary Wear agreed with Commissioner Dull that not all veterans are enthused with the proposed change, though the Veterans Affairs Commission approved the contract last month.

“There’s a feeling by many vets, some suspicions and doubts, about being heisted off to the United Way,” conceded Wear. “There are approximately 6,000 vets residing in Barry County, and it’s critically important to continue to have an identity that’s not diluted in any way.”

Forbes assured Wear and commissioners that that can be accomplished, complete with a separate office and even an individual phone line.

“If they [United Way] continues to do the job they’ve done for the last six months,” assured Williams, “there will be no objections.”

The commission meets for its formal board of commissioners meeting Tuesday, Jan. 8, in its county courthouse meeting chambers beginning at 9 a.m. A strategic planning session has also been scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 22, following the regular commission board meeting.

Throngs of young and old fill the streets of downtown Hastings Monday evening to usher out 2012 and welcome in 2013 by watching the ball drop at the corner of State and Jefferson streets. Organizers report that despite sharply colder temperatures than in previous years, attendance at the fourth annual family-friendly Hastings New Year’s Eve celebration was higher than ever with crowds packed halfway down the block on South Jefferson Street and on State Street to the east and west of the intersection.

(Photo courtesy of Rose Hendershot).

He also attributed the success of the evening to fellow committee members Jim Brown, Ed Domke, Colleen Garber, John Hart, Jennifer Johnston, Tom Katsul, Joe LaJoye, Megan Lavell and Jacquie McLean.

McLean said she and her family enjoyed the family-friendly atmosphere, “It’s also just so great with all the people from the organizations volunteering and helping out,” she said. “It was also great the way people just seemed to come out of the woodwork around 11:30 to come downtown and be a part of the celebration.”

In addition to drawing the largest crowds ever, this year’s event also experienced a couple of firsts.

This year instead of 12 separate ice sculptures, the sponsors agreed to combine all 12 blocks into one giant sculpture depicting Father Time, Baby New Year and the Barry

County Courthouse with the names of each sponsor incorporated into the piece.

“The sculptor started around 4:30 or 5 o’clock when the crowds were sparse, but by the time he was finished around 9 o’clock, the crowds were starting to come down and everyone wanted to take a picture of the sculpture or have their picture taken with it,” said Schoessel.

The event experienced its first public marriage proposal.

“At about 10 minutes to midnight, a man came to us and said he would like to propose to his fiancée but it was too close to midnight ,” said Schoessel. “But, after the ball came down, the fireworks went off and the Thornapple Jazz Orchestra played “Auld Lang Syne,” Dave McIntyre, [the emcee], gave the man the microphone. He proposed to his fiancée, and she said, ‘yes.’”

Jeep bursts into flames after accident Emily Hodges of Hastings escaped injury after the 2004 Jeep she was driving hit a guardrail and became engulfed in flames on M-37 near Heath Road Dec. 26. A witness said the car was rear-ended and that gasoline covered the roadway afterward. The Jeep and some items in the vehicle were totally destroyed. (Photo by Tracy Baker)

Page 4 — Thursday, January 3, 2013 — The Hastings Banner

Did you

see?

Deficit fights seem to be a part of nation’s history

Ice-maker Did you see that ice is forming on area lakes? However, most ice in Barry County, as of Tuesday (when this photo was taken), was not thick enough to support fishermen or skaters. That evening, news agencies in Kent, Kalamazoo, Calhoun and Oakland counties reported ice rescues and even one death after people misjudged the thickness of the ice. This photo of Hall Lake in Yankee Springs Township was taken during the Shoe Year’s Day hike organized by DNR staff and North Country Trail Association volunteers.

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@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information.

Do you

know?

Refrigerator give-away?

Do you recognize any of these people in what may be the awarding of another large appliance? What can you tell us about this photo?

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

tell this photograph’s story, we want to hear from you. Mail information to Attn: Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; email news@j-adgraphics.com; or call 269-9459554.

Last week’s photo of a man standing on a ladder in a room with three other ladders drew no response.

SOCIAL SECURITY COLUMN

Financial wellness can be yours in 2013

by Vonda VanTil Social Security Public Affairs Specialist January is Financial Wellness Month — a great time to think about your own financial future, and it happens to be the time that many people make New Year’s resolutions. Why not combine the two and make your own financial wellness a resolution for 2013?

Here are our suggested resolutions for your financial wellness.

Start your financial plan with your Social Security statement. The online statement is simple, easy to use and provides estimates you should consider in planning for your retirement. It provides estimates for disability and survivors benefits, making the statement an important financial planning tool. Your statement allows you to review and ensure

that your earnings are accurately posted to your Social Security record. This feature is important because Social Security benefits are based on average earnings over your lifetime. If the information is incorrect, or you have earnings missing from your record, you may not receive all the benefits to which you are entitled in the future. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/mystatement.

Work the numbers. Once you get your online statement, you can use the other free resources provided by Social Security. Use our Retirement Estimator, where you can get a personalized, instant estimate of your future retirement benefits using different retirement ages and scenarios. Visit the Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator

Do some light reading. Learn more about Social Security, the benefit programs and what they mean to you and your family, by browsing through our online library of publications. Many of our publications also are available in audio format and other formats.

Our library at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs is always open.

There are a number of ways you can celebrate Financial Wellness Month, so start off the new year by looking out for your own financial wellness at www.socialsecurity.gov.

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

In recent months, there’s been a lot of discussion about the legislative process and the thought that it could be broken.

Yet, in looking back to earlier times, it seems nothing has changed.

Monday, President Barack Obama addressed the nation from the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in what some Republican Congressmen called “a cheerleading rally” to promote his efforts in getting the GOP to accept higher tax rates on the wealthiest Americans.

Congressional leaders said they felt that legislators from both sides should have been on hand to support the president in a deal that was good for most Americans, rather than a selected bunch of citizens lined up to support the president’s efforts.

As I was looking through some old newspapers over the weekend, I was drawn to another time in Washington when congressional leaders found themselves at odds over important legislation.

I found the information in a weekly column published in the Sun and News written by then-Congressman and later President Jerry Ford. He was writing to the local newspaper about the inability of Congress to get a budget deal done. In his letter, Ford wrote that Congress was at odds over a deal for the coming year and a report authored by President Eisenhower on the economic state of the nation. Ford was concerned that Democrats in the House and Senate had plans to “tinker” with the budget by increasing spending that could put tax dollars at risk.

At the time, Eisenhower’s administration was focused on getting a balanced budget, claiming that individuals like to run their own households on a basis where revenue at least equals expenses. It appeared that the federal government, after years of extravagant spending, was finally showing signs of getting its spending under control.

Eisenhower claimed that the opposition was apparently in support of bigger deficits, “which our children must pay off at some future date,” said the president.

His fundamental issue on the tax fight was whether the present generation of taxpayers should pay for the benefits provided by our government today and duck its responsibility by passing the burden on to future generations. Sound familiar?

The news report appeared in the March 1956 edition of the Middleville-Caledonia Sun and News, where Ford voiced his concerns over how an “unbalanced budget would lead to inflation, and inflation insidiously steals from the small taxpayer.” He reported that, since Eisenhower had taken office, great progress had been made toward streamlining government operations, eliminating red tape, and abolishing unnecessary agencies.

Due to the measures taken to cut federal spending, the prospect of a balanced budget for fiscal year 1956 looked possible.

Ford said that, in fiscal 1955, the government would end the year with a $4 billion deficit, but, due to recent cuts in spending and due to what appeared to be a stronger economy, the government could end the year with a $1.7 billion deficit.

Yet, Congressional leaders were concerned over the expansion of government reportedly growing seven times faster than the nation’s population. Ford questioned that, if they reached a balanced budget, should Congress cut taxes or apply the potential surplus to reducing the debt?

Ford noted that the interest on the deficit would cost taxpayers more than $6

What do you

billion annually, so it might be wise to forego a tax cut and apply any surplus to a reduction of the annual interest payments.

He also noted that the Hoover Commission, a bi-partisan group to review government spending, had made 314 recommendations designed to modernize and make government perform more efficiently — yet getting congressional leaders to act on the information would determine any success. Sound familiar?

Today, after more than 17 months of bickering, Congress and the president finally got an agreement on a deal to avert $600 billion in tax increases and federal spending cuts that would have gone into effect as of Jan. 1.

The tentative deal reached Tuesday set capital gains and dividends on incomes above the $400,000 or $450,000 per household at 20 percent and 15 percent for everyone else.

The estate tax is set at 40 percent for those at the $400,000 level with a $5 million dollar exemption.

The alternative minimum tax will be permanently patched to avoid raising taxes on middle-class taxpayers along with a five-year extension of the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit and the American Opportunity Tax Credit.

The legislation also calls for an extension of unemployment benefits for the coming year for those still looking for a job.

The bill also includes a nine-month extension of the Farm Bill, which supports dairy farmers. Failure of passage would have resulted in milk prices more than doubling for consumers.

Finally, the sequester agreed to last year will be delayed for two months to give congressional leaders more time to negotiate a balanced approach to cuts in entitlement programs that will impact our the nation’s deficit for generations to come.

Still, the bill doesn’t extend or replace the payroll tax cut with an equivalent tax break for millions of wage earners, meaning that workers will see an immediate tax increase of 2 percent in their next paycheck.

The fact that renegotiating the sequester will coincide with debt ceiling talks could further divide Congressional leaders and the administration.

If Obama expects to get anything done in the next four years, he would be better served by changing the tone in Washington — by bringing the parties together for the benefit of the nation, rather than dividing them and creating winners and losers.

It goes to the point that former President Bill Clinton made with author Edward Klein when asked to sum up Obama’s leadership style.

As Klein waited for the politician par excellence to deliver his final judgment on the 44th president of the United States, Clinton quipped, “Barack Obama is an amateur.”

That said, it’s in our nation’s best interest that all of our presidents are successful. In 1955, Eisenhower welcomed leaders from both sides to the White House for breakfast — something he continued throughout his presidency.

If Obama expects to find success in the coming months, he should concentrate on a leadership style that brings the two parties together and solves problems rather than dividing us. At the end of the day, we’re still all Americans.

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: As the ball drops on 2013, do you believe the new year will offer you more promise than 2012?

(Computer error produced no response)

For this week: Had enough football yet?

The big game is set for Monday night . . . who’s your pick? q q

Alabama Notre Dame

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 3, 2013 — Page 5

Schools’ problems lie at state level To the editor: After reading of the further deterioration of the Hastings schools, I am writing this letter to the Editor with great sadness. For years and years Hastings was known as a good place to move to. It was a positive community with a lot to offer – including excellent schools.

When I started my teaching career in 1970 Hastings was considered the best place to teach in a several county wide area. Hastings stressed quality programs and professional teachers. It had great community support.

Now, rumor has it that Hastings is one of the worst places to teach in a several county wide area.

The major problems started way back in the 1980s. There was a political push to get state funded vouchers to private schools. Those pushing vouchers did all they could to discredit public schools and restrict their funding. Although they have not been completely successful at gaining total vouchers, they have been very successful at destroying public schools.

Many schools passed extra millage to make up some of the difference. Hastings chose not to do the hard work necessary to raise millage. Therefore with passage of Proposal A, Hastings was trapped at one of the lower state funding rates. This has cost the district millions of dollars to date.

Other schools drastically cut programs to keep from using funds from their balance.

Hastings tried to keep all their programs running expecting proper state funding. Next the state mandated many unfunded programs.

More often than not State aid was not known

IURP RXU UHDGHUV in time to properly budget. Next, many times state funding was cut mid year when nothing could be done. Hastings still tried to offer good programs that they did not have the funding for. Hence, no fund balance.

Then came the “book ordeal,” which destroyed trust in the administration and board. The interim superintendent started to “right the ship.” She worked hard with both the staff and the community. She was at the helm when the new contract was put in place which greatly cut salary and benefits. (The professional negotiator is still probably bragging how he was able to totally take advantage of the employees.) even with this, she was able to start the healing process and start building some trust. The fact that she was bypassed for the job and the new superintendent has led the district to where it is today clearly states the problem is with the board and not the teachers.

With what has been reported in the paper as to what the teachers were willing to do for the district, the board should accept the teachers’ offer and give great praise for their generous

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.

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sacrifices. To continue to ask for more is uncivilized. It only further destroys the district. It is not the teachers’ job to totally fund the district. It appears the board is not interested in negotiating a contract. They are just waiting to force their contract. If they do, it should come with the resignation of board and administration. Forcing a contract will make it impossible for board and administration to get any trust for years and years to come – if ever. This will not only hurt the teachers but the whole community.

Since the paper mentioned Ed Domke, I will also. The Ed Domkes of the world (selfless, highly professional teachers who wish to create top quality programs for kids) will not apply to Hastings. They will either not go in to education at all or they will look for districts that will work to support quality programs. They do not want to have to fight to only accomplish 10 percent of what they know the school should be doing.

With the great number of early retirements, and those whose family situations would allow them to move to other districts, Hastings has lost a lost of top talent. Each of these teachers leaving should have allowed the board to hire teachers at the bottom of the salary schedule. This should have greatly reduced the amount of the budget going to teacher salaries. Therefore, teacher salaries were not the problem.

All school boards, administration and communities should stop attacking teachers and start attacking politicians. The state caused the problems. Communities should demand that the state give first priority to support topquality school problems. I’ll bet you could even get the support of teachers. Everyone would benefit.

David Butler 2000 early retiree

Shopowners need to protect elders To the editor: The wife and I are in our mid- and upper70s and find it harder to get around but, now that winter is here, we find it even harder.

The merchants don’t clean their sidewalks out to the very edge of the curb and the gutters are full of snow and ice and it’s very hazardous. We are always afraid of slipping and falling because of the ice and snow.

We wish they could do better.

Donald W. VanZandt Hastings

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.

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Happy New Year and welcome to “From the Bench.” This monthly column is designed to provide insight into how our Barry County Trial Court works and help those who find themselves in the system.

Each month will examine a different subject and give some inside information to help you use the court system and avoid common mistakes and pitfalls. The column will be written by the three Barry County judges, with the assistance of law clerk Samantha Lindberg.

Attorney/Referee/Magistrates Vicky Alspaugh and Frank Hillary also will contribute on occasion.

We will cover such diverse topics as small claims, traffic or civil infractions, landlord/tenant issues, criminal law, guardianship, adoption, court programs, selfrepresentation, court funding and administration, Friend of the Court, custody, support and parenting time, and civil litigation, to name a few. We will also take suggestions via email to fromthebench@barryco.org.

We cannot give legal advice. We can provide information on legal procedures and a

general discussion of the law, but we cannot tell you what to do in a specific situation.

There are however, several ways to obtain low-cost or free legal advice. First, many attorneys will provide a low-cost or free initial consultation for 30 minutes, which can provide basic information needed to decide whether to hire an attorney. A free legal help website is available online, www.michiganlegalhelp.com. Lastly, the Barry County Bar Association holds a free legal clinic the second Tuesday of every month from 5:15 to 7:45 p.m. at the Hastings library on a firstcome, first-served basis, so arrive early.

With this column, we intend to help everyone understand court procedures, avoid common mistakes and provide useful information about the courts and the law. We understand that when you have to go to court, it is usually a difficult and stressful time for those involved, and we hope this column will help.

Judges William Doherty, Amy McDowell and Michael Schipper

IURP RXU UHDGHUV Beware use of anti-depressants To the editor: I attended the gathering at Delton High School on Monday evening, Dec. 10 concerning the devastating effects of the recent suicides. My thoughts and prayers go out to each family affected.

In this case, I can say, “I know how you feel” for we lost our son to suicide on Nov. 17, 2011.

There were several speakers who brought forth very good information and excellent ideas to implement with despondent teens or anyone else. I applaud Delton High School and community for putting this program together and caring.

However, one big block of information was not mentioned and I feel the need to bring this to light. I realize every situation is different, but what I want people to know about is the detrimental effects and risks of psychotropic drugs. Some people are put on them primarily for back pain, as was our son and there are many other off-label uses these drugs are prescribed for.

Three of the books I have placed in the Hastings Public Library are: “The

Antidepressant Fact Book -- What your Doctor Won’t Tell You about Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa and Luvox” by Peter R. Breggin, MD. Another book is “Your Drug may be your Problem: How and Why to Stop Taking Psychiatric Medications” by Breggin and David Cohen, Ph.D. Another is “Medication Madness: The Role of Psychiatric Drugs in Cases of Violence, Suicide, and Crime.” I will also be placing a fourth book in this same library soon, “Psychiatric Drug Withdrawal -- a Guide for Prescribers, Therapists, Patients, and their Families” by Breggin.

I also want to encourage people to go to these websites for there is a very large wealth of information there: Google: Dr. Peter R. Breggin, MD, Google: Woody Matters (Tells the Woody Witczak Story), Google: AKATJISIA (caused by some of these drugs), Google: Making a Killing: The untold story of Psychotropic Drugging, Google: Confessions of an Rx Drug Pusher.

Gloria Miller Middleville

City keeps getting better To the editor: Now that the major construction projects have been completed on North Broadway and Michigan Avenue, I just want to say “well done” to the city administration.

The city had control of Michigan Avenue project design and did a great job in designing a beautiful feature that will be with us for decades. This is just one of many improvements that have been made to enhance the beauty and efficiency of the city.

The work on Broadway was well worth the inconvenience of a few detours and hold-ups.

MDOT was in control of this project, but the city had to be involved in the planning and coordination. The city obviously did a good job.

Thanks to the administration for making our city better and better. 2012 was a banner year.

Keep up the good work.

Don Drummond, Hastings

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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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

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Dowling: Goldsworthys Dowling General Store

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Worship Together…

William Howard Birman

Hilda A. Smith

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

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

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

Fellowship Time before the service.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(616) 758-3021 church phone.

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

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

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

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

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

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. Worship Services: 9:15 a.m. and Children’s Sunday School (ages 2 thru 5th grade). 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, Jan. 6 - Worship Services 8 and 10:45 a.m.; Sunday School 9:30.

Jan. 6 - High School Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Men & Women’s Alcoholics Anonymous 7 p.m. Jan. 7 - Women of Faith Bible Study 6:30 p.m.; Recovery Bible Study 7:30 p.m. Jan. 8 - Youth Committee 6 p.m.; Worship Committee 7 p.m.; Brother of Grace Men’s Group 7 p.m. Jan. 9 - Vision Team 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 10 - Middle School Youth Group 5:30 p.m. Stewardship Committee 6 p.m. Gracegram Deadline. 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; 10 a.m. Sunday School for All Ages; 11 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service; 6 p.m. Youth Group Meeting.

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

Thursday - 6 p.m. Hastings Soccer.

Friday - 9 a.m. Pickleball. Saturday - 10:30 a.m. Praise Team. Monday 4 p.m. Pickleball; 7 p.m. Knit Wits.

Tuesday - 6 p.m. Hastings Soccer.

Wednesday - 3 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

102 Cook Hastings

945-4700

1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554

118 S. Jefferson Hastings 945-3429

HASTINGS, MI -William Howard Birman, age 87 of Hastings, passed away Monday, December 31, 2012 surrounded by his family, after a nearly four year battle with leukemia.

Howard was born April 1, 1925, in Maple Grove Township to his parents John Harold and Lorena Pearl (Reed) Birman. Howard attended Durfee School through the eighth grade.

In 1943, he joined the World War II effort in the Army as a medic. He was assigned to the European front where he saw action at Normandy Beach on D-Day before being wounded in the Battle of the Bulge in February 1945. Howard was awarded a purple heart with oak clusters for his service.

Later, he was honorably discharged due to his injuries and returned for six months of rehabilitation in Indianapolis, IN before returning home.

Howard married wife Betty (Coleman) on March 19, 1948 at the Pilgrim Holiness Church in Hastings. He worked for Central Electric in Battle Creek as an electrician before starting work at the Hastings Furniture factory. In 1964, he and his family moved to the Coleman family farm on Quimby Road in Rutland Township to start a family farming and chicken egg producing business. After many years of hard work, the farm was sold in 1979 and he and Betty moved into Hastings.

Howard used his many mechanical and woodworking talents to help family and friends throughout the years. He was a handyman extraordinaire.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John Harold Birman Jr., Walter Birman, and Robert (Bob) Birman; and sister Marie Hutchings. He was also preceded in death by great-grandchild, Seth Rainwater.

Howard is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty; children, David (Mary) Birman of Hastings, Sharon (Bob) Rainwater of Marshall, Ron Birman of Hastings, and Steve (Lori) Birman of Canton; 12 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Violet Birman of Florida and Geri Birman of Pennsylvania.

Howard was a great provider for his family, and took special care to spoil his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 3, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Lauer Family Funeral Home-Wren Chapel in Hastings.

Burial will be in Fuller Cemetery.

Anyone wishing to make a donation in his memory may do so by donating to Barry Community Hospice.

Please share a memory with William’s family at www.lauerfh.com.

FAMILY FUNERAL HOMES

HASTINGS, MI - Hilda A. Smith of Hastings passed away on Tuesday, December 25, 2012 at the age of 87. She died at her home in Baltimore Township, surrounded by her family.

She was born on July 27, 1925 in Hastings.

The daughter of Hollis and Ida Shawman, she attended the Hastings area schools, graduating in 1943. She married the love of her life, Vernon R. Smith, on July 2, 1946 in Ohio.

Hilda lived and worked in the Hastings area throughout her entire life. During World War II she worked as a clerk for Civil Service at Ft. Custer in Battle Creek. After taking a few years out to start her family she went to work at the E.W. Bliss Company where she worked as a secretary for over 30 years. She always enjoyed working and prided herself in being both professional and efficient.

She shared a story with her family about a time a Bliss representative was assigned to work out of the Hastings office. He chose her to give all his assignments and projects to while there. She asked him why he chose her and he replied, “Whenever I am working offsite I always look for the busiest person in the office and choose them to do my work because I know they are efficient.”

Though Hilda enjoyed her work, her family was truly the focal point of her life. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She never missed a birthday, anniversary, Grandparents Day, etc. She always went out of her way to make sure the day was special – and Christmas was truly a sight to behold when Hilda was done wrapping presents because each and every one was a work of art.

She loved showing her family how special they were to her by baking cookies, cakes, and pies for them. When she made your favorite pie, you knew she loved you – and of course everyone loved a different pie. Hilda made the best rhubarb, cherry, and pumpkin pies around.

She loved living in the country and seeing all the wildlife...deer, fox, ducks, geese shopping with her daughter, reading and she especially loved Christmas, the season of giving. Therefore, it is exceedingly appropriate she should leave this world on her favorite day of the year - Christmas Day. Hilda was a kind and gentle soul. She always took the high road. She lived by her principal of never saying anything she would later regret.

She is survived by her husband, Vernon; daughter, Vicki M. Burghdoff of Coloma; son-in-law, Larry Burghdoff; grandsons, Matthew Burghdoff of Alexandria, VA and Nicholas Burghdoff of Ann Arbor.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Richard Shawman.

To honor her wishes, cremation has taken place, and there will be no visitation or services.

Lauer Family Funeral Home- Wren Chapel located at 1401 N. Broadway in Hastings has been entrusted to care for the family’s needs.

Since Hilda loved books and was an avid reader, the family would ask that any memorial contributions be made to the library of your choice.

Please share any of your thoughts, stories or pictures with Hilda’s family and friends at www.lauerfh.com

FAMILY FUNERAL HOMES

Margaret Jean Mullett KNOXVILLE, TN - Margaret Jean Mullett, age 89, of Knoxville, TN passed away on Thursday, December 27, 2012 at the North Knoxville Medical Center.

Born in Grand Rapids, MI on February 10, 1923, she was the daughter of the late William and Pearl Hacker McCollum.

She was of the Baptist faith and a United States Marine Corps Veteran of WWII. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Erwin Mullett; son, David Mullett; ten brothers and sisters.

She is survived by two children, Chuck Mullett and wife Ruthie of Oneida, TN and Dee Mullett of Knoxville, TN; seven grandchildren, Shannon, Sarah, Donald, Matthew, Brent, David, and Aaron Mullett; five greatgrandchildren; special friends, Arlene Barry of Woodland, Joan Venner, Jean Clark, and JoAnn Talsma all of Hastings. She also leaves many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Friends visited with the Mullett family on Sunday, December 30, 2012 from 2 p.m. until time of the funeral service at 4 p.m. in the chapel of Jones & Son Funeral Home with Bro. Jeff Davis officiating. Graveside services were conducted on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at the Tennessee Veterans Cemetery on 5901 Lyons View Pike in Knoxville with full military honors conducted by the Volunteer State Veterans Honor Guard.

You may sign Mrs. Mullett’s online guest book at www.jonesandsonfh.net Jones & Son Funeral Home, Oneida, TN

CITY, continued from page 1 of 213 Bond St. to post the area on the south side of Bond Street across from her driveway as a no parking area. She said the width of the street and the barricade at the dead-end make it difficult to exit her driveway when cars are parked in the area.

• Conducted a second reading and unanimously adopted ordinances amending building setbacks in the A-2, B-1, B-3, B-4, and B5 zoning districts. The amendments allow the Hastings Planning Commission additional flexibility during site plan review when considering building setback requirements.

• Held a second reading and adopted an ordinance regulating fireworks in the city by a n 8-1 vote with Wood dissenting. Wood said he felt that passing the ordinance was addressing an issue that does not exist. The ordinance prohibits the use of combustible fireworks within the city limits, except the day proceeding, the day of and the day after a national holiday. The council may also, at its discretion, give permission to discharge fireworks on public occasions.

• Received the resignation of Jim Wiswell, from the Joint Planning Alliance, which was effective Dec. 31, 2012. In his resignation letter, Wiswell said he was retiring due to his age and extended absences from the community.

• Asked City Clerk/Treasurer Tom Emery to draft a proposal to allow the city to accept credit and debit card payments for sewer, water and other services.

• Unanimously approved a motion to designate two 15-minute parking spaces in Lot 1 behind Bosley Pharmacy and two 15-minute parking spaces in Lot 2 behind Mexican Connexion for a six-month trial period.

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

J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits

Newborn Babies Twins - Destiney Marie and Jordan Lee, born at Pennock Hospital on Dec. 18, 2012 to Jacqulynn Richmond and Jordan Trann of Lake Odessa/Belding. Destiney was born at 3:22 p.m. and weighed 5 lbs. 4 ozs. and was 18 inches long. Jordan was born at 3:29 p.m. and weighed 4 lbs. 10 ozs. and was 17 inches long. ***** Jenna Lynn, born at Pennock Hospital on Dec. 19, 2012 at 12 p.m. to Heather and Thomas Cooley of Hastings. Weighing 5 lbs.

14 ozs.and 18 inches long. ***** Caysen Izaiah, born at Pennock Hospital on Dec. 20, 2012 at 8:06 a.m. to Ashley Crosby of Lake Odessa. Weighing 8 lbs. 6.5 ozs. and

20 1/2 inches long. ***** Madelyn Rae, born at Pennock Hospital on Dec. 20, 2012 at 2:25 p.m. to Ken Shellington and Teresa Brown of Hastings. Weighing 7 lbs. 10 ozs. and 19 1/4 inches long. ***** Alexander Lynn, born at Pennock Hospital on Dec. 20, 2012 at 9:32 a.m. to Ken and Elizabeth Moredick of Alto. Weighing 7 lbs. 0 ozs. and 20 inches long. ***** EvieLynn Noelle, born at Pennock Hospital on Dec. 21, 2012 at 10:03 a.m. to Alyssa and Michael Hamilton of Nashville. Weighing 8 lbs. 10 ozs. and 20 inches long.

BETTER BRIDGE IN BARRY COUNTY

by Gerald Stein

Happy New Year to all Barry County Bridge players! Have you set new resolutions for this coming year? Let me suggest five new resolutions for you to consider. Make 2013 a better bridge-playing year for you and your favorite partner.

Resolution Number One: Instead of diet and exercise for your body alone, why not consider a new diet and exercise for your mind? You can have the best of both worlds with a healthy body and a healthy mind. Consider bridge as your new diet and exercise for your mind this year.

Play bridge often. Play bridge with friends and acquaintances. Play bridge in the local Barry County bridge games, or travel to Grand Rapids, Richland, Battle Creek, or Kalamazoo to play bridge there. You will improve your mind. You will get out of the house. You will meet new friends. You will smile a lot more. This one alone is a worthwhile and satisfactory resolution.

Resolve to do this one early in the year, and it will stick with you all year long.

Resolution Number Two: You have wanted to learn a new convention for years. You know other good bridge players use the Stayman Convention, but it is Greek to you. Take the time to learn a new convention this year. Do you already know Stayman? And you use it frequently?

What about Take Out Doubles? Negative Doubles? Weak Two Bids? Jacoby Transfers?

Blackwood Convention? Gerber Convention? New Minor Forcing? Do any of these common bridge conventions sound interesting or appealing to you? There is no need to learn all of them in one year. Pick one or two, and make a concerted effort to learn a new convention this year.

Be sure to have a partner who is on board with you and who will learn and practice the convention with you. Remember that there is no way to use a convention effectively if your partner is not part of your team. Make it a partnership agreement and practice your newly-chosen convention together.

Resolution Number Three: Did you get a gift card to Amazon.com for book purchases this year, or a money gift to do as you wished? What a good way to learn about bridge. By reading reviews and selecting some of the current books on bridge topics, you will uncover such classics as Points Schmoints or any other number of popular bridge texts. Do you want a huge selection to choose from? Visit the book department at Baron Barclay, the largest bridge supplier with all kinds of bridge books, bridge software, and bridge supplies. You will have a fun time trying to find just the right book for your reading pleasure. With a range from beginner to advanced players, there will be something for everyone. One of the great advantages of ordering a book or buying a book is the anticipation of getting a package in the mail. When you have finished the book, why not consider donating it to your favorite library for others to enjoy your thoughtfulness into the new year?

Resolution Number Four: Take a bridge class during 2013. You can combine a number of your resolutions into this one by taking a bridge class through the Institute for Learning in Retirement programs through Kellogg Community College, or the Life Long Learning programs through KCC as well. Most classes are a short distance away in Battle Creek, and you will be able to play bridge and make new friends (Resolution Number One); learn a new convention or two (Resolution Number Two); or discover new bridge books or new pieces of software for your computer or electronic devices (Resolution Number Three). Sign up and play bridge.

Resolution Number Five: Make it a practice to play out the hands that appear in newspapers like The Grand Rapids Press, The Battle Creek Inquirer, The Kalamazoo Gazette, or our own Barry County The Hastings Banner. One of my readers told me that he takes a deck of cards and plays out the hand of the day on his kitchen table. He enjoys trying to figure out the play of the hand as well as the bidding. What a great way to improve your bridge playing in 2013.

Five resolutions for 2013. Choose one or all and your bridge-playing in Barry County will be fun, entertaining, and improving. Do yourself a favor and provide for yourself a strict diet of bridge for 2013. Your bridge health will improve with each play of the hand. Happy New Year, Barry County Bridge players. ***** A bridge class called “Eight Conventions You Should Know” will begin on the four Monday mornings in February 2013. Start your New Year’s bridge resolutions today.

Organized through the Institute for Learning in Retirement program at the Kellogg Community College Battle Creek campus on Hill Brady Road, this class will provide bridge playing time, bridge instructions, a chance to make new friends, and a chance to improve your bridge game. Call the KCC office for details. ****** (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)

offense. The defendant is assigned points for each variable.

“For example, you have victim in a criminal sexual conduct case that has caused either serious psychological injury requiring professional treatment or they could require some professional treatment, then you would score 10 points for that defendant,” McDowell said.

“If not, you would score zero points.

The guidelines also include prior record variables, which look at criminal history.

Each crime is also assigned a class and each class has a different sentencing grid that includes the PRV. Habitual offender status — when someone has been found guilty of previous crimes — also factors into the grid, she said. Habitual offender status increases the statutory maximum for the crime.

The total number of points determines the maximum sentence. The prosecutor and defense attorney may object to the points scored at a pre-sentence hearing, said McDowell. They can argue each score categories before the bench, and the judge will then make a determination of final points scored.

The judge also can make an upward or downward departure from the scoring guidelines, she added. A judge has the discretion to depart from the guidelines, but there must be substantial and compelling reasons to make such a departure.

“If the offense is greater than stated in the guidelines, such as the psychological injury is so severe the victim needs to be in a mental institution, that might be a factor the judge could look at for a departure from the guidelines,” said McDowell. “The guidelines don’t take that into account — the seriousness of the injury.

“A really good example is in a criminal sexual conduct case where there is exploitation of a victim. A defendant gets scored a certain amount of points. Maybe there is something really serious, such as someone has a plan to bring kids into their care. That’s something more than what the guidelines really address, and it’s something the judge can take into consideration. But, the judge has to put their reasons on the record for departing from the guidelines.

“What’s interesting here in our county is you can also do a downward departure. There are guidelines that calls for prison, called ‘presumptive guidelines,’ because they presume someone is going to prison,” she explained. “In our county, we have programs like drug court and the Swift and Sure Sanctions Program, and the court can do a downward departure in order to place someone in those programs. Participation in those programs is considered a substantial and compelling reason for departure, which has not been challenged.

As an example, she said a case involving methamphetamines may have minimum guidelines that call for 24 to 48 months in prison.

“I can say I think this person is better served by getting some real help, and I will place them in one of the diversion programs to see how they do,” she said. “If they do not do well or do not participate in the help we are willing to give them, then they will end up in prison.”

In every felony case, a pre-sentence infor-

BARRY COUNTY

Area TEA PARTY MEETING

7:00 pm • Tuesday, Jan. 8th, 2013 Speaker: Sheriff Dar Leaf on School Violence Middle Villa Inn

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

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Fred and Jeanette Kogge will celebrate 60 years of marriage. They were married on December 28, 1952 in the Methodist Church in Charlotte. Blessed with children, Steve and Sumire Kogge, Scott and Rose Kogge, Sandi and Gary Ragan, Stuart and Kathie Kogge and grandchildren Connor and Kyle Kogge and Katie and Erik Ragan.

by David DeDecker Staff Writer The Court News section of the Hastings Banner contains some sentencings that occurred in Barry County Circuit Court the week prior to publication. Readers may wonder how the judge, in this case, Judge Amy McDowell, makes her decisions on what sentence is appropriate for those found guilty of crimes in her court. The Banner asked Judge McDowell to explain how she arrives at decisions and the variables that come into play when she considers a person’s sentence.

“I think it’s important because people are interested in court news,” said McDowell. “I have had a lot of questions about sentencings and how they work.”

Justice policy in the formative years of the United States focused on retribution and the punishment of those found guilty of crimes.

During that time, judges held the power over life and death and the term “Hanging Judge” was coined.

“It was luck of the draw as to what judge you got, and there were great disparities in sentences, depending on what judge did the sentencing,” McDowell said.

In 1870, the opinion on the courts’ role started to change and rehabilitation became the new focus of the justice system. Congress set a range of penalties for crimes, and judges sentenced the range, a method labeled “indeterminate sentencing.” The exact length of time served was not determined by the judge at the time of sentencing. The precise amount of time an offender served was left for prison officials to decide, not the judge. After the sentenced offender had served one-third of the prescribed range, he or she was typically eligible to go before a parole board. The parole board would determine if the person had been rehabilitated, and if so, would be deemed ready for release back into the community.

Indeterminate sentencing was found to have uncertain discretion and unwarranted disparity in sentencing. Congress again addressed sentencing policy in the 1970s, and in 1984, Congress passed sentencing reform that replaced indeterminate sentencing with sentencing guidelines. A new system was soon adopted by some states, including Michigan. Here, the maximum sentence is set by statute, but the minimum sentence is left up to the judge.

Michigan Sentencing Guidelines are what all judges in the sate must follow when sentencing felony cases. McDowell said there are no formal guidelines for misdemeanor cases.

“When you hear something [carries a sentence of] 15 years, that’s the maximum, and it’s not set by the judge,” she said. “That’s fixed by statute. The judge’s job is to set what the minimum amount of time will be, so I think that’s where people get confused.

People think I set the maximum term. The only time the judge sets that maximum term is in a life offense. In a life offense, the judge will set both the minimum and maximum.”

A guidelines manual contains different categories, including crimes against people, against property, against public order, controlled substance offenses and more. It also contains offense variables, which take into consideration the different factors that may have taken place during the commission of an

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Kogges to celebrate 60th wedding anniversary

Judge explains sentencing guidelines

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Social News

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 3, 2013 — Page 7

mation report is prepared that contains pertinent information on the defendant and the crime.

When someone is convicted, he or she is referred to probation, and the probation office will prepare a pre-sentence information report summarizing the person’s history and including an evaluation and a proposed plan. The sentencing guidelines are attached to the back of the report, she said.

“Probation will make a sentencing recommendation,” she said, “but I am not bound by probation’s recommendation.”

According to McDowell, many people have asked her about dropped or dismissed charges reported in the Court News. She explained that the judge does not drop charges against a defendant; that comes from the prosecutor’s office and may be part of a plea deal.

“The prosecutor can use the guidelines as a tool for plea agreements,” said McDowell.

“It’s called a Killebrew. The guidelines may call for 12 to 24 months, but the prosecution might say they will do a Killebrew and ask for no more than 12 months. The defendant could go to jail or to prison [more than 12 months is a prison sentence] and the prosecution will agree the person only goes to jail and not to prison as part of a plea agreement.

“The judge does not have to accept the agreement. When I take a plea from somebody, I tell them I am not bound by the prosecutor’s agreement with them. If I do not follow the prosecutor’s agreement, I will tell the defendant what I am thinking my sentence decision will be, and they can either accept it or withdraw their plea. If what the prosecutor and defense attorney have agreed to seems appropriate to me, I will go along with that agreement. Many times, I will go along with the agreement, specifically in cases where there are victims — maybe a child victim in a criminal sexual conduct case — and the family doesn’t want [the child] to testify or put them through anything more. The prosecutor may make an agreement that I may not necessarily like, but I understand the reasons behind the agreement.

“I feel people really don’t understand this, and feel it is a sentence I am giving,” said McDowell. “The sentence is coming from me, but I did not initiate the plea agreement.”

A similar agreement called a “Cobbs,” is often used by both prosecution and defense to get an idea on how a judge may sentence a defendant.

“Either the prosecutor or defense will want to initiate a conversation with the judge to find out what the judge’s thoughts are on sentencing,” said McDowell. “Based on information received and what kind of case it is, I may be able to say what I am likely to do with sentencing. It is an intended sentence, and the attorneys can make a deal with the defendant based on what’s called a Cobbs agreement. If something unforeseen comes up and I would change the sentence, the defendant has the opportunity to take the plea or withdraw the plea.”

Beginning this week, the Banner will feature a column, “From the Bench,” written by judges William Doherty, Amy McDowell and Michael Schipper.

Page 8 — Thursday, January 3, 2013 — The Hastings Banner

Lake Odessa Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of

by Elaine Garlock The Lake Odessa Community Library today is featuring Experience the Wild at 10:30 a.m. This promises to be fun for the whole family.

Free movies at the Ionia Theater include Jan. 10 showing “Central Florida,” Jan. 17 “Versailles,” Jan. 24 “Love Those Trains,” and Jan. 31 “The Great Smokies.”

The Ionia County Genealogical Society will meet Saturday, Jan. 10, at 1 p.m. at the Depot Museum, with a speaker. The library will be open for research until 5 p.m. Visitors are always welcome.

The Lake Odessa Area Historical Society will meet Thursday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m. There will be a program and refreshments.

Mary Reed Davison, LOHS graduate and daughter of the late Walter Sr. and Uarda Reed, has moved from Heather Hills retirement home to Clark Retirement Community on Franklin Street, Grand Rapids.

Minor building changes have been made to the Doane/Licari building on Fourth Avenue to accommodate the arrival of Linda Kimmel’s business. Kelly Farrell’s Beauty Salon is moving in a few weeks to her home on Tupper Lake Road west as announced in newspaper advertisements and in a huge window sign at the current Fourth Avenue location of Kelli’s Design Team, the former Hoffs/Tromp medical building.

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Rev. Karen Sorden and John and Andrea Gentner are on a mission trip to Jamaica in company with members of the Pilgrim United Methodist Church near St. Johns where the Gentners’ son is a member. They took along the 35 dresses for little girls created by members of Central United Methodist Church in October.

Holiday or not, the Lake Odessa Livestock Auction went on as scheduled for its weekly Tuesday auction. This week’s offering was mostly cattle.

The Warner clogging studio on Johnson Street held a potluck, along with music jam with additional instrumental music.

Sunday 40 members of the Decker family met at Fellowship Hall of Central United Methodist Church for their annual Christmas gathering with shared meal and gifts. Cousin Rod Jordan joined the group.

On the weekend, many members of Theron King’s family gathered. Steven King with wife and children were there from Maryland and Kansas City, along with son Jim of Big Rapids, attending church with their father.

Richard Harvey of Muskegon, 76, died Dec. 20. He was owner of Bradee drug store here for many years. He had a successful business and was supportive of many community efforts. He was most recently retired from Jorgensen Pharmacy of Greenville.

CITY OF HASTINGS

PUBLIC NOTICE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 487 THRU 491 The undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting Clerk of the City of Hastings, Michigan, does hereby certify that Ordinances No. 487 thru 491 inclusive TO AMEND CHAPTER 90 OF THE HASTINGS CODE OF 1970, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING BUILDING SETBACKS REGULATIONS IN THE FOLLOWING ZONING DISTRICTS: • ORDINANCE NO. 487 - A-2 ZONE • ORDINANCE NO. 488 - B-1 ZONE • ORDINANCE NO. 489 - B-3 ZONE • ORDINANCE NO. 490 - B-4 ZONE • ORDINANCE NO. 491 - B-5 ZONE were adopted by the City Council of the City of Hastings at a regular meeting on the 26th day of December 2012.

A complete copy of these Ordinances are available for review at the office of the City Clerk at City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Thomas E. Emery, City Clerk

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CITY OF HASTINGS

PUBLIC NOTICE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 492 The undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting Clerk of the City of Hastings, Michigan, does hereby certify that Ordinances No. 487 thru 492 TO AMEND CHAPTER 42 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF HASTINGS, AS AMENDED, REGULATING THE USE OF FIREWORKS IN THE CITY. was adopted by the City Council of the City of Hastings at a regular meeting on the 26th day of December 2012.

A complete copy of these Ordinances are available for review at the office of the City Clerk at City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Thomas E. Emery, City Clerk

NOTICE TO RESIDENTS

RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP 2461 HEATH ROAD, HASTINGS

TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING DATES FOR 2013 2ND WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH AT 7:30 P.M., UNLESS OTHERWISE POSTED JANUARY 9 APRIL 10 JULY 10 OCTOBER 9

FEBRUARY 13 MAY 8 AUGUST 14 NOVEMBER 13

MARCH 13 JUNE 12 SEPTEMBER 11 DECEMBER 11 77573505

NOTICE OF MEETING DATES FOR THE FOLLOWING GROUPS Barry County Planning Commission will meet on the following dates or at the call of the chair. The meetings start at 7:00 PM. January 28, 2013 March 25, 2013 April 22, 2013

May 28, 2013 July 22, 2013 August 26, 2013

September 23, 2012 October 28, 2013 November 25, 2013

Barry County Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on the following dates or at the call of the chair. The meetings start at 7:00 PM. January 14, 2013 March 11, 2013 April 8, 2013

May 13, 2013 June 10, 2013 August 12, 2013

September 9, 2013 October 14, 2013 November 12, 2013

The meeting room for both groups is in the Community Room of the Courts & Law Building located at 206 West Court Street, Hastings, Michigan.

The County of Barry will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or call the following: MICHAEL BROWN COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR 220 WEST STATE STREET HASTINGS, MI 49058 77573559 (269) 945-1284

EDWARD JONES

Make some New Year’s (financial) resolutions for 2013 Once again, it’s time to make some New Year’s resolutions. This year, in addition to promising yourself that you’ll hit the gym more often, learn a new language or take up a musical instrument — all worthy goals, of course — why not set some financial resolutions?

Consider these suggestions: • Boost your retirement account contributions. If your income will rise this year, consider putting more money into your employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b). You typically contribute pre-tax dollars to your plan, so, the more you put in, the lower your taxable income. Plus, your money can have taxdeferred growth potential.

• Don’t over-react to the headlines. Lately, you’ve heard a lot about the “fiscal cliff,” political paralysis, the debt ceiling and other Really Scary Topics. These issues are not insignificant — but should they keep you from investing? After all, in any given year, you won’t have to look hard to find warnings and negative news events — and many people do use these ominous-sounding headlines as a reason to head to the investment “sidelines” for a while. But if you’re not investing, you’re unquestionably missing out on opportunities to make progress toward your financial goals.

So, instead of focusing on the news of the day, make your investment decisions based on the fundamentals of those investments you may be considering, along with your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon.

• Keep whittling away your debt. Over the past few years, Americans have done a good job of lowering their debt burdens. Of course,

the economy is still tough, and it can be challenging to avoid taking on new debts. But the less debt you have, the more you can invest for your retirement and other important objectives.

• Rebalance your portfolio to accommodate your risk tolerance. If you spend too much time worrying about the ups and downs of your investments, then your portfolio’s potential for volatility may be too great for your individual risk tolerance. On the other hand, if you continually see little growth in your holdings, even when the financial markets are going strong, you may be investing too conservatively — especially if you are willing to take on some calculated risk to potentially boost your returns. So review your portfolio at least once in 2013 to see if it needs to be “rebalanced” to fit your risk tolerance.

• Get some help — Navigating the investment world by yourself is not easy. For one thing, there’s a lot to know — different types of investments, changing tax laws, the effects of inflation, interest rate movements, and much more. Furthermore, when you’re making investment decisions on your own, you may have a hard time being objective — so you might end up investing with your heart, and not your head. The need for knowledge and objectivity point to the advantages of working with an experienced financial professional — someone who understands both the financial markets and your individual needs and goals.

These aren’t the only financial resolutions you could make for 2013 — but if you follow through on them, you may well need to make fewer ones when 2014 rolls around.

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

STOCKS

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

Altria Group 31.44 -.22 AT&T 33.71 -.03 BP PLC 41.64 -.08 CMS Energy Corp 24.38 -.13 Coca-Cola Co 36.25 -.48 Eaton 54.18 +.71 Family Dollar Stores 63.41 +.58 Fifth Third Bancorp 15.20 +.16 Flowserve CP 146.80 +2.34 Ford Motor Co. 12.95 +.55 General Mills 40.42 -.56 General Motors 28.83 +1.17 Intel Corp.

20.62 -.02 Kellogg Co. 55.85 -.29 McDonald’s Corp 88.21 -1.08 Pfizer Inc. 25.08 unchanged Perrigo Co. 104.03 +.47 Ralcorp 89.65 +.35 Sears Holding 41.36 +.99 Spartan Motors 4.92 -.18 Spartan Stores 15.36 -.51 Stryker 54.82 -1.05 TCF Financial 12.15 -.12 Walmart Stores 68.23 -.34 Gold $1,673.26 +14.46 Silver $30.32 -.45 Dow Jones Average 13,104 35 Volume on NYSE 622M 356M

Library to host live broadcast of January Series The award-winning January Series of Calvin College is coming to Hastings. Jan. 3 to Jan. 23, 2013, Hastings Public Library will be one of 38 remote webcast locations worldwide to broadcast the lecture and cultural arts series.

The 26th annual January Series will feature a lineup of nationally acclaimed speakers, including three-time Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Cokie Roberts, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Sheryl WuDunn, and the Army’s first active-duty blind officer Capt. Scotty Smiley, to name a few.

“This is a great opportunity for Hastings,” said Hastings Public Library Assistant Librarian Diane Hawkins.

The experts will cover a wide range of relevant topics, offering Christian perspectives on improving immigration policy and why business matters to God. They also will provide insiders’ views of the political climate in Washington, D.C., discuss the history of the inaugural address just days prior to the 2013 presidential inauguration and predict what the future of farming will look like as the world population is expected to reach 9 billion in 2050.

For a full list of speakers and topics, visit www.calvin.edu/january.

“Whatever’s happening in the world, we are talking about it,” said Kristi Potter, director of the January Series since 2007. “The speakers we bring in are tops in their field, and many of them offer Christian perspectives. Part of Calvin’s mission is to teach us what’s going on in the world and show us how we can affect it. The January Series offers us another platform to do just that.”

The January Series lectures will be streamed live from Calvin College at Hastings Public Library, 227 E. State St., from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The lectures are free and open to the public.

“A lot of people have driven from Hastings to Calvin College in Grand Rapids and found that after they find parking, the lecture is full and they can’t get in,” said Hawkins, who said Calvin College contacted Michael Evans, the library’s outreach librarian. “I think they keep track of who registers to attend, and that is how they choose the remote sites. A lot of our patrons are really excited because instead of going up to Calvin, they can stay close to home and see the lecture live.”

In 2012, total attendance between on-campus and remote sites soared to nearly 40,000.

Since remote sites were added in 2008, viewership of the January Series has more than doubled, and the number of remote sites offering the series has more than tripled.

“Remote sites are not just listening to the speakers, but they are talking about the ideas being presented,” said Potter. “At many of the sites, groups meet afterwards to discuss the lectures. There’s a real community aspect that is being fostered.”

Grapefruit plus medications equals potential problem

by Dr. E. Kirsten Peters We Americans are often told to eat more fruits and vegetables. Particularly this time of year, when New Year’s resolutions are still in strong force, a lot of us are trying to make better choices about what we eat. A breakfast of half a grapefruit and some peanut butter on a piece of toast sounds like it would be good for you, doesn’t it?

For millions of Americans who take prescription drugs, the answer may be no — such a breakfast might even be quite problematic for your health.

The difficulty arises because of certain effects in the compounds found in grapefruit and some other citrus fruits. When you eat them, they deactivate another chemical in the liver and small intestine that works to break down medication. The more such deactivation there is, the greater the effective dose of the medicine in your body because you aren’t breaking it down as you normally would.

“Taking one tablet with a glass of grapefruit juice is like taking five tablets with water,” said pharmacologist David Bailey when he spoke about the matter to the program NPR Shots.

And it seems the problem extends to more than just grapefruit. Seville oranges — which I love to eat for breakfast in tangy marmalade — also may act like grapefruit with respect to medications. So even something in your diet that seems as innocuous as toast and jam could be problematic.

According to a recent report on National Public Radio, the problem is one that’s increasingly important. In 2008, the number of medications that mixed poorly with grapefruit juice was 17. Now it’s 43.

Maybe you think that if you drink your grapefruit juice with breakfast but take your meds at suppertime you’d be okay.

But, alas, that isn’t true. The effects of the grapefruit will still be with you in the evening.

If you are really dedicated to grapefruit consumption, your doctor may be able to substitute a new medication for one that is problematic. But if you want to stay on your current meds, the wise decision may be to forego the grapefruit.

Lists on the Internet about what medications are problematic with grapefruit are evidently incomplete. You should therefore check with your doctor or pharmacist about your own medications. But here are just some of the most commonly prescribed drugs that raise concerns with respect to grapefruit and certain other citrus products.

According to WebMD, the drugs that can become problematic with respect to consuming grapefruit include: Statins — Lipitor, Zocor and Mevacor Impotence Drugs — Viagra Psychiatric drugs — Buspar, Valium, Zoloft Pain drugs — Methadone Antihistimines — Ebastine Anti-HIV medications — Invirase Anti-arrhythmics — Cordarone According to a Mayo Clinic, website other medications like this include: Antihistamine — Allegra Calcium channel blockers — Procardia, Nimotop and Sular Anti-seizure medications — Tegretol Immunosuppressants — Neoral, Sandimmune, Prograf and Rapamune According to a recent NPR article, other medications in this group include: Cancer drugs — Tarceva Antibiotic — Erythromycin Blood thinner — Plavix, Brilinta Anti-psychotic — Seroquel But to repeat, it looks to me like all of the lists on the web are incomplete. You need to investigate your own medications with your doctor or pharmacist. While you’re at it, tell them if you take herbal supplements or other similar substances.

You might as well get them all checked out, with respect to each other as well as with respect to grapefruit. Perhaps that should be a New Year’s resolution for all of us who take medication.

Dr. E. Kirsten Peters, a native of the rural Northwest, was trained as a geologist at Princeton and Harvard universities.

This column is a service of the College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences at Washington State University.

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 3, 2013 — Page 9

“I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within designated States and parts of States, are, and henceforward shall be free, and that the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons, and I hereby enjoin upon the people so declared to be free, to abstain from all violence unless in necessary self-defense, and I recommend to them that in all cases when allowed they labor faithfully for reasonable wages ...”

Lincoln’s famous proclamation printed in 1863 Hastings Banner

“Having in this, chosen our course, without guile and with pure purpose, let us renew our trust in God, and go forward without fear and with manly heart.” – Abraham Lincoln

The above quote was featured every week in The Hastings Banner of 150 years ago, appearing normally at the top of the first column on page 2. The issue of Jan. 7, 1863, however, was as history would prove – especially significant. For, directly below this frequently seen quote was what later became known as the Emancipation Proclamation, but was printed here, as well as in other publications, simply as “The Proclamation,” or “A Proclamation.”

The famous doctrine was then followed in the Banner with a paraphrased interpretation of Confederate President Jefferson’s proclamation, likely written by the editor J.M. Nevins. ***** True to his promise, the President issued, on the first day of January, that Proclamation of freedom to the slaves, which will make his name immortal in history. Whatever the test of time may decide as to its wisdom, the object and intention of its author can never be questioned, or his motives impeached. The

Proclamation stands forth to-day, a beacon light, illumming the pathway to liberty, prosperity, and national unity. It gives joy to thousands, hope to millions. And the great concern of wise men and statesmen now is that it may not have come too late for the realization of that hope.

After recapitulating a part of his Proclamation of the 22nd of September, and the promise then made to designate on the 1st of January, those States and parts of States continuing to rebellion, the slaves whereof should be henceforth and forever free, the President proceeds as follows: Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, by virtue of the power in me invested as Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, in time of actual armed rebellion against the authorities of the Government of the United States, and as a fit and necessary war measure for suppressing said rebellion, do, on this first day of January, in the year of our Lord one-thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and in accordance with my purpose so to do, publicly proclaimed for the full period of one hundred days, from the date first above mentioned, order and designate as the States and parts of States, therein, the people whereof, respectively, are this day in rebellion against the United States, the following to wit: Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, except Parishes St. Bernard, Plaquemine, Jefferson, St. John, St. Charles, St. James, Ascension, Assumption Terre Bonne, Lafourche, St. Mary, St. Martin and Orleans including the city of New Orleans, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia except the 48 counties designated as Western Virginia, and also the counties of Berkley, Accomac, Northampton, Elizabeth City, York, Princess Ann and Norfolk, including the city of Norfolk and Portsmouth, which

excepted parts are for the present left precisely as if this Proclamation were not issued, and by virtue of the power and for the purpose aforesaid, I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within designated States and parts of States, are, and henceforward shall be free, and that the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons, and I hereby enjoin upon the people so declared to be free, to abstain from all violence unless in necessary self-defense, and I recommend to them that in all cases when allowed they labor faithfully for reasonable wages; and I further declare and make known that persons of suitable condition will be received into the armed service of the United States to garrison forts, positions, stations and other places, and to man vessels of all sorts in said service, and this I sincerely believe to be an act of justice, warranted by the constitution upon military necessity, I invoke the considerate judgement of mankind and the gracious favor of Almighty God. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the great seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the city of Washington this first day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-tree, and of the Independence of the United States of America the eighty seventh.

(Signed)

LEGAL NOTICES SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN, P.C., IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT (248)539-7400 IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. MORTGAGE SALE – Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by LARRY ELSON and VIRGINIA ELSON, HUSBAND AND WIFE, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. ("MERS"), solely as nominee for lender and lender's successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated June 15, 2006, and recorded on June 28, 2006, in Document No. 1166566, and assigned by said mortgagee to Federal National Mortgage Association, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Nine Thousand Two Hundred Forty-Nine Dollars and No Cents ($109,249.00), including interest at 2.000% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, At the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan at 01:00 PM o'clock, on January 31, 2013 Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: PART OF THE SOUTHWEST 1 / 4 OF SECTION 33, TOWN 1 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST, DESCRIBED AS: COMMENCING AT THE WEST 1 / 4 POST OF SAID SECTION 33; THENCE SOUTH 89 DEGREES 52 MINUTES 45 SECONDS EAST ALONG THE EAST AND WEST 1 / 4 LINE OF SAID SECTION 300 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 00 DEGREES 09 MINUTES 15 SECONDS EAST 1452 FEET; THENCE NORTH 89 DEGREES 52 MINUTES 45 SECONDS WEST 300 FEET TO THE WEST LINE OF SAID SECTION; THENCE NORTH 00 DEGREES 09 MINUTES 15 SECONDS WEST ALONG SAID WEST LINE 1452 FEET TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale unless determined abandoned in accordance with 1948CL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale.

If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 600 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Federal National Mortgage Association Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C. 23938 Research Drive, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, MI 48335 LBPS.002536 FNMA (01-03)(01-24) 77575236

SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN, P.C., IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT (248)539-7400 IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. MORTGAGE SALE – Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by TODD W. CROSS and KATHY L. CROSS, HUSBAND AND WIFE, to Fifth Third Bank, an Ohio Banking Corporation successor by merger to Fifth Third Bank, a Michigan Banking Corporation also known as Fifth Third Bank (Western Michigan), Mortgagee, dated November 7, 2007, and recorded on December 3, 2007, in Document No. 200712030004808, Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Fifty-Six Thousand Five Hundred Forty-Five Dollars and Thirty-Eight Cents ($56,545.38), including interest at 3.750% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, At the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan at 01:00 PM o'clock, on January 31, 2013 Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: A PARCEL OF LAND IN THE SOUTHWEST 1 / 4 OF THE SOUTHWEST FRACTIONAL 1 / 4 OF SECTION 18, TOWN 2 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST DESCRIBED AS COMMENCING AT A POINT 46 RODS NORTH OF THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE SOUTHWEST 1 / 4 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1 / 4 OF SECTION 18, THENCE NORTH 139 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, THENCE WEST 200 FEET, THENCE NORTH 139 FEET, THENCE EAST 200 FEET, THEN SOUTH TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale unless determined abandoned in accordance with 1948CL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale.

If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 600 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Fifth Third Bank, an Ohio Banking Corporation successor by merger to Fifth Third Bank, a Michigan Banking Corporation also known as Fifth Third Bank (Western Michigan) Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C. 23938 Research Drive, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, MI 48335 FMCO.000012 CONV (01-03)(01-24) 77575252

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 JAMES T SIMINGTON SHAWNA A SIMINGTON, , Mortgagors, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Bank of Ann Arbor, Mortgagee, dated the 20th day of October, 2009 and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds, for The County of Barry and State of Michigan, on the 22nd day of October, 2009 in Liber Instrument No. 200910220010393 of Barry County Records, page , said Mortgage having been assigned to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association on which mortgage there is claimed to be due, at the date of this notice, the sum of Fifty one thousand seven hundred seventy seven dollars and 47/100 ($51,777.47), 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 31st 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 5.500 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 Prairieville, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and described as follows, to wit: THE SOUTH 400 FEET OF A PARCEL OF LAND IN THE EAST 26 RODS OF THE SOUTH 1/2 OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 13, TOWN 1 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE EAST LINE OF SECTION 13, WHICH LIES 1220 FEET DUE NORTH OF THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 13, THENCE DUE SOUTH 812 FEET, THENCE WEST 429 FEET, THENCE DUE NORTH 812 FEET, THENCE DUE EAST 429 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. During the twelve (12) 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: 1/3/2013 JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association Mortgagee FABRIZIO & BROOK, P.C. Attorney for JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association 888 W. Big Beaver, Suite 800 Troy, Ml 48084 248-362-2600 CHASE FARM GNMA Simington (01-03)(01-24)

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 JESSICA RAE MCINTYRE , a single woman, Mortgagors, to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association , Mortgagee, dated the 1st day of April, 2010 and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds, for The County of Barry and State of Michigan, on the 7th day of April, 2010 in Liber instrument #201004070003739 of Barry County Records, page on which mortgage there is claimed to be due, at the date of this notice, the sum of One hundred sixty thousand seven hundred sixty five dollars and 60/100 ($160,765.60), 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 31st 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 5.500 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 Maple Grove, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and described as follows, to wit: BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE SOUTH LINE OF SECTION 2, TOWN 2 NORTH, RANGE 7 WEST, DISTANT NORTH 89 DEGREES 16 MINUTES 39 SECONDS WEST, 624.19 FEET FROM THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION; THENCE NORTH 89 DEGREES 16 MINUTES 39 SECONDS WEST, 220.13 FEET ALONG SAID SOUTH LINE; THENCE NORTH 01 DEGREE 15 MINUTES 21 SECONDS WEST, 800.00 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 89 DEGREES 16 MINUTES 39 SECONDS EAST, 220.13 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 01 DEGREE 15 MINUTES 21 SECONDS EAST, 800.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. SUBJECT TO AN EASEMENT FOR STATE HIGHWAY PURPOSES OVER BIVENS ROAD TO HIGHWAY M-79/M-66 AS RECORDED IN LIBER 468 ON PAGE 692.

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: 1/3/2013 JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association Mortgagee FABRIZIO & BROOK, P.C. Attorney for JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association 888 W. Big Beaver, Suite 800 Troy, Ml 48084 248-362-2600 77575247 CHASE FARM Mcintyre (01-03)(01-24)

ABRAHAM LINCOLN

By the President W.H. Seward, Secretary of State ***** Jeff Davis Proclamation On the 23rd of December, Jeff. Davis issued a Proclamation of a very vindicative character, designed, no doubt, to operate upon the sensibilities of our restless transAtlantic friends. Rebel Jeff. vents his spleen mostly against Gen. Butler – whom he already knew was superceded – and against the contrabands who may follow his example, in engaging in insurrection. Davis sentences Butler to death upon the gallows for his crimes against the Confederacy, only providing that he catch his chicken before dressing it. Butler’s officers, as being abettors in his crimes, are not to be paroled if taken – until regularly exchanged. The privates in Gen. Butler’s command are to be considered unwilling agents in his hands, and will be humanely treated, and paroled as other prisoners of war.

Rebel Jeff. makes out a long list of crimes against the denounced General, mostly after the manner of the tory journals of the North, which undoubtedly aided him greatly in the work of denunciation. The negroes found in arms against the Confederacy are to be regarded as the agents of President Lincoln, engaging in insurrection at his instigation, but instead of catching and hanging Lincoln, Davis simply proposes to turn all slaves taken in arms, over to the several States in which they belonged, to be executed according to the laws thereof. It is a most singular commentary upon the honesty and consistency of the rebel chief, that all he expects Gen. Butler for hanging a citizen of New Orleans found in insurrection against his Government, Davis proposes to hang all the negroes engaged in insurrection against the pretended government of the South.

The probability is, that the proclamation was not intended to be practical and operative, but is a bid to foreign powers to interfere and prevent the continuance of war, which the arch traitor proposes to reduce, on his part at least, to one of extermination.

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A proclamation, promised by President Abraham Lincoln, in September and delivered to the nation Jan. 1, 1963, appeared in the Hastings Banner days later. Lincoln’s decree became known as The Emancipation Proclamation, the body of which was one extended sentence. (Photo from the National Archives)

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Page 10 — Thursday, January 3, 2013 — The Hastings Banner

LEGAL NOTICES STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 12-26243-DE Estate of DORIS ANNE SMITH. Date of Birth: September 1, 1939.

TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, DORIS ANNE SMITH, died June 20, 2011.

Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to KENT CONANT, 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.

NATHAN E. TAGG P68994 206 SOUTH BROADWAY HASTINGS, MI 49058 (269) 945-9585 KENT CONANT 7671 COX ROAD BELLEVUE, MI 49021 (269) 758-3008 77573553

STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 12-26258-DE Estate of Marvin Blough, Deceased. Date of birth: 03/31/1966.

TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Marvin Blough, who lived at 120 Cherry Street, Freeport, Michigan died 10/30/2012.

Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Sydney Blough and/or Melissa VanSiclen, named personal representative or proposed personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings and the named/proposed personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice.

Date: 12/21/2012 Robert L. Byington P27621 222 West Apple Street, P.O. Box 248 Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 945-9557 Sydney Blough and Melissa VanSiclen 1475 East Dowling Rd. & 13232 Hastings Rd. Hastings, MI 49058 & Freeport, MI 49325 77573424 (269) 804-2664

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Default having occurred in a mortgage dated April 13, 2007 by Warren J. Williams and Susanne K. Williams, husband and wife to Union Bank and recorded on April 23, 2007, in the Barry County Register of Deeds at Document 1179601 and a mortgage made on September 25, 2007, by Warren J. Williams and Susanne K. Williams, husband and wife to Union Bank, and recorded on October 2, 2007, in the Barry County Register of Deeds at Document 20071002-0002673, on which mortgages there is claimed to be due and unpaid as of October 23, 2012, Two Hundred Twenty Nine Thousand, Four Hundred Eighty Seven Dollars and 42/100 Dollars ($229,487.42) principal and interest; no suit or proceedings at law or in equity have been instituted to recover the debt, or any part of the debt, secured by the above mortgages, and the Power of Sale contained in the mortgages having become operative by reason of such default and pursuant to the statutes of the State of Michigan.

Notice is hereby given that on Thursday, January 31, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. at the Barry County courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings, MI 49058, that being the place for holding the Circuit Court of Barry County, there will be offered for sale and sold to the highest bidder the property described in this Notice, at public sale, for the purpose of satisfying the amount due and unpaid on the mortgages, together with an interest rate of 10.9%, the expenses and charges of sale, including reasonable attorney fees, provided by law and in the mortgages, and also any sums which may be paid by the Mortgagee necessary to protect its interest in the premises. The parcel will be sold as one unit, as allowed by the mortgages unless otherwise selected by Union Bank.

The land and premises in the mortgages mentioned is described as follows: LOT 801 AND THE WEST 14 FEET OF LOT 802 OF THE CITY, FORMERLY VILLAGE OF HASTINGS, ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED PLAT THEREOF, CITY OF HASTINGS, COUNTY OF BARRY, STATE OF MICHIGAN. Commonly known as: 305 S. Church St., Hastings, MI 49058. Tax ID# 08-55-201-243-00.

The length of the redemption period will be six months or shorter if deemed abandoned pursuant to law.

If the property is sold at a foreclosure sale pursuant to this Notice, then under MCLA 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person that buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period.

MORTGAGE: Union Bank Prepared By: Peter A. Teholiz (P34265) THE HUBBARD LAW FIRM, P.C. 5801 W. Michigan Avenue 77574159 Lansing, MI 48908-0857

SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN, P.C., IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT (248)539-7400 IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. MORTGAGE SALE – Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by ADAM P. KITELEY and BETH A. KITELEY AKA BETH A. OWENS, HUSBAND AND WIFE, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. ("MERS"), solely as nominee for lender and lender's successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated March 22, 2010, and recorded on March 31, 2010, in Document No. 201003310003378, and assigned by said mortgagee to THE HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Thirty-Four Thousand Eight Hundred Seventy-Nine Dollars and Seventy-Two Cents ($134,879.72), including interest at 5.375% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, At the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan at 01:00 PM o'clock, on January 17, 2013 Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: A PARCEL OF LAND IN THE NORTHEAST 1 / 4 OF SECTION 22, TOWN 4 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST DESCRIBED AS: COMMENCING AT THE NORTH 1 / 4 OF SAID SECTION 22; THENCE EAST 748.4 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 41 DEGREES 05 MINUTES EAST 610.01 FEET TO THE BEGINNING; THENCE SOUTH 41 DEGREES 05 MINUTES EAST 220 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 57 DEGREES 25 MINUTES WEST 200 FEET; THENCE NORTH 41 DEGREES 05 MINUTES WEST 220 FEET; THENCE NORTH 57 DEGREES 25 MINUTES EAST 200 FEET TO THE BEGINNING. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale unless determined abandoned in accordance with 1948CL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 600 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. THE HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C. 23938 Research Drive, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, MI 48335 77573329 HMC.001573 FNMA (12-20)(01-10)

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE WILLIAM AZKOUL 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 YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. Default having been made in the conditions of a real estate mortgage made by Jerry L. Bracy and Jodi Bracy, formally husband and wife, of 10757 Cox Road, Bellevue, Michigan 49021 and NPB Mortgage, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, whose address is 3333 Deposit Drive, NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546, dated August 4, 2005 and recorded on August 10, 2005 in Instrument No. 1150856 of the Barry County Register of Deeds, which mortgage has been assigned to Northpointe Bank, a Michigan banking corporation, whose address is 3333 Deposit Drive, NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546, by virtue of an Assignment of Mortgage dated November 9, 2012, and recorded on November 19, 2012 with the Barry County Register of Deeds in Instrument No. 2012007342 and upon which there is now claimed to be due for principal and interest the sum of Eighty Seven Thousand Nine Hundred Forty Dollars and Sixty Two Cents ($87,940.62), which continues to accrue interest at the rate of 6.500%, and no suit or proceedings at law having been instituted to recover the debt 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, on February 7, 2013 at 1:00 p.m., the undersigned will sell at the East door of the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings, Michigan that being the place of holding the Circuit Court for the County of Barry, at public venue to the highest bidder for the purpose of satisfying the amounts due and unpaid upon the Mortgage, together with the legal fees and charges of the sale, including attorney’s fees allowed by law, the premises in the mortgage located in the Township of Assyria, Barry County, Michigan and which are described as follows: The South 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 12, Town 1 North, Range 7 West. P.P. # 08-01-012-001-00 which has an address of 10757 Cox Road, Bellevue, Michigan 49021.

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

Northpointe Bank 3333 Deposit Drive, NE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 DATED: December 20, 2012 Drafted By: William M. Azkoul (P40071) Attorney for Mortgagee 161 Ottawa, N.W., Ste. 205-C Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 458-1315 77573496

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Default having occurred in two mortgages both made on July 31, 2007, by Michele E. Pare, a single woman, to Union Bank, and both recorded on August 7, 2007, in the Barry County Register of Deeds at Document 20070807 - 0000592, and at Document 20070808-0000654, respectively, on which mortgages there is claimed to be due and unpaid as of December 5, 2012, Two Hundred Nineteen Thousand, Eight Hundred Seventy Nine Dollars and 89/100 Dollars ($219,879.89) principal and interest; no suit or proceedings at law or in equity have been instituted to recover the debt, or any part of the debt, secured by the above mortgages, and the Power of Sale contained in the mortgages having become operative by reason of such default and pursuant to the statutes of the State of Michigan.

Notice is hereby given that on Thursday, January 17, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. at the Barry County Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings, MI, 49058, that being the place for holding the Circuit Court of Barry County, there will be offered for sale and sold to the highest bidder the property described in this Notice, at public sale, for the purpose of satisfying the amount due and unpaid on the mortgages, together with an interest rate at 10.75%, the expenses and charges of sale, including reasonable attorney fees, provided by law and in the mortgages, and also any sums which may be paid by the Mortgagee necessary to protect its interest in the premises. The parcel will be sold as one unit, as allowed by the mortgages unless otherwise selected by Union Bank.

The land and premises in the mortgages mentioned is described as follows: LOTS 50 AND 51 OF ALGONQUIN LAKE RESORT PROPERTIES #1, ACCORDING TO RECORDED PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN LIBER 2 OF PLATS ON PAGE 56, BARRY COUNTY RECORDS The Real Property is commonly known as 2359 Old lroquois Trail, Hastings, MI 49058.

The tax identification number is 08-13-050-05500.

The length of the redemption period wilt be six months or shorter if deemed abandoned pursuant to law.

If the property is sold at a foreclosure sale pursuant to this Notice, then under MCLA 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person that buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period.

MORTGAGEE: Union Bank Prepared By: Peter A. Teholiz (P34265) THE HUBBARD LAW FIRM, P.C. 5801 W. Michigan Avenue Lansing, MI 48908-0857 Telephone: 517-886-7176 77573303

Synopsis HOPE TOWNSHIP Regular Board Meeting Dec. 10, 2012 5 Board members present.

10 guests.

Regular meeting opened at 7 p.m.

Approved: Agenda Previous Minutes Standing Reports Bills Resolution 2012-21 Resolution 2012-22 Appointed Board of Review Members Appointed Construction Board of Appeals Exploring Hall modifications Adjourned 7:39 p.m.

Submitted by: Deborah Jackson, Clerk Attested to by: Mark S. Feldpausch, Supervisor 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 Lisa Stocks, unmarried, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender's successors and/or assigns, Mortgagee, dated November 8, 2007, and recorded on January 17, 2008 in instrument 200801170000545, and assigned by said Mortgagee to Wells Fargo Bank, NA as assignee as documented by an assignment, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Ninety-Seven Thousand Three Hundred Seventy-Five and 88/100 Dollars ($97,375.88).

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 Charter Township of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lots 45 and 46, Melody Acres, according to the plat thereof recorded in Liber 5 of Plats, Page 21, 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: December 13, 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 #216699F03 (12-13)(01-03) 77573121 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: Russell M. Peasley, a married man to Union Federal Bank of Indianapolis, Mortgagee, dated November 19, 2004 and recorded December 15, 2004 in Instrument # 1138757 and modified by agreement dated February 7, 2012 and recorded March 20, 2012 in Instrument #201203200002855 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage was assigned through mesne assignments to: CitiMortgage, Inc., by assignment dated January 23, 2010 and recorded February 5, 2010 in Instrument # 201002050001068 on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Twelve Thousand One Hundred Two Dollars and Thirty-Four Cents ($112,102.34) including interest 4.375% 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 January 17, 2013. Said premises are situated in Township of Maple Grove, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: A parcel of land in the Southwest one-quarter of Section 25, Town 2 North, Range 7 West, Maple Grove Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: Beginning at a point on the West line of said Section 25 , distant North 00 degrees 16 minutes 09 seconds East 931.62 feet from the Southwest corner of said Section 25; thence North 00 degrees 16 minutes 09 seconds East 220 .00 feet along said West Section line; thence North 88 degrees 38 minutes 54 seconds East 650.32 feet; thence South 00 degrees 41 minutes 27 seconds West 220 .05 feet; thence South 88 degrees 38 minutes 54 seconds West 648.70 feet to the point of beginning. Model Year 1999 Make/ Model Crystal Valley Patriot VIN/Serial#: CV819ABIN Commonly known as 8797 S. Clark Rd., Nashville MI 49073 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: 12/20/2012 CitiMortgage, Inc., Assignee of Mortgagee Attorneys: Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 811 South Blvd. Suite 100 Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 844-5123 Our File No: 12-72844 (1277573324 20)(01-10)

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Trust Ruth Hemmer Irrevocable Trust. Date Trust Created: October 29, 1991.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Ruth Hemmer, who lived at 690 W. Main Street, Middleville, Michigan died November 20, 2012.

Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Huntington National Bank, named trustee within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice.

Huntington National Bank, Trustee of the Ruth Hemmer Michael Newman, VP Senior Trust Officer P.O. Box 1350 Traverse City, MI 49685-1350 77573490 SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN, P.C., IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT (248)539-7400 IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. MORTGAGE SALE – Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by RICHIE L. SMITH and FAYE L. SMITH, HUSBAND AND WIFE, to UNITED COMPANIES LENDING CORPORATION, Mortgagee, dated September 11, 1998, and recorded on September 17, 1998, in Document No. 1018002, and assigned by said mortgagee to The Bank of New York Mellon, f/k/a The Bank of New York, as successor-in-interest to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Trustee for Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities Trust 2006-2, Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2006-2, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Forty-Five Thousand One Hundred Forty-Eight Dollars and Sixty-Seven Cents ($45,148.67), including interest at 9.750% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, At the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan at 01:00 PM o'clock, on January 17, 2013 Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: COMMENCING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE SOUTHWEST 1 / 4 OF SECTION 1, TOWN 1 NORTH, RANGE 9 WEST, RUNNING THENCE NORTH 50 RODS; THENCE WEST 48 RODS; THENCE SOUTH 50 RODS; THENCE EAST 48 RODS TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. EXCEPT THE EAST 330 FEET OF THE SOUTH 330 FEET THEREOF. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale unless determined abandoned in accordance with 1948CL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 600 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. The Bank of New York Mellon, f/k/a The Bank of New York, as successor-in-interest to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Trustee for Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities Trust 2006-2, Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2006-2 Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C. 23938 Research Drive, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, MI 48335 JPMC.001103 CONV 77573318 (12-20)(01-10) 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: Diane Dallas, A Single Female to Option One Mortgage Corporation, Mortgagee, dated October 25, 2002 and recorded November 25, 2002 in Instrument # 1092382 and corrected by affidavit dated November 19, 2012 and recorded November 29, 2012 in Instrument #2012-007635 Barry County Records, Michigan Said mortgage was assigned to: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee for Option One Mortgage Loan Trust 2003-1 Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2003-1, by assignment dated July 20, 2007 and recorded July 30, 2007in Instrument # 200707300000298 on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Twenty-One Thousand Eight Hundred Sixty-Four Dollars and Fourteen Cents ($121,864.14) including interest 7.5% 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, Circuit Court of Barry County at 1:00PM on January 17, 2013 Said premises are situated in Township of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: That part of the Northeast one-quarter of section 28, Town 3 north, range 8 west, described as, commencing at the intersection of the north line of said section and the centerline of Nashville Road (highway M-79) which is 1094.5 feet west along the North line of said section from the northeast corner of said section, thence south 23 degrees 45 minutes east 200.71 feet along the centerline of said road, thence southeasterly 410.72 feet along said centerline on a 1227.77 foot radius curve to the left, the chord of which bears south 33 degrees 20 minutes East 408.80 feet, thence south 42 degrees 55 minutes east 127.71 feet along the centerline of said road, thence south 47 degrees 05 minutes west 834 feet more or less to the east line of the west onehalf of the northeast one-quarter, thence South along the East line of the West one-half of the Northeast one-quarter 1447 feet more or less to the southeast corner of the west one-half of the northeast one-quarter, thence west along the east and west one-quarter line 313.5 feet more or less to the southwest corner of the east 19 acres of the west one-half of the Northeast one-quarter, thence north along the west line of the east 19 acres of the west one-half of the Northeast one-quarter 2640 feet more or less to the North line of said section, thence East 532 feet more or less to the place of beginning, subject to the right of way for highway purposes over the north 33 feet and over that part lying northeasterly of a line which is 33 feet southwesterly from and parallel with the centerline of Nashville Road (highway M-79) Commonly known as 1890 Nashville Rd, 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: 12/20/2012 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee for Option One Mortgage Loan Trust 20031 Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2003-1, Assignee of Mortgagee Attorneys: Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 811 South Blvd. Suite 100 Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 844-5123 Our File No: 12-66766 (12-20)(01-10) 77573313

SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN, P.C., IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT (248)539-7400 IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. MORTGAGE SALE – Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by CHARLES D. MIDDLETON RN, A SINGLE MAN, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. ("MERS"), solely as nominee for lender and lender's successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated April 19, 2007, and recorded on April 24, 2007, in Document No. 1179691, and assigned by said mortgagee to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Seventy-Seven Thousand Eight Hundred Thirty Dollars and Seventy-Seven Cents ($77,830.77), including interest at 7.000% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, At the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan. at 01:00 PM o'clock, on January 24, 2013 Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: COMMENCING AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE NORTHEAST 1 / 4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1 / 4 OF SECTION 35, TOWN 3 NORTH, RANGE 9 WEST FOR A PLACE OF BEGINNING; THENCE EAST 325 FEET; THENCE NORTH 260 FEET; THENCE WEST 325 FEET, THENCE SOUTH 260 FEET TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale unless determined abandoned in accordance with 1948CL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 600 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C. 23938 Research Drive, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, MI 48335 77573417 JPMC.001127 FHA (12-27)(01-17) FORECLOSURE NOTICE RANDALL S. MILLER & ASSOCIATES, P.C. MAY BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED MAY BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. IF YOU ARE A MILITARY SERVICEMEMBER ON ACTIVE DUTY NOW OR IN THE PRIOR NINE MONTHS, PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE. Mortgage Sale - Default has been made in the conditions of a certain mortgage made by Richard Popenhagen And Rachel Popenhagen, Husband And Wife to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Novastar Mortgage, Inc., Mortgagee, dated January 3, 2007, and recorded on January 24, 2007, as Document Number: 1175527, Barry County Records, said mortgage was assigned to Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee for NovaStar Mortgage Funding Trust, Series 2007-1 NovaStar Home Equity Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-1 by an Assignment of Mortgage dated October 01, 2012 and recorded October 11, 2012

by Document Number: 2012-005616, , on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Twelve Thousand Four Hundred Eighty-Five and 22/100 ($112,485.22) including interest at the rate of 8.62500% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, at the place of holding the Circuit Court in said Barry County, where the premises to be sold or some part of them are situated, at 01:00 PM on January 17, 2013 Said premises are situated in the Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PREMISES SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF, COUNTY OF BARRY AND STATE OF TO WIT: BEGINNING AT THE EAST QUARTER POST OF SECTION 27, TOWN 1 NORTH, RANGE 8 WEST; THENCE SOUTH 87 DEGREES 14 MINUTES 21 SECONDS WEST, ALONG THE EAST AND WEST QUARTER LINE OF SAID SECTION 27, A DISTANCE OF 664.55 FEET; THENCE NORTH 02 DEGREES 22 MINUTES 01 SECONDS WEST ALONG THE WEST LINE OF THE EAST HALF OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 27, A DISTANCE OF 1335.21 FEET TO THE NORTH LINE OF SAID SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION; THENCE NORTH 87 DEGREES 34 MINUTES 45 SECONDS EAST ALONG SAID NORTH LINE, 205.17 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 02 DEGREES 20 MINUTES 09 SECONDS EAST, 284.00 FEET; THENCE NORTH 87 DEGREES 34 MINUTES 45 SECONDS EAST, 460.14 FEET TO THE EAST LINE OF SAID SECTION 27; THENCE SOUTH ALONG SAID EAST SECTION LINE, 1047.27 FEET TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. SUBJECT TO EXISTING ROADWAY EASEMENT FOR HUTCHINSON ROAD ON THE EAST AND HICKORY ROAD ON THE SOUTH. SUBJECT TO ALL EASEMENTS, RESERVATIONS, COVENANTS, CONDITIONS, AGREEMENTS OF RECORD, IF ANY. Commonly known as: 14300 Hutchinson Road If the property is eventually sold at foreclosure sale, the redemption period will be 6.00 months from the date of sale unless the property is abandoned or used for agricultural purposes. If the property is determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241 and/or 600.3241a, the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of sale, or 15 days after statutory notice, whichever is later. If the property is presumed to be used for agricultural purposes prior to the date of the foreclosure sale pursuant to MCL 600.3240, the redemption period is 1 year. Pursuant to MCL 600.3278, if the property is sold at a foreclosure sale, the borrower(s) 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. TO ALL PURCHASERS: The foreclosing mortgagee can rescind the sale. In that event, your damages are, if any, limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. If you are a tenant in the property, please contact our office as you may have certain rights. Dated: December 20, 2012 Randall S. Miller & Associates, P.C. Attorneys for Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee for NovaStar Mortgage Funding Trust, Series 2007-1 NovaStar Home Equity Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-1 43252 Woodward Avenue, Suite 180, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302, 248-335-9200 Case No. 12OMI01272-1 (12-20)(01-10) 77573308

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 3, 2013 — Page 11

Woman killed in Prairieville Township accident A Plainwell woman died in an auto accident the day after Christmas while riding in a vehicle driven by her husband, whose driver’s license had been suspended.

Elvin Kizziar, 36, of Plainwell was driving east on Cressey Road near Kane Road Dec. 26 when he lost control of his vehicle due to weather conditions. The vehicle left the roadway and hit a tree, crushing the passenger side. His wife, 42-year-old Melissa Jo Ulferts, was pinned in the car and died at the scene.

Kizziar was charged with driving on a suspended license causing death, and he was arraigned Dec. 27 in Barry County District Court. A blood test was performed, and the results are pending.

Kizziar has had multiple license suspensions since 1996, according to police records.

The Prairieville Township Police Department was assisted by Michigan State Police troopers, Barry Township Police and the Prairieville Township Fire Department.

State News Roundup FCC reports rise in wireless device theft

cial message on public safety, according to a press release issued Dec. by the governor’s office.

The bills, sponsored by State Rep. Joe Graves, would make it a felony punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment if a person is found guilty of knowingly committing organized retail crime. This includes the theft of retail merchandise with the intent or purpose of reselling, distributing or transferring the stolen retail merchandise to another retail merchant or to any other person directly, through the mail or via any electronic medium, including the Internet, in exchange for anything of value.

“Organized retail crime is a sophisticated operation conducted by professional criminals and can act as a gateway to finance even more serious crimes,” Snyder said. “These crimes are costing our businesses and our communities too much, and law enforcement will now be better able to combat this growing threat.”

Noting that more than 5,000 wireless devices were reported stolen in Michigan in 2012, the Michigan Public Service Commission highlighted the Federal Communications Commission’s consumer guide (www.fcc.gov/guides/stolen-and-lostwireless-devices) which provides tips on how to safeguard against wireless theft, protect data on cell phones and what to do if a wireless device is stolen.

“The popularity of wireless devices continues to grow at a rapid pace,” noted MPSC Chairman John Quackenbush. “The commission encourages customers to take a moment to protect themselves against theft by following the helpful tips provided out by the FCC.” The FCC announced the PROTECT Initiative earlier this year to combat cell phone theft. It consists of establishing a national database — scheduled to launch in late 2013 — to track stolen phones; putting in place automatic prompts on smartphones and tablets for consumers to set up passwords and take steps to secure their devices; and launching a public education campaign to urge customers to use applications to increase security and reduce the value of stolen devices.

The MPSC provides several methods for consumers to submit complaints. Additional information on how to submit both formal and informal complaints is available online, www.michigan.gov/mpsccomplaints.

Archives of Michigan expands hours The Archives of Michigan is now home to the Abrams Foundation Historical Collection, one of the largest genealogical collections in the United States. The collection includes family histories, passenger list resources, military indexes, city directories, Sanborn fire insurance maps and a host of other historical and genealogical resources.

With so much more available to research, the archives has expanded its public hours to include regular Saturday hours.

A special free event Saturday, Jan. 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. will include the unveiling of the memorial tribute to Barbara Brown, donor of the Abrams Foundation Historical Collection. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, call 517-373-3559.

The Archives of Michigan is located on the second floor, east wing, of the Michigan Library and Historical Center, 702 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing. The building and visitor parking are on the north side of Kalamazoo Street.

Snyder signs Organized Retail Crime Act Gov. Rick Snyder has signed legislation establishing the Organized Retail Crime Act to protect consumers by cracking down on the increasing prevalence of retail fraud. The governor called for the legislation in his spe-

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LEGAL NOTICES STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 12-26273-DE Estate of Jeffrey Lynn Kelley. Date of birth: 12/16/1963.

TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Jeffrey Lynn Kelley, who lived at 3581 East Jordan Rd., Freeport, Michigan died 10/24/2012.

Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Patricia Swihart, named personal representative or proposed personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Hastings and the named/proposed personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice.

Date: 12/22/2012 C. Marcel Stoetzel, III P61912 P.O. Box 352 Hastings, MI 49058 (269) 948-8321 Patricia Swihart 6405 Thornapple Lake Road, Lot 305 Nashville, MI 49073 (269) 852-0611 77573487 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 12-26179-DE Estate of JEAN S. STOVALL. Date of Birth: July 20, 1905.

TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, JEAN S. STOVALL, died February 17, 2008.

Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to JOHN KALP STOVALL, named personal representative or proposed personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 West Court, Ste 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 JOHN KALP STOVALL 8100 EAST UNION AVENUE SUITE 1412 DENVER, CO 80237 77573556 (720) 488-6540 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 77572736 (12-06)(01-10) GERNER & KEARNS, PLLC, IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT (216) 583-0660 IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. MORTGAGE SALE – Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Ileta L. Campbell, A Single Woman, Martin O. Disbrow and Denise Ann Disbrow, Husband and Wife, to Fifth Third Bank, Mortgagee, dated February 27, 2008, and recorded on March 14, 2008, in Instrument Number 200803140002391, in BARRY County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Eighty Six Thousand Nine Hundred Seventy Seven Dollars and Twenty Eight Cents ($86,977.28), including interest at 4.2% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, at the place of holding the circuit court within BARRY County, Michigan at 1:00 PM o’clock, on Thursday, January 17, 2013. Said premises are located in BARRY County, Michigan and are described as: City of Hastings, County of Barry, State of Michigan: The South 1/2 of Lot 73 of the original plat of the city, formerly village of Hastings, according to the recorded plat thereof.

Property Address: 211 South Market Street Hastings, Michigan 49058 Tax ID No. 55-001-24700 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If this 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 sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Fifth Third Bank (Western Michigan) Mortgagee/Assignee Gerner & Kearns, PLLC 526 Superior Avenue East, Suite 630 Cleveland, OH 44114 (12-13)(01-03) 77573126

POLICE BEAT Defect costs driver some time Hastings police officers stopped a vehicle Dec. 21 on South Hanover Street near the city limits for defective equipment. When officers made contact with the 20-year-old Battle Creek driver, they saw a bowl for smoking marijuana. When asked, the driver admitted to having marijuana in the bowl, and told officers he had a bag of marijuana in his jacket pocket, which he surrendered.

Hastings officers also learned of a warrant out of Barry Township for failing to appear for a charge of driving with license suspended. He was arrested and lodged at the Barry County Jail.

Man provides trail — right up to his door Deputies were called to a home on South M-37 in Baltimore Township the morning of Dec. 30 in reference to a missing snowmobile. Snowmobile tracks were clearly visible leading out of the owner’s yard and driveway, to Lawrence Road and onto Mixer Road. The tracks stopped at a Mixer Road residence where a snowmobile matching the owner’s description was located, and reportedly, the footwear prints in the snow were consistent as those found at the crime scene. The man who answered the door near the missing snowmobile was wearing footwear consistent with the tracks found in both locations. The 43-year-old man denied knowing anything about the missing snowmobile. He was arrested, and the case is under review by the prosecutor’s office.

Woman’s story slowly unfolds Hastings officers responded to the intersection of Woodlawn Avenue and Bachman Road for an accident around 4:27 a.m. Dec. 23, where they saw a Dodge Neon off of the roadway, against a utility pole. Nobody was near the vehicle. A short time later, a Hannah Lane resident called the police station to report that she had just been involved in the accident. When officers met with the woman, they said her speech was slurred and she was shaken up. Officers also reported a strong odor of intoxicants and said the woman was complaining of injuries. She told officers she had had a lot to drink and suspected she passed out while driving. She said she woke up after the accident and walked home. The woman was transported to Pennock Hospital for treatment of any injuries. While there, she told police she had smoked methamphetamine while out with her friends earlier that evening. When a blood test was completed, she was issued a citation for operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol and was released for continued treatment of her injuries.

Minor starts new year with a ticket Barry County Sheriff Deputies were

called to Pennock Hospital at 2:45 a.m. Jan. 1. Reportedly, a 20-year-old man was intoxicated and had been in an automobile accident. In the emergency room, the man told deputies he had indeed been drinking alcohol, but he did not know what kind or how much he had consumed. A portable test registered .052 percent and he was issued a citation for being a minor in possession by consumption of alcohol. The case remains open.

Mary Jane leaves potting soil behind Deputies were called to the area of Noonan and Baseline roads Dec. 31 for the possibility of marijuana in the road. Barry County Central Dispatch staff said the caller reported old potting soil and marijuana leaves all over the ground. Deputies were able to locate the potting soil on the side of the road, but no marijuana leaves were found. The case is closed.

Birth date trips up attempt at false identity A woman walking along M-66 near M-79 in Nashville was stopped by deputies around 11 p.m. Dec. 21. She told deputies she was just walking to her mother’s house, but agreed to ride with deputies to her destination. Before getting back into the vehicle, the deputy, who recognized the woman, asked her to identify herself and was provided a name of a different woman the deputy knew. When the deputy asked for her date of birth, the woman hesitated. He asked if she was giving a false name because there were warrants out for her arrest. She confirmed his suspicions. He learned that the 40-year-old Nashville woman had two outstanding warrants from Eaton Rapids. After arresting the woman and putting her into the back of the patrol vehicle, the deputy searched an area in front of the vehicle and found several prescription pills on the ground. Reportedly, this is the same area where the suspect had leaned over to put out a cigarette before being arrested. The woman admitted the pills were hers. When she was turned over to Eaton County law enforcement, more pills were found in her jacket and purse. The pills, which were not prescribed to the woman, included methadone and hydrocodone. The case was turned over to the Barry County Prosecutor.

Man drops call; states the obvious Hastings Police noticed a man walking in the 200 block of South Jefferson Street around 2:10 a.m. Dec. 23. The man was stumbling and appeared to be intoxicated.

Officers watched as the man attempted to use his cell phone, stopped walking and unzipped his pants. Police then witnessed the man urinate on the sidewalk and drop his cell phone. When asked about the act, he said, “I had to go. What was I suppose to do?” The 34-year-old Hastings man registered a .22 percent blood alcohol level on a portable breath test and was booked for disorderly conduct.

NOTICE

RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP 2013 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: The Rutland Charter Township Planning Commission will meet the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise posted.

77573502

Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township 2461 Heath Road, Hastings, MI 49058 (269) 948-2194

CITY OF HASTINGS POSITION AVAILABLE:

POLICE OFFICER This full-time position performs police patrol to enforce all applicable laws, produces required reports and testifies in Court as required. Must be MCOLES certified as a police officer in the State of Michigan. Good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing are also requires. Experience as a police officer is not required but is preferred.

Wages and benefits are governed by the collective bargaining agreement; current starting wage range is $14.05 to $20.07 per hour.

Please submit resume to Hastings Police Department, 201 E. State St., Hastings, Michigan 49058, 269.945.5744. To begin application process submit resume by January 18, 2013.

77574539

Jerry Sarver Chief of Police

Page 12 — Thursday, January 3, 2013 — The Hastings Banner

Vikings’ title tops list of top 2012 sports moments

Hastings’ varsity boys’ basketball team gets ready to celebrate after scoring a victory over Thornapple Kellogg in the Class B District Final at Lakewood High School in March.

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor Lakewood had a state champion wrestler in 2012, state medalists in track and field, district and conference championships in cheerleading and wrestling, golfers at the state finals.

Those were all tremendous accomplishments that took enormous effort. In the end though, it was all kind of been there, done that as the Lakewood varsity volleyball team did something it had never done before - win a state championship. The Lakewood girls won their school’s second team state championship, joining the 1975 Lakewood varsity boys’ basketball team.

It was kind of been there, done that for the Viking spikers too - at first. They won the Capital Area Activities Conference White Division without ever dropping a set in league play. They won district and regional titles, again, but then just kept on winning.

Finally, the Vikings got to celebrate at state championship after toppling North Branch 25-20, 25-18, 25-17 in the Class B State Championship Nov. 16 at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek.

The team, coached by Kellie and Clair Delton Kellogg senior Mitchell Wandell Rowland and Jeff Duits included seniors takes his turn cutting down a piece of the Emily Kutch, Brooke Wieland, Olivia Davis, net after the Panther varsity boys’ basBeth Tingley, Jordan Kietzman and Taylor Shook, juniors Taylor VantLand and Madison ketball team clinched its first conference Neustifter, sophomores Vanessa Reynhout championship since 1981 in March. and Gracie Shellenbarger, and freshmen ranked in the top ten in the state in Class B, Charlie Smith and Karly Morris.

Kutch and Wieland were named first team No. 3 Forest Hills Eastern, No. 6 Holland all-state in Class B, and Davis second team Christian and No. 9 South Christian.

The Vikings need to play ten sets to win the all-state. They weren’t the only local spikers regional title, topping Holland Christian 25to earn all-state honors.

Delton Kellogg’s Alishia Vanderwoude and 21, 25-21, 19-25, 24-26, 15-5 in the semifiRachel Parker were both honorable mention nals and then Forest Hills Eastern 25-27, 27all-state in Division 3. In Division 2, 12, 23-25, 25-21, 15-7 in the regional final.

Lakewood finished the year with a 52-4 Thornapple Kellogg’s Sydney LeMay was named second team all-state, while Alaina record, and Forest Hills Eastern had handed the Vikings two of those four losses in their Pohl earned an honorable mention nod.

“It was amazing,” Wieland said after her only two meetings of the regular season. The team’s state championship victory. “We’ve Vikings’ other two losses were to Grand worked so many years for this. Once again, Rapids Christian.

“It’s exciting,” said Tingley, the Viking we’ve been told every year since we’ve been in high school that we’re going to go all the libero after her team clinched the regional way and we finally executed and made it hap- title. “It’s probably the most, best experience I’ve ever had in my whole life. I never pen this year.”

The Vikings had a tough road just to get to thought seven years of working this hard Battle Creek. They knocked off a young, tal- would pay off, but it did.

“We worked so hard to get here. If it wasented Wayland team 3-1 in the district semifinals with the help of a rally in the first set that n’t for (coaches) Kellie, and Cameron turned a 17-6 Wayland lead into a 26-24 (Rowland) and Clair (Rowland) and Jeff Viking victory. The Vikings then knocked off (Duits) we wouldn’t be where we are today.

Thornapple Kellogg in the district finals for Not even close.”

Lakewood then topped Berrien Springs 26the second year in a row.

The top ranked Vikings were then a part of 24, 25-13, 29-27 in the state quarterfinals in a regional tournament at Thornapple Kellogg Allegan to earn a spot in the semifinals at High School which included four teams Kellogg Arena. In the semi’s, Lakewood defeated Dearborn Divine Child 25-22, 25-9, 25-21.

That state championship was the second of 2012 for Lakewood. Garrett Hyatt became the third Lakewood heavyweight in six years to win an individual state championship when he caught Dundee’s John Marogen in a headand-arm and pinned him 1 minute and 48 seconds into their 285-pound championship match at the Division 3 Individual State Finals at the Palace of Auburn Hills in March.

“I told him before we came down here, ‘you’re not good enough to win it, but you’re not bad enough where you can’t,’ said Lakewood head coach Bob Veitch, “and I told him ‘you’re not one like a (Adam) Coon or a

The Saxons’ Kylee Nemetz watches a drive fly during the Division 3 State Finals at Bedford Valley Golf Course in Battle Creek in October. Nemetz was seventh individually at the finals and the Saxon team finished sixth.

Lakewood’s varsity volleyball team celebrates its first ever state championship after a 3-0 victory over North Branch in the Class B State Final at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek Nov. 17. (Photo by Brett Bremer) (Taylor) Massa who’s going to walk through destroying everybody. You’re going to have to go out and wrestle.’”

Hyatt did do his fair share of destroying though. He pulled out a 2-1 win over Highland Park’s Martaz Crutchfield in the opening round, then pinned his next three foes on the way to the title. He stuck Almont’s Tom Ray one minute into their championship quarterfinal, then pinned Gladwin’s Jake Roza 2:54 into their championship semifinal.

“Amazing, I never would have expected this,” Hyatt said.

It would have been less of a surprise if freshman Jordon Bennett had won a state title in his first trip to the individual state finals.

Bennett started wrestling at the Palace with an 39-0 record, but was done after two matches.

“It wasn’t his day. It wasn’t his weekend, and he’ll be the first to tell you that he just didn’t feel right and wrestle right,” Veitch said. “He’s a freshman and he’ll be back. He’s got to learn from that. We’ve got to go over some things to get him ready for next year.

“Do I think he should have been in the top two? Yeah, I do. He’s that good, but he wasn’t this weekend. He’ll recover and be back.”

Those weren’t the only two local wrestles at the individual state finals. And Bennett wasn’t the only local wrestler to arrive at the Palace with an undefeated record.

Thornapple Kellogg senior 285-pounder Adrian Foster was undefeated heading into the Palace, and finished fifth in his weight class in Division 2, finishing the year with a 47-2 record. His freshman teammate Chris Poland was eighth at 103 pounds.

Junior Cash Flower won Maple Valley’s lone state medal in 2012, finishing eighth in the 152-pound weight class at the Division 4 Individual Wrestling Finals.

Lakewood one the area’s only wrestling district championship in 2012, but both Lakewood and Thornapple Kellogg’s varsity wrestling teams won conference titles, the Vikings in the Capital Area Activities Conference White Division and the Trojans in the OK Gold.

The OK Gold’s shake-up was one of the big stories of 2012. Caledonia and Forest Hills Eastern left the league, making it a sixteam league with TK, Hastings, Grand Rapids Catholic Central, Ottawa Hills, Wayland and South Christian.

Thornapple Kellogg won its first conference championship in the new league in October.

Led by state medalist Melissa Winchester, the OK Gold Conference champion Trojans went on to finish fourth at the Division 2 Lower Peninsula Cross Country Championship at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) in Brooklyn in November.

Winchester, a sophomore, earned all-state honors with her 24th-place time of 18:38.2.

All seven Trojans ran their best times of the season, and six of the seven had career personal records. TK senior Casey Lawson just missed all-state honors, which went to the top 30. She was 37th in 18:58.7.

It was the first trip to the finals as a team for the Trojans since 2001. Getting out of their tough regional was the key.

“I was never so happy to be second in my entire life,” TK head coach Tammy Benjamin said, after her team’s runner-up regional finish.

Delton Kellogg’s girls’ team ran at MIS as well, finishing 27th in the Division 3 race.

Golfers and swimmers from Barry County

The Hastings varsity competitive cheer team looks on from the background as Thornapple Kellogg’s team waits for its score to be read at their Division 2 Regional Tournament at Grand Rapids Christian High School. The Trojans finished third at the regional to earn their first trip to the state finals.

Thornapple Kellogg’s varsity baseball team begins the celebration after a 3-1 victory over Portland in the Division 2 Regional Final at DeWitt High School in June. also finished their fall season at the state finals.

The TK/Hastings swimmers reached the state finals after their team’s second straight undefeated regular season. Alexa Schipper was 15th in the 100-yard breaststroke at the Division 1 State Finals in Holland, and she teamed with Kayla Strumberger, Hannah Bashore and Kayla Kroells to finish 15th in the 100-yard medley relay.

Hastings finished sixth and Lakewood tenth at the Division 3 Girls’ Golf Finals in October.

The Saxons reached the finals at Bedford Valley Golf Course in Battle Creek after winning their second straight regional championship. It was the fourth straight year the Saxon girls finished in the top seven in the state, and the fifth straight year the team had a state medalist.

Hastings’ Kylee Nemetz finished in a tie for seventh with her two-day score of 169.

She fired an 85 on the first day of the finals then came back with an 84 on day two.

Lakewood varsity golf coach Carl Kutch was impressed with his team’s play in its first appearance in the state finals, and with the support his girls received.

“All of the sudden I looked down the fairway and could see almost 20 students huddled together, and I knew it was (the Lakewood students),” said coach Kutch.

“I drove my cart a little further and saw 20 to 25 more on another hole. I recalled a similar experience back in 2004 when our boys made their first trip to the finals. It is the coolest thing to see high school kids that are so supportive of their friends and classmates.”

“Lakewood students have once again proved they are the best fans in the entire state. We had, by far, the largest gallery on the golf course,” he added.

Four of the five Vikings improved their on their score from the first day during the second day of the 36-hole tournament, and the fifth matched her score from day one.

Emily Barker led the Vikings each day, shooting a 92-89-181 for the tournament, which put her among the top 25 individuals.

Other big moments in the fall season included the Lakewood varsity boys’ soccer team winning its first ever district championship, the Hastings varsity football team qualifying for the state playoffs once again, and Delton Kellogg varsity volleyball coach Jack Magelssen calling it quits after his team’s district defeat.

“I’m going to go have fun with my grandkids,” said Magelssen, the nation’s all-time winningest high school volleyball coach.

The Panthers were 29-22 this season, upping Magelssen’s win total to 1,832 for his career. He guided Portage Northern to ten Class A state championships, and two runnerup finishes, before coming to Delton Kellogg in 2005. He led the Delton girls to their first ever district and conference victories, as well as a trip to the state championship match in 2009 and the state semifinals in 2011.

The wrestlers weren’t the only ones who had a great time last winter.

It was an outstanding competitive cheer

Delton Kellogg senior Ryan Watson (left) and Andrea Polley share a moment on the infield at Comstock Park High School during the Division 3 Track and Field Finals in June. Polley earned the county’s only state medal at the D3 finals, placing fifth in the 300-meter low hurdles. season for the local teams. Barry County’s five schools are represented in three cheer conferences, and local teams won all three.

The Lakewood girls won the Capital Area Activities Conference Blue/White Division, Thornapple Kellogg won the OK Gold, and Delton Kellogg won the Southern Michigan Competitive Cheer Conference.

The Hastings, Lakewood and Thornapple Kellogg cheer teams all qualified for the regional round of the state tournament.

Lakewood’s girls won their first ever district championship in Division 3. The Trojans were second at their district tournament in Division 2, and then third at their regional to earn their first ever trip to the Division 2 State Finals at the DeltaPlex in Grand Rapids, where they placed seventh.

“It’s like you have 22 kids, and all year they work so hard,” said TK head coach Abby Kanitz after her team’s state qualifying performance in the regional tournament hosted

by Grand Rapids Christian. “Everybody here works hard, but you want it more for your kids than for anybody else. Man, they’ve worked hard.”

Nobody in the area had a better winter basketball season than Delton Kellogg.

Delton Kellogg’s varsity boys’ basketball team won its first conference championship since 1981 and the varsity girls’ basketball team won its first district championship ever.

Senior Ryan Watson scored 44 points in his team’s 95-68 over Olivet, which clinched the KVA title in the final game of the conference

Continued next page

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 3, 2013 — Page 13

Vikes beat last year’s state semifinalists at tournament

From previous page season.

“We haven’t had a KVA championship in 31 years ,and every practice we look up at the banner, that’s what we want,” said Watson.

“Since we were little we wanted this. This is what we wanted. We were determined.”

Delton Kellogg’s girls topped Lawton 5446 in the Class C District Final at GalesburgAugusta High School for their first ever district title.

“A great win for the kids, the school and the community,” said Delton Kellogg head coach Mike Mohn. “The fans were outstanding and supported the kids throughout the tournament. It really was a great community event. The police escort out of town was a rush, and then the police and fire department welcome coming back into town after the win was second to none. Lights flashing, sirens blaring and singing the school’s fight song on the bus as we entered town, it just is what’s good about high school sports in a town like Delton.”

The Hastings varsity boys’ basketball team was 10-10 in the regular season, but rattled off three straight wins to earn a Class B District title in 2012.

The Saxon defense shut down Thornapple Kellogg and its star guard Greg Hamilton for a 43-30 win in the district final, giving up just 15 points through the first three quarters at Lakewood High School.

“The kids bought in completely to what we wanted to get accomplished, but I will tell you and compliments to (Hamilton), we did stuff different than I’ve ever done anything before because he’s that type of player,” said Hastings head coach Don Schils, who’s teams have won six district titles since he took over the program at the start of the 1993-94 season. “We clogged up the paint. Instead of jumping to the ball we jumped to the paint and ran anytime he got by Ian Beck, who did a phenomenal job. There was always going to be somebody there to pick him up.”

Watson also helped Delton Kellogg’s varsity track and field team to a conference championship in the spring, winning his team’s only individual conference title at the KVA Meet. He took the high jump by clearing 6-1.

The Delton boys still won the conference meet by more than 20 points over runner-up Parchment.

“It just shows that depth, and those extra points, and getting that second guy to squeeze into the points or third even,” said Delton Kellogg head coach Dale Grimes.

That was the only conference championship won by a Barry County team in the spring, but the area still had lots of state success.

Thornapple Kellogg’s varsity baseball team came one victory short of earning a spot in the final four in Division 2 last spring, falling 5-1 to Grand Rapids Christian in the state quarterfinals at Hope College in June.

That was the end of the best postseason run ever by the Trojan varsity baseball team. TK hadn’t won a district before. The Trojans accomplished that feat by knocking off Byron Center 8-7 in the district final at the South Christian Sports Park.

Sophomore Garrett Harris drove in senior Nate Iveson from second base with a single in the bottom of the sixth to score the go-ahead run against the Bulldogs.

“It was tremendous,” said first-year TK head coach Jack Hobert. “As soon as that last out was made, the gloves went up in the air. I went and picked up (freshman pitcher) Dalton Phillips. It was a rough day for him. He’d never been hit like that. That celebration went on into the night. The kids were all together talking about it, and the parents were beaming from ear to ear.”

Phillips went the distance on the mound for the Trojans, striking out eight. He gave up ten hits including a couple doubles and a couple triples, and walked just one though. All seven runs off of him were earned.

Led by senior first baseman Dylan VanPutten, and great pitching from the youngsters Phillips and Harris all season, the Trojans went on to capture a regional title as well. They defeated Fowlerville 10-2 in the

Lakewood senior Garrett Hyatt celebrates his state championship after pinning Dundee’s John Marogen in the 285-pound final at the Division 3 Individual State Finals at the Palace of Auburn Hills in March.

Lakewood senior Ashley Jemison who was second at the Division 2 State Finals in the discus with a throw of 123 feet 9 inches at Houseman Field in Grand Rapids in June. regional semifinals at DeWitt High School, then edged Portland 3-1 in the regional championship game.

“From day one we’ve all just played as a team,” said VanPutten. “We’ve all trusted each other. We do things as a team. We hang out as a team. It’s all about the team, for sure.”

All nine Trojan starters had at least one hit in the regional tournament. Seven different guys notched at least one RBI. Seven different guys scored at least one run.

The highlight of the spring individually came from Lakewood senior Ashley Jemison, who was second at the Division 2 State Finals in the discus with a throw of 123-9 at Houseman Field in Grand Rapids in June.

“The height of my disc was definitely good today, and my spin was good. I’ve been leaning the past couple meets and I didn’t today,” Jemison said.

“I practiced a lot over the last two days trying to get ready.”

Thornapple Kellogg was represented in both throws at the state finals by senior Erin Ellinger, who was fourth in the discus with a mark of 119-8 and fifth in the shot put with a throw of 38-0. The TK boys’ team also had a discus medalist, as Michael ‘Trey’ Mahon was fifth in his event with a school-record mark of 159-3.

Jemison’s performance was one of two medal winning performances for the Lakewood ladies at the finals. The Vikings also got an eighth-place finish from their 800meter relay team. Ellie Reynolds, Madison McLean, Alexis Kosten and Mycah Ridder finished that race in a school record time of 1 minute 47.35 seconds.

The Vikings almost missed out on competing in the event at the state finals at all. They dropped the baton at their regional race, but managed to recover it and still finish second.

That left the Vikings in the first heat of the race at the state finals though, with just one other team, St. Clair which finished in 1:52.92. The Lakewood girls had to push themselves.

“We had to run for time really,” Ridder said. “We felt pretty looserish. They called us heat zero, not first, zero.

“It was a miracle really.”

After their race, the Viking foursome had to sit and watch as three other full heats of girls took their turns.

“Seeing the other girls was a little intimidating. They’re so tall,” said Ridder.

“And they look so fast,” added McLean.

It’s like, we’re not that fast.”

Hastings senior Jacob Comer was the area’s only other medalist at the Division 2 State Track and Field Finals. He was eighth in the 110-meter high hurdles in 14.99 seconds.

A hurdler was the area’s only medalist at the Division 3 State Finals in Comstock Park, as Delton Kellogg senior Andrea Polley placed fifth in the 300-meter low hurdles in 47.61.

Delton Kellogg’s Mitchell Wandell earned a state medal in the spring as well, placing sixth at the Division 3 boys’ golf finals.

He fired a 72-74-146 over the course of the two-day, 36-hole tournament at Forest Akers East Golf Course in East Lansing.

“His game has improved a lot,” said Delton Kellogg head coach Kent Enyart. “He was good as a freshman, but he just hits the ball so far now. As a person, he’s as good a kid as I’ve ever had. He’s humble. He never gets too high. He never gets too low. The worst you’re gonna hear out of him is ‘dang it!” I’m gonna miss him a lot. I really am, going to be missing writing ‘Mitchell Wandell’ down on the scorecard or the roster.”

Lakewood’s varsity girls’ basketball team handed Concord its first loss since last year’s Class C State Semifinals Thursday, in the opening round of the Parma Western Holiday Hoops Tournament.

The Yellowjackets were 26-1 a year ago, and were off to a 6-0 start to this season with seven seniors back before they ran into the Vikings who pulled out a 50-48 victory.

“It was a good win for us against a very good team,” said Lakewood head coach Denny Frost. “The kids came out with some good energy early and got off to a good start.”

Lakewood took control of the ball game in the second quarter, outscoring the Yellowjackets 18-11 to take a 29-21 lead into the break.

“Liz Campeau and Taylor Vantland gave us some good minutes early,” Frost said. “Emily Kutch was solid even though she was battling foul trouble.”

Concord would battle back to tie the game in the third quarter, as the Vikings shuffled Kutch and point guard Brooke Wieland in an out of the line-up because of foul trouble.

Frost said he and his staff had challenged the girls to play with some urgency the past few days, and after a time-out with the game tied the Vikings did just that. They pushed their lead up to ten points.

The final difference was two points, but that was with a Concord basket at the buzzer.

Ellie Reynolds had just hit two big free throws to put the Vikings up four.

Kutch led the Vikings with 19 points, four steals and seven rebounds. Campeau had ten points and eight rebounds, and Vantland finished with seven points. Wieland had five points to go along with seven assists.

Concord got 18 points, three steals and four assists from Megan Redman. Savanna Brooks and Maycee Brigham had nine points each.

Brooks added six rebounds, four assists and

two steals.

The Vikings couldn’t carry the momentum from the win into Friday’s tournament final though, as they fell 47-27 to a talented Napoleon team which improved to 9-1 with its victory.

“We just didn’t have the energy to compete tonight,” Frost said. “They beat us in every phase of the game. Their pressure got us into a helter skelter game and we didn’t run our sets. This caused us to shoot some quick shots and we didn't hit them.”

Lakewood was held to just 13 points through the first three quarters. Napoleon had that many points in the first quarter, and led 25-9 at the half.

Mackenzie Fairbanks led Napoleon with 14 points and seven rebounds. Dani Maxson added nine points and Mackenzie Haltom eight.

Lakewood got seven points from Wieland and five from Jessyca Stopeker.

The Vikings are now 3-6 on the season.

LHS girls will host fundraiser at Good Time in Nashville The Lakewood girls’ basketball program will be hosting a fundraiser at Good Time Pizza in Nashville Monday, Jan. 7, beginning at 4 p.m.

The players will be helping out with waitress duties.

Varsity girls’ basketball coach Denny Frost said it is a chance for folks to enjoy a great meal and help out the girls’ basketball program at the same time.

Bowling Scores Thurday Majors Hastings Bowl 41-27; Pocket Pounders 4127; Old Men 40.5-27.5; Red Rockets 40-28; Muff Divers 34.5-33.5; Arens Lawn 34.533.5; HDR 30.5-37.5.

High Games and Series - L. Campbell 169; C. Wyman 199-561; J. Haight 202-578; A. Morgan 246-712; M. Arens 198; M. Miller 221; C. Curtis 225; M. Davis 245-711; M. Magoon 204; D. Varney 220-591; D. Endres 247-707; B. Taylor 227-623; J. Hunt 198; J. Barnum 202; K. Phenix 237-675; D. Hair 215; D. Smith 195; B. Burke 179-506; K. Troyer 210-556; K. Hess 214-620.

Thursday Angels Riverfront Fin. Ser. 42-22; Moore’s Apts.

39-25; Miller Farm Repair 39-25; Varney’s Const. 39-25; Cathy’s Cut & Curl 35-29; Hastings Bowl 30.5-33.5; DJ on the Roll 25.538.5.

High Games and Series - M. Moore 177; L. Apsey 152; A. Croff 133; C. Cooper 205534; A. Moore 169-461; B. Noteboom 237639; L. Brandt 200-0515; Cathy S. 153; N. Newton 169-418; Colleen S. 235-610; D. Curtis 190; M. Miller 154; C. Gdula 164; C. Miller 174; M. Gdula 204.

Sunday Night Mixed Comebacks 43; Street Bowlers 39; H20 35; You’re Up N Shit 31; Sunday Snoozers 30; Straightliners 28; The Wild Bunch 28.

Women’s Good Games and Series - J. Shoebridge 145-400; C. Demott 149-374; F. Featherly 154-368; A. Hubbell 187; K. Plett 136; R. Hunt 124.

Men’s Good Games and Series - B. Hubbell 194-548; J. Shoebride 176-512; B. Kelley 157-458; B. Allen 202; C. Santana 197; R. Snyder 179; T. Demott 170; C. Featherly 169; T. Santana 165.

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Thornapple Kellogg sophomore Melissa Winchester earned Barry County’s lone state medal at the Lower Peninsula Cross Country Championship in November, placing 24th in the Division 2 girls’ race.

The Saxons’ Jacob Comer, shown here at the state finals in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles, earned a state medal for his eighth place finish in the 110-meter high hurdles at the Division 2 State Finals in Grand Rapids in June.

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

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Page 14 — Thursday, January 3, 2013 — The Hastings Banner

Cougars bump Hastings record at Breslin to 0-3

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor A trip to East Lansing was a nice walk down memory lane for Steve Storrs and the Hastings varsity boys’ basketball team’s coaching staff.

It was just too bad the results were the same for the Saxons.

Hastings fell 45-42 to Lansing Catholic in the final game of Thursday’s Holiday Hoops Invitational inside Michigan State University’s Breslin Center, the home of the Spartan basketball program and the home of the MHSAA state semifinals and finals.

Coaches Don Schils and Scott Allan were coaches for the Saxons’ 1998 and 1999 state semifinalist squads. Storrs finished his junior and senior seasons at the Breslin Center, and fellow coach Jeff Storrs was a senior on the team in 1998.

“We were talking on the way here, it was 15 years ago when we first went to the semifinals and then went the year after,” said Steve. “For us coaches it’s kind of a nice little bit of reminiscence coming back. It was fun that way, unfortunately now we’re 0 for 3.”

River Rouge knocked off the Saxons in each of those state semifinal appearances,

then went on to win Class B state championships.

Those River Rouge teams had some size and so do the Lansing Catholic Cougars this season. Junior 6-8 center David Poljan led the Cougars with 16 points, but was an even more disruptive presence on the defensive end of the floor.

Thanks to the Cougars’ solid zone defense he could just sit back in the lane and wait to turn aside any shooters that came his way.

“That is one of the better zones that we’ll face, with that size that they’re able to cover underneath and out to the wings. We didn’t have too many uncontested shots,” said coach Steve Storrs.

Saxon guard Luke Heide was able to find enough space to pour in a game-high 19 points, and didn’t get deterred by his first few shots in the big, open arena missing their mark.

Hastings led 18-10 after a 6-0 run to start the second half, but then struggled a bit offensively. The Cougars closed out the half on a 50 run, then scored the first six points of the second half to gain a 21-18 lead.

The Saxons were able to put together a run in the fourth quarter to get the lead back

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Hastings’ Luke Heide (14) rises over Lansing Catholic’s Jacob Foy to put up a shot Thursday at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings’ Ian Beck turns to look for help after coming out of a pile, that included teammate Michael Eastman (right) and Lansing Catholic’s Dillon Rush, with a loose ball Thursday during the Holiday Hoops Invitational on the campus of Michigan State University.

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The Saxons’ Eric Hart (right) tips off Thursday’s contest with David Poljan (33) and Lansing Catholic during the Holiday Hoops Invitational at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

briefly. The run started on the defensive end where Hastings employed a trap that was able to disrupt the Cougar attack.

“We’ve been working on it. It depends on who we’re playing against,” coach Storrs said. “We thought we had a little bit of quickness with the guards there, and some opportunity to trap. Having these practices over Christmas there’s a lot of time to start putting some of that stuff in when we have a few practices in a row without a game.”

A bucket by 6-2 senior Dillon Rush gave the Cougars the lead back late in the fourth quarter, then the Cougars were able to fight off a couple of Saxon possessions in the final minute.

Rush finished with seven points. Joey Jurkovic had 11 for the Cougars.

Jurkovic and Heide both drilled three therepointers in the contest.

Behind Heide for the Saxons, Michael Eastman had eight points, Maxwell Clark seven and Alex Cherry six.

The Saxons were 10-of-10 at the free throw line as a team.

It was the first loss of the season for the

Hastings coach Steve Storrs shouts out instructions to his team during the second half of Thursday’s Holiday Hoops Invitational contest against Lansing Catholic at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Saxons, who are now 4-1. They’re off now until a trip to Charlotte Tuesday.

O’Mara hits a dozen threes in Viking win

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by Brett Bremer Sports Editor Even when the Spartans were really focused on not letting Colin O’Mara hit a three he would hit a three.

Lakewood’s varsity boys’ basketball team scored its second victory of the season in the consolation game of the Jackson Parma Western Holiday Hoops tournament Friday, topping Springport 82-63.

O’Mara fired in 12-three pointers, and one two just for good measure in the opening quarter, to finish the night with 38 points. He wasn’t just firing up shots though, he was pulling down misses - especially in the second half. He also had eight rebounds in the Viking victory.

“They went to a box-and-1 on him for two possessions, but he hit threes out of a set on both of them,” said Lakewood head coach Wayne Piercefield. “I bet he missed maybe five or six. He shot about 18. He was just on fire. The net wasn’t even moving. He was just dead on.”

The 12 three-pointers matches the NBA record for most threes in a game, which is held by Kobe Bryant and Donyell Marshall.

Piercefield said he wasn’t sure of the Lakewood record for threes in a game. The most anyone on the coaching staff could remember a player hitting was eight.

O’Mara hit five of his threes in the third quarter.

Piercefield said that his players avoiding letting the offense become stagnant for the full 32 minutes allowed for the offensive explosion.

“We were pushing the ball in transition.

Daniel Sauers ran the point for us and did a really nice job of moving the ball up the floor

before they were getting into their defensive sets. We did a nice job of moving the ball from side to side,” Piercefield said.

The Vikings have shown a pretty potent offense when they’re moving the basketball.

Adding the last two quarters in Thursday’s tournament loss to Concord the Vikings have scored 126 points in their last six quarters of basketball.

“I was really happy for the guys. It has been a tough 21 days since our last win,” Piercefield said. “They’ve been working hard in practice and we just weren’t clicking on all cylinders.”

Lakewood played fast, but not hurried. The Vikings only turned the ball over ten times.

The Vikings jumped out to a 23-12 lead on the Spartans and never looked back. Alex Caudy had a huge game too, with 17 points and 14 rebounds.

“Alex didn’t play much at first, but he’s played almost all of the last two games. He’s so athletic, I haven’t been able to take him off the floor,” said Piercefield.

Lakewood also got eight points from Dylan Durkee and seven from Alex Potter. Kalib McKinney had a team-high six assists to go with six rebounds. Mike Carr chipped in another five rebounds.

Springport was led by Logan Neill’s 16 points and 13 from Kyle Frizzell.

As well as things went Friday, they were about that bad in the first half of Thursday’s tournament opener against Concord.

The Vikings fell in a 29-13 hole in the first half, and their second-half comeback came up short in a 62-57 loss.

“We had lazy defensive rotation. We were not moving on offense, then in the second half we played our tails off,” Piercefield said.

Caudy led the second half charge, with 12 of his 14 points coming in the second half.

O’Mara led the Vikings with 15 points. He had one three in each of the first two quarters, then poured in nine points in the fourth quarter.

Potter chipped in ten points and Luke Richmond had eight.

Concord did just enough at the foul line to hold off the Vikings in the fourth quarter.

Jacob Brigham finished with 13 points. He was 7-of-10 at the free throw line, but just 3of-6 in the fourth quarter. Drew Philson added 11 points, knocking down 5-of-7 free throws in the fourth quarter.

Jesse Brigham also had 11 points for Concord, and Jesse Wilson led his team with 17 points.

Lakewood is now 3-4 overall. The Vikings return to action at Lowell Jan. 4.

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