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DK board talks of rising MEAP, suicide prevention

Nonprofits fight for their rights

Saxons cagers clinch first title since ‘88

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See Editorial on Page 4

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THE HASTINGS

VOLUME 160, No. 8

BANNER Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856

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Thursday, February 21, 2013

Funding for additional Gun Lake patrol under study NEWS

BRIEFS

Pierce Cedar Creek going native Friday, Feb. 22, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute will launch a fundraising campaign to establish native prairie on the earth-bermed north side of its visitor center.

The Grow Native prairie planting project will cost an estimated $10,000 for the 10,406 square-foot section of berm. The non-native grasses and scrub on the berm will be eliminated and replaced with native grasses, coneflowers and milkweed.

“The entrance way to the visitor center will then be a visible representation of what has been accomplished on other pieces of property at the institute,” said Executive Director Michelle Skedgell, adding that they hope to reach the goal by April 22, Earth Day. More than 20 native plants and educational signs will greet guests and introduce visitors to the institute’s land-management and conservation practices.

An added twist to the fundraiser is the opportunity to vote for a favorite prairie species, including the prairie vole, Henslow’s sparrow, white false indigo (flowering plant), red-legged spittlebug and Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake.

To learn more about the prairie planting project, call 269-721-4190 or to donate online go to www.cedarcreekinstitute.org/donate.

by Doug VanderLaan Editor With winds swirling snow and driving wind chills down on a blustery winter day, members of the Barry County Board of Commissioners found just the subject needed at their committee of the whole meeting Tuesday to make it feel like summer.

Unfortunately, the request for additional summer county sheriff patrols on Gun Lake may have provided a little too much heat, especially from a township supervisor who was once a county commissioner.

“The Gun Lake Protective Association has requested that we do an experimental contract where they would be able to request specific dates and times for additional hours,” reported Julie Jones, sergeant in charge of the Barry County Sheriff Department’s Marine Division. “We came to an agreement to start with a $2,000 contract where we would see how it would go for a few years to see if it was effective and useful for this agency, the county and the Gun Lake Protective Association.”

Jones presented commissioners with a pro-

Pet owners can get coupons during Spay Day The Barry County Humane Society will participate in Spay Day Tuesday, Feb. 26, a day set aside internationally to help with the ongoing problem of pet overpopulation.

In just seven years, one cat, her mate and their offspring can produce more than 300,000 homeless animals. To help prevent the problem of too many animals and not enough good homes, the local Humane Society will be offering Barry County residents $20 discount certificates, good toward the total cost of sterilizing their pets.

Tuesday, Feb. 26, pet owners may call the Humane Society, 269-945-0602 or 269-945-3169, or stop by their office, located on the second floor of the Masonic Building, 106-B E. State St., Hastings, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., and receive one or more of these discount certificates.

The Barry County Humane Society is not the same organization as the Barry County Animal Shelter and is not at the shelter location.

Free smokingcessation workshop planned A workshop to help smokers quit the nicotine habit is planned for Wednesday, Feb. 27, from noon to 2 p.m. at the BarryEaton District Health Department, 330 W. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings.

Register for the class by calling Jill Sambaer, 517-541-2610 or email jsambaer@bedhd.org. Lack of participants may lead to cancellation of class.

Sambaer said the free program is a nopressure, one-time workshop that shows smokers how to be smoke-free. Included

See NEWS BRIEFS, continued on page 2

posed agreement that would establish Yankee Springs Township as the contracting agent which would, in turn, be reimbursed by the GLPA for cost of services outlined in the sample agreement submitted Tuesday by Jones.

The agreement calls for the township to pay a $20 per hour flat rate to the county for up to 100 hours of additional patrol time during the June 1 to Sept. 1 summer season. The extra contract hours would be in addition to the normally provided hours through a State of Michigan grant to the county, which averages 700 hours per season.

“That’s cheap,” reacted Commissioner Howard “Hoot” Gibson.

“That’s real cheap,” seconded Commissioner Joyce Snow.

Jones justified her calculation by stating the additional marine officer would be a parttime employee without a benefits package paid at a $13 per hour rate. The additional $7 per hour amount would cover incidental costs such as fuel, equipment, uniforms, maintenance, and liability insurance.

Commission Chair Craig Stolsonburg questioned Jones’ figures, pointing out that the marine division operates on a $134,000 annual budget and, based on last year’s 2,100 hours of service, the average cost for division service is $64 per hour.

“We’re not comparing apples to apples,” responded Jones. “I included lake time only.

The $20 per hour does not include the education we do for new boaters, training, investigation time, or court appearances we may be required to make.”

Commissioner Jon Smelker took issue with comments made by Jones suggesting that, at times identified as high-patrol needs or in the enforcement of noise ordinances, more than one officer would be on duty, either in the boat or on land.

“With two officers in a boat, that’s $26 per hour,” appealed Smelker, “and you’re even talking about adding a boat during the fireworks event.”

Jones agreed, but said that the additional officer allocation would be applied against the contracted 100 hours of additional patrol.

“We’re not comparing apples to apples. I included lake time only. The $20 per hour does not include the education we do for new boaters, training, investigation time, or court appearances we may be required to make.”

Julie Jones, sergeant in charge of the Barry County Sheriff Department’s Marine Division

“They’re gettin’ a deal,” observed Gibson, which elicited the entry of Yankee Springs Township Supervisor Mark Englerth to the discussion.

“These citizens felt so strongly about public safety that they were willing to dip into their own pockets,” said Englerth in reference to the GLPA’s participation in the proposed deal. “They didn’t ask for a millage.

“I’m a little disappointed that, whether on water or on land, the safety of citizens isn’t a priority,” added Englerth. “ I think we need a mindset of how we get it done, not of how much more can we charge.”

The commission voted 6-1, with Smelker dissenting, to recommend that the contract be approved by the full commission at next week’s board of commissioners meeting.

“I just feel that $20 does not represent the full cost to the county,” Smelker said after the meeting. “The time, the fuel and two people in a boat just doesn’t add up.”

In other business, commissioners: • Recommended board approval of an $8,930 expenditure from the diverted felons fund for purchase of a “total station” to assist

See COUNTY, page 8

Winterfest is blast of winter fun The annual Gun Lake Winterfest weekend of events provided something for everyone — from a dip in the icy waters of Gun Lake for the very brave, to games of snow volleyball, a pizza-eating contest, beard contest, talent show, dance, comedy night, chili cook-off and the popular swimsuit fashion show for those dreaming of summer on the beaches. More than 150 jumpers took a leap into Gun Lake, raising more than $1,100 for the Winterfest committee, which provides funding for local charities. Look for more photos from the weekend events in this weekend’s Reminder and Sun and News. (Photo by Perry Hardin)

Shooting of Dowling man still under investigation The shooting death of 41-year-old Ralph Oliver Elliott by a Barry County Deputy on Feb. 9 is still under investigation, according to Barry County Prosecutor Julie NakfoorPratt. The investigation is being conducted by Michigan State Police.

Pratt said in a telephone interview on Feb. 19, that toxicology and autopsy reports will not be available for several more weeks.

Witness and officer statements, along with the available evidence, are currently under review. No official updates on the shooting will be released until the reports become available and have been reviewed by Pratt.

The Feb. 9 incident occurred at 9840 S. Banfield Road in Dowling and was the result of an alleged domestic situation between Elliot and his wife. Elliot’s wife called 911.

The official 911 recording is not available per

Pratt’s order.

Prior to the arrival of Barry County Deputies, Elliott was reportedly armed with two handguns. Deputies surrounded the home and Barry County Central Dispatch informed officers the suspect was located inside the house. Elliot walked out of the residence 25 minutes later and allegedly ignored numerous verbal commands from deputies to stop moving toward them.

An MSP press release on Feb. 13 said Elliott was tasered by a deputy, but not subdued. Elliott reportedly continued to disobey the officers’ commands and was allegedly reaching into his front pocket when the deputy elected to shoot him twice in the hip with a .223 caliber patrol rifle. Elliot died from his injuries.

Delton Kellogg High crowns its 2013 WinterFest royalty Brandon Robbins (left) and Corinthia Andersen were named the 2103 Delton Kellogg WinterFest King and Queen during a ceremony between the Panther varsity basketball teams’ games against Galesburg-Augusta Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin)

Page 2 — Thursday, February 21, 2013 — The Hastings Banner

Heart and hands reach across 4,500 miles

by Bonnie Mattson Staff Writer From Hastings to St. Petersburg, Russia, the heart and hands of local resident Christian Yonkers are far reaching.

Yonkers, a 2011 graduate of Barry County Christian School, is set to take his third trip to Russia to make a difference in the lives of orphans there.

A student at Kellogg Community College, Yonkers has not yet settled on a major, since his interests lead him in several different directions.

According to Orphan Outreach, the organization Yonkers is affiliated with, when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, the orphan care system also fell. Currently, more than 750,000 children are in the orphanage system and hundreds of thousands more are living in the streets.

Yonkers, 20, said he has been fascinated with Russian culture since he was 11. He spent time studying the country, its people and language, hoping to visit one day. The opportunity came through a 10-day mission trip in 2011 with WCSG, a Grand Rapids Christian radio station and Orphan Outreach.

Yonkers spent time in an orphanage camp outside of the city, holding vacation Bible school for the children, spending time, trying to let them know someone cares for them.

“We tell them they are loved, have worth, and have options other than turning to drugs, gangs and prostitution,” said Yonkers.

After seeing the movie “Taken,” Yonkers became more aware of the human trafficking

vide 120 Russian-language Bibles. Items such as clothing (which must be new, a requirement of the Russian government), toiletries, toys, school supplies, non-prescription medication for children and cosmetics are among the items the group takes with them.

“Cosmetics are especially good, because it’s a way to connect with the 13- and 14-yearold girls,” said Yonkers.

Protecting the orphans of Russia has become a passion for the young Hastings native, who hopes to make a difference in the lives of young people half a world away from home.

To learn more, email Yonkers, ruskiyonk@hotmail.com or call 269-948-3781.

Christian Yonkers (left) and Loiosha spend time outside during Yonkers’ visit to St. Petersburg, Russia, in 2012. aspect of the orphans in Russia.

“It reminded me of what I saw in Russia,” he said. “Orphans are the most despised and rejected group in the country.”

Orphaned children graduate and leave the system at age 16, most with no prospects and

Hastings native Christian Yonkers joins orphans at a St. Petersburg, Russia, orphanage he visited in 2012. nowhere to live, which makes them incredibly at risk, said Yonkers.

Human traffickers prey on the impoverished, with 80,000 to 150,000 children, mostly girls, being moved out of Russia each year into the sex trade.

At a seminar Saturday, Feb. 16, at Cornerstone Community Church in Battle Creek, Yonkers described the dangers the orphans face, from living in squalor, to being lured into the trafficker’s trap. With promises of a good job and money, many orphans fall prey to the false hope of a better life and end up victims of ruthless pimps and traffickers.

Yonkers made a second 10-day trip to St. Petersburg in 2012, again trying to impress upon the youngsters a feeling of self-worth.

It’s difficult, he said, knowing he only had a few days to try to reach them.

Orphan Outreach volunteers visit the orphanages once a week, and the organization is working to teach Russian Christians the importance of protecting children who have no parents to look out for them.

This summer, Yonkers will again be going to St. Petersburg, this time for a month, as an intern for the organization. He will live with the orphans in the camp and will most likely see some of the same children from his previous visits.

“I wanted to be there longer,” he said. “I didn’t want to say what I have to say, then

leave.”

The orphanage Yonkers will visit would be poor by American standards, but it is one of the better facilities in St. Petersburg, he said.

Many Russian orphanages do not have running water or electricity. The orphans live in the city during the winter, but are sent to orphan camps in the country during the summer.

“It’s good to get them out of the city, where there is nothing to do but get involved in drugs, alcohol and gangs,” he said.

Yonkers’ girlfriend, Lindsey Grubb, his step-father, Eric Perry, and friend Brandi Hurless will join him during the last 10 days of his trip.

Each visit provides an opportunity to take supplies to the orphanages, as well.

On Yonkers’ last visit, he was able to pro-

Danya (left), a Russian orphan and Molly Lise, Orphan Outreach volunteer, discuss the future during a visit.

Dasha is one of thousands of at-risk young girls living in Russian orphanages.

Sasha Elichev (right), a Russian volunteer, plays guitar to entertain the orphans.

Orphanage resident Dasha (left) and Hastings native Christian Yonkers pose for a photo during Yonkers’ 2012 visit to St. Petersburg.

Youngsters in Russian orphanages learn to play games with the help of mission volunteers.

NEWS BRIEFS continued from front page

in the program are ways to make it easier with tips, information on medications, strategies and resources to help become free from nicotine addiction.

Call the Michigan Tobacco Quitline for more free information and help, tobacco treatment referrals or for 24 hours/day support, 800-QUIT-NOW.

ILR offering basic Internet class Kellogg Community College instructor Randy Dirks will be conducting a class for seniors 50-plus on basic Internet skills.

Participants will learn how to find and share information from the Internet, as well as learn some simple tools to keep a personal computer safe while browsing the Internet.

The class, sponsored by the Institute for Learning in Retirement, will meet Mondays, March 4 through March 25, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the KCC Hastings Fehsenfeld Campus on West Gun Lake Donated bicycles provide exercise for orphans at a St. Petersburg, Russia, orphanage.

Road in Hastings.

Fee information may be obtained or registration made by calling the KCC Fehsenfeld Center at 269 948 9500, ext.

2803.

St. Pat’s parade planning underway Irish merriment will again be in the air Friday, March 15, when what’s become known as the “Biggest Little St. Patrick’s Day in the State of Michigan” steps off in downtown Hastings at 4 p.m.

Businesses, individuals and organizations are invited to join the ninth annual parade, which is expected again to feature marchers, music and floats. The Merry Merchants of South Jefferson Street are already prepared with hats, beads, wrist bands, stickers, and buttons for the crowd.

Participants are asked to call parade organizer WBCH, 269-945-3414, for a parade reservation.

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 21, 2013 — Page 3

Hyatt spells C-O-M-P-U-N-C-T-I-O-N to win Barry County Spelling Bee

Northeastern Elementary spelling bee winner Shannon Brown displays her certificate.

Northeastern Elementary spelling bee winner Hannah Johnson displays her certificate.

Stepping up to spell in the regional competition last are, front row, (from left) Hannah Austin, Alayna Vasquez, Holly McManus, Shannon Brown, Hannah Johnson, Dane Barnes, Hannah Hayes, Noah Phommavongsa, and Donavin Gillman. Second row, Terri’aun Campbell, Cassidy Monroe, Morgan Feldt, Lily Hyatt, Elli McFarlan, Will Green, Audrey Byykkonen, and Slater Stanton.

Back row, Heidi Cooper, Sarah Barney, Emily Pattok, Troy Yoder, Hunter Goodenough, Shaelee MacLeod and Drew Montes.

Twenty-four spellers from Delton Kellogg and Hastings schools competed in the annual Barry County Spelling Bee on Tuesday, Feb. 12 at Hastings High School and Lily Hyatt, a seventh grader from Hastings Middle School walked away as this year’s winner.

There was a lot of competition before Hyatt won the competition in the eighth round with the word “compunction.”

Shaelee MacLeod of St. Rose Elementary and Alayna Vazquez of Star School then went another nine rounds to determine who would be runner-up, with MacLeod taking those honors.

All of the fifth through eighth graders who competed in the event represented their schools based on the spelling bees that were held in their buildings and received high compliments from Barry Intermediate School District superintendent Jeff Jennette.

“It was a great night for education,” said Jeannette, “and it was nice to see all of these students being rewarded for their hard work.”

Hyatt is now eligible to compete at the Greater Grand Rapids Spelling Bee which will be held at the Gerald Ford Museum Tuesday, March 12.

“Lily should be very proud of her accomplishment because she competed against some very good spellers this year,” observed Jennette.

Competitors in this year’s competition were: • Southeastern Elementary fifth graders — Audrey Byykkonen and Donavin Gillman.

• Northeastern Elementary fifth graders — Hannah Johnson and Shannon Brown.

• Central Elementary fifth graders — Elli McFarlan and Dane Barnes.

• Star Elementary fifth graders — Alayna Vazquez and Gracie Gillons.

• St. Rose of Lima fifth graders — Shaelee MacLeod and Hannah Hayes.

• Hastings Middle School — seventh graders, Morgan Feldt, Lily Hyatt, and Hunter Goodenough; and eighth graders, Emily Pattok, Troy Yoder, Cassidy Monroe, Will Green, and Heidi Cooper.

• Delton Kellogg Middle School — sixth graders, Hannah Austin and Noah Phommavongsa; fifth graders, Sarah Barney, Holly McManus, and Slater Stanton; seventh graders, Bram Donahue, Terri'aun Campbell, and Kaylee Daly; and eighth grader, Drew Montes.

Central Elementary spelling bee winners are runner-up Dane Barnes (second from right) and winner Elli McFarlan (right) with them are (from left) Grace Faunce, Skyler Jensen, and teachers Michelle Benningfield and Jill Smith.

Hastings Middle School spelling bee competitiors including school winners are (front row, from left) runner-up Troy Yoder, winner Emily Pattok, Morgan Feldt, Lily Hyatt, (back) Cassidy Monroe, Heidi Cooper, Hunter Goodenough and Will Green.

Star Elementary School’s spelling bee winners are Alayna Vazquez (left) and runner-up Gracie Gillons.

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YAC awarded grant from Kresge Foundation Barry County is on its way to becoming college-positive, due to a $2,500 Youth Advisory Council College Positive Challenge Grant supported by The Kresge Foundation and administered by the Council of Michigan Foundations.

The local Youth Advisory Council held a roofsit in November and used proceeds from it to match funds from the Kresge Foundation. With this money, YAC is partner-

ing with Navigate, Barry County’s Local College Access Network, to provide some ACT preparation for students and teachers.

ACT Preparation books were purchased and can be used for years to come; each school in Barry County will have a class set of these books donated by Navigate.

“We are honored and excited to receive this money and play a part in helping Barry County students succeed in their efforts to

attend college” said Emily Elliott, Barry Community Foundation’s youth program specialist who coordinates Navigate and is the advisor for YAC. The challenge grant encourages YACs to create partnerships with community groups, such as mentoring and tutoring organizations, or to organize special projects that specifically engage low-income, first-generation students.

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Page 4 — Thursday, February 21, 2013 — The Hastings Banner

Sunken trucks, barking dogs, noisy snowplows crowd Rutland Township agenda The unanimous approval of an amended agreement with Hastings Lodging LLC, the owner of the area’s newest hotel, may not have been the most colorful agenda item at the Wednesday, Feb. 13 meeting of the Rutland Township Board of Trustees, but it may have been the most significant.

The amended agreement lengthens the time the hotel’s owner has to pay back water and sewer hookup costs. Hastings Lodging LLC will now pay four percent on annual payments for up to 10 years on the $224,000 hookup cost. If the company takes longer than 10 years, the interest rate increases to eight percent.

The new hotel is on schedule for a July opening, according to Supervisor Jim Carr, and the water and sewer hookup presently under construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of February.

Did you

The board also unanimously approved the Algonquin Lake Association’s fireworks permit for the Fourth of July. The association applies annually for the permit. According to Carr, the association always has the paperwork done early and there has never been a problem with the annual display.

Sportsman’s Outreach asked for official township approval for its upcoming raffle.

The State of Michigan requires a formal resolution from the township to hold a raffle, before issuing a raffle license. The board unanimously approved the request to hold a raffle at Thornapple Valley Church.

Carr also discussed his ongoing work to compose a fair noise ordinance for the township. He explained the need to include exemptions for special events at the Barry County Expo Center and Fairgrounds, but the subject of barking dogs, as a reportable noise

nuisance, was also discussed and also launched the more colorful business of the evening.

Carr said he informed the DEQ of a sunken truck in Podunk Lake. At the end of January, deputies reported a truck was driven onto the ice at Podunk Lake and then sank into 30 feet of water. The truck’s owner told county deputies he planned to recover the truck in the spring.

Carr also said he had a call from a township resident about a county snowplow waking him up at midnight, but the next day he then received a call from a person complaining the plows were not out clearing the roads.

The next regularly scheduled Rutland Township board meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. on March 13 in the township hall.

see?

Sap-spension A one-day warm spell Monday tricked area maple trees into thinking it was time for sap to run. But that sap running was halted overnight Monday, when temperatures again dropped below freezing and sap on this maple tree in Hastings was left hanging where it last dripped.

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?

Loaded engine

Do you recognize any of these men?

The photo appears to have been taken in front of the old fire station at the northeast corner of State Street and Broadway in Hastings. Are they firefighters showing off a new engine? 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. If you’re able to help tell this photograph’s story, we want to hear from you.

Mail information to Attn: Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; email news@jadgraphics.com; or call 269-945-9554.

Jan (Keeler) Day of Hastings recognized last week’s photo, “Ready to Roll.”

Information she provided led to staff being able to locate the original clipping, which ran in the Dec. 20, 1951, Banner. The origi-

nal copy reads, “While the new station wagon pictured above was not exactly purchased through the contributions of many organizations and individuals as a Christmas present for Barry’s physically handicapped

children, it could be considered one and is a gift the youngsters will ride in during the coming months to the Ann J. Kellogg School in Battle Creek where they receive specialized training. The picture was taken after the ‘Hope Wagon’s’ first ‘run’ and some of the representatives of contributing organizations were able to be present when the trip was finished. They are (from left) Jim Jensen, Junior Chamber of Commerce, Russell Mead, Nashville, transportation chairman of Barry’s Retarded Children’s Association; Mrs. William Shupp, Nashville PTA, several of the children who ride the wagon; Mrs. Victor Schantz, the driver; Mrs. H.S. Wedel, Hastings WSCS of the Methodist church, and Ken Reahm, Rotary. In the wagon with children unable to walk is Don Keeler, secretary of the association. (Photo by Leo Barth)” Day also identified the two boys in the wagon as her nephews Jack and Gary Keeler.

Nonprofits respond by protecting their constitutional rights Last week, Hastings Charter Township officials turned down a proposed special assessment fee for fire and emergency services on tax-exempt property.

Hastings Charter Township Supervisor Jim Brown spearheaded the idea after spending more than a year investigating the possibility of the special fee. Brown was looking for additional revenue to help offset increasing costs of maintaining emergency services, but his idea came under criticism when representatives from 10 nonprofit organizations attended the meeting to voice their opposition to what they considered a “tax” on nonprofits.

The special tax exemption for churches dates back to the Roman Empire in 306 to 337 A.D. when the emperor granted the Christian church a complete exemption from all forms of taxation. In the United States, the special exemption for churches dates back to 1777, during the time of the American Revolution, when nine of the 13 original colonies were giving some kind of tax relief to churches due to the special work they were doing.

It was again confirmed in 1894. Now, all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia officially exempt churches from paying any property taxes.

Donations to churches are also taxdeductible for taxpayers, yet there has been many debates whether these tax exemptions should be continued.

Throughout our country’s history, officials have believed that churches deserved the special exemption because they provided crucial social services to society.

They argued that keeping government out of church finances helps to uphold the Constitution’s rule of separation of church and state by keeping churches fiscally sound. Opponents argue that giving churches these special tax exemptions violates that separation.

Last week’s Hastings Charter Township meeting was more about assessing taxexempt organizations than it was about helping local government to fund emergency services. In fact, if the township passed the ordinance, its action could have impacted nonprofits across the county. What was originally an idea to solve a local funding dilemma, could have become precedent-setting legislation that could impact nonprofits throughout the country.

Brown, who proposed the ordinance, came to me over a year ago with the idea of seeking help from local nonprofits for emergency services. He formulated a proposed fee by using the size of a nonprofit’s facility. Throughout the process, Brown maintained that he was looking for a way to encourage these organizations to support the emergency services rather than looking for a way to tax them.

But American Legion member Jim Atkinson saw it another way.

“When you are assessing monies to be paid to a municipality,” said Atkinson, “you can call it anything you want. It’s a tax.”

So, when local organizations received a letter from the township detailing how it planned to assess their properties, they took it as an assault over their tax-exempt status.

The township letter to the nonprofit organizations outlined that, due to poor economic conditions, the township has seen a decline in taxable value which increases the cost of operating emergency services operations. The township was simply looking for local support from these agencies to help offset rising costs from these organizations that might need these services.

Were government officials too quick to discount the benefits derived from churches and nonprofit agencies receiving the tax-exempt status?

Each week our publications are filled with stories from area nonprofits and the work they do in our communities helping people who need it the most. Whether it be a food program, clothes for families, heating assistance, car repairs or health issues, hundreds of programs work in the county increase the quality of life for many needy citizens.

Plus, many area churches have rich histories of mission work outside our community. A quick look at the work area churches are involved in identifies strong influences with children, single moms and

special ministry programs. Several churches support working moms by offering preschool education programs. Plus, there are other churches that sponsor dental and eye care trips abroad to assist people where the local governments let them down.

In recent years, there’s been an assault on traditional religions due to their positions on controversial legislative issues — such as abortion and the funding of political candidates — that could jeopardize their non-tax status. Still, even the U.S. Supreme Court continues to uphold their First Amendment right while protecting their tax status in return for their benefit to society.

On May 4, 1970, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld property tax exemptions for churches, declaring them to be in accordance with the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment of the US Constitution.

In the majority opinion written by Chief Justice Warren E. Burger in Walz v.

Tax Commission of the City of New York in 1970, the Court defended with an 8-1 decision the tax benefit on the basis that churches “foster the community’s moral or mental improvement.” The decision went on to say that the court warned that taxing churches would be a violation of the free exercise of the First Amendment which bars any government interference in religious affairs.

So, even though churches and nonprofit organizations have been challenged over the years, they take positions in a way that offers them protection that has stood the test of time.

Even though it didn’t appear to look that way last week when over 90 people filled the Hastings Charter Township hall, “more people than there were collectively for the last 12 years,” said Brown, it was a good example of representative government at work. Often, officials make decisions impacting citizens with little time for public comment or worse yet, they set aside the time, but govern as if they didn’t hear a word.

Not so in Hastings township.

The 10 nonprofit entities were given enough time to voice their opposition while township officials listened and responded by turning down a controversial ordinance that could reach far beyond Barry County.

Atkinson said that the local nonprofits had discussed the user fees and had even considered ways of helping the township raise funds to pay for emergency services.

He mentioned a pancake supper or whatever they could do to show their support.

They were willing to give their time, but not a tax assessment.

Reka Holley, a Hastings Charter Township resident and 2001 graduate of Barry County Christian School who went on to earn a law degree said, she was asked to do some research into the ordinance.

“I have discovered that while the ordinance is well-intentioned, it is probably illegal and unconstitutional as it applies to the charitable, nonprofit, tax-exempt organization with in the township,” said Holley. “Under existing law, the township simply does not have the authority to do what this ordinance purports to do,” through the assessment of a fee on the taxexempt entities of the township.

After giving everyone a chance to talk, township officials turned down the ordinance with a better understanding of the implications it would bring to the nonprofits — and a perhaps new appreciation of the programs these agencies offer.

The economic slow-down continues to impact government and citizens at all levels, yet if we expect to weather the storm, it will take special cooperation and understanding by all parties. Brown wasn’t wrong in looking for new ways to fund emergency services — he just chose the wrong approach by taxing a group of agencies that have been exempt for centuries.

A better approach might be to call on these nonprofits for their help on something they know a great deal about — funding support services for the most needy and enriching our community.

Fred Jacobs, J-Ad Graphics

vice

president,

Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 21, 2013 — Page 5

IURP RXU UHDGHUV

State News Roundup as a Kiplinger Fellow.

Holyfield resides in Laingsburg with his wife and their youngest daughter. The couple also has two grown daughters.

He replaces Geralyn Lasher, who joined the Michigan Department of Community Health as senior deputy director for external relations and communications.

Human decency lost with animals To the editor: I am not qualified to second-guess the sentence handed out to Marci Tepper for causing the horrendous animal-cruelty situation at her Middleville home. It seems to me, though, that for all of us who attempt to look out and protect the four-legged inhabitants of Barry County, there are others who seem content to disregard morality and basic human decency in their merciless treatment of them.

I’m talking about those who stuff kittens in a sack and toss them into the river to drown; those who chain dogs on a short leash outside in the heat of a summer day for hours on end; those who starve animals to death while keep-

ing them confined in a small space littered with their own waste; those who torture and mutilate small creatures for sexual “sport.”

It would be pleasant to think that as the world continues its headlong rush to violence and chaos, as civil discourse collapses and the quality of mercy drops less frequently as the gentle rain from heaven, there would be a desire to care more for innocents who give us so much pleasure and ask nothing in return, save love and affection.

But I guess that’s too much to hope for.

John E. Mantle, Hastings

Citizens spoke – and were heard To the editor: There aren’t many places left in this world where a small group of protestors from all walks of life and with differing entities to protect can safely band together to fight for a cause. We can thank God for that freedom, and we had better not draw back if the opportunity comes our way to take our stand.

On Lincoln’s birthday, Feb. 12, a group of ordinary citizens representing 10 tax-exempt organizations of Hastings Charter Township were allowed to gather at the township hall.

There, under the leadership of Jim Atkinson, representatives expressed their findings pertaining to a proposed assessment or tax. The legal aspects of this proposal seemed to leave little doubt that it would not stand up in court.

For one thing, its enactment would have resulted in many of the citizens of Hastings township paying a double tax if they are members of these tax-exempt organizations.

As I said at the hearing, a more important aspect of this proposal should not be over-

looked. It’s the premise that our founding fathers had the foresight to realize government cannot do it all, can’t be everywhere for everyone. They knew certain things could only be handled by individuals or groups of caring folks willing to give of their time and material possessions; people who wanted to give back from their blessings, maybe to those less blessed then themselves.

I don’t live in Hastings township but I am a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church on Terry Lane which is in the township. In these trying times it is getting to be more of a struggle to continue in the outreach God has given us to do. That’s just another reason we want to thank the township board for its decision to drop this proposal. It will allow all the nonprofit organizations represented to continue to use the means they have for the purpose it was intended.

Jerry Kobliska, Hastings

Mascots are admirable, not discriminating To the editor: I’m sorry for the turmoil regarding the names of the school sports teams in Michigan (and across the country). Some people believe that certain names are degrading and that may affect funding the schools receive from the State. If a specific name is degrading in some way, select that individual situation to change; don’t make blanket rules which is the easy way to avoid confrontation with a specific institution.

I have always believed that mascots and their names were something to be admired and their characteristics something to attain.

However, that is apparently an unacceptable idea to some people. Since I have a Scottish heritage, should I be incensed that we have the “Fighting Scots.” others who may be offended are the English Saxons, those Scandinavian Vikings, the Irish, etc.

I have never heard of a team striving to be

What do you

something less than an exceptional contestant. I have never heard of the Spraying Skunks or the Running Cowards. As a result of the possibility of the state’s civil rights department’s actions, perhaps we should come up with new names: Hastings Trees (hope this doesn’t offend the ‘tree huggers’), Hastings Bird Feeders or Hastings Pointers (this may offend PETA).

This could go on and on, but as you can see, it’s difficult to develop a name that is not offensive in some regard to some people.

Why is it that they are only considering one ethnic group? Is this a form of discrimination? Is this another case of the vocal minority affecting the silent majority?

If you think this letter is ridiculous, that is the way I feel about the entire discussion.

Larry Blair, Hastings

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: More than $13 billion is spent each Valentine’s Day, much of it for the 196 million roses men give to women, 53 percent of whom report they’d end their relationship if they didn’t get a Valentine’s Day gift. Would you?

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For this week: The International Olympic Committee announced Feb. 12 that it will drop the sport of wrestling from the 2020 games.

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Sen. Rick Jones accepts the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police Legislator of the Year Award, presented by Chief Martin Underhill of Grand Ledge (left) and Chief George Basar of Howell.

Jones named Legislator of the Year by police chiefs group State Sen. Rick Jones recently received the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police Legislator of the Year Award.

“I was honored to receive this award from such a distinguished group,” said Jones, RGrand Ledge. “I will continue to work hard with my colleagues in the Legislature to make Michigan a safer place to live, work and vacation.”

Middleville village manager elected to state board Middleville Village Manager Rebecca Fleury was recently elected to serve as a board member on the Michigan Local Government Management Association.

Fleury said she was honored and excited to serve. She recently attended the MLGMA winter institute in Rochester where she took part in training sessions on leadership, communications, working with the state permit systems, marketing strategies for downtowns, negotiations and labor law updates and trends.

She also was asked to speak to a group of 24 graduate students about career in local government management. Fleury said it’s encouraging to see young people take an interest in government and that more needs to be done to mentor them toward careers in serving local communities.

Auto thefts decline 6.8 percent in 2011 The Michigan Automobile Theft Prevention Authority recently announced that auto thefts in Michigan have decreased 6.8 percent from 2010 to 2011. Since the inception of the ATPA in 1986, auto thefts in Michigan have decreased by more than 65 percent.

“Our success in the battle against auto theft is the direct result of the dedication and efforts of the 110 men and women who are funded by grants awarded by the ATPA to Michigan law enforcement agencies, prosecuting attorneys’ offices and nonprofit community organizations,” said Dan Vartanian, executive director of the ATPA. “Thanks also should be directed to our partners in the fight against auto theft: Crime Stoppers, HEAT (Help Eliminate Auto Thefts) and the many insurance industry investigators throughout the state.”

Snyder names director of commuinications Gov. Rick Snyder Friday announced that Jeff Holyfield, whose career in journalism and public relations spans more than three decades, will serve as director of communications for the governor’s office.

Holyfield will begin his new position March 4. He comes to the governor’s office after a 15-year career at Consumers Energy where he now serves as executive director of media relations and communications services.

Before joining Consumers Energy, he was vice president of a Lansing public relations firm for two years. He began his career with The Associated Press. During his 17 years with the news service, he worked as a reporter and editor in the Kansas City, Mo., and Denver, Colo., bureaus, and was appointed chief of the AP’s Lansing bureau in 1987 where he served until 1995.

Holyfield earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Kansas State University and a master’s degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. He attended Ohio State

Gun Lake Tribe chosen for EPA workshop The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that 43 communities, including the Gun Lake Tribe near Wayland, will receive technical assistance to pursue sustainable growth that encourages local economic development while safeguarding people’s health and the environment.

The EPA consulted with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Transportation to select this year’s 43 recipients from 121 applicants. EPA staff and national experts will conduct a one to two-day workshop that will focus on the specific sustainability goal each community stipulated in its initial application. The agency offers nine tools this year, including a green building tool kit, land use strategies to protect water quality, and using smart growth to produce economic and fiscal health.

The tribe was the only recipient from Michigan.

More information is available online at

www.epa.gov/smartgrowth.

State-record muskie becomes world record The state-record Great Lakes muskellunge caught by Joseph Seeberger of Portage Oct. 13, 2012, has now been listed as a world record by the International Committee of the Modern Day Muskellunge World Record Program.

The program is a committee of muskellunge scientists, industry leaders, anglers and outdoor media personalities that formed in 2006. The program facilitates the recording and verification of muskellunge world records, covering a current void of record availability to North American muskellunge anglers for fish in the 58- to 68-pound range.

This range has been chosen because it is considered the maximum ultimate range of growth for this species. Prior to Seeberger’s submission, no entry had been verified through the Modern Day Muskellunge World Record Program.

Seeberger caught the fish on Lake Bellaire in Antrim County. The DNR verified the record and documented that the fish weighed 58 pounds. Although the DNR did not measure the length (state records are determined by weight only), a taxidermist reported the length at 58 inches.

For more information on Michigan’s state records, visit www.michigan.gov/masterangler.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Page 6 — Thursday, February 21, 2013 — The Hastings Banner

Elizabeth Wetzel crowned maple syrup queen

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Worship Together ...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 Pre K-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, Feb. 24 - Worship Services 8 and 10:45 a.m.; Sunday School 9:30. Feb. 24 - Brothers of Grace Jail Worship 12:45 p.m.; Men & Women’s Alcoholics Anonymous 7 p.m. Feb. 25- Adventurer Bible Study 7 p.m.; Recovery Bible Study 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27 - Wordwatchers Bible Study 10 a.m.; Lenten Supper 6 p.m.; Lenten Vespers 7 p.m. Feb. 218 - Clapper Kids 3:45 p.m.; Grace Notes 5:45 p.m.; Adult Choir 7:15 p.m. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 9452645, fax 269-945-2698. Pastor Amy Luckey. http://www.discover-grace.org FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 405 N. M-37, Hastings, MI 49058.

(269) 945-5463. Rev. Dr. Jeff Garrison, Pastor. Sunday Services: 8:55 a.m. Traditional Worship Service; 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

Ronald “Bud” Erickson

118 S. Jefferson Hastings 945-3429

Ronald ‘Bud’ Erickson, age 87, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2013.

He married Marjorie Jean Williams on October 11, 1947. They were happily married for 65 years.

Ronald is survived by his children, Michael Hickey (son-in-law), Paula (Steve) Schray, Carol (Doug) Henton, Mark (Vicki) Erickson, Janet (Vince) Pennington; 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Nancy Hickey and grandson Wade Hampton Henton.

He had retired from dairy farming at RonMar Farms. During the years he had been named Michigan Outstanding Young Farmer, honored by MSU for innovative crop rotation, served on the Lake Odessa Fair Board as livestock superintendent, Barry C o u n t y 4-H Dairy Leader, Woodland School Board, Lake Odessa Co-Op board, and charter member of the Woodland Timberland Farm Bureau. He was an active member of the antique tractor group, Barry County Steam & Gas. He was named to the Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame in 1994.

He was a member of the First Congregational Church where he served on various committees over the years. He was proud to have served his country in the Navy during World War II. He enjoyed his retirement in Florida at Corkscrew Woodlands where he continued he be actively involved in helping his community there. He loved being a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather to his wonderful family.

Visitation will be held at Koop’s Funeral home in Lake Odessa at 935 Fourth Avenue on Friday, February 22, 2013 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm with the funeral services at 11am on Saturday, February 23, 2013.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church Elevator fund at 767 4th Avenue, Lake Odessa, 48849.

Helen L. Wait

LAKE ODESSA, MI - Helen L. Wait, age 100, formerly of Lake Odessa was called home on February 12, 2013 at the Thornapple Manor in Hastings.

Helen was a lifelong member of the Pleasant Valley United Brethren Church where she played the piano for many years along with being the treasurer. She participated in the Women’s Missionary Association, WCTU and taught Sunday School.

Helen is survived by her two children, Kathy (Mike) Scobey, Larry (Joyce) Wait; grandsons, Tim (Nancy) Scobey, Paul (Heather) Scobey, Matt (Tiffany) Scobey, John (Claire) Wait, Daniel (Robin) Wait; 11 great-grandchildren; and one sister Virginia Yonkers.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Wait; parents, Clare (Ruth) Goodsell; and sister Alice Goodsell.

Visitation and funeral services for Helen were held at the Pleasant Valley United Brethren Church, 13120 Bell Road, Lake Odessa, on Saturday, February 16, 2013 Donations can be made in Helen’s name to the Pleasant Valley United Brethren Church.

The transfer of the maple syrup queen’s crown transpired at the 73rd annual queen’s night Tuesday, Feb. 12. Last year’s queen and court (back row, from left) Meghann Zank, Gretchen Hakenjos, Yulanda Sheridan and Shennondoah Fighter stand with newly crowned queen, Elizabeth Wetzel, and court members Bailey Blodgett and Skylar Chapman.

by Shari Carney Staff Writer Elizabeth Wetzel, a junior at Maple Valley High School, was crowned Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival Queen at the 73rd annual queen’s night Tuesday, Feb. 12.

The candidates, Wetzel, Bailey Blodgett and Skylar Chapman, all juniors, and guests were treated to a dinner hosted by the Vermontville Lions Club. Approximately 40 people were in attendance.

The Dandy Lions, a service-oriented group led by Christine Terpening, poured drinks for guests and later sang of the merits of maple syrup.

After dinner the three candidates faced the judges, Scott Ommen and Shari Carney of J-

Ad Graphics and Liza Sayer of the County Journal. Questions ranged from syrup production, the festival, personal accomplishments and plans after high school. Two questions posed by Sayer were on current events topics: the testing of nuclear bombs in North Korea and opinions on what to do about gun violence in schools and public places.

The three also were judged on appearance, poise, speaking ability, first-hand experience in syrup production and an essay of why they wanted to be queen.

The newly elected queen and her court will be officially introduced to the community at the sugaring off party Thursday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. at the Congregational church.

Callton bill would speed up medical marijuana delivery Characterizing the access to medical marijuana by terminally ill patients “a mess,” State Rep. Mike Callton R-Nashville has introduced the Medical Marijuana Provisioning Center Regulation Act allowing the establishment of medical marijuana provisioning centers that would provide medical marijuana for patients with a recommendation from a doctor.

Callton discussed the bill during a Wednesday Michigan Public Radio production of the “Stateside” program with Cynthia Canty.

“People with a medical marijuana recommendation from a doctor are allowed to grow their own for medicinal purposes,” Callton, a chiropractor, said in a news release issued Tuesday. “But some of these people have only months to live and are very sick. It’s simply not realistic to expect them to do this.

Since it takes four to six months for a marijuana plant to provide usable medicine, many patients will die before their plants can help them.”

Caregivers are permitted by law to dispense medical marijuana for up to five patients, points out Callton, but, at this time, the number of medical marijuana patients far exceeds the number of caregivers able to provide for them. Two-thirds of all Michigan patients have no access to a caregiver, according to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

“Our state voted to approve the use of this natural medicine nearly five years ago, and yet it’s not readily available those who need it,” said Callton, a chiropractor who approaches the issue from a health care provider perspective and considers it a patient care issue.

“This legislation is a step toward cleaning up the mess and allowing safe patient access.

There is a way to establish this in a way that is efficient and safe for all Michigan residents,” he said. “I don’t think the current mess is what people had in mind when they cast their vote for this in 2008. “ Callton introduced House Bill 4271 with 16 bipartisan cosponsors who, he says, range from the most conservative members of the state House to the most liberal. Callton introduced a similar measure last term but said that circumstances have changed and the issue is steadily gaining traction with lawmakers and residents statewide.

“Now there are only two limited ways someone can access medical marijuana: Grow their own or contract with a caregiver,” said Callton. “Therefore, we need to allow for provisioning centers, or patients will continue to suffer. The more educated people become about this issue, the more they understand the pressing need before us.”

HB 4271 would mandate that provisioning centers only supply marijuana products and that they cannot be consumed on site. It also would provide for local control of dispensaries and reducing overages of marijuana by allowing caregivers to sell their excess product to the provisioning centers.

“This is a local-control bill, empowering communities,” Callton said. “It requires local approval for a provisioning center to open. It allows for safety inspections and even gives locals the option to have the products tested for quality control.

“The end result here is a provisioning center that you would feel okay having your grandmother walk into. If it doesn’t pass the ‘Grandma Test,’ it needs improvement.”

Ray L. Girrbach Owner/Director

328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058

•

269-945-3252

Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 45 years

•Traditional and Cremation Services •Pre-Planning Services •Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible •Serving All Faiths Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted •

Family Owned and Operated

www.girrbachfuneralhome.net

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 21, 2013 — Page 7

BETTER BRIDGE IN BARRY COUNTY

Newborn Babies

by Gerald Stein

N: K Q 8 3 M: K J 9 5 2 L: 6 K: Q 9 2

WEST

EAST

N: 7 6 5 2 M: A 3 L: 8 5 2 K: A J 8 4

N: J 10 9 M: Q 10 6 4 L: K 9 3 K: K 5 3 SOUTH: N: A 4 M: 8 7 L: A Q J 10 7 4 K: 10 7 6

Dealer: West Vulnerable: Both Lead: 4K North

East

South

Pass 2M Pass

Pass Pass Pass

2L 2NT

West Pass Pass Pass

While many modern bridge players use the weak two-bid, few of them opt to use it in the fourth position. By the time, the bid has been passed around to the first three players, there are not a lot of points left for the last bidder. Today’s South seemed to find courage somewhere to open the bidding in last chair with a weak two-diamond bid, promising a weak hand, six diamonds with most of the points in the diamond suit, and not much more. Usually the weak-two bid is an obstructive bid used in the first or second position to interfere with the opponents.

Today’s deal is a bit unusual, so let’s see how it turned out.

By looking at the four hands, it is easy to see that the points are evenly distributed among the four players. A number of tables, when this hand was played, passed out this hand, and they moved on to the next hand. Perhaps that was not such a bad idea.

At this table, however, after South opened with a 2L bid, West passed, and North with 11 high card points bid the solid heart suit at 2M. East passed, and brave South pushed the partnership to 2NT. Other tables pushed the contract to 3L where all passed. Let’s look at the 2NT contract for a discussion of today’s hand.

South with two doubletons, a long diamond suit, and weak clubs, might be chastised by some partners for that bid of 2NT. West chose the 4K as the lead, the fourth down from the longest and strongest suit, a standard lead in no trump in most bridge players’ book. South duly thanked her partner as she surveyed the dummy. Needing eight tricks, it was important to stop and count the winners first: three in spades, AN, KN, and QN; one in diamonds, AL for four tricks. Four more were needed to make the 2NT contract.

With only one diamond on the board, South had to hope that the diamonds would split 3-3 to give her a chance in promoting the diamonds. There would only be one opportunity for a finesse with the 6L on the board, so the 3-3 split was a top priority and a necessity. South also had to protect that QK on the board as a possible trick as well. A heart trick would also be needed. In other words, there was a lot of work to make a 2NT contract.

South played low from the dummy, and East won the trick with the KK, returning the 5K. South played the 7K from her hand, and West won the second trick with the AK. A third club led from West was won by QK on the board. This was the time for the diamond finesse. South led the lone 6L from the board, and when East played low, South played the 10L winning the trick. Next South led the AL, planning to discard a small heart from the dummy. Both opponents played a second diamond. So far so good.

South then led a third diamond, the QL, with West following with a diamond, another discard from the dummy, and East winning with the KL. The diamonds had split 3-3, and South had an eventual entry with the AN. Things were looking up for South.

East shifted to the 4M, 7M from South, and West took the trick with the AM. Now the KM was set up, the spades looked solid, and the only loser left was the JK which West cashed immediately. East/West had taken five tricks, but the rest were claimed by South, making a 2NT bid for a plus 120 point score.

While most bridge players who use weak two-bids will make their bid and then retire, figuring that they have gotten in the way somewhat. They will have offered as well a good lead from their partner if they do not get the bid. Bidding a weak two-bid in the fourth chair at the table, while unusual, certainly can and did pay good dividends for the North/South team. While most players would have passed the hand out, some bridge players that you will meet will indeed be the daring ones and will bid no matter what. Do the best that you can on defense, and hope to set them a trick or two, or at least hold them to the bid.

By the way, for those of you who wanted to push on to 3L. you would find that 3L does indeed make on this hand as well as the 2NT. ***** Bridge Etiquette Tip Number Three: “Director, Please” is a pleasant and courteous way to call for the one directing your bridge game. Directors are happy to hear that little word “Please” after their name. Try it next time you play, and see if it doesn’t bring a smile to your director’s face. ***** (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)

Marsha W., born at Pennock Hospital on Feb. 5, 2013 at 8:21 p.m. Bill and Maureen Mullet of Nashville. Weighing 6 lbs. 15 ozs. and 19 1/2 inches long. ***** Joel Aaron Taylor, born at Pennock Hospital on Feb. 5, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. to B.J. and Sarah VanAman of Hastings. Weighing 5 lbs. 8 ozs. and 18 inches long. ***** Jordyn Elaine, born at Pennock Hospital on Feb. 6, 2013 at 12:07 p.m. to Lindsey Standler and Travis Adams of Hastings. Weighing 7 lbs. 2 ozs. and 18 inches long. ***** Megan Elaine, born at Pennock Hospital on Feb. 8, 2013 at 10:36 a.m. to Connie and John Uramkin of Hastings. Weighing 6 lbs. 5 ozs. and 19 1/2 inches long. ***** Payton Marie, born at Pennock Hospital on Feb. 8, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. to Tiffany Sibley and Brock Randall of Hastings. Weighing 5 lbs. 15 ozs. and 18 inches long. ***** Case Williams, born at Pennock Hospital on Feb. 9, 2013 at 12:29 a.m. to Richard and Dannielle Vierzen of Saranac. Weighing 7 lbs.

9 ozs. and 19 inches long. ***** Greyson Gale, born at Pennock Hospital on Feb. 12, 2013 at 12:40 p.m. to Tasha Hall and Micheal VanKampenberg of Hastings.

Weighing 8 lbs. 7 ozs. and 21 inches long. ***** Natalie Jean, born at Pennock Hospital on Feb. 13, 2013 at 1:46 p.m. to Christy Villanueva and Brandon Fowler of Nashville.

Weighing 7 lbs. 6 ozs. and 19 1/2 inches long.

Marriage Licenses

Goldsworthy-Goyings Hartke-Frenthway Damian and Destiny Hartke of Hastings are proud to announce the engagement of their mother, Christine (Morgan) Hartke, to Steven G. Frenthway.

The bride-to-be and the future groom area both 1986 graduates of Hastings High School. They are both currently employed at the Viking Corporation in Hastings.

A May 2013 wedding is being planned.

They will reside at their home in Hastings.

Philip Allen Moleski, Hastings and Sarah Elizabeth Sinkula, Hastings.

William Henry Ward, Hastings and KayMarie Wantland, Hastings.

Donald Timothy Hatcher, Freeport and Cindy Lou Mead, Freeport.

Robert and Karen Goldsworthy of Delton and Jodie Perry of Hastings wish to announce the engagement of their daughter, Ashly Goldsworthy to Clinton Goyings, the son of John Goyings of Delton and Dena and Roy Ellison of Wellston.

The bride-elect is a graduate of Delton Kellogg and Western Michigan University and is currently the manager at Goldsworthy’s Inc. The groom-elect is a graduate of Delton Kellogg and is currently a supervisor at Prairie Farms.

A May wedding is being planned at Ever After Banquet Hall of Hastings.

Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads

The Big 3 ft. Larnelle, Sandi Patty & Dino: March 1 Transportation, dinner, and ticket! $105.00

77576337

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77576397

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ALSO EGRESS WINDOWS / MOLD REMEDIATION

*Visit us at the Portland Expo on February 23 from 9a-3p in the Family Life Center of the Portland Church of the Nazarene!

by Vonda VanTil Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Beginning March 1, with few exceptions, all federal benefits, including Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits, are to be paid electronically. That’s according to a rule from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

For years, Social Security has stressed the convenience, security and safety of getting benefit payments electronically, offering peace of mind that your payment will arrive on time — even in the event of natural disasters or being away from home when the check is in the mail.

Electronic payments (direct deposit or Direct Express) are not only the best way to receive federal benefit payments — for most people, starting in March, they will be the only way.

If you get your payments the old-fashioned way and electronic payments are new to you, here are some things you may want to know about your future payments. Electronic payments:

• Are safer; there’s no risk of checks being lost or stolen.

• Are easy and reliable. There’s no need to wait for the mail or go to the bank to cash a check.

• Are good for the environment, they save paper and eliminate transportation costs.

• Save taxpayers money to the tune of $120 million per year. There are no costs for postage, paper, and printing.

• Could save you money on check-cashing and bank fees.

Visit www.GoDirect.org today to learn more about getting your Social Security and SSI payments the safe, easy, inexpensive and green way — electronically. And rest assured that on payment delivery day, you won’t have to wait for your money; your money is already in the bank and ready for you to use.

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.

77576212

Electronic payments are on their way

Register Now for the Fall 3-5 Year Olds

Looking for an educationally sound, caring, Christian preschool?

OPEN

Come to our HOUSE • Thursday, Feb. 28th between 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

(269) 945-5463, ext. 3008 or noahsarkschool.org

The Thornapple Players is a non-profit organization providing theatrical opportunities to the Barry County area. For more information call (269) 945-2332 or visit our website at: www.thornappleplayers.com

Page 8 — Thursday, February 21, 2013 — The Hastings Banner

Lake Odessa Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of

by Elaine Garlock This weekend brings art at the Freight House Museum. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 23, and 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24. Anyone with art to be exhibited is invited to bring it in Friday to prepare for exhibit. It can be watercolors, chalk, oil painting or whatever else is considered art.

Included in this year’s exhibit for the first time will be several pieces by Jewel Eckstrom and some from Alice Bulling that have not previously been shown. Does anyone have a piece by Albert Dann Goodemoot who painted in his young years and then after a lapse of many years returned to painting? Who has any pieces done by Mildred Hall or Rosa Velte? They had paintings which were included on the 1976 Bicentennial art program sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution.

The public is invited to see this year’s variety of work.

The Red Cross will be in town Monday, Feb. 25, for a blood drive at the fellowship hall of Central United Methodist Church with hours for collection noon to 5:45 p.m. A canteen will be provided to replenish donors fluids and also some filling food.

The weekly soup suppers continue at Central United Methodist Church with a lowcost meal served from 4:30 to 6 p.m. to all comers. Many of the participants have already been part of the respite care program, which runs from 1 to 4:30 p.m. each Thursday. Take-out meals are available.

There are choices of the entrees and a wide choice of desserts along with vegetables and tossed salad. The same crew under the direction of Leona Raynor prepares the meal.

Last week saw Ash Wednesday services at several local churches. Some church groups had light meals in conjunction with the services.

Those who arrived at the Freight House for the most recent meeting were surprised to find tables with chairs instead of the usual rows of chairs. The change was due to the nature of the evening with a reception in honor of Pam Swiler, who has retired from the presidency of the county genealogy society. The president, John Waite, read a suitable tribute to Swiler and also read a list of trademarks of a genealogy addict, such as braking for cemeteries, referring to one’s child as a descendant. He also read a humorous poem.

Pam’s scrapbooks filled with photos of memorable events were on display and they showed the development of the Ionia County Genealogy Society from its infancy when as many as 30 people crowded into the depot for meetings. They moved to the Odessa Township Hall and the dining room of Lake Manor to have more space until the new Freight House was completed, along with the society’s new room designed specifically for genealogy.

The second annual dessert tasting event was held at Central United Methodist Church on the eve of Lent. Platters were filled with sample-sized desserts of many varieties, each with a tall, colorful tumbler to hold the ticket votes. The highest number of votes went to Kathy Carpenter’s pecan tassies. She received the tall winner’s trophy to keep until next year. Each person received strings of colorful Mardi Gras beads to wear for the evening.

HASTINGS CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF REVIEW Hastings Charter Township Board of Review for 2013 will be held at the Township Hall at 885 River Road, Hastings, MI, 49058 to receive and review the 2013 assessment roll. The board will convene on the following dates for the hearing of appeals of assessments or taxable values: Tuesday, March 5 Wednesday, March 13 Thursday, March 14

Organization Meeting Appeal Hearing Appeal Hearing

1 pm 9 - 12 (Noon) & 1 - 4 pm 1 – 4 pm & 6 – 9 pm

The Board of Review will meet as many more days as deemed necessary to hear questions, protests, and to equalize the 2013 assessments. Written protests may be sent to the above address by no later than Tuesday March 5, 2013 if unable to attend either of the above dates. The tentative ratios and the estimated multipliers for each class of real property for 2013 are as follows: CLASS Agricultural Commercial Industrial Residential

RATIO 44.89% 48.63% 53.51% 51.03%

MULTIPLIER 1.1138 1.0282 0.9344 0.9798

Jim Brown, Supervisor Hastings Charter Township Ph. 269.948.9690 Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the township clerk at least seven (7) days in advance of the hearing.

This notice posted in compliance with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act) MCLA41.72a(2)(3) and with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). 77576277

TOWNSHIP OF BALTIMORE

2013 NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Review will meet at the Township Hall, 3100 E. Dowling Rd., Hastings, MI 49058, to examine and review the 2013 Assessment roll. The board will convene on the following dates for the hearing of appeals of assessment or taxable values, poverty exemptions, parcel classification appeals and/or current year qualified agricultural denials: Tuesday, March 5, 2013, 5:00 pm Organizational Meeting Hearings will be the week of March 11, 2013 Monday, March 11, 2013, 9:00 am to noon and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Wednesday, March 13, 2013, noon to 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm And on such additional days as required to hear all persons who have given notice of the desire to be heard until assessment rolls have been revised, corrected and approved.

Letter appeals will be accepted and must be received no later than 9:00 pm March 13, 2013.

Tentative ratios and estimated multiplier for 2013 are as follows: Agricultural 58.91% 0.84875 Commercial 50.79% 0.98444 Industrial 53.63% 0.93231 Residential 49.58% 1.00847 Personal Property 50.00% 1.00000 Tentative equalization factor of 1.0000 for all classes is expected after completion of Board of Review.

Bill Miller, Supervisor Baltimore Township Scott Anderson, Assessor Baltimore Township Baltimore Township Board Meetings are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex or disability.

American with Disabilities (ADA) Notice The township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven (7) days notice to Baltimore Township.

Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact Baltimore Township by writing or calling.

Baltimore Township Clerk Penelope Ypma 3100 E. Dowling Rd. Hastings, MI 49058 269.721.3502 77576290

EDWARD JONES

Can investors learn from yoga followers?

It’s probably not on your calendar, but World Yoga Day takes place on Feb. 24. As more people have discovered its healthful benefits, yoga has grown in popularity. But whether or not you practice yoga, you can apply its lessons to other areas of your life — such as investing.

Specifically, consider the following yogarelated themes and how they might translate into investment habits that may be beneficial: • Balance — If you observe advanced yoga practitioners, you will be amazed at the balance they exhibit during certain positions. But for serious yoga students, the idea of “balance” goes beyond physical movements and extends to a concept of life that emphasizes, among other things, an avoidance of extremes. As an investor, you too need to avoid extremes, such as investing too aggressively, too conservatively or too sporadically.

By building a balanced portfolio, and by investing regularly, you can help improve your chances of making progress toward your financial goals.

• Flexibility — Among its many benefits, yoga helps people increase their flexibility — and greater flexibility results in fewer injuries and an increased capacity to enjoy many physical activities. As an investor, you need to be flexible enough to adjust your portfolio as needed while still following a long-term strategy that’s appropriate for your individual goals, risk tolerance and time horizon.

• Relaxation — For yoga students, proper relaxation is essential to achieving mental equanimity, emotional balance and inner strength. But relaxation doesn’t always come easily — even experienced yoga practitioners

need to work at it. As an investor, you also may need to train yourself to relax because, given the ups and downs of the market, it’s not hard to become overwrought and make ill-advised decisions based on short-term events. Staying calm and maintaining a longterm view of things may help you make better investment decisions.

• Positive thinking — Our own thoughts and actions are largely responsible for creating our happiness and success, according to yoga teachings. And positive thinking can play a key role in investing, too. For example, if you were to constantly look at negative headlines, you might conclude that it is pointless to invest for the future because external events — economic instability abroad, political squabbles at home, natural disasters and so on — will just disrupt your plans.

Consequently, you might decide not to invest, or invest in such a way that can make progress toward your financial goals difficult.

But if you maintain a positive attitude, you may be more inclined to invest wisely for your future.

• Visualization — In yoga, visualization is often used to reduce stress. At any given time, you might find it difficult to relax, but you can use your imagination to see yourself — and put yourself — in a relaxed state. As an investor, you need to visualize your goals, such as a comfortable retirement, before you can define a strategy to help you work toward them. By seeing yourself where you want to be, you’ll be motivated to take the actions necessary to work toward getting there.

Try putting the principles of yoga to work — they may help you become a better investor.

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 34.77 -.11 AT&T 35.67 +.07 BP PLC 41.56 -1.78 CMS Energy Corp 26.09 +.25 Coca-Cola Co 37.67 +.11 Conagra 33.45 +.15 Eaton 61.49 +1.28 Family Dollar Stores 55.03 -1.32 Fifth Third Bancorp 15.96 -.60 Flowserve CP 159.72 +.63 Ford Motor Co. 12.99 -.09 General Mills 45.43 +2.46 General Motors 27.68 -.87 Intel Corp.

21.08 -.11 Kellogg Co. 60.14 +.89 McDonald’s Corp 93.85 -1.25 Perrigo Co. 114.73 +3.18 Pfizer Inc. 27.71 +.72 Sears Holding 48.54 +.79 Spartan Motors 5.90 +.53 Spartan Stores 17.05 +.75 Stryker 63.69 -.12 TCF Financial 13.78 -.46 Walmart Stores 68.76 -2.64 Gold Silver Dow Jones Average Volume on NYSE

$1,604.95 $29.42 14.035 691M

-46.75 -1.70 +17 +155M

COUNTY, continued from page 1 in the reconstruction of fatal and serious injury traffic crashes. Barry County Undersheriff Bob Baker pointed out that use of the Aras 360 three-dimensional forensic animation equipment and the Vericom Computer braking and brake drag analysis software would cut by 50 percent the time now needed for accident reconstruction.

“The only limitations to this equipment is your imagination,” Baker told commissioners in pointing out other possible uses, including the ability to download floor plans and layouts of every school in the county to every patrol car.

• Recommended board approval to sign the 2013 grant contract with the administrative office of the Michigan Supreme Court for the Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation Program.

Ines Straube, probate register with the Barry County Family Division/Trial Court, told commissioners that, of the 10 individuals assigned to the rigid probation program in lieu of prison, only two are still seeking employment. One, a longtime methamphetamine user, is employed and making payments toward assessed court and restitution costs.

Citing a cost of $60 per day for each individual in the program, Straube reminded commissioners of the savings incurred from the $94 per day for prison housing.

• Discussed a possible contract for use with agencies not directly connected to the county’s general fund support for computer and technology services.

“The courts, the sheriff’s department and our county departments are our main mission,” reported David Shinavier, director for the county’s technology and geographic information systems, “and even that is stretching us thin.”

Shinavier reported that reliance on the county department for technical support is coming from townships, villages and a variety of county agencies that do not have needed expertise or even the ability to define what they might need if dealing with the private sector. He suggested that using a contract similar to one he submitted as an example from Monroe County might still allow the county to offer low-cost support while generating funds toward an additional department position.

“We’re empowering Dave to allow him to do what he can and to say ‘no’ when he needs to,” concluded Stolsonburg, who, with the entire board, accepted Shinavier’s suggestion that he do a “full documentation mode” time study on computer support servicing.

• Received a report from Equalization Director Tim VanderMark, who guided new commissioners through a primer on equalization responsibilities and work strategies.

“Equalization’s function is to make sure that all taxpayers are treated equally,” said VanderMark, who provided a detailed calendar of duties and deadline dates for a variety of equalization duties mandated by the state.

Included in VanderMark’s report were updates and alerts on a variety of key developments. A statewide vote in August 2014 on the abolishment of the industrial personal tax exemption, which could dramatically impact the county’s general fund, was one such alert.

Perhaps even more alarming was

VanderMark’s observation that 53 new bills were passed by the state Legislature in December. From an equalization standpoint, many must still be studied carefully to determine their effect on future tax support of county government.

The board meets for its official board of commissioners meeting Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 9 a.m. in its meeting chambers at the courthouse, 220 W. State St. in Hastings.

BOARD of REVIEW MEETING SCHEDULE The ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF REVIEW will be held at the Orangeville Township Hall 7350 Lindsey Rd., Plainwell, MI 49080 on the following dates.

Tuesday, March 5 - Organizational Meeting - 4:00 pm Monday, March 11 - Appeal Hearing - 9:00 am to 12:00 noon & 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Tuesday, March 12 - Appeal Hearing - 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm & 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm The Board of Review will meet as many more days as deemed necessary to hear questions, protests and to equalize the 2013 assessments. By Board resolution, residents are able to protest by letter, provided protest letter is received by March 11, 2013. Written protests should be mailed to: BOARD OF REVIEW 7350 LINDSEY RD., PLAINWELL, MI 49080 The tentative ratios and the estimated multipliers for each class of real property and personal property for 2013 are as follows: Agricultural . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48.11% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0393 Commercial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52.72% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.9484 Industrial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49.40% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0121 Residential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53.07% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.9422 Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50.00% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0000 (ADA) Americans with Disabilities Notice Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Clerk at least seven (7) days in advance of hearing. This notice posted in Compliance with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act) MCLA41.72a(2)(3) and with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

77576173

Contacts Clerk - Jennifer Goy - 269-664-4522 Supervisor - Thomas Rook - 616-299-6019

BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Baltimore Township Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed township budget for the fiscal year 2013-2014 at the Baltimore Township Hall located at 3100 E. Dowling Rd., Hastings, MI on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 6:30 p.m.

THE PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE RATE PROPOSED TO BE LEVIED TO SUPPORT THE PROPOSED BUDGET WILL BE A SUBJECT OF THIS HEARING. A copy of the budget is available for public inspection by calling the Township Supervisor, Bill Miller, at 269-945-4113.

This notice is posted in compliance with Public Act 267 of the 1976 amended MCL 41.72A (2) (3) and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Baltimore Township Board will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting upon Ten (10) days notice to the Baltimore Township Board. NOTE: Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or service should contact the Baltimore Township Clerk by writing or calling Penelope Ypma, 6200 Henry Rd., Hastings, MI 49058.

Telephone 269-945-3228.

Penelope Ypma Baltimore Township Clerk

77576287

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 21, 2013 — Page 9

Local machinist John Taylor and his wife, Ella, a Nashville News correspondent, were among the audience members who welcome Teddy Roosevelt in 1911 at the depot. Noting the event later in her diary, Ella wrote that she heard Roosevelt say, “I believe in the American people.”

Teddy Roosevelt’s visit to Nashville fondly recalled

Roosevelt replied that he was “delighted to do so,” and graciously stepped off the train and shook hands with all in the area of five or six feet — shaking Mr. Brown’s hand first.

The following year, Roosevelt made an unsuccessful bid for the presidency as a thirdparty Progressive “Bull Moose” candidate.

Soon after his defeat, Roosevelt’s robust health began to fade due to complications of jungle fever contracted on a South American jaunt. However, when death came in 1919, it was unexpected.

Roosevelt’s passing was mourned throughout the world and especially in Nashville, where the gallant soldier-statesman had earned a unique place in local hearts.

Teddy Roosevelt’s train stopped twice in Nashville Feb. 11, 1911, the day this photo was taken. But his first appearance here was in September 1900 during a whistlestop campaign as William McKinley’s running mate. Because of his toothy smile at that earlier event, the Nashville News labeled him “a hard man to lose in a crowd.”

Crowded near the Michigan Central Railroad depot, Nashville residents wait to greet Teddy Roosevelt Feb. 11, 1911. School was dismissed for the day. At the urging of a local Civil War vet for the benefit of the children, Roosevelt alighted from the train on its return stop from Grand Rapids. Having completed the slain McKinley’s term and one of his own, Roosevelt was no longer president, but Nashville still loved the warrior.

This Memories of the Past article by the late Susan Hinckley was published in the Maple Valley News Feb. 8, 1983. Portions of the story first appeared as a Memories of the Past published May 21, 1980.)

“Pleasant and warm. John and I and Stella went to the train to see and hear former President Roosevelt. Was not disappointed,” wrote the late Ella Taylor of Nashville in her personal diary Saturday, Feb. 11, 1911. “I heard Roosevelt say, ‘I believe in the American people,’ she added.

Mrs. Taylor, the former Ella Denton of Vermontville and wife of local machinist John Taylor, was a longtime correspondent for the Nashville News. In her brief diary entry Feb. 11, 1911, she captured the thrill of that historic moment when the former president set foot on Nashville soil.

Teddy Roosevelt actually came to Nashville twice, once as governor of New York and again as an former president of the United States, but both visits are fondly recalled as presidential whistlestops in Nashville.

Several present-day senior citizens still living in Nashville can recall the momentous occasion of Roosevelt’s Feb. 11, 1911, appearance here, but few can remember his initial visit in September 1900 when campaigning as the running mate of President William McKinley.

Advised the Nashville News in advance of that first occasion: “Gov. Theodore Roosevelt, Republican nominee for vice president, will pass through Nashville next Friday afternoon on a special train going from Jackson to Grand Rapids, where he will speak in the evening. Strenuous efforts are being made to arrange for the train to stop long enough here for the governor to make a brief speech.”

Roosevelt would have appreciated the strenuous effort, for he frequently used that word to describe the life of physical fitness that he actively pursued.

He had served as a tenacious assistant secretary of Navy under McKinley before resigning that post to lead his “rough riding” cavalry regiment to national fame in the 1898 charge of San Juan. Several Nashville lads had served in that brief Spanish-American conflict in Cuba, and local interest in the spunky and fearless leader ran high.

Roosevelt had returned to his native New York and was elected governor in 1899. His political philosophy based on an African proverb, “Speak softly and carry a big stick, and you will go far,” had added to public admiration of the warrior-hero.

Roosevelt’s first whistlestop in Nashville came shortly after McKinley and Roosevelt had been nominated by acclamation at the Republican National Convention in 1900.

At the onset, there was some doubt here that the Roosevelt entourage would pause as it passed through Nashville, but the strenuous efforts of local residents proved successful.

The train stopped and Roosevelt spoke from the back platform for several minutes, until the train pulled out.

“He created a very favorable impression,” noted the News in reporting Roosevelt’s appearance. ‘He shows those teeth very thoroughly when he smiles, which is frequent. He would be a hard man to lose in a crowd.”

Victory for the McKinley-Roosevelt team was reported by the News in early November 1900: “The die is cast and William McKinley will be president of the United States for another four years, and with him as vice president that gallant young soldier-statesman, Theodore Roosevelt.”

Michigan gave McKinley a majority of nearly 100,000 votes in that election,

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION

Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M-43 Highway, P.O. Box 158, Hastings, MI 49058, until 9:00 A.M. Friday March 8, 2013 for the following item.

Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above address or at our web site at barrycrc.org Roadside Brush Cutting The Board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregularities in the best interest of the Commission.

BOARD OF COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BARRY Frank M. Fiala Chairman David D. Solmes Member 77576190 D. David Dykstra Member

although in Barry County the race was close.

Almost a year to the day after Roosevelt made his first stop in Nashville, McKinley was felled by an assassin’s bullet at the PanAmerican Exposition at Buffalo, N.Y. The tragedy occurred Sept. 5, 1901. The president died Sept. 14.

“Since the News last went to press, one of the saddest afflictions has fallen on the American people as ever has been their lot to bear — the death of President McKinley, who expired just a week after being shot by a cowardly assassin named Czolgosz,” reported the Nashville News Sept. 20, 1901. “Vice President Roosevelt now is president at age 40.”

The heartfelt News account was slightly inaccurate: Roosevelt was actually just six weeks short of his 43rd birthday when he became president, and McKinley had died nine days after being shot.

Justice was meted out swiftly to the gunman, an avowed anarchist. In mid-November 1901, the News reported that “Leon F. Czolgosz, assassin of President McKinley, was electrocuted last week at Auburn Prison in New York.”

Roosevelt took command of the presidency with the same dedication he had shown in charging Kettle Hill at San Juan. His “big stick” philosophy becoming his foreign policy, he implemented a buildup of U.S. naval forces while he upheld the Monroe Doctrine to prevent European intervention in the Western Hemisphere.

As far as Roosevelt was concerned, construction of the Panama Canal from 1902 to 1905 was the proudest feather in his political cap. His progressive Republican tactics made him a big hit with the common folks. They rewarded him with a landslide victory against Democrat Alton B. Parker in the 1904 presidential race.

“The election Tuesday was a wonderful victory for the Republicans throughout the state and nation,” reported the Nashville News.

“Theodore Roosevelt, Republican candidate for president, carried every state north of the Mason-Dixon line and may have set new records for Republican vote-getting in a number of Southern states.”

Continuing his “big stick” policy,

CITY OF HASTINGS NOTICE of BOARD OF REVIEW

Notice is hereby given that the 2013 March Board of Review of the City of Hastings will meet in the Second Floor Conference Room, City Hall, 201 E. State St., Hastings, Michigan for the purpose of reviewing, correcting, and equalizing the 2013 Assessment Roll. Taxpayers wishing to appeal the value assigned their property may appeal to the Board of Review in person (by appointment) or by letter. Taxpayers wishing to appeal please telephone 945-6002 for an appointment.

Letter appeals will be accepted and must be received no later than 5:00 pm March 13, 2013.

Organizational Meeting Tuesday, March 5 9 AM Hearing dates: Tuesday, March 12 9 AM to Noon and 1 to 4 PM Thursday, March 14 1 to 4 PM and 6 to 9 PM Tentative factors for property assessment in the City of Hastings will be as follows: RATIO FACTOR COMMERCIAL...................50.48.......... .9904 INDUSTRIAL......................50.02.......... .9996 RESIDENTIAL ...................49.26 .........1.0150 PERSONAL ........................50.00 .........1.0000 Jackie Timmerman, City Assessor

Roosevelt helped ease friction between Russia and Japan in 1905, and two years later sent his Great White Fleet of 16 U.S. battleships on a worldwide goodwill tour.

Roosevelt became the first American to win the Nobel Prize for Peace.

When Roosevelt returned to Nashville in February 1911, he was not a candidate for any office. Declaring he would never again seek the presidency, Roosevelt bowed out of the 1908 race won by Republican William H. Taft. An interlude of big-game hunting in Africa preceded Roosevelt’s national speaking tour on behalf of “progressive Republicanism.”

This time, Roosevelt’s train stopped twice in Nashville. First he spoke from the back of the car when his entourage halted here en route to Grand Rapids. On the return trip, the train again stopped, and this time, at the urging of a local veteran, Roosevelt alighted.

“Mr. President, I am an old soldier of the Civil War, and I would like very much if you would step down to the ground so that these young people and children here could say that one President of the United States had stood on Barry County soil,” said George Brown, as he stepped forward from the audience.

Attribution The source for two maps of the city of Hastings printed in the Feb. 7 Banner should have been listed as the 1895 Standard Atlas of Barry County, Michigan. The full title goes on to read: Including a plat Book of the Villages, Cities and Townships of the County, Map of the State, United States and World. Farmers Directory, Reference Business Directory and Departments Devoted to General Information. Analysis of the System of U.S. Land Surveys, Digest of the System of Civil Government, Etc. Etc. The atlas was printed

by Geo. A. Ogle and Co., Chicago.

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

TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE 2013 NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Review will meet at the Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Rd. Delton, Michigan 49046, to examine and review the 2013 assessment roll. The board will convene on the following dates for the hearing of appeals of assessments or taxable values, poverty exemptions, parcel classification appeals and/or current year qualified agricultural denials:

Tuesday, March 5, 2013, 11:00 am Organizational Meeting Monday, March 11, 2013, 1:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 9:00 pm Tuesday, March 12, 2013, 9:00 am to Noon and 1:00 to 4:00 pm And on such additional days as required to hear all persons who have given notice of the desire to be heard until assessment rolls have been revised, corrected and approved.

APPOINTMENTS ARE SUGGESTED; letter appeals will be accepted and must be received no later than 5:00 pm March 11, 2013 Tentative ratios and estimated multipliers for 2013 are as follows: Agricultural 50.83% 0.9837 Commercial 51.30% 0.9747 Industrial 56.29% 0.8883 Residential 49.04% 1.0196 Personal Property 50.00% 1.0000 Tentative equalization factor of 1.0000 for all classes is expected after completion of Board of Review.

Jim Stoneburner, Supervisor Prairieville Township Kevin Harris, Assessor Prairieville Township Prairieville Township Board Meetings are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex or disability.

American with Disabilities (ADA) Notice The township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven-(7) days notice to Prairieville Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact Prairieville Township by writing or calling.

Ted DeVries Prairieville Township Clerk 10115 S. Norris Rd. Delton, MI 49046 269-623-2726

77576219

Page 10 — Thursday, February 21, 2013 — The Hastings Banner

LEGAL NOTICES Synopsis Hastings Charter Township Regular Meeting February 12, 2013 Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm Pledge and roll call Seven board members present, 80 plus guests attended Approved January 2013 minutes & Dept. reports Tax Exempt Entities on Emergency Service Assessment Resolution 2013-1 Resolution 2013-2 Appointment of Auditors Approved payment of warrants Motion to adjourn 8:50 pm Respectfully submitted, Anita S. Mennell - Clerk Attested to by Jim Brown – Supervisor www.hastingstownship.com 77576391

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. 11-602CH 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 4th day of December, 2012, in a certain cause therein pending, wherein HSBC Bank, USA, National Association, as Trustee for Wells Fargo Asset Securities Corporation, Mortgage Asset-Backed Pass-Through Certificates Series 2007-PA2 was the Plaintiff and Brad Pullen was the defendant. The aforementioned Judgment(s) and/or Order(s) established a debt owing to Plaintiff in the amount of $260,235.30, plus post-judgment interest at an annual rate of 7.000% 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 7th of March, 2013 at 1:00 PM, local time. On said day at said time, the following described property shall be sold: property located in the Township of Assyria, County of Barry, State of Michigan, particularly described as The East 330 feet of the Northwest 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 16, Town 1 North, Range 7 West. Also, the Northwest 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 16, Town 1 North, Range 7 West, except the East 330 feet thereof.. Tax Parcel ID: 080101601910 More commonly known as: 7180 Cox Rd, REDEMPTION PERIOD IS SIX MONTHS. For more information please call 248.642.2515. Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys for Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., successor by merger to Wells Fargo Home Mortgage 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, MI 483342525 T# 353489L02 (01-17)(02-21) 77575565

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 Richard Hansen, a married man and Colleen Hansen, his wife, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., Mortgagee, dated October 29, 2009, and recorded on November 6, 2009 in instrument 200911060010862, and assigned by said Mortgagee to Bank of America, N.A. as assignee as documented by an assignment, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Eighty-Four Thousand Seventy-Five and 93/100 Dollars ($184,075.93).

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 March 7, 2013.

Said premises are situated in Township of Prairieville, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: All that certain parcel of land situated in the Township of Prairieville, County of Barry, State of Michigan, being known and described as being part of the SW fractional 1/4 of Section 19, Town 1 North, Range 10 West, Prairieville Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: Beginning on the Range line 937.49 feet, with bearing referenced to the Michigan Plane coordinate system-zone South, North 00 degrees 49 minutes 14 seconds East from the Southwest corner of Section 19; thence on said range line, North 00 degrees 49 minutes 14 seconds East 393.42 feet to the 1/8 post on the West side of the Southwest fractional 1/4 of said Section 19; thence 88 degrees 28 minutes 33 seconds East on the 1/8 line 615.38 feet; thence South 00 degrees 49 minutes 14 seconds West 392.15 feet; thence 88 degrees 35 minutes 39 seconds West 615.38 feet to beginning The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale.

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

Dated: February 7, 2013 For more information, please call: FC X (248) 593-1302 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #417945F01 (02-07)(02-28) 77576039

Synopsis ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP BUDGET WORKSHOP February 11, 2013 Meeting called to order at 7:03. All board members present.

Approved motion for budget adjustment.

Approved motion to Barry County Road Commission’s recommendation for road improvement.

Approved motion to adjourn.

Submitted by Jennifer Goy, Clerk Attested to by 77576306 Thomas Rook, Supervisor

Synopsis HOPE TOWNSHIP Regular Board Meeting Feb. 11, 2013 5 Board members present 6 Guests Regular meeting opened at 7pm Approved: Previous Minutes Standing Reports Bills Delton Fire Budget Budget Transfer Designate Spring Clean up day: May 18, 2013 Job Descriptions for Cemetery & Groundskeepers Board of Review Alternate member Resolution 2013-1 Salary resolutions Resolution 2013-2 Cloverdale Long Lake Sewer payment Meeting date for Joint Township Board, ZBA & Planning Commission: May 16, 2013 Budget for road projects Set date for Budget Workshop: February 23, 2013 Adjourned 7:28pm Submitted by: Deborah Jackson, Clerk Attested to by Mark S. Feldpausch, Supervisor 77576387

FORECLOSURE NOTICE In the event this property is claimed as a principal residence exempt from tax under section 7cc of the general property tax act, 1893 PA 206, MCL .7cc please contact our office at (248) 844-5123. This firm is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt.

Any information obtained will be used for this purpose. If you are in the Military, please contact our office at the number listed below. MORTGAGE SALE – Default has been made in the conditions of a certain mortgage made by: Robert Derushia, a single man to CitiFinancial, Inc., Mortgagee, dated September 8, 2005 and recorded September 14, 2005 in Instrument # 1152713 Barry County Records, Michigan. on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Three Thousand Thirty-Eight Dollars and Fifteen Cents ($103,038.15) including interest 9% 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 March 21, 2013. Said premises are situated in Township of Barry, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: To-Wit, the North one-half of Lot 9, all Lot 10 and the South one-half of Lot 11 of Scott Park, Barry Township, Barry County, Michigan, according to the recorded Plat thereof. Being the same property conveyed by fee simple deed from the Estate of Marie Trumbull, by Robert Derushia, Independent Personal Representative to Robert Derushia dated July 14, 1997 recorded on July 22, 1997 in Liber 702, Page 555 in Barry County Records, State of Michigan. Commonly known as 11843 Scott Park Rd., Delton MI 49046 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: 2/21/2013 CitiFinancial, Inc. Mortgagee Attorneys: Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 811 South Blvd. Suite 100 Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 844-5123 Our File No: 13-77639 (0221)(03-14) 77576433

Supervisor J. Stoneburner called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.

Present: Supervisor Stoneburner, Treasurer McGuire, Clerk DeVries and Trustee Goebel Members Absent: Trustee Grundy Also present were 9 guests.

Agenda was approved, as changed.

Minutes from the January 9, 2013 Regular Meeting were approved, as changed.

Minutes from the January 29, 2013 Budget Workshop Meeting were approved.

Minutes from the February 4, 2013 Pine Lake Special Assessment Meeting were approved.

Commissioners’ report was received Parks, Fire & Police Department reports were placed on file.

Supervisor, Treasurer and Clerk’s Report’s were received.

Approved to pay Township bills for $29,201.45 Adopted resolution to establish township officer’s salaries for fiscal year 2013/2014 Approved 2013 assessment notice commercial mailing proposal Approved township portion for police/fire communication equipment Public comments and Board comments, if any, were received.

Meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m.

Submitted by: Ted DeVries, Clerk Attested to by: Jim Stoneburner, Supervisor 77576389

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 DUSTIN KOPF, A SINGLE MAN and AMBER SHATTUCK, A SINGLE WOMAN, JOINT TENANTS WITH FULL RIGHTS OF SURVIVORSHIP, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. ("MERS"), solely as nominee for lender and lender's successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated January 23, 2010, and recorded on February 1, 2010, in Document No. 201002010000935, and rerecorded on February 22, 2010 in Document No./Liber 201002220001564, and assigned by said mortgagee to NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Twenty-Six Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty-Nine Dollars and Seventy-Nine Cents ($126,859.79), including interest at 6.000% 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 February 28, 2013 Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: LAND SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, COUNTY OF BARRY, STATE OF MICHIGAN, IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:THE SOUTH 664 FEET OF THE EAST 550 FEET OF THE SOUTHWEST 1 / 4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1 / 4 OF SECTION 25, TOWN 3 NORTH, RANGE 9 WEST, EXCEPTING THEREFROM A PARCEL OF LAND SITUATED IN THE SOUTHWEST 1 / 4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1 / 4 OF SECTION 25, TOWN 3 NORTH, RANGE 9 WEST, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE WEST 1 / 4 POST OF SAID SECTION; THENCE EAST, ALONG THE EAST AND WEST 1 / 4 LINE 896 FEET TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING; THENCE NORTH 267 FEET; THENCE EAST PARALLEL WITH THE EAST AND WEST 1 / 4 LINE 200 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 267 FEET TO THE EAST AND WEST 1 / 4 LINE; THENCE WEST ALONG SAID LINE 200 FEET TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale unless determined abandoned in accordance with 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. NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C. 23938 Research Drive, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, MI 48335 NM.001703 FHA (0131)(02-21) 77575923

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 JAY N. SCOTT, A MARRIED MAN and JEROME MEEHAN, A MARRIED MAN, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. ("MERS"), solely as nominee for lender and lender's successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated December 2, 2005, and recorded on December 16, 2005, in Document No. 1157842, and re-recorded on June 21, 2011 in Document No./Liber 201106210006025, on Page 1, and modified, recorded December 29, 2010, in Document No. 201012290012081, and assigned by said mortgagee to Flagstar Bank, FSB, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Twenty-Two Thousand Six Hundred Nine Dollars and Sixty Cents ($122,609.60), including interest at 4.250% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, At the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan. at 01:00 PM o'clock, on March 21, 2013 Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE SOUTH LINE OF SECTION 2, TOWN 2 NORTH, RANGE 7 WEST, MAPLE GROVE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, DISTANT NORTH 89 DEGREES 16 MINUTES 39 SECONDS WEST 207.24 FEET FROM THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION, THENCE NORTH 89 DEGREES 16 MINUTES 39 SECONDS WEST 416.95 FEET ALONG SAID SOUTH LINE, THENCE NORTH 01 DEGREE 15 MINUTES 21 SECONDS WEST 351.06 FEET, THENCE SOUTH 89 DEGREES 09 MINUTES 32 SECONDS EAST 629.73 FEET, THENCE SOUTH 00 DEGREES 21 MINUTES 23 SECONDS EAST 42.32 FEET ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID SECTION, THENCE SOUTH 33 DEGREES 58 MINUTES 35 SECONDS WEST 367.39 FEET TO POINT OF BEGINNING. SUBJECT TO EASEMENT FOR STATE HIGHWAY PURPOSES FOR BIVENS ROAD (OLD HIGHWAY M-79/M-66) AS RECORDED IN LIBER 468, ON PAGE 692. ALSO SUBJECT TO AN EASEMENT FOR STATE HIGHWAY PURPOSES FOR HIGHWAY M-66 AS RECORDED IN LIBER 468 ON PAGE 692 AND ON ANY OTHER EASEMENTS OR RESTRICTIONS OF RECORD. 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. Flagstar Bank, FSB Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C. 23938 Research Drive, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, MI 48335 FSB.004393 FHA (02-21)(03-14)

SYNOPSIS PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Regular Meeting February 13, 2013

77576423

Case No. 12-109-CH CIRCUIT COURT SALE In pursuance and by virtue of a Judgment of the Circuit Court for the County of Barry, State of Michigan, made and entered on the 23rd day of August, A.D., 2012 in a certain cause therein pending, wherein The Bank of New York Mellon fka The Bank of New York, as Trustee for the Certificateholders of CWABS, Inc., Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2004-10 was the Plaintiff and Stephen Vandermade, Tracy Vandermade, Household Finance Corporation III the Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that I shall sell at public auction to the highest bidder, at public venue, at the Barry County Circuit Court (that being the place of holding the Circuit Court for said County), on the28th day of March, A.D., 2013 at 1:00 o’clock in the afternoon, Eastern Standard Time, the following described property, viz: All certain piece or parcel of land situated in the City of Hastings, County of Barry and State of Michigan, described as follows: Lot 80 of Hastings Heights, according to the recorded Plat thereof as recorded in Liber 3 of Plats on Page 41. Tax I.D. 08-55-055048-00 Commonly known as: 1527 North Michigan Avenue, Hastings, MI 49058 This property may be redeemed during the six (6) months following the sale. Dated: February 7, 2013 Sheriff Dar Leaf Randall S. Miller & Associates, P.C. Ronald S. Glaser (P46986) Attorneys for Plaintiff 43252 Woodward Avenue, Suite 180 Bloomfield Hills, MI 77576006 48302 (248) 335-9200 (02-07)(03-21)

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 Joanne E. Anderson, unmarried, original mortgagor(s), to James B. Nutter & Company, Mortgagee, dated October 22, 2007, and recorded on October 30, 2007 in instrument 20071030-0003618, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Fifty-Six Thousand Five Hundred Eighty and 81/100 Dollars ($156,580.81).

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 February 28, 2013.

Said premises are situated in Township of Carlton, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lot(s) 34, Culbert's Plat No. 2, according to the recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 3 of Plats, Page 35, 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. f 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: January 31, 2013 For more information, please call: FC H (248) 593-1300 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #418420F01 77575853 (01-31)(02-21)

IF YOU ARE NOW ON ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY OR HAVE BEEN IN THE PRIOR ONE YEAR, PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT 248-5021400.

MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by John W. Coe, a married man, to Mortgage Melectronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Amerifirst Financial Corporation, it's successors and assigns., Mortgagee, dated June 20, 2011 and recorded June 21, 2011 in Instrument Number 201106210006032, Barry County Records, Michigan.

Said mortgage is now held by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. by assignment.

There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Eighty-One Thousand Nine Hundred SixtyFour and 43/100 Dollars ($81,964.43) including interest at 5% per annum.

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the Barry County Circuit Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan in Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 p.m. on 03/07/2013.

Said premises are located in the City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Land in the City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, to wit: The North 1/2 of Lots 6 and 7, Block 7 of the Eastern Addition fo the City, formerly Village of Hastings, according to the recorded Plat thereof except the North 10 feet of said Lot 6, Barry County Records.

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

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

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

Dated: February 7, 2013 Orlans Associates, P.C. Attorneys for Servicer P.O. Box 5041 Troy, MI 48007-5041 File No. 682.3890 (02-07)(02-28) 77576044

NOTICE TO CREDITORS TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, PATRICIA O. LARDER (date of birth August 28, 1930), Grantor of the CHARLES R. LARDER AND PATRICIA O. LARDER LIVING TRUST dated November 13, 2009, who lived at 10280 Jones Rd., Bellevue, MI 49021 died January 30, 2013.

Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the Trust will be forever barred unless presented to The current Trustee, JUDY K. LARDER at 2303 Clark Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49048, or to the attorney for the Trustee, KATHLEEN F. COOK, at 121 South Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813 within 4 months of the date of publication of this notice.

Date: February 14, 2013 Law Office of Kathleen F. Cook Kathleen F. Cook P31842 121 S. Cochran Ave. Charlotte, MI 48813 77576371 (517) 543-7643

FORECLOSURE NOTICE (ALL COUNTIES) AS A DEBT COLLECTOR, WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. NOTIFY (248) 362-6100 IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. MORTGAGE SALE – Default having been made in the terms and conditions of a certain mortgage made by Bobbi L. Ashdon, a single woman of Barry County, Michigan, Mortgagor to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. dated the 25th day of June, 2003, and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds, for the County of Barry and State of Michigan, on the 14th day of August, 2003, in Instrument No. 1110976, of Barry Records, which said mortgage was assigned to LoanCare, a division of FNF, thru mesne assignments, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due, at the date of this notice, for principal of $76,132.95 (seventy-six thousand one hundred thirty-two and 95/100) plus accrued interest at 5.75% (five point seven five) percent per annum.

And no suit proceedings 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 the statue of the State of Michigan in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that on, the 21st day of March, 2013, at 1:00:00 PM said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale at public auction, to the highest bidder, at the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, MI, Barry County, Michigan, of the premises described in said mortgage. Which said premises are described as follows: All that certain piece or parcel of land situate in the City of Hastings, in the County of Barry and State of Michigan and described as follows to wit: Situated in the City of Hastings, County of Barry and State of Michigan: Lot 1011 of the City, formerly Village of Hastings, according to the recorded plat thereof. Commonly known as: 420 W. Grand Street Tax Parcel No.: 055-001-364-00 If the property is sold at a foreclosure sale the borrower, pursuant to MCLA 600.3278 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 redemption period shall be six months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with 1948CL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. Dated: February 21, 2013 By: Foreclosing Attorneys Attorney for Plaintiff Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., L.P.A. 2155 Butterfield Drive Suite 200-S Troy, MI 48084 WWR# 10112955 (02-21)(03-14) 77576413

FORECLOSURE NOTICE In the event this property is claimed as a principal residence exempt from tax under section 7cc of the general property tax act, 1893 PA 206, MCL .7cc please contact our office at (248) 844-5123. 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: Susanne Bignall Williams and Warren J Williams, Wife and Husband to Fifth Third Bank (Western Michigan), Mortgagee, dated February 10, 2006 and recorded March 24, 2006 in Instrument # 1161669 Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Thirteen Thousand Six Hundred Thirty-Three Dollars and Seventy-Two Cents ($13,633.72) including interest 3.25% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, Circuit Court of Barry County at 1:00PM on March 21, 2013 Said premises are situated in Township of Rutland, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: A parcel in the Southwest fractional one-quarter of Section 1, Town 3 North, Range 9 West, described as: Commencing at a point on the West line of said Section 1, 330 feet North of the Southwest corner thereof; thence East 108 feet to the shore of Algonquin Lake, thence Northwesterly along the shore of said Lake to a point in the West line of said Section 1, 251.72 feet North of the place of beginning, thence South 251.72 feet to the place of beginning. Commonly known as 1919 Ottawa Trail, 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: 2/21/2013 Fifth Third Bank, an Ohio Banking Corporation, as successor by merger to Fifth Third Bank, a Michigan Banking Corporation, also known as Fifth Third Bank (Western Michigan) Mortgagee Attorneys: Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 811 South Blvd. Suite 100 Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 844-5123 Our File No: 13-76842 (02-21)(03-14) 77576418

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 21, 2013 — Page 11

LEGAL NOTICES FORECLOSURE NOTICE In the event this property is claimed as a principal residence exempt from tax under section 7cc of the general property tax act, 1893 PA 206, MCL .7cc please contact our office at (248) 844-5123.

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: Susanne Bignall Williams and Warren J. Williams, Wife and Husband to Fifth Third Bank (Western Michigan), Mortgagee, dated July 12, 2004 and recorded July 29, 2004 in Instrument # 1131591 Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Twenty-Nine Thousand Six Hundred Ninety Dollars and SeventyThree Cents ($129,690.73) including interest 6.74% 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, Circuit Court of Barry County at 1:00PM on March 28, 2013 Said premises are situated in Township of Rutland, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: A parcel in the Southwest fractional one-quarter of Section 1, Town 3 North, Range 9 West, described as: Commencing at a point on the West line of said Section 1, 330 feet North of the Southwest corner thereof; thence East 108 feet to the shore of Algonquin Lake, thence Northwesterly along the shore of said Lake to a point in the West line of said Section 1, 251.72 feet North of the place of beginning, thence South 251.72 feet to the place of beginning. Commonly known as 1919 Ottawa Trail, 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: 2/23/2013 Fifth Third Bank, an Ohio Banking Corporation, as successor by merger to Fifth Third Bank, a Michigan Banking Corporation, also known as Fifth Third Bank (Western Michigan) Mortgagee Attorneys: Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 811 South Blvd. Suite 100 Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 844-5123 Our File No: 13-76843 (02-21)(03-14) 77576428

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 Nathan Drake married, Tracy Jo Drake his wife, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., Mortgagee, dated November 5, 2007, and recorded on November 21, 2007 in instrument 20071121-0004453, and assigned by mesne assignments to DLJ Mortgage Capital, Inc. as assignee as documented by an assignment, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Seven Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty-One and 40/100 Dollars ($107,721.40).

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 March 7, 2013.

Said premises are situated in Township of Orangeville, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Commencing 200 feet West of the Northeast corner of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southwest fractional 1/4 of Section 18. Town 2 North, Range 10 West, as a place of beginning; thence South 139 feet; thence West 200 feet; thence North 139 feet; thence East 200 feet to the place beginning.

Together with an easement for the purposes of ingress and egress, over the following described parcel: Commencing at a point 139 feet South of the Northeast corner of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 18, Town 2 North, Range 10 West for a place of beginning; thence South 20 feet; thence West 400 feet; thence North 20 feet; thence East 400 feet to the place of beginning.

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

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

Dated: February 7, 2013 For more information, please call: FC J (248) 593-1311 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #405663F03 77576028 (02-07)(02-28)

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 Ken Yates and Susan Yates, husband and wife, original mortgagor(s), to Fifth Third Mortgage - MI, LLC, Mortgagee, dated June 22, 2009, and recorded on June 29, 2009 in instrument 200906290006748, and assigned by said Mortgagee to Fifth Third Mortgage Company as assignee as documented by an assignment, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Nine Hundred Twenty-Five and 51/100 Dollars ($125,925.51).

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 March 21, 2013.

Said premises are situated in Township of Woodland, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Parcel 1: Lot 1, B-Z Acres, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 4, Page 12 of Plats, Barry County Records.

Parcel 2: The North 270 feet of the West 1/2 of the following described parcel: Commencing at the Northwest corner of Section 31, T1N, R10W, thence East 200 feet to the point of beginning, thence East to the Northeast corner of the West 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of said Section 31, thence South to the intersection of the North line of Consumers Power Company right of way and the East line of the West 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of said Section 31, thence North 80 degrees 10 minutes 10 seconds West 1182.65 feet to the point on the East line of Lots 3, B-Z Bees Acres No. 1, thence North to the point of beginning, 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: February 21, 2013 For more information, please call: FC J (248) 593-1311 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #416149F01 77576379 (02-21)(03-14)

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

Default has occurred in the conditions of a mortgage made by TRACEY L. HAYMAN, a single woman and ROBIN L. REED, a single woman (collectively, "Mortgagor"), to GREENSTONE FARM CREDIT SERVICES, FLCA, a federally chartered corporation, having an office at 3515 West Road, East Lansing, Michigan 48823 (the "Mortgagee"), dated October 15, 2007, and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan on January 25, 2008, as Instrument No. 200801250000799, as amended by an amendment to mortgage dated September 7, 2010, recorded September 17, 2010, as Instrument No. 201009170008628, Barry County Records (the "Mortgage"). By reason of such default, the Mortgagee elects to declare and hereby declares the entire unpaid amount of the Mortgage due and payable forthwith. Mortgagee is the owner of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage.

As of the date of this Notice there is claimed to be due for principal and interest on the Mortgage the sum of One Hundred Forty-Four Thousand Four Hundred Ninety and 37/100 Dollars ($144,490.37).

No suit or proceeding at law has been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage or any part thereof.

Notice is hereby given that by virtue of the power of sale contained in the Mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, and to pay the above amount, with interest, as provided in the Mortgage, and all legal costs, charges and expenses, including the attorney fee allowed by law, and all taxes and insurance premiums paid by the undersigned before sale, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by sale of the mortgaged premises at public venue to the highest bidder at the east entrance of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan on Thursday the 14th day of March, 2013, at one o’clock in the afternoon. The premises covered by the Mortgage are situated in the Township of Woodland, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and are described as follows: Lots 7 and 8, Sawdy's Subdivision, Township of Woodland, Barry County, Michigan, as recorded in Liber 4 of Plats, Page 27.

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

Commonly known as: 95 Saddlebag Lake Road, Woodland, Michigan 48897 P.P. #08-15-090-004-00 Notice is further given that the length of the redemption period will be six (6) months from the date of sale, unless the premises are abandoned. If the premises are abandoned, the redemption period will be the later of thirty (30) days from the date of the sale or upon expiration of fifteen (15) days after the Mortgagor is given notice pursuant to MCLA §600.3241a(b) that the premises are considered abandoned and Mortgagor, Mortgagor's heirs, executor, or administrator, or a person lawfully claiming from or under one (1) of them has not given the written notice required by MCLA §600.3241a(c) stating that the premises are not abandoned.

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

Dated: February 14, 2013 GREENSTONE FARM CREDIT SERVICES, FLCA Mortgagee Timothy Hillegonds WARNER NORCROSS & JUDD LLP 900 Fifth Third Center 111 Lyon Street, N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2487 (616) 752-2000 77576102 8913739-1

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE SALE FOSTER, SWIFT, COLLINS & SMITH, P.C. IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF A MORTGAGOR IS IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. DEFAULT having been made in the conditions of a certain Mortgage made on June 11, 2004, by Jeffrey L. Noteboom and Diane M. Noteboom, husband and wife, as Mortgagor, given by them to MainStreet Savings Bank, FSB, whose address is 629 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, as Mortgagee, and recorded on June 17, 2004, in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan, in Instrument Number 1129483, which mortgage was assigned to Commercial Bank by an Assignment of Mortgage dated February 29, 2012, recorded on March 8, 2012, in Instrument Number 201203080002412, Barry County Records, on which Mortgage there is claimed to be due and unpaid, as of the date of this Notice, the sum of One Hundred Four Thousand One Hundred Seventy-One and 03/100 Dollars ($104,171.03); and no suit or proceeding at law or in equity having been instituted to recover the debt or any part thereof secured by said Mortgage, and the power of sale in said Mortgage having become operative by reason of such default; NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 1:00 o'clock in the afternoon, at the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan, that being one of the places for holding the Circuit Court for Barry County, there will be offered for sale and sold to the highest bidder or bidders at public auction or venue for purposes of satisfying the amounts due and unpaid on said Mortgage, together with all allowable costs of sale and includable attorney fees, the lands and premises in said Mortgage mentioned and described as follows: LAND SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF HASTINGS, COUNTY OF BARRY, MICHIGAN, DESCRIBED AS: Lot 17 and the West half of Lot 18 of East-Mar-Heights, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 5 of Plats on Page 22, Hastings Township, Barry County, Michigan. Commonly known as: 1630 Boulder Drive, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Parcel Number: 08-06-225-017-00 The period within which the above premises may be redeemed shall expire six (6) months from the date of sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with M.C.L.A. Sec. 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the time of such sale.

Dated: February 8, 2013 FOSTER, SWIFT, COLLINS & SMITH, P.C. COMMERCIAL BANK Benjamin J. Price of Hastings, Michigan, Mortgagee Attorneys for Mortgagee 313 S. Washington Square Lansing, MI 48933 (517) 3718253 (02-21)(03-14) 77576374

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE MORTGAGE SALE-Default having been made in the terms and conditions of a mortgage made by ERNEST D. BONIFACE, a single man of 1791 WEST STATE RD., HASTINGS, MI 49058, Mortgagor(s) to CONSUMERS PROFESSIONAL CREDIT UNION of 525 W. WILLOW, LANSING, MI 48901-5100, Mortgagee, dated JUNE 19, 2003, and recorded on JUNE 30, 2003, in INSTRUMENT NO. 1107403 in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, and State of Michigan on which Mortgage there is claimed to be due, at the date of this notice, for principal and interest, the sum of SIXTY-THREE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FORTY-SEVEN AND 39/100THS ($63,647.39) DOLLARS with interest at 9.5% percent per annum, and attorney fees as provided for in said Mortgage and no suit or proceeding at law or in equity having been instituted to recover the debt secured by said Mortgage or any part hereof, NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, and pursuant to the statute of the State of Michigan in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that on MARCH 21, 2013, at 1:00 P.M., local time, said Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale at public auction, to the highest bidder, inside the Barry County Circuit Court Building in the City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan (that being the building where the Circuit Court for Barry County 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 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 the certain pieces or parcels of land situate in the TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, COUNTY OF BARRY, AND STATE OF MICHIGAN, to wit: A PARCEL OF LAND IN THE SOUTHWEST 1 / 4 OF SECTION 12, TOWN 3 NORTH, RANGE 9 WEST, DESCRIBED AS: COMMENCING AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE SOUTHWEST 1 / 4 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1 / 4 OF SAID SECTION 12, THENCE SOUTH ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID SOUTHWEST 1 / 4 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1 / 4, A DISTANCE OF 773.90 FEET, THENCE WEST PARALLEL WITH THE NORTH LINE OF SAID SOUTHWEST 1 / 4 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1 / 4, A DISTANCE OF 394 FEET, THENCE NORTH PARALLEL WITH SAID EAST LINE 723.90 FEET, THENCE WEST PARALLEL WITH SAID NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTHWEST 1 / 4 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1 / 4 OF SAID SECTION, A DISTANCE OF 230 FEET MORE OR LESS TO THE THORNAPPLE RIVER, THENCE NORTHERLY ALONG THORNAPPLE RIVER TO THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTHWEST 1 / 4 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1 / 4 OF SAID SECTION, THENCE EAST TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. TOGETHER WITH AND SUBJECT TO AN EASEMENT FOR DRIVEWAY PURPOSES OVER A STRIP OF LAND 33.00 FEET WIDE, 16.50 FEET EACH SIDE OF A CENTERLINE DESCRIBED AS: BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTHWEST 1 / 4 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1 / 4 OF SAID SECTION 12, SAID POINT LYING WEST, 394.00 FEET FROM THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SOUTHWEST 1 / 4 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1 / 4, THENCE SOUTH, PARALLEL WITH THE EAST LINE OF SAID SOUTHWEST 1 / 4 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1 / 4, 250.00 FEET TO THE END OF SAID DESCRIBED CENTERLINE. ALSO TOGETHER WITH AND SUBJECT TO A 33.00 FOOT EASEMENT FOR ACCESS TO THE ABOVE DESCRIBED LAND ALONG THE CENTER LINE OF AN EXISTING DRIVE FROM STATE ROAD. MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 1791 WEST STATE RD., HASTINGS, MI 49058 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 600.3241 a, the property may be redeemed during the thirty (30) days immediately following the sale.

KENNETH C. BUTLER II (P 28477) ATTORNEY FOR MORTGAGEE 24525 HARPER AVENUE ST. CLAIR SHORES, MI 48080 (586) 777-0770 Dated: 2-14-13 (02-14)(03-14) (02-14)(03-14) 77576195

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

MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Kenneth W. Wood, a single man, original mortgagor(s), to Broadmoor Financial Services, Inc., Mortgagee, dated October 12, 2001, and recorded on October 26, 2001 in instrument 1068756, and assigned by said Mortgagee to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., successor by merger to Chase Home Finance, LLC successor by merger to Chase Manhattan Mortgage Corporation as assignee as documented by an assignment, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Sixty Thousand Six Hundred Thirteen and 56/100 Dollars ($60,613.56).

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 March 14, 2013.

Said premises are situated in Charter Township of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: A parcel of land in the Northwest corner of the South 1/2 of the North 1/2 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 1, being 215 feet East and West by 200 feet North and South all in Town 3 North, Range 8 West.

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

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

Dated: February 14, 2013 For more information, please call: FC S (248) 593-1304 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #419830F01 77576248 (02-14)(03-07)

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 Vicki BirdJones and Stacey A Jones wife and husband, original mortgagor(s), to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Mortgagee, dated July 13, 2007, and recorded on August 7, 2007 in instrument 20070807-0000590, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Fifty-Nine Thousand Four Hundred Ninety and 53/100 Dollars ($59,490.53).

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 March 7, 2013.

Said premises are situated in Township of Hope, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Parcel 1: A Parcel of Land in the Southwest 1/4 of Section 4, Town 2 North, Range 9 West, Hope Township, Barry County, Michigan, Described As: Beginning At A Point on the South Line Of Said Section 4 Distant South 89 Degrees 50 Minutes 12 Seconds West 725.98 Feet From The South 1/4 Corner Of Said Section 4; Thence South 89 Degrees 50 Minutes 12 Seconds West 470.21 Feet Along Said Section Line; Thence North 00 Degrees 46 Minutes 44 Seconds West 134.43 Feet Along The West Line Of The East 1/2 Of The Southwest 1/4 Of Said Section 4 To The Centerline Of Peake Road; Thence The Following 5 Calls Along Centerline, Northerly 11/27 Feet Along The Arc Of A Non-Tangent Curve To The Left, The Radius Of Which Is 141.06 Feet, The Central Angle Of Which Is 04 Degrees 34 Minutes 39 Seconds, And The Chord Of Which Bears North 05 Degrees 11 Minutes 41 Seconds East 11.27 Feet; Thence North 02 Degrees 54 Minutes 21 Seconds East 110.66 Feet; Thence Northeasterly 225.95 Feet Along The Arc Of A Curve To The Right, The Radius Of Which Is 208.70 Feet; The Central Angle Of Which Is 62 Degrees 01 Minutes 51 Seconds, And The Chord Of Which Bears North 33 Degrees 55 Minutes 17 Seconds East 215.07 Feet Thence Easterly 265.55 Feet Along The Arc Of A Curve To The Right, The Radius Of Which Is 608.01 Feet, The Central Angle Of Which Is 25 Degrees 01 Minutes 27 Seconds, And The Chord Of Which Bears North 77 Degrees 26 Minutes 56 Seconds East 263.44 Feet: Thence North 89 Degrees 57 Minutes 56 Seconds East 202.11 Feet; Thence South 00 Degrees 43 Minutes 21 Seconds East 490.34 Feet To The Point Of Beginning, Subject To An Easement For Public Highway Purposes Over The Westerly And Northerly 33 Feet Thereof For Peaked Road.

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

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

Dated: February 7, 2013 For more information, please call: FC S (248) 593-1304 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #420781F01 77576018 (02-07)(02-28)

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 Janell Everett, an unmarried woman, original mortgagor(s), to Wells Fargo Bank, NA successor in interest by merger to Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Inc., Mortgagee, dated April 9, 2004, and recorded on April 13, 2004 in instrument 1125213, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Seventy-Six Thousand Three Hundred Five and 07/100 Dollars ($76,305.07).

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on March 14, 2013.

Said premises are situated in City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: The South 1/2 of Lots 4 and 5 of Block 12 of Daniel Striker's Addition to the City, formerly Village, of Hastings, according to the recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats on Page 11.

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: February 14, 2013 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 #419613F01 (02-14)(03-07) 77576227

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 Kathleen A. Mann, a married woman and Ora D. Mann, a married man, husband and wife, original mortgagor(s), to Concord Funding Corporation, Mortgagee, dated October 30, 1997, and recorded on November 20, 1997 in instrument 1004420, and assigned by mesne assignments to Chase Home Finance, LLC successor by merger to Chase Manhattan Mortgage Corporation as assignee as documented by an assignment, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Fifty-Six Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy-Seven and 45/100 Dollars ($56,777.45).

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 February 28, 2013.

Said premises are situated in City of Delton, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: A parcel of land in the North 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 18, Town 1 North, Range 9 west, described as follows: Commencing at the West 1/4 post of said Section 18 and running thence North 1719 feet along the West line of said Section 18 to a point which lies 388 feet North of the North 1/8 line as occupied, of said Section; thence North 89 degrees 29 minutes 10 seconds East 30.69 feet to the center of highway M-43 and the true point of beginning; thence Northeasterly 299.88 feet along the center of said highway on the arc of a curve to the right of radius 1041.74 feet, the chord of which bears North 22 degrees 10 minutes 20 seconds East 598.75 feet; thence East 1208.5 feet more or less along the North line of the South 1/2 of the North 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of said Section 18, to the West 1/8 line of said Section; thence North 664 feet more or less along said 1/8line to the North line of said Section 18; thence East 427 feet along said North line of Section 18; thence South 936 feet; thence South 89 degrees 29 minutes 10 seconds West 1748 feet tot eh place of beginning The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale.

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

Dated: January 31, 2013 For more information, please call: FC S (248) 593-1304 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #420847F01 (01-31)(02-21) 77575889

Page 12 — Thursday, February 21, 2013 — The Hastings Banner

Suicide prevention program, rising MEAP scores draw interest of Delton Kellogg board A proposed schoolwide suicide prevention program and an encouraging MEAP test result report highlighted a wide school board agenda at Delton Kellogg on Feb. 18.

DK Middle School Principle Diane Talo

presented the MEAP scores and displayed bar graphs showing each grade’s improvement in reading, writing, arithmetic, science and social studies. Talo, and Elementary Principal Steve Scoville said the academic strategy DK

COURT NEWS Wayne Martin Tinkler Sr., 42, of Nashville was sentenced in Barry County Circuit Court Feb. 13 for failure to pay child support.

Judge Amy McDowell ordered him to serve six months in jail, with credit for 24 days served. Tinkler must pay $25,483 in child support and $1,198 in court costs. He must also serve 60 months on probation. The balance of Tinkler’s jail time will be suspended pending successful completion of probation.

He must pay at least $200 a month on the child-support balance and a least $50 a month toward court costs.

Jamie Blaine Nohel, 34, of Wyoming was sentenced Feb. 13 in Barry County Circuit Court for home invasion, second degree, and larceny of a building. Judge McDowell ordered Nohel to serve 12 months in jail, with credit for 47 days served. Nohel must pay $3,576 in restitution and $2,516 in court assessments. He must also serve 36 months of probation. The last 90 days of his jail time will be suspended pending successful completion of probation. Nohel must pay at least $200 per month toward restitution and court costs. He must attend drug court and have no contact with the victims.

David Michael Closson, 35, of Kalamazoo

was sentenced in Barry County Circuit Court Feb. 13 for possession of marijuana. Judge McDowell ordered Closson to serve eight days in jail, with credit for eight days served.

He must pay $798 in court assessments and serve 18 months on probation. Closson was ordered to pay at least $75 a month toward assessments, beginning April 1. Charges of delivery or manufacturing marijuana and controlled substance, second or subsequent offense, was dropped by the Barry County Prosecutor’s office.

Joshua Michael Wagner, 25, of Middleville was sentenced Feb. 14 in Barry County Circuit Court for domestic violence and possession of marijuana, second or subsequent offense. Judge McDowell ordered Wagner to serve 58 days on the first charge and nine months on the second charge, with credit for 58 days served. Wagner must pay $748 in court costs and serve 12 months on probation.

The balance of his jail time will be suspended pending successful completion of probation.

Wagner must attend Alcoholics Anonymous four times a week and have no contact with the victim. He must pay at least $100 a month toward court costs. A charge of larceny under $200 was dropped by the Barry County Prosecutor’s office.

Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 For Sale

In Memoriam

Help Wanted

AFFORDABLE PROPANE FOR your home/farm/business. No delivery fees. Call for a free quote. Diamond Propane 269-367-9700

EDDY L. KIDDER Gee son it’s been 5 years since you passed away on March 4th.

We love you and think of you everyday.

Love, Mom, Dad, brothers, sisters, family and friends.

LOCAL ORIGINAL ROCK BAND: looking for Bassist!!!!

Preferably between the ages of 18-30!!! Must be dependable, we hope to be recording and playing shows by early spring/summer! Call or text (269)331-9340 or (269)8045640 for more information!

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Estate Sale ESTATE/MOVING SALES:

by Bethel Timmer - The Cottage House Antiques.

(269)795-8717 or (616)9019898.

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

Card of Thanks THE FAMILY OF T.J. Heath would like to express our most sincere gratitude to our family, friends, neighbors, work families and everyone for the outpouring of love and support you have shown us during our heartbreaking loss.

The meals, cards, flowers, calls, visits, prayers, stories you’ve shared, memorial gifts and donations to the Animal Shelter have truly touched our hearts and will be cherished forever.

Special thanks to the ambulance service, Spectrum Health team, Ray & Deb Girrbach, Thornapple Valley Church, Simion Guenther & Jim McKelvey.

Ted, Diana & Travis Heath

Recreation WANTED HUNTING LAND: (2) Families are interested in leasing acreage for this years deer season.

Call (269)795-3049

Help Wanted COMMUNITY LIVING SUPPORT SPECIALIST for mental health treatment program. Part-time position job, responsibilities include assisting in rehabilitation, recreational skills, and other duties related to program implementation. Experience in working with persons with developmental disabilities and mental illness helpful. Record keeping and data collection and entry skills desired. Clean driving record and ability to obtain Chauffeur’s license required.

Send resume to Barry County Community Mental Health Authority, 915 West Green Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, or email jobs@bccmha.org. No phone calls. EOE. THORNAPPLE MANOR is now accepting applications for an “On Call” Bus Drivers. CDL with Passenger Endorsement required. Hours will vary as needed and possibly include weekends. Applications can be completed in our business office, or downloaded from our website at: www.thornapplemanor.com You may fax your resume in confidence to Human Resources at (269)948-0265.

EOE. 2700 Nashville Rd., Hastings, MI. 49058 No phone calls please.

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.”

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

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

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

77573427

SOCIAL WORKER: A full time position for a mental health/substance abuse clinician exists with previous group therapy, individual therapy, and crisis stabilization experience. This position requires experience working with mental health and substances abuse clients.

LMSW required; CAADC credential a plus. Position requires the ability to work independently and as a member of an interdisciplinary team. The availability to work evenings and take oncall coverage is required.

Send resume to Barry County Community Mental Health Authority, 915 West Green Street, Hastings, MI 49058. No phone calls. EOE. DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED NOW! Learn to drive for US Xpress!

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Send resume to: Ad #101, c/o Reminder, P.O. Box 188, Hastings, MI 49058

has put in place is yielding a noticeable improvement in standardized test scores.

“There is an incredible leap this year in our fourth grade writing scores,” pointed out Talo, who also observed that, as a state, Michigan is struggling with science scores compared to national scores.

“Our science scores may look horrible, but look at where the state is,” she said, pointing to the graph. “The whole state has a long way to go in our science scores, but remember, the state changed the cut scores (raising passing scores) two years ago. Everything looks so much lower than it did two years ago.

Overall, the data we are seeing is very hopeful.”

Board president Marsha Bassett related that the community suicide prevention program is moving forward and there has been research into bringing a comprehensive program into the schools.

“There are two pieces to it,” said Bassett.

“The first is called ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ and has four 55-minutes segments presented to students during the class day. It is suicide prevention and each of the modules has a different twist on stigma and signs of suicide, and how to help friends and students. There is also a parent-teacher part to it.

“The second piece is an anti-bullying segment which dovetails with the suicide prevention piece,” Bassett continued. “Obviously, it has been proven there is a connection between bullying and suicide. The program is named ‘Be Nice’ and it was developed in Kent County as were the suicide modules.

“The programs will be offered in elementary, middle and high school and are tailored to the students. The program is being used in 23 area districts.”

Bassett also stated that financing for the program is still being worked out, with grants and donations being considered.

In other business, the board approved the hiring of Jamie Collier as a part-time parapro for the high school resource room.

Board member Jim McManus said the finance committee has asked athletic director Mike Mohn to look again at the athletic budget and find funding for an eighth grade football program.

The next regularly scheduled DK Board of Education meeting will be held in the elementary school on March 18 at 7 p.m.

Judge addresses the possibility of teachers with guns A Feb. 14 front-page Banner story regarding guns in schools included a statement from Barry County Circuit Court Judge Amy McDowell. Due to a processing error, a portion of McDowell’s response regarding teachers also performing as reserve officers was omitted. The following excerpt from the Feb. 14 piece contains McDowell’s statement in full.

by David DeDecker Staff Writer When asked about the legal implications of teachers being reserve officers in the schools, Barry County Circuit Court Judge Amy McDowell suggested that it would become a slippery slope if schools allowed teachers and staff members to also act as reserve police officers.

“They can’t be simultaneously employed, a reserve officer is not on duty 24/7,” maintains McDowell, who sees several additional concerns. “Does a teacher who is a reserve officer now have to give Miranda Rights to any child they are questioning? Is there no longer a confidentiality presumption with a school counselor when speaking to a child? Is a child, running from a teacher, now guilty of resisting and obstructing? And, because all crimes must be reported by an officer, does this take away discretion to instead utilize inschool or out-of-school suspensions for minor offenses?

“These are all areas that get opened up by this loophole,” adds McDowell. “Also, I question what liability the schools would have in this scenario. It seems to me the answer is to have screening at the door for weapons to prevent any incidences like Sandy Hook. It is unfortunate that this has to be the situation, but there appear to be no appropriate alternatives.”

(Staff writers Shari Carney, Julie Makarewicz and Sandra Ponsetto also contributed to the Banner article.)

POLICE BEAT Man brings drug kit to the library While Hastings Police were at the Hastings Library on Feb. 11 for an assault complaint, they observed a person look away from them after making eye contact.

Officers noticed the man start to walk away and stopped him for questioning. Police discovered three warrants for the man’s arrest -- one for child support and two others for failing to pay traffic citations. As officers were searching him subsequent to arrest, needles and drug paraphernalia were found and confiscated. The man was arrested on the warrants and subsequent charges have been requested from the Barry County Prosecutor’s Office.

Vacuum salesman wanted for assault and battery Hastings Police were dispatched on Feb. 13 to the 1500 block of North Church Street on a report of vacuum salespeople looking into house windows. Police made contact with a group of people who were going door-to-door selling Kirby products and informed them of the complaint they had received. When speaking with the members of the group, who denied looking into windows, police spoke with a 29-year-old Vermontville man and learned of an assault and battery warrant for his arrest. The man was arrested and the remaining salespeople were told not to look into house windows.

Minors found drinking and fighting While patrolling on Feb. 15 at approximately 10:30 p.m., a Hastings officer observed a group of people fighting near the intersection of Green Street and Jefferson Street. The police noticed a man laying on the ground being punched by another man and kicked by two additional men. All three assailants ran off when they observed the police car pull into the area. Police pursued the assailants on foot and stopped when one of the subjects entered a house on the 400 block of South Jefferson Street. As backup units arrived, an ambulance was called for the victim who appeared to be unconscious.

Police spoke with five people inside the house, ranging in age from 15 to 19, and all had consumed alcohol. Officers issued five citations for minors in possession of alcohol. Police learned the victim of the assault refused medical treatment and refused to identify the people who assaulted him.

1968 ‘Cuda rolls on down the highway Hastings Police learned on Feb. 18 that a 1968 Plymouth Barracuda had been stolen from the 500 block of East Green Street sometime within the previous 24 to 48 hours. Officers recovered the muscle car on Feb. 19 on Old Nashville Hwy. The investigation is ongoing and suspects are under surveillance.

Teen uses phone to harass ex-girlfriend Barry County Deputies met with a woman on Feb. 3 at the Sheriff’s Department on a stalking complaint. The woman told deputies she had dated an 18year-old Hastings man for about a month and had ended the relationship about two months ago. She said the man would call her cell phone and leave profane messages and threats of suicide. She had told the man to stop calling her and texting her, but he was not stopping and she wanted to file a complaint. The woman said the man also uses a cell phone app to disguise his true phone number. Deputies listened to several of the phone messages and agreed they did sound threatening. The man was also texting and leaving messages for the woman’s best friend. Deputies were not able to locate the man, but left a message with his mother about authorities wishing to speak with him.

The mother agreed to relay the message when she talked to her son. On Feb. 6, the man contacted deputies and said he was through with the woman and would not contact her again. The case is closed and no action taken at this time.

Driver disregards yellow stripes Deputies were dispatched to the intersection of M-43 and Head Lake Road near Hastings, on Feb. 11, on a reckless driving complaint. An off-duty deputy had called in the complaint, reporting a red Jeep Cherokee was headed north toward Hastings. He reported the vehicle passed four cars in a no-passing zone going uphill with oncoming traffic. Reportedly, a south bound vehicle was forced to the shoulder in order to avoid a collision with the Jeep.

Deputies located the vehicle and made a traffic stop on the 28-year-old Hastings driver. The man had a suspended driver’s license and no vehicle paperwork. He was arrested for driving with license suspended and reckless driving. The case was turned over to the Barry County Prosecutor’s Office.

Man has trouble keeping a license On Feb. 12, a deputy observed a vehicle with a green registration sticker on the license plate. The deputy discovered the registration was expired and made a traffic stop on M-37 and Parmalee Road. The 41-yearold driver offered his chauffeur’s license and told the deputy he had no insurance paperwork. The deputy soon learned the Marne man had a suspended license and a previous license suspension. He was arrested and given a citation for expired registration, no proof of insurance and driving with license suspended second offense. The case was turned over to the Barry County Prosecutor.

Snowmobilers show no respect for property An elderly woman contacted sheriff’s deputies on Feb. 3 about snowmobiles trespassing on her property. She said the snowmobiles were continually driving through her Pleasant Lake Road property near Delton, and she did not know what to do.

The frustrated woman told deputies she had put up objects, including a rope with flags attached, to discourage the snowmobilers.

Deputies told the woman she could put up a plastic orange snow fence as an additional obstacle. The property owner stated she would try the snow fence. The case is closed.

Alcohol and harassment for Valentine’s Day A man called 911 on Valentine’s Day to report a woman would not stop harassing him. Dispatchers informed deputies there was a verbal dispute in progress and that both parties were drinking. Dispatch also told deputies the caller was on conditional bond and was not permitted to drink alcohol or have any harassing contact with the woman in question. When deputies arrived, the woman who opened the East Shore Drive residence appeared, reportedly, very intoxicated. The 67-year-old Battle Creek man told deputies the woman had been drinking and was belligerent. The man said he told her to go to bed, but all she wanted to do was argue. He said over the last couple of weeks the woman had kicked him and ruined his dishwasher and bedroom door.

When deputies asked the woman to move into the kitchen for questioning, she fell down on the way, but said she was alright.

She refused a breathalyzer test. The man’s breathalyzer registered .06 percent. The man was arrested for violation of his conditional bond. The case was turned over to the prosecutor’s office.

Call 945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads!

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 21, 2013 — Page 13

Hastings FFA members qualify for state competition One individual and one team from Hastings FFA qualified last week for the 85th Michigan State FFA Convention to be held March 6, 7 and 8 at Michigan State University and two other teams were named alternates.

Hastings High School and Middle School FFA members competed in Regional FFA Leadership Contests Feb. 12 at the Branch Area Career Center in Coldwater. Twelve schools participated in the Region 1 FFA Leadership contests, the other 10 being Cassopolis, Charlotte, Centerville, Country Side, Homer, Hopkins, Maple Valley, Marshall, Olivet and Van Buren Tech Center.

Hastings’Austin Haywood competed in the greenhand prepared public speaking contest.

He won a second place gold award and will advance to state competition semifinals.

The parliamentary procedure team of Cassey Glumm, Tillery Larsen, Zach Pennington, Alexandrea Shumway, Alie Porter, Carter Bennett, Derika Koch and James Senard won a second place gold award and will advance to state competition semifinals.

The greenhand conduct of meetings team of Sara Porter, Ashley Glumm, Kylie Pickard, Alex Wilkins, Matthew Maurer, Kristen Gillespie, Caleb Keech and Mikayla Warner received a third place gold award and will be an alternate to state competition.

Ethan Haywood received a fourth place silver award in prepared public speaking.

Alyssa Larsen, Mitchell Philley, Branden Miller, Ashley Stanton, Amber Pickard received a silver award in the agricultural issues contest.

Hastings Middle School students who make up the junior high conduct of meetings team competed included Claire Harris, Samantha Pennington, Kathryn Pohl, Samantha Mitchell, Katherine Weinbrecht, Hannah Joerin-Horning, Julianna Wolf,

Winning a gold award and taking second place in regional competition, Austin Haywood will now advance to the state competition in greenhand public speaking.

Emma Porter, and Connor White. They earned a third place gold award in junior high conduct of meetings contest.

The state competition will be held at FFA is the world’s largest youth organization that is agriculturally based and makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.

Advisors for Hastings FFA include Ed Domke, Carrie Carl, Luke Haywood and Dennis Pennington, with support from members of Hastings FFA alumni.

The Hastings High School Parliamentary Procedure Team of (from left) Brianne Gillespie, Derika Koch, James Senard, Alie Porter, Carter Bennett, Zach Pennington, Alex Shumway, Tillery Larsen and Cassey Glumm won second place and a gold award at regionals. The team will advance to the state competition.

BOWLING SCORES Tuesday Trios Sam 66-26; CB’s 57.5-34.5; Wash King 5731; Lu’s Team 52.5-39.5; Coleman Ins. 47.545.5; Team Turkey 46-46; Look Ins. 41-47; Classic Trio 39-49; Blair Landscaping 34.557.5; Ghost Team 0-88.

High Game - Shirlee V. 190; Renee B. 185; Kim C. 179.

High Series - Renee B. 519; Kim C. 507; Sharon W. 486.

Monday Mixerettes Dewey’s Auto Body 59-29; Kent Oil 56.531.5; Creekside Growers 48.5-39.5; Dean’s Dolls 47-41; Nashville Chiropractic 44-44.

Good Games and Series - K. Fowler 174; P. Fowler 157; C. Hurless 165-428; V. Carr 179; B. Anders 151-434; K. Eberly 205-518; E. Ulrich 162-456; J. Alflen 182; J. Rice 174.

Senior Citizens Butterfingers 64-32; Sun Risers 58.5-37.5; Usedtobe #1 52-44; M&M’s 52-44; Kuempel 47-49; Three Gals and a Guy 45-51; King Pins 44-52; Early Risers 42-54; Just Having Fun 38.5-57.5; Ward’s Friends 37-59.

Women’s Good Games and Series - N. Boniface 169-471; J. Shurlow 158; G. Scobey 169; J. Gasper 223-535; E. Ulrich 169; B. Benedict 157-408; D. Larsen 168; C. Stuart 160; Y. Markley 143.

Men’s Good Games and Series - C. Atkinson 182; G. Waggoner 190-534; D. Kiersey 182; J. Miller 225-600; L. Brandt 182; D. Dimmers 219-603; W. Talsma 185.

Wednesday PM Court Side 68-28; Hair Care 56.5-39.5; Boniface Construction 56-40; Eye & ENT 4943*; Delton Suds 48.5-43.5*. *Games to be made up.

Good Games and Series - J. Rice 179; L. Elliston 179; S. Beebe 191; S. Stevens 135; A. Tasker 168-413; Y. Cheeseman 158-442; M. Adams 154; J. Pettengill 132-340; N. Boniface 177.

Thursday Majors Pocket Pounders 63-33; Red Rockets 6135; Old Men 57.5-38.5; Hastings Bowl 55-41;

Muff Divers 51.5-44.5; HDR 41.5-54.5; Arens Lawn 41.5-54.5.

High Games and Series - J. Hunt 210-579; J. Barnum 233; R. Furlong 185; C. Micel 244; J. Arens 255-667; B. Bruke 166; K. Hess 227602; S. Ashley 22-2607; R. Guild 221-605; G. Heath 232; D. Endres 244-664; D. Lundstrum 160; L. Campbell 175; C. Wyman 201; A. Morgan 210; J. Haight 257-683.

Thursday Angels Varney’s Const. 62-30; Miller Farm Repair 60-32; Riverfront Fin. Ser. 56-32; Moore’s Apts. 48-40; Cathy’s Cut & Curl 46-42; Hastings Bowl 42.5-49.5; DJ on the Roll 35.552.5.

High Game and Series - D. Curtis 170; M. Miller 157; C. Gdula 177-519; J. Wyant 198518; M. Gdula 237-613; M. Weiler 138; J. Wood 149; L. Apsey 160; L. Kendall 180-530; D. Staines 211-563; K. Shumway 184; J. Zaagman 204-566.

Sunday Night Mixed Comebacks 62; H2O 52; Street bowlers 50; Sunday Snoozers 49; You’re Up n Shit 48; Straightliners 39; The Wild Bunch 38.

Women’s Good Games and Series - S. Vandenburg 206-556; K. Genther 210-494; A. Hubbell 192-491; J. Rice 181-488; D. Pettengill 148-380; K. Plett 135-356; R. Hunt 112.

Men’s Good Games and Series - D. McKee 216-535; R. Snyder 186-510; J. Craven 212-510; F. Glass 180-504; B. Heath 210-461; B. Kelley 186; J. Shoebridge 181; S. Jewell 157.

The Junior High Conduct of Meetings Team representing Hastings Middle School (from left) Hannah Joerin, Sam Pennington, Katherine Weinbrecht, Claire Harris, Katie Pohl, Emma Porter and Sammy Mitchell won a gold award and third place in the regional competition. The team is an alternate for the state competition. The Hastings High School Greenhand Conduct of Meetings team (pictured in the Feb. 7 Banner) also is an alternate to state competition.

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

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77576334

77576331

BARRY TOWNSHIP 2013/ 2014 BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Barry Township Board will hold a Public Hearing on the proposed budget for fiscal year 2013-2014 at the Barry Township Hall on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 @ 6:30 p.m.

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

Note: Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Barry Township Board by writing or calling the following: Phone: 269-623-5171 Fax: 269-623-8171 email @ barrytownship@mei.net

77576328

Barry Township Board P.O. Box # 705 Delton, MI 49046

77576325

A copy of the budget is available for public inspection at the Township office. The Barry Township Board 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 upon 7 days notice to the Barry Township Board.

Respectfully, Debra J. Knight, Clerk 77576116

Page 14 — Thursday, February 21, 2013 — The Hastings Banner

Thornapple Players recreating ‘Ed Sullivan Show’

Art inspires ... silliness

The Thornapple Players, Barry County Chamber of Commerce and the Hastings Elks Lodge will present their version of the 1960s television variety classic, “The Ed Sullivan Show,” Feb. 23 and 24. Tickets for the dinner and the show, open to the public, are $17. Saturday’s event begins at 7 p.m., and the Sunday matinee will begin at 2 p.m. Taking part in the show will be (front row, from left) John Texter, Shawn Winters, Corey Seeber, Paula Watson (middle) Steve Youngs, Gene Greenfield, Pat Cote, Kathy Conklin, Carol Satterly, Norma Jean Acker, Michael Moray, Angie Seeber, (back) Ken Brown, Tom Alderson, Mike Kasinsky and Doug Acker. (Missing from the photo are Angie Greenfield and Renae Feldpausch.) Both performances will be at the Hastings Elks Lodge, 102 E. Woodlawn Ave., next to Bob King Park. Tickets are available at the lodge. All proceeds will benefit the Elks Scholarship Fund.

Prosecutor warned Nashville Village Council president Dunham put on notice The Banner has received a copy of a letter sent to Nashville Village Council President Frank Dunham from then-Barry County Prosecutor Tom Evans, dated Dec. 28, 2012.

In the letter, Evans informs Dunham of the completion of an investigation into several alleged violations of the Open Meeting Act that took place April 5, April 12 and May 10, 2012 “My opinion is that the police committee has violated the Open Meetings Act ...,” stated Evans. “It appears that the violations were

not intentional, in part because of prior counsel with the village attorney; therefore I will not be prosecuting you for the alleged violations.

“Please consider yourself on notice that, given this letter, any subsequent violations of the act likely will be considered intentional and could result in criminal prosecution and civil damages.”

No record of the letter is contained in village council minutes, though the matter was, reportedly, addressed at a village council meeting by a private citizen.

Community ‘Walk for Warmth’ is Saturday During a recent trip home from her studies at Alma College, Julee Campbell and friend Jonathan Crosby, of Western Michigan University, felt some inspiration upon seeing the art work in downtown Hastings. Seeing art through the eyes of another adds some fresh pespective to local culture. Julee is the granddaughter of Leo and Nyla Fifelski of Hastings. Her “artistic interpretations” were submitted to the Banner by Julee’s aunt, Gaye Patterson, of Middleville.

HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, Feb. 21 — Pizza and Pages discusses Fire by Kristin Cashore; Movie Memories preps for the Oscars with “Golden Earrings,” starring Ray Milland and Marlene Dietrich, 5 to 8 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 22 — preschool story time reads about being down “on the farm,” 10:30 to 11 a.m.

Saturday, Feb. 23 — VITA tax counseling, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 26 — toddler story time enjoys books about pizza, 10:30 to 11 a.m.; young chess tutoring, 4:30 to 5:30.; 6 to 8; genealogy club meets, 6 to 8 p.m.

Call the Hastings Public Library for more information about any of the above, 269-9454263.

The frigid temperatures of recent weeks will be a meaningful reminder of how Saturday’s 28th annual Walk for Warmth will be so helpful for low-income, elderly and disabled Barry County residents who struggle to keep heat operating in their homes.

The event will begin at 9 a.m. in Hastings with registration at the Leason Sharpe Hall in the Barry Community Enrichment Center, 231 S. Broadway. Opening ceremonies will begin at approximately 9:30 and the one-mile outdoor walk at 10 a.m.

“The walk is a community-building awareness event which brings light to the fact that some families simply cannot heat their homes during cold Michigan winters,” says Nancy Macfarlane, chief executive officer of Community Action, the sponsor of the event.

Walks will also take place in Branch, Calhoun and St. Joseph counties, a multicounty effort that last year raised $47,500 and assisted nearly 200 families to pay heat bills across the four-county Community Action service area. The 2013 Walk in Barry County has set a $3,500 goal which will support 12 homes. All funds raised in Barry County will be devoted exclusively to Barry County residents.

Participants are asked to obtain pledge sheets available from a variety of local businesses or online at the Community Action website www.caascm.org. Those unable to participate but interested in assisting can mail or drop off a donation to the Community Action office, 175 Main St., Battle Creek, MI

49014. Checks should be made out to Community Action Walk for Warmth with a designation to which community the donation should be credited.

BUSINESS BRIEFS Susan Fraser has been awarded the P e n n o c k Professional Partners award for January.

The Pennock Professional Partner Award is designed to provide formal recognition for continuous excellence in demonstrating the care values, mission, and customer service principles of Susan Fraser Pennock. Recipients receive a certificate, a monetary gift, and a designated parking spot for three months.

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The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 21, 2013 — Page 15

Lakewood likes performance, but not low scores

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor Lakewood head coach Kim Martin didn’t know what to tell her team.

The Viking varsity competitive cheer team is one of 24 that will be competing in the two Division 3 Regional Tournaments Saturday.

The Vikings head to Rockford for theirs.

Lakewood earned that spot in the regionals by placing third at their Division 3 District Tournament at Allegan High School, but there wasn’t a celebration at the end for the Vikings.

Otsego won the district championship with a score of 688.06. Paw Paw was second with a 680.88. Lakewood scored a 671.90 and Holland Christian a 645.50 to earn the fourth and final regional qualifying spot.

The Vikings were happy with their performance, but not with their scores.

“At this point if you’ve been scoring high in the early to middle point of the season, teams are better at the end,” said Martin.

“But, again different areas score differently.

The middle of the state scores a little bit higher than the west and east sides of the state. A difference in opinions.”

The 671.90 was a score nearly 40 points lower than the Vikings tallied in their first meet of the season, in December at OvidElsie. Lakewood was second at the Capital

The Lakewood girls do the splits during round two at Saturday’s Division 3 District Tournament, hosted by Allegan High School.

(Photo by Brett Bremer) Area Activities Conference’s All-League meet Feb. 9 with a score of 737.68.

“It’s hard to go from scoring in the 730s to 740s last weekend, and having a better performance today and not breaking 700,” Martin said. “That’s the difficult part about competitive cheer.”

Paw Paw and Holland Christian were both shaky in round three. The Maroons had a couple of falls, and had an eight-point deduction in the final round. Lakewood was in fourth place behind the Maroons heading into that final round, after having the fourth best score in each of the first two rounds.

Lakewood scored a 205.70 in round one, a 181.70 in round tow, and a 284.50 in round three.

Otsego had the top score of the day in all three rounds, a 211.10 in round one, a 187.66 in round two and a 289.30 in round three. Paw Paw scored a 206.60 in round one, a 186.98 in round two and a 287.30 in round three despite its falls.

Holland Christian started the day with a 205.80 in round one and a 184.40 in round two.

Martin was especially pleased with her

team’s round two performance.

“We didn’t have any mistakes. We haven’t been able to do a round two without mistakes this year, and it was probably our cleanest round two,” she said.

“Round one was solid again. We’ve had a solid round one all season. This was one of our better round threes. When the girls don’t go out and drop stunts, that’s a bonus.”

The Vikings worked hard in the time leading up to districts on improving their showmanship, being more exciting, having stronger voices and just looking like they’re having fun out on the mat.

Comstock was fifth in the standings with a score of 630.38, followed by Three Rivers 608.40, Coloma 602.20, Allegan 596.66, Vicksburg 589.90, Berrien Springs 587.90, Harper Creek 558.30, Hopkins 550.50 and Pennfield 467.50.

A Viking stunt group performs during round three at Saturday’s Division 3 District Tournament in Allegan. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

Lions cheer team one place short of regional spot

The hardest wheat turned soft by science

by Dr. E. Kirsten Peters Eighty years ago, my mother was in grade school where schoolroom paste was made by mixing a little flour and water together. Memories of that simple glue came back to her when she and I recently stood in my kitchen, mixing two small batches of flour and water. First I mixed regular “better for bread” flour with water in a little dish, then I did the same with special test flour made from soft durum wheat.

The first mixture was a pasty, lightest-oflight-tan color, the second had a pale yellow hue.

The simple experiment was inspired by the hardness of different types of wheat.

Soft white wheat is the easiest of all types of wheat to mill, weighing in with a hardness rating of only 25 to 35 on the scale millers use to measure such things. Soft wheat generally goes into products such as noodles, cakes and cookies. Hard red wheat has a hardness factor of about 60 to 75. It is used for bread.

In contrast to its softer cousins, durum wheat tops out with hardness values ranging from 80 to 100. It is an unusual type of wheat, one with kernels so hard we don’t generally make it into flour at all. Instead, regular durum is ground only to about the consistency of sand-sized grains known as semolina. The semolina is then used to make pasta. In North America, durum wheat is grown in the dry parts of Montana, North Dakota and Saskatchewan, as well as in some parts of the desert Southwest.

Durum wheat has some advantages over other types of wheat from a grower’s point of view and also in terms of global food security. In some ways, durum is pretty primitive stuff: in the lingo of plant genetics, it’s tetraploid, rather than hexaploid, like most wheat. But durum has some highly desirable characteristics. It has better drought resistance and, in some instances, better disease resistance than the more common types of wheat.

The hardness of the durum kernels has limited its culinary uses over the millenia.

Enter onto the scene wheat researcher Dr. Craig Morris of the Agricultural Research Service housed on the campus of Washington State University. For 10 years, Morris has worked using classical wheat

breeding techniques to introduce the genes for a soft kernel into durum wheat. Patient work in greenhouses and ultimately a few acres of farm trials has been going on year after year.

Now Morris can announce that he’s succeeded in his quest. He’s put the genetic information for soft kernels into the durum wheat plant. Hence, my little experiment at home in the kitchen using test durum flour Morris had given me.

“In some places, durum can out-yield hexaploid wheat,” Morris told me during a visit to his lab. “We’ve thrown off the shackles of the hard kernel of durum. The sky is now the limit.”

To put it another way, world durum production has never been limited by the plant and how well it can grow. Instead, durum has been limited by what we can do with it in terms of food products. Until now, the fact that we didn’t grind durum into flour because it was so hard limited the variety to being a poor cousin to hexaploid wheat strains.

The new soft durum still can be used to make pasta. It requires less energy to mill into semolina than hard durum, so that’s a positive. And, perhaps better still, the new soft durum also can make flour and go into all the culinary products we are used to making from hexaploid wheat.

Morris and his co-workers are now waiting for the patent on the new type of durum wheat to be secured.

“Once we have that, soft durum is ready for prime time,” Morris said.

Agricultural research is something we’ve always done well in this country.

Working behind the scenes at land-grant universities and in the Agricultural Research Service, many scientists contribute daily to technical progress we sometimes take for granted.

Here’s a toast for soft durum wheat and the choices it will give to growers, millers and consumers, alike.

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.

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Less than ten points separated Maple Valley from a spot in the Division 4 Regional Tournament.

The Lion varsity competitive cheer team placed fifth at Saturday’s Division 3 District at Webberville High School, where the top four teams advanced to this Saturday’s regional round of the state tournament.

St. Louis earned the fourth and final spot in the regional, with an overall score of 658.62.

The Lions finished the day with a total score of 648.70.

Round two was the difference. Maple Valley had the fourth best score of the day in rounds one and three, but their 170.10 in

round two was eighth best in that round. St. Louis had a ten-point deduction in the second round, and still was 11 points better than the Lions with its score of 181.82.

Merrill took the day’s title with an overall score of 745.14. Merrill had the top score of the day in both rounds one and three, a 228.30 in round one and a 208.40 in round three.

Merrill also added a 208.44 in round two, which was just off the pace set by PewamoWestphalia at 208.58 in that round.

Pewamo-Westphalia was second overall on the day with a score of 731.88. Whitmore Lake was third with a 677.68.

Behind the Lions, Grass Lake was sixth

Davis plans to continue her volleyball career at KVCC

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor Lakewood senior Olivia Davis remembers when things really started to click for her on the volleyball court.

It was Nov. 3, 2010 at Hastings High School. Davis had 15 assists in helping the Lakewood varsity volleyball team start its postseason run with a 25-4, 25-13, 25-6 win over the host Saxons in the Class B District Semifinals.

“I remember (coaches) Kellie and Clair (Rowland) being so excited that I’d played so well and I felt more comfortable with the sport,” Davis said.

Her comfort level continued to grow of the next couple years, and she helped lead the Lakewood varsity volleyball team to the Class B State Championship last fall as a senior while being named second team all-state in Class B. Now she’s planning on taking the next step in her volleyball career, and in her education.

Davis signed her National Letter of Intent to join the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Women’s Volleyball Team Jan. 30, in the Lakewood High School Media Center.

Davis said she was a tall, awkward middleschooler. Basketball wasn’t really working out for her. Kellie Rowland helped convince her to try volleyball.

“I was so uncoordinated and crazy and I didn’t have any athletic ability, then started right away playing awkward positions and working hard. I’m glad I started that early so I could get to where I am now,” Davis said.

She improved, playing for the Lakewood Middle School teams and the Far Out and Dead Frogs Club programs. She is now back with the Far Out Club. That club participation helped lead her to KVCC. “I really like the coach Tim Balice. I’ve known him throughout club the past couple of years and he’s a good friend of Kellie and Clair. I really like the program he’s running and the fact that I have a chance to go on after the two years that I spend there and go on to a bigger college or wherever I choose.”

Davis plans on working towards becoming a registered nurse at KVCC. “I like biology and anatomy and all that different stuff just clicks with me, I get really interested,” Davis said. “My mom has been a nurse forever and all I can remember is her

being in scrubs constantly. I guess she had a role in it too. I guess it just comes easily to me.”

Saxon Sports Shorts JV Boys’ Basketball The Hastings’ JV boys’ basketball team fell 50-46 at Ottawa Hills Monday.

Aaron Bronson had eight points and seven assists for the Saxons, and Peter Beck had 17 points.

The Saxons scored a 61-52 victory at Thornapple Kellogg Thursday.

Drew Stolocker had ten points, Drew White 11, and Cole Harden seven for the Saxons. Beck finished with 21 points and 18 rebounds.

HMS Wrestling The Hastings Middle School wrestling team pulled out a 54–51 win over Caledonia in its first dual of the season. Saxons winning on pins for the team were Cole Hall, Sam Johnson, Billy Smith, Chase Reaser, Noah Lumbert, Cal Cappon, Devin Planck, Jacob Dunn and Trevor Ryan. Saxons that won on pins in the exhibition matches were Tate Ulrich, Kip Beck, Derek High, Dakota Lumbert, Keegan Spencer and Tyler Johnson.

The Gold team won its first team tournament of the year as well, topping Greenville 65-44 in the finals at Ionia. Hastings was 40 on the day, also topping Thornapple Kellogg 78-30, Fowlerville 84-18 and Portland 78-12 Ryan and Devin Planck finished the day 40 for the Gold team.

The Hastings Blue team finished the day with a 2-2 record. After losing to Thornapple Kellogg and Williamston in the first two rounds, the Blue team came back to defeat Fowlerville 64-24 and Carson City 48-42.

with a score of 646.28, followed by St. Charles 621.84, Montrose 621.56, Webberville 593.24, Springport 541.00, Bath 527.50 and Vassar 521.92.

DK senior falls in first regional bouts Delton Kellogg 130-pounder Kenmark Maligat saw his senior season end Saturday at Whitehall High School.

Maligat was the lone member of the Delton Kellogg varsity wrestling team which qualified for the Division 3 Individual Regional Tournament.

He was 0-2 on the day to see his season end with a record of 16-10.

Maligat fell to Shelby’s Nick Bantien in the opening round, then was edged 2-1 by Pennfield’s Nick Burnett in the opening round of consolation.

Grand Rapids Catholic Central sophomore Nate Limmex won the weight class, improving his record to 18-0 on the year. The other medalists at 130 pounds, who earned a spot in the Individual State Finals were runner-up Anthony Duncan of South Haven, third-place finisher Trenton Roesly of Newaygo, and fourth-place finisher Colin Wheetley from Buchanan.

Limmex was one of nine Grand Rapids Catholic Central wrestlers to qualify for the individual state finals, more than any other team from the regional. He was the only Cougar to win a regional championship though.

Whitehall had the most champions of any team, with Reiley Brown winning the 103pound title, Zach Cooper winning at 125 pounds, Steven Sika at 160 and Joe Sika at 171.

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Page 16 — Thursday, February 21, 2013 — The Hastings Banner

Saxons Cross and Slaughter win regional titles Hastings senior Kenny Cross ran his record to 49-0 on the season with a 6-4 victory over Northview’s Ben Clinkscale in the 152-pound championship match at Saturday’s Division 2 Individual Regional Tournament hosted by Fruitport High School.

Cross is one of three Saxons that earned a spot in the Individual State Finals, which will be held Feb. 28 through March 2 at the Palace

of Auburn Hills.

This will be Cross’ third trip to the individual finals, and he is still chasing his first medal after going 1-2 in each of his previous appearances.

Sophomore Jason Slaughter will be making his first appearance in the state finals, after winning the 145-pound weight class Saturday, as will junior Nate Pewoski who was fourth at

The Saxons’ Jason Slaughter turns Forest Hills Eastern’s Anthony Castillo to his back during the second period of their 145-pound championship semifinal match Saturday at the Division 2 Individual District Tournament hosted by Fruitport High School.

285 pounds.

Thornapple Kellogg has five individual state qualifiers from the regional, including regional champion Ryann Flynn at 125 pounds.

Cross reached the championship Saturday with a couple of lopsided victories, topping Byron Center’s Tom Riemersma 17-5 and then Allegan’s Levi Savin 17-1.

Thornapple Kellogg’s Nick Glowe also topped Riemersma in the 152-pound bracket Saturday, winning by default in the first round of consolation. Glowe then pinned Coopersville’s Charlie Rock 4 minutes and 25 seconds into their consolation semifinal match. Fruitport’s Austin Fialek then topped Glowe 8-5 in the match for third place.

Slaughter improved to 46-3 on the year in winning the 145-pound championship. He bested Sparta’s Dom Chong 10-6 in the finals, after pinning Forest Hills Eastern’s Anthony Castillo 2:48 into their semifinal match.

Slaughter started his day with an 8-0 win over Reeths-Puffer’s John Woodring.

Pewoski pinned Reeths-Puffer’s Steve Hanson 2:51 into their opening round match at 285 pounds, but then fell 5-3 to Hamilton’s Corey Hassevoort in overtime in the championship semifinals.

Pewoski pinned Wayland’s Taylor Collins to secure his spot in the state finals, before being pinned by Allegan’s Jon Krcztovich in the match for third.

TK’s lone regional champion, Flynn, dominated the 125-pound weight class, scoring two pins and a technical fall. He pinned Hamilton’s Logan Welcher 3:28 into their championship match.

Flynn opened the day with a pin of Spring Lake’s Kyle Edwards, then bested Allegan’s

Hastings’ Jason Slaughter (from left), Nate Pewoski and Kenny Cross all finished in the top four in their respective weight classes Saturday in Fruitport to earn a spot in the Division 2 Individual State Finals.

PJ Cole 15-0 in the semifinals.

Thornapple Kellogg’s other individual state qualifiers include Dan Dykstra who was second at 171 pounds, Chris Poland who was second at 112 and Cole Gahan who was fourth at 160 pounds.

Poland, who was eighth in the state at 103 pounds in Division 2 last year, was downed 71 by Lowell’s Zeth Dean in their championship final.

Dykstra, who joined Poland at the finals a year ago, also fell to an opponent from Lowell in the championship round. Kanon Dean

topped Dykstra 3-1 in the 171-pound final.

Gahan, a senior who will be going to the individual state finals for the first time, was honored for his 100th career victory after topping Reeths-Puffer’s Sean McWilliams 12-2 in the consolation semifinals.

Lowell had six individual champions at the regional tournament, with Bailey Jack taking the 119-pound title, Jordan Hall winning at 135 pounds, Garrett Stehley taking the 189pound title, and Taylor Kornoely winning at 215 pounds.

Saxons clinch share of first league title since ‘88

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor Hastings has been to the state semifinals a couple of times in the past 25 years.

To the state quarterfinals another time.

The Saxons won a handful of district titles in that span.

In all that time a conference championship eluded the Saxons, until Saturday.

Hastings varsity boys’ basketball team clinched a share of its first conference championship since 1988 by knocking off Ottawa Hills 46-45 in overtime Saturday afternoon in Grand Rapids. The Saxons were scheduled to step on the court last night at Grand Rapids Catholic Central for their first shot at clinching the conference title outright.

Eric Hart drilled a free throw with three

Hastings’ Carson Williams turns up court with the basketball as TK’s Tom Williamson pressures him in the backcourt Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

seconds left to break a 45-45 tie at Ottawa Hills High School, just a few seconds after teammate Maxwell Clark tied the game with a three-point play.

The Saxons were 20-of-24 from the free throw line. Hart was 6-of-8 himself.

Hart finished with eight points and nine rebounds for the Saxons. Ian Beck and Luke Heide finished with 11 points each to lead the Saxons.

Michael Eastman added four points and five rebounds. Clark also had four steals.

Ottawa Hills got 15 points from Aron Stewart, 11 from Myles Miller and nine from Dewayne Gordon.

Hastings closes out the OK Gold Conference season at home against South Christian Friday.

Hastings is now 13-3 overall and 7-1 in the OK Gold Conference.

The Saxons scored a 50-40 league victory at Thornapple Kellogg High School Friday.

The Trojans fell to 0-8 in the league with the loss.

The Saxons got up on the Trojans early, building a 17-6 lead in the opening quarter.

“Our offense was stagnant,” TK head coach Mike Rynearson said. “You’ve got to give them credit, because that’s what they’re known for. They’re known for good solid defense. I tip my hat to their defense. They talk, they communicate and they play physical. It’s hard to get in anything if you don’t play strong with the basketball.”

The Saxons did what they could to get the ball to their strong guys in the paint in the early going. Hart finished with eight points for the Saxons and forward Alex Cherry chipped in four points.

“We knew we had a size advantage with them tonight, but overall we’ve been trying to get Alex to come along a little more inside,” said Hastings head coach Steve Storrs.

“Eric and Alex both picked up two fouls there in that second quarter, so they sat out and we kind of had a little bit of a let down there where we didn’t score for a couple minutes and gave up a couple baskets with them being out of the game. We got them back in

The Saxons’ Maxwell Clark (left) looks for a way to get by Thornapple Kellogg’s Tommy Hamilton during the fourth quarter Friday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) there to start the third quarter.”

TK outscored the Saxons 10-9 in the second quarter, but Hastings pushed its edge back to double figures with a 14-6 run to start

the second half.

Hart finished with seven rebounds as well, with four coming on the offensive end.

Hastings also got eight points and eight

rebounds from Eastman. Clark had six points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Beck led all scorers with 15 points.

The Saxons’ top scorer, Heide, saw limited action because of a sore ankle.

“When they needed a bucket they were able to just get a bucket, whether it was the big guys, when they dumped it in they played the inside-out game, when they kicked it back out we closed them out and they just went right by us right to the hole,” Rynearson said.

Cole Cronkright led TK with 11 points.

Dalton Phillips added seven and Kameryn Kidder had five.

Phillips had all seven of his points in the fourth quarter. He did a good job of attacking the basket and running the Trojan offense in the final minutes.

“He has not really been a point guard at any point in his life,” Rynearson said. “That’s just the situation we’re in right now with the second group. He’s the man when we play our starters against our seconds, he’s got to run that second spot. You could see the growth.

That’s why he’s out there. I’m proud of his effort, and I’m proud of his willingness to play that spot. Some guys would just complain about it, and he just goes about his business.”

Rynearson was proud of the entire team’s effort, although not always the execution.

TK was 4-13 overall this season after the loss. Their game with Wayland Tuesday was postponed until last night. The Trojans will be at Ottawa Hills Friday.

Trojans advance to regional, but Saxons see season end A couple points here, and a couple points there.

That’s what kept the Hastings varsity competitive cheer team from making its second straight appearance in the regional round of the state tournament.

The Saxons were fifth at the Division 2 District Tournament hosted by Thornapple Kellogg Saturday, where the top four teams earned a spot in this Saturday’s Division 2 Regional Tournament at Cedar Springs High School.

The host Trojans did advance beyond their

district tournament, finishing second to St. Joseph on the day.

St. Joseph recorded a score of 747.12 to take the district title. TK finished with 741.22 points, followed by Mattawan 708.26, Gull Lake 695.06, Hastings 689.48, Byron Center 680.54, Plainwell 675.42, Wayland 654.50, Stevensville Lakeshore 634.94, Jackson Northwest 627.94, Sturgis 588.70, Parma Western 558.58 and Hamilton 531.24.

Hastings’ 211.80 was better than Mattawan’s 211.70 in round one. The Saxons’ 285.90 in round three was better than Gull

Lake’s 283.30. But both teams finished with better scores than the Saxons’ 191.78 in round two.

St. Joseph had the top score in each of the first two rounds, and went into round three with a 12-point lead over Thornapple Kellogg at the top of the team standings. TK outscored St. Joseph 311.10 to 305.00 in that final round.

The Trojans also scored a 219.00 in round one and a 211.12 in round two. St. Joseph scored a 229.60 in round one and a 212.52 in round two.

Lions and Vikings get a few through

Thornapple Kellogg’s Dalton Phillips (left) races in to try and get the ball away from Hastings’ Bo Morgan during the fourth quarter Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

The Lions and Vikings had a tough 215pound bracket at their Division 3 Individual Wrestling DistrictTtournament.

All four guys who advanced beyond the district tournament the Vikings hosted at that weight class are advancing beyond the regional tournament, which was held Saturday at Williamston, and heading on to the individual state finals.

That group includes Maple Valley senior Diego Pesina and Lakewood senior Jack Tromp, who finished third and fourth at Saturday’s Division 3 Individual Regional Tournament. For the second weekend in a row they met in the consolation finals, with Pesina pulling out a 4-1 win to place third, behind flight champion Trenton Devereaux from

Chesaning and runner-up Todd Haller from Belding. Devereaux topped Haller 4-2 in their championship round match.

Devereaux just edged Pesina 3-2 in the championship semifinals, while Haller topped Tromp 4-1 in their championship semifinal match. Tromp advanced to the match for third with a 6-5 win over Mount Morris’ Trevor Skinner in the “blood round”, while Pesina pinned Vassar’s Justin Rutkowski in 2 minutes and 37 seconds.

Pesina is the lone individual state qualifier for the Lions, as 285-pound teammate Zack Rosenberger fell in each of his two matches Saturday. Tromp is one of three Lakewood boys who will be headed to the state finals, along with regional champion Jordon Bennett

and heavyweight Lars Pyrzinski.

Pyrzinski was also pinned in his first 285pound match of the day, by Birch Run’s Kyle Spencer, but battled his way through the consolation bracket to place third.

Pyrzinski pulled out a 3-2 win over Vassar’s Ethan Slough in the consolation semifinals, then pinned Millington’s Jacob Gouine 18 seconds into the match for third.

Bennett won the 145-pound regional championship by pinning Birch Run’s Mitch Franklin 1:50 into their championship round match. Bennett scored technical falls in each of his first two matches, besting Millington’s Chandler Sweeney and Saginaw Swan Valley’s Matt Somers.

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 21, 2013 — Page 17

Trojan boys wrestle their best in final team dual Wednesday’s Division 2 Team Regional Tournament at Lowell High School.

The host Red Arrows, ranked second in the state in Division 2, topped the Thornapple

Thornapple Kellogg’s Nick Iveson (top) works to stay on top of Lowell’s Zac Graves during the first period of their 145-pound match in the Division 2 Team Regional Final at Lowell High School Wednesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

Kellogg varsity wrestling team 40-18 in the regional final, but the Trojans wrestled as well as they had all year long. “(I’m happy with) the way we wrestled, absolutely,” said TK head coach Scott Szczepanek. “The final score kind of got away from us a little bit at the end. This is something the wrestling community understands, you look at the one- and two- and three-point decisions that could have flipped the other way and it’s a completely different match. Even in a loss, I feel like our kids wrestled the best that they’ve wrestled all year as far as intensity, as far as just effort and work ethic and all of that.”

The Trojans got a preview of their team regional final the preivous Saturday when they saw Lowell at the Division 2 Individual District Tournament hosted by Hastings. TK had a couple of guys who lost to Lowell wrestlers Saturday score victories Wednesday, and a handful of others who wrestled their Red Arrow opponents a little closer Wednesday than they did on Saturday.

Nick Iveson helped give the Trojans a 1512 lead halfway through the regional final, pinning Lowell’s Zac Graves 3 minutes and 11 seconds into their 145-pound match. The two met up in a consolation round match Saturday in Hastings, with Graves ending Iveson’s run in the individual state tournament with a 10-6 decision.

The Trojan bench exploded and Iveson threw up his arms in celebration Wednesday.

“With Nick Iveson, we had a nice long talk and it was a great talk on Saturday,” Szczepanek said, “and he just didn’t have the greatest day and didn’t put himself in the proper mindset to put himself in a spot to succeed and for sure today he did.”

Lowell’s Zeth Dean edged TK’s Chris Poland 4-0 in a 112-pound match Saturday.

They met at 119 pounds Wednesday and Poland pulled out a 3-0 decision.

“We talked a lot about not leaving himself in a bad position. To get the one take down in the first period today was huge. He was really close on Saturday, but just didn’t get it.

Pennfield and Schoolcraft top Lions Maple Valley will try and get back on track as it closes out the regular season with one contest against Olivet and two against

The Lions’ Austin Gonser fires a jump shot over Pennfield’ Jake Grimes Tuesday during their KVA contest in Battle Creek. (Photo by Perry Hardin)

Hackett Catholic Central.

The Lion varsity boys’ basketball team is now 11-6 overall this season and 9-6 in the Kalamazoo Valley Association after a night in which it struggled to shoot the basketball at Pennfield.

The host Panthers topped the lions 62-48, after getting up on the Lions early. Pennfield put up 21 points in the opening quarter, taking a 21-10 lead, then pushed its advantage to 3718 at the half.

Sam Duckham led Pennfield with 15 points and Jake Grimes added 13. Darin Blocker chipped in eight points, while Hunter Hoogakker and Ryan Lowe had six each.

The Lions got 15 points each from Austin Gonser and Sam Benedict, while Micah Bromley added eight points.

Maple Valley will be at home to face rival Olivet Friday, then closes the regular season with two games against Hackett next week.

The Lions will meet the Irish in Kalamazoo Tuesday, then host the Irish on Thursday.

The Lions have now dropped consecutive ball games for just the second time all season long.

Schoolcraft top the Lions 71-52 at Maple Valley High School Friday.

The Eagles went on a 22-12 run in the second quarter, then extended their lead from 12 points at the half to 18 by the start of the fourth quarter.

Luke Ryskamp led the way for the Eagles with 34 points. He drilled four three-pointers and was a perfect 6-of-6 at the free throw line.

Benny Clark chipped in ten points and

score of 631.70, and had the highest round three score of the day at 282.20. Union City finished the day with a score of 625.40.

Bronson was fourth in the standings with a

Maple Valley’s Sam Benedict (1) flips up a shot after colliding with Pennfield’s Brayden Bennett Tuesday night. (Photo

by Perry Hardin) Zachary Decker seven.

Maple Valley got 13 points from Bromley, 11 from Garret Mater and nine from Garrett Miller.

score of 621.16, followed by Hartford 619.30, Bangor 617.08, Colon 616.90, Reading 598.42, Quincy 557.20, Schoolcraft 547.00 and Homer 516.10.

Stockbridge pulls away from Lakewood in the second half Devin Allen had nine of his 20 points in the third quarter as Stockbridge pulled away from the Lakewood varsity boys’ basketball team Friday night at Stockbridge High School.

The Panthers scored a 75-64 Capital Area Activities Conference White Division win over the Vikings, dropping Lakewood’s league mark to 3-6.

Stockbridge turned a 36-32 half-time lead into a 56-44 advantage heading into the fourth quarter with a 20-12 run coming out of the locker room. The Panthers kept their lead near double digits in the fourth quarter by going 13-of-17 at the foul line. They were 20of-29 at the stripe for the night.

Behind Allen, Marcus Prigge added 12 points, Jonathon Mason 11 and Evan Upshurt had ten.

Chris is that type of kid. He identifies a problem and works to fix it,” Szczepanek said.

Those two big wins helped TK to its lead at the halfway point. TK also had Nick Flynn score a 7-3 win over Daniel Kruse at 130 pounds and Austin Sensiba top Scott VanOosten 7-3 at 140 pounds.

Nick Glowe upped TK’s lead to 18-12 with a 5-2 win over Jacob Garcia in the 152-pound match, but a couple more Dean boys evened

Stockbridge evens season series with Lakewood ladies The Vikings rallied from a big early deficit, but couldn’t quite finish off the Panthers late in the game at Stockbridge Friday.

Lakewood’s varsity girls’ basketball team fell to 5-14 overall and 1-8 in the Capital Area Activities Conference White Division with a 54-51 loss to the Panthers in league action.

“I was happy with our effort, but it would have been nice if I could have figured out a win for these girls. It is a great group of individuals,” said Lakewood head coach Denny Frost, who’s team will close out the regular season at home against Lansing Catholic Friday.

Emily Kutch led the great group of Viking girls, with 34 points and nine rebounds.

Lakewood fell behind 14-4 in the opening quarter, but battled back to tie the game at 3434 heading into the fourth quarter.

Hannah Morris hit two threes and finished with six points for Lakewood. Lexi Fetterman had four points. Coach Denny Frost said that Ellie Reynolds stepped in and did a nice job at point guard when Brooke Wieland fouled out of the ball game.

“We had our chances, but couldn’t catch a break,” said Frost.

Stockbridge hit its free throws down the stretch, and was 26-of-39 from the line for the night. Lakewood was 18-of-29 at the foul line.

Stockbridge got 19 points from Kelsey Crockett and 12 from Tara Hall. Breanna Taylor added eight points for the Panthers.

Lakewood’s lone conference victory came in the meeting between the two teams at Lakewood High School in January.

Lakewood closes out the regular season at home against Lansing Catholic Friday.

The Vikings will travel to Thornapple Kellogg High School Monday to take on the host Trojans in the opening round of the Class B State Tournament. Tip-off time is set for 7 p.m. The winner of that contest will meet Hastings in the first of two district semifinal games at TK Wednesday at 6 p.m., with Portland and Ionia slated to meet in the second.

The district championship game is scheduled for March 1 at 7:00 p.m.

Lions trying to get ready for pressure they will see in district

DK cheer second at D4 district Delton Kellogg’s varsity girls competitive cheer team has advanced past the district round of the state tournament for the first time.

The Panthers were the runners-up Saturday at their Division 4 District Tournament at Gobles High School, earning themselves a spot in the regional tournament at Mona Shores Saturday. The tournament begins at 6 p.m., with the top four teams advancing to the March 2 Division 4 State Finals at the Delta Plex in Grand Rapids.

Delton Kellogg was just over two points behind distinct champion Gobles Saturday.

Gobles finished the day with a score of 646.72, while Delton tallied 644.38 points.

Delton Kellogg’s girls were first after each of the first two rounds, scoring a 195.30 in round one, which was the highest score by any team in that round, and a 175.18 in round two. Gobles scored a 195.00 in round one and a 173.72 in round two.

Gobles jumped in front, outscoring the Panthers 278.00 to 273.90 in round three.

Delton Kellogg had the second best score of the day in round two, behind Union City’s 177.20, and just the fourth best of round three.

White Pigeon and Union City were the other two teams to earn spots in the regional tournament. White Pigeon was third with a

Thornapple Kellogg’s Ronaldo Sambrano (right) tries to gain control of his 112-pound match with Lowell’s Derek Kajewski Wednesday evening at Lowell High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

things up for the Red Arrows at 18-18 with four matches to go. Lowell’s Max Dean topped TK’s Cole Gahan 11-8 at 160 pounds and Kanon Dean edged Dan Dykstra 3-2 at 171 pounds.

Garett Stehley then put Lowell in front for good with a 14-3 major decision over Pete Westra in the 189-pound match.

Despite losses, Gahan, Dykstra and Westra wrestled three of the best matches of the night for TK. Gahan led 7-6 early in the third period. Dykstra lost by two points to Kanon Saturday, and cut that deficit in half. Westra was pinned by Stehley 32 seconds into their match Saturday, and found himself on his back early Wednesday but managed to escape and battle for the full six minutes.

Lowell closed out the evening with Taylor Kornoely winning by forfeit at 215 pounds, and Logan Wilcox and Lucas Hall scoring pins at 285 pounds and 103 pounds respectively.

Lowell got its first points of the night from a couple of four-point decisions. Derek Kajewski topped Ronaldo Sambrano 4-0 at 112 pounds and Bailey Jack bested Ryan Flynn 9-5 at 125 pounds. The Red Arrows also got a quick pin from Jordan Hall in the 135-pound match.

“I think we have one of the two or three tougher roads to go and represent at the Division 2 state finals,” Szczepanek said.

“Nobody is going to be able to tell me differently. I think if we don’t have to come through this gym I think we can be one of the eight teams that represents our division over there (in Battle Creek).”

While Lowell advances to the state quarterfinals this weekend in Battle Creek.

Lakewood got 14 points apiece from Kalib McKinney and Michael Carr, and 11 from Colin O’Mara. The Viking team also had Alex Potter chip in nine points and David Parks eight.

The Vikings didn’t do a very good job of getting to the free throw line in the ball game, and didn’t do very well when they were there.

They were just 4-of-10 from the line.

Lakewood did knock down eight threepointers, two each for McKinney, Parks and O’Mara.

The Vikings are now 7-12 overall this season. They’ll finish off the regular season with a conference contest against Lansing Catholic, then will have a week off before the start of the state tournament.

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Lions have had to try to deal with Galesburg-Augusta’s pressure twice this season.

They’ll be hoping for and working for an better performance against it in the third meeting between the two teams.

The Rams topped the visiting Lions 43-21 in Kalamazoo Valley Association action Friday. The teams will meet again Monday in the opening round of the Class C District Tournament at Maple Valley High School.

The Lions have had this week to prepare.

“There will be a lot of preparation for breaking pressure,” said Maple Valley head coach Landon Wilkes. “We will see it out of Pennfield (Tuesday) and Olivet (Friday), and we’ll be working on handling the pressure, working on staying composed and working on staying under control.”

The Rams pressure really only got to the Lions in one quarter, the second Tuesday, and that was enough. The Rams went from up 109 at the end of the first quarter to up 27-9 at the half.

Galesburg-Augusta got nine points from Noelle Mejeur, eight from Kathryn Dooley and seven from Holly Deleon in the win.

Timara Burd led the Lions with five points, and McKaily Bodenmuller added four points.

The Lions are now 1-18 overall this season and 1-16 in the KVA. Pennfield handled the host Lions Tuesday, topping them 55-33 in a KVA contest.

The Lions scored just two points in the second quarter as the Panthers pushed their lead to 26-9 at the half.

Maple Valley had trouble staying with the Panthers’ Shelby Miller, who hit six threepointers and finished with 25 points.

Hanna Kyle led the Lions with 12 points.

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77576270

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Trojans couldn’t have asked for much more, other than a different opponent, after

Page 18 — Thursday, February 21, 2013 — The Hastings Banner

Coaches say Saxons ‘wanted it more’ in win at TK

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor “I’ve learned in my few years at Hastings that TK/Hastings games are all about guts and who wants it more,” said first-year Hastings varsity girls’ basketball coach Andrew Mains.

“Hastings just wanted it more than we did,” said TK head coach Jessee Bays The Saxons earned a spilt in their OK Gold Conference series with the Trojans this season, topping TK 39-33 in Middleville Friday night.

The Trojans took a 30-29 lead with just under six minutes to play on a short jump shot

Thornapple Kellogg’s Molly Lark has a shot attempt swatted away by Hastings’ Maddie Dailey Friday night in Middleville.

(Photo by Brett Bremer)

by Molly Lark, but Hastings went on a 10-1 run over the course of the next five and a half minutes to seal the victory.

Bays was happy with his team’s defensive effort, and equally unhappy with the offensive performance. The Trojans forced 36 Saxon turnovers, but turned the ball over 34 times themselves in the back and forth ballgame.

“We know what they wanted to do,” said Bays. “We forced 36 turnovers and when you force 36 turnovers you’re suppose to beat a team by 20 points. When you don’t capitalize and you don’t value the ball, the amount of turnovers you cause means nothing. If we turn it over 34 and we force 36 it’s a nil proposition. We have to handle the ball and take care of the ball better ...

“The number just sticks in my head, 36 turnovers. If you at least do half of it, that’s 36 points. We didn’t score 36 points. If we capitalize on 18 of those 36 we should have 36 points. We didn’t score 36 points.”

When the Saxons did get through the Trojan pressure their best bet on the offensive end was to get the ball to freshman center Maddie Dailey at the free throw line.

“That’s kind of the trick to that diamondand-1 or that box-and-1 that they run,” Mains said. “We’ve got to get it right in the middle.

If we can get it there, they have so many girls trapping or going after Taylor (Carter) that it’s a 3-on-2 and we’ve just got to take it to the rim. (Dailey) did a great job of taking it to the rim and I think she was about 8-for-8 from the free throw line and that’s what really helped us.”

Dailey and Carter finished with 13 points each for Hastings. Carter scored most of her points in transition off of TK turnovers, while Dailey’s came more in the flow of the offense.

Carter was once again the focal point of the Trojan defense.

“We wanted to get to the middle a lot because then we had more options that way.

We really just wanted to break that trap, because they put a lot of pressure on with

Thornapple Kellogg’s Maki Agostini fires up a jump shot as Hastings’ Nikki Redman closes in during the first half Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

Hastings’ Taylor Carter is whistled for a charge as she crashes into Thornapple Kellogg’s Kelli Graham under the basket during the third quarter Friday in Middleville.

(Photo by Brett Bremer) their defense,” Dailey said.

“My first option, I want to score, so I’d look to the basket to drive. Then dish it down and look for post players or drive and kick it out.”

TK came out of the first quarter with a 7-3 lead, but a bucket by Dailey and a steal and

DK girls face Potterville to start postseason Monday The Panthers keep winning, but head coach Mike Mohn keeps finding things that need fixing.

Recently, the part that the Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ basketball team has found it needs to repair is its second quarter performance.

The Panthers outscored GalesburgAugusta 19-12 in the first quarter Friday night, on their way to a 46-37 Kalamazoo Valley Association victory. The Delton lead was still seven points at the half, 25-18, but Delton just two points through the first five and a half minutes of the second quarter.

“The same thing happened last week. We come out of the gate and then we are just a completely different team in that second quarter,” said Mohn. “We’ve got to get that fixed.”

lay-in by Carter evened things up. Four points was the biggest lead for either team until the final two minutes.

Kelli Graham led TK with 13 points, and Lark finished with six points.

The Trojans saw their record fall to 7-11 overall this season and 2-6 in the OK Gold

with the loss.

Hastings’ record currently sits at 7-11 overall and 2-6 in the conference.

Ottawa Hills topped the Hastings girls 5039 in Grand Rapids Monday.

Dailey had 17 points and Grace Meade chipped in nine for the Saxons. Carter finished with seven points.

The Bengals got 15 points from Erin Forbes, ten each from Cachareal Hodges and Shawnae Joseph and nine from Quaonna Draper.

Panthers nearly able to keep pace with Schoolcraft boys

There isn’t much time to be fixing things.

Delton Kellogg’s Tuesday night contest with Schoolcraft was postponed from Tuesday to Wednesday this week. The Panthers are scheduled to close the regular season Friday at Pennfield. They’ll open play in the Class C District Tournament next week at Maple Valley High School by taking on Potterville Monday at 6 p.m.

Mallory Sewell and Brooke Martin had 13 points each for the Panthers in the win over the Rams. Sewell also ad seven rebounds and three blocks.

Rachel Parker had a solid all-around game for Delton with six points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals. Kristen Mohn added six points and six rebounds.

Delton Kellogg was 12-of-18 at the free

Delton Kellogg’s Sarah Rendon fires up a jump shot against GalesburgAugusta Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) throw line in the fourth quarter to hold off the Rams. Sarah Rendon was 4-of-4 in the fourth quarter.

“It was a tough win against a tough team,” coach Mohn said. “They’re playing well.”

Kathryn Dooley led the Rams with 15 points. Noelle Mejeur and Sami Schab had seven points each.

Delton improved to 14-4 overall this season with the win.

77576393

Delton Kellogg’s Rachel Parker is pressured in the corner by the Rams’ Noelle Mejeur Friday night. (Photo by Perry Hardin)

Delton Kellogg’s Jeff Minehart is hit by Galesburg-Augusta’s Trammell Orr as he attacks the basket Friday night. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg has two wins this season.

Schoolcraft has two losses.

But, the Panthers were able to hang with the league-leading Eagles Tuesday night in Kalamazoo Valley Association action.

Schoolcraft improved to 16-2 overall with a 42-35 win over the Panthers in Schoolcraft.

Schoolcraft led 16-14 at the half, then slowly extended its lead through the second half.

Luke Ryskamp led Schoolcraft with 21 points, becoming his school’s all-time leading scorer in the process. He also had 13 rebounds.

Trevor Stoddard added eight points for the Eagles.

Delton Kellogg got 13 points from Zach Leinaar and ten from Zach Meyers.

Delton Kellogg is now 2-15 overall this season.

The Panthers visit Pennfield Friday, then will be home to take on Kalamazoo Christian Tuesday.

Galesburg-Augusta was able to limit the Panther offense Friday, and the Rams scored a 47-36 win over Delton during the Panthers’ WinterFest contest.

The Rams led 37-20 after three quarters, with Jordan Born leading the way. Born finished with 17 points. Cody Diamond added eight points and Kyle Mallwitz had seven for the Rams.

Delton Kellogg got nine points from Anthony Houtrow and seven from Meyers.

Josh Arkwright added six points.

Delton Kellogg’s Josh Arkwright puts a shot up as Galesburg-Augusta’s Jordan Born swats at him from behind Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin)