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Dirty Dozen mud run draws hundreds

Working together builds better communities

Delton girls qualify for state finals again

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See Editorial on Page 4

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THE HASTINGS

VOLUME 159, No. 43

BANNER Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856

PRICE 75¢

Thursday, November 1, 2012

NEWS Change on the horizon for county board BRIEFS Delton Life Walk raising awareness The Delton community is reeling from the recent suicides by young people — five in the past year. In response, students at Delton Kellogg High School are organizing Life Walk 2012 with the theme, “Every Life is Worth Living,” Saturday, Nov. 3, beginning at noon at the high school track.

The community will be remembering those who are gone and working to prevent suicide. The public is encouraged to participate in the walk.

For more information, call 269-2540802 or 269-671-4824.

Set clocks back this weekend Just in time for Tuesday’s election, everyone will get an extra hour of sleep this weekend when daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 4.

As in the past, the semi-yearly event serves as a time for residents to check or replace batteries in their smoke detectors.

Fall leaf pickup begins Monday The Hastings Department of Public Services will begin its fall leaf pickup Monday, Nov. 5 in the Second and Third wards south of State Street. City crews will then finish the Second and Third wards north of State Street and move into the First Ward north of the Thornapple River. Crews will finish in the Fourth Ward from Broadway to the west city limits.

Residents should place leaves near the curb, not in the street.

Dancers of the Golden Age focus of ILR class Hastings resident and theater buff Terry Dennison will discuss the contributions to dance made by memorable dancing stars of musical film from the 1930s to the 1950s during a four-week class through the Institute for Learning in Retirement at the Kellogg Community College Campus on West Gun Lake Road. The class will meet Mondays, Nov. 5 through Nov. 26, from 1 to 3 p.m.

For more information or to register, call the KCC Fehsenfeld Center, 269948-9500, ext. 2803.

Winter parking restrictions in effect The Hastings Police Department remind residents that parking is not permitted on city streets between 2 and 6 a.m. Vehicles found in violation will likely be cited for the parking offense and possibly towed, said Deputy Chief Jeff Pratt.

Snow is inevitable and vehicles left parked on the streets this time of year make it difficult for city crews to effectively clear the streets of snow, he said.

With population change reapportioning county commission representation from eight districts to seven and with the arrival of new candidates in three of those new districts, the Barry County Board of Commissioners is headed for new composition Nov. 6.

Only current county chair Craig Stolsonburg in District 2 and vice chair Ben Geiger in District 5, who defeated Steve Pyrzynski in the Aug. 7 primary are unopposed incumbents. Current District 1 Commissioner Howard “Hoot” Gibson is being challenged by Democrat Tom Huis. In District 7, Jim Dull defeated incumbent Jeff VanNortwick in the Aug. 7 Republican primary, but VanNortwick has filed as a write-in candidate to make another run to save his position.

New faces are assured in District 4 and District 6 where Jon Smelker and Jim DeYoung, respectively, won Republican primary races.

District 3 will also be represented by a new name when voters choose either Republican Joyce Snow or Democrat Barbara Cichy.

Incumbent Robert Houtman was defeated by Snow in the primary.

A brief review of candidates who responded to a Banner election questionnaire follows: District 1 Howard Gibson (R) v. Tom Huis (D) Incumbent commissioner Gibson, 73, is a 68-year resident of the county and has earned certificates in auctioneering, collective bargaining, emergency management and health and safety. Huis, 65, is a General Motors retiree making his first run for public office.

What is the biggest issue facing the county today?

Gibson: The budget is always going to be a problem. On Oct. 23, we approved the proposed budget for 2013 with projections for 2014-15.

Huis: Learning to live within smaller budgets. That means using our money wisely and efficiently so we can avoid cutting crucial programs and services.

What do you offer as a county leader?

Huis: A bachelor of business degree and a master’s degree in public administration provide me a strong foundation of the principles of good government. My military background,

Barb Cichy

Jim DeYoung

James Dull

Ben Geiger

Howard “Hoot” Gibson

Tom Huis

Jon Smelker

Joyce Snow

Craig Stolsonburg

Jeff VanNortwick

plus my years with General Motors, have provided me a strong work ethic and ability to lead and work successfully with others.

Gibson: Experience, knowledge and availability to attend meetings. Currently, I carry a perfect attendance record.

What differentiates you from other candidates?

Gibson: I really don’t know what other candidates are doing. I am very visible and I talk to several people to get their opinion on issues that I have to vote on.

Huis: Fresh, new ideas and experience in commercial and private sectors. I can assess/handle situations to ensure that government decisions are made in the best interest of the district. I listen to people’s concerns/questions and assure my intent to take action with-

out favoritism or prejudice.

What changes would you make in county government or its programs as they are currently structured?

Huis: The county government/programs need to be continually updated and streamlined. Duplications between departments and services must be identified and corrected or eliminated. This is the only way to ensure that the members of our community receive the best possible services during this time of declining budgets.

Gibson: More citizen involvement on county board appointments. Also, a survey of county residents to see what changes they would like.

Who or what provides you inspiration?

Gibson: I am inspired when I see citizens

enjoying the activities that are available in Barry County. The COA has many activities for seniors, and Charlton Park has activities for all ages.

Huis: My wife Sheila and our son Dray are my inspiration. They have always encouraged and supported my desire to give back to this community through my volunteer activities and my aspirations of further service.

District 2 Craig Stolsonburg (R) — Unopposed Stolsonburg, 38, an associate broker/Realtor with Bellabay Realty, was elected to the county board in 2008 and served as its chair in 2010 and 2011.

What is the biggest issue facing the county

See CANDIDATES, page 13

Ballot issues raising concern among voters This summary of the November statewide ballot issues was compiled by the Citizens Research Council of Michigan. The privately funded not-for-profit organization aims to provide factual, unbiased independent information on significant issues concerning state and local government organization and finance.

An in-depth analysis of each proposal and corresponding webinars are available at no cost on the Citizens Research Council’s website, election.crcmich.org.

The CRC does not endorse candidates for office or take positions on ballot issues. In analyzing these ballot issues, CRC hopes to provide more information so that voters can make better informed decisions in formulating their vote.

Initial considerations by the Citizens Research Council of Michigan: Several of the proposed amendments to the Michigan Constitution contain enough detail to raise the question of whether the Constitution is the appropriate place for such detailed and often complex provisions, regardless of their public policy merits. A review of the proposed amendments reveals that several are quite lengthy, go into substantial technical detail, and deal with issues that would be found in statutory law, not in the constitutions, of most states. Voters should evaluate the public policy merits of each proposal as well as the appropriateness of each amendment in regards to its inclusion in the state’s constitution.

Proposal 1 Emergency financial manager law Public Act 4 of 2011 is the Local Government and School District Fiscal Accountability Act. It is the third iteration of Michigan laws that allow the state to appoint an emergency manager who has authority over the financial decisions of a fiscally distressed local government or school district, and it extends the authority of the appointed emer-

gency manager to the non-financial operations of the local government or school district.

This act allows state-appointed managers to assume the responsibility of locally elected officials and grants those appointed managers more powers than locally elected officials have. Among the expanded powers granted to

emergency managers under PA 4 are the authority to reject, modify or terminate one or more of the terms of an existing contract and, under specified conditions, to reject, modify or terminate one or more of the terms and conditions of a collective-bargaining agreement.

Under PA 4, collective bargaining is sus-

pended if an emergency manager is appointed.

Aug. 8, when the state Board of Canvassers placed the issue repealing PA 4 on the Nov. 6 ballot, PA 4 was suspended in accordance with Article II Section 9 of Michigan’s

See BALLOT ISSUES, pg. 10

Halloween brigade on guard for trick-or-treaters With help from the Hastings Rotary Club and other hearty volunteers, a Halloween tradition was saved last night with the closing of Green Street to all but ghosts, goblins and creatures of the night. With budgets tight, Hastings City Council member Bill Redman helped organize a volunteer crew that manned barricades from 5 to 8 p.m. so that trick-or-treaters were safe on the popular Green Street route. Pictured before taking up their assignments are, (front row, from left) Dave McIntyre, Val McIntyre, Michelle Skedgell with dog Rhea, Patty Woods, Jeff Mansfield, (back) Scott Rasmussen, Jeff Pratt, Tony Coughlin, Brian Peake, Dave Tossava, Mike Brownlee, Matt Vaughn, Rick Taylor, Steve Skedgell, Dave Jackson, Will Pettengill, Bill Redman, Rob Deming, Jeri Depue, Tim Girrbach and Police Chief Jerry Sarver.

Page 2 — Thursday, November 1, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

Three candidates seek two spots on Delton school board Delton Kellogg Schools have two openings on the board of education. Three candidates are running for the four-year terms.

Incumbent Jennifer Bever is being challenged by newcomers Steve Hook and Kelli Martin.

Bever, 37, is currently serving a four-year term on the board.

If elected, what education issue will be the first you address?

If re-elected, one area of education that I will closely monitor is the student achievement data being collected from the MEAP and other assessments our staff use throughSteve Hook Kelli Martin out the year. This information is vital in the process of planning ahead for effective staffing for the next school cerns. One example is the upgrade and expansion of technology throughout the district. If year.

How can you improve education for Delton this effort is successful, all students at Delton Kellogg will benefit.

Kellogg students?

What one change would you make to I am currently involved in the upcoming bond proposal project. Our committee has Delton Kellogg Schools?

One change I would like to see at Delton worked to identify educational areas of concerns and attainable solutions to those con- Kellogg would be an expansion of our voca-

Maurer wins bronze at national FFA competition

tional educational classes. We are challenged every school year to prepare our students to be global learners. I would like to offer CAD classes and expand our trades based opportunities for students.

How can local government impact public schools?

Our school district and community are greatly affected by our local government. Our local officials create ordinances that could protect our young people. I would like to see a curfew time, safer sidewalks for community usage and better lighting in public gathering areas.

How will you approach the budget woes of Delton Kellogg schools?

My approach is to make decisions that are best for kids while maintaining a balance of fiscal responsibility. The board has stayed focused on maintaining and adding to the fund equity. Making necessary cuts away from the classroom has helped. Increased marketing strategies have also had a positive impact on enrollment.

Kelli Martin, 33, is seeking one of the fouryear Delton Kellogg Board of Education seats.

If elected, what education issue will be the first you address?

I will definitely be looking into the areas of art and music as well as special education. My teaching degrees are in art education and music education. Also, having a child who needed early intervention has changed my

view of the education system and the value of special education services.

How can you improve education for Delton Kellogg students?

There needs to be better communication between the board and teachers and between the board and parents. I am willing to be in the school during the day to see what needs are in classrooms. I have a desire to help, and I want to see our school thrive.

What one change would you make to Delton Kellogg schools?

I would like to see smaller class sizes.

How can local government impact public schools?

The local government is voted on by its community members and therefore should represent the values of the voters. This is vital to the success of the school. The school board should consist of people who will best represent the values of the community it resides in.

How will you approach the budget woes of Delton Kellogg schools?

We need to continue making responsible financial decisions and keep students and teachers a priority. We need to be creative and resourceful with what we have, but also use our abilities to bring in money, possibly grant writing opportunities. We also need to build relationships with people in the community.

Steve Hook, 50, is a newcomer seeking one of two four-year trustee seats.

If elected, what education issue will be the first you address?

There are many large and small, each deserving full review and consideration. To target a single goal would detract from the need to consider all others.

How can you improve education for Delton Kellogg students?

By understanding the district’s current assets and resources and work to assure the each student is guaranteed superior instruction.

What one change would you make to Delton Kellogg Schools?

Again, we cannot focus on a single change.

The changes must come, but not without the consideration of how each may impact every aspect of each student, teacher, parent, administrator, district and community.

How can local government impact public schools?

This could be a really long list, depending on the depth of the response you’re looking for. Eventually, it all comes down to resources and regulations.

How will you approach the budget woes of Delton Kellogg schools?

The district is a business, with revenues and expenses, employees and assets. We must consistently experience more revenue than expenses. Our choices are to either reduce expenses or increase revenue. I would prefer to research methods of controlling expenses by becoming more efficient and work to increase our revenue.

Lineup for Hastings township will not change The Hastings Charter Township lineup will not change from its present composition since Supervisor Jim Brown, Clerk Anita Mennell, Treasurer Jenee Phillips and trustees Ron Mennell, William Wetzel, Keith Murphy and James Partridge II are all running again unopposed. All are Republicans, except for Democrats Phillips and Murphy.

Only Brown, Phillips and Anita Mennell responded to the Banner’s questionnaire.

What is the biggest issue facing the township today?

Brown: The biggest problem is trying to maintain essential services with less revenue.

Our taxable revenue has gone down 10 percent in the past three years and has not stopped falling, yet. It is not going back to the “good old days” soon or ever, for that matter.

Phillips: I have seen a significant reduction in the amount of revenue available to the township. At the same time, the cost for services and materials, such as those needed for road repair, continue to increase.

Becky Maurer of Hastings represents her FFA chapter, community and state in the national FFA Creed Speaking competition.

Becky Maurer, a freshman at Hastings High School, received a bronze medal in the Creed Speaking Competition at the National FFA Convention Oct. 25 in Indianapolis.

Maurer competed in district and regionals and won the Michigan FFA Creed Speaking Contest in March, earning the honor of representing the Hastings FFA and Michigan FFA in the national competition.

The FFA Creed is a five-stanza document that provides the moral framework for FFA members follow, said FFA Advisor Dennis Pennington, who accompanied Maurer and other Hastings students to the national convention. The creed represents the greatest traditions, beliefs and responsibilities that agriculturists uphold for the betterment of mankind, he said.

Contestants must memorize the creed, recite it before a panel of judges and answer questions about what the creed stands for and means to them. Contestants must be in eighth or ninth grade to participate.

Maurer represents an elite group of young people, added Pennington. There are more than 550,000 members in the National FFA Organization. Only 48 of these members from across the country made it to the Creed Speaking National Competition.

FFA is the largest youth leadership organization in America that teaches and prepares the next generation of scientists, farmers and leaders for a cadre of agricultural careers. To be a member of the Hastings FFA, email Ed Domke at Hastings High School, edomke@hassk12.org.

Mennell: Decline in property values which creates less funds for the township to operate on. Our township operates with no extra millages, striving to maintain with what we have.

What do you offer as a township leader?

Mennell: Willingness to be involved. Great listening skill and background in accounting.

Phillips: I have a genuine desire to serve the residents of Hastings Charter Township. It is always my top priority to answer their questions or help solve their problems. When it is not within my ability to do so, I try to direct them to someone who can.

Brown: It’s not so much what I can do as what we as township leaders can do. We have an excellent board with a single purpose of doing the most possible with limited resources. We have not been caught up in petty jealousy, bickering and hidden agendas, as some townships have.

What differentiates you from other candidates?

Phillips: While there are many good, hard-

Voters encouraged to view sample ballots before going to polls Secretary of State Ruth Johnson is encouraging Michigan voters to go online to view their sample ballot prior to the Nov. 6 general election in order to help shorten lines on election Day. “Doing a little bit of homework and knowing what you are voting on before you reach the polls will make the voting process faster and easier for all voters, and help lines move more quickly in your polling location,” said Johnson.

To see a sample ballot, go to www.michigan.gov/vote, choose ‘public ballot’ from the buttons on the left, then select county and respective jurisdiction.

Voters are allowed to bring the sample ballot into their polling location in order to facilitate marking the official ballot, but should be sure to take the sample ballot with them when they leave the voting booth. It may not be shown to other voters.

Also on the Michigan Voter Information Center website, residents can check their voter registration status, find their polling location, learn about absentee voting, get information on Michigan’s voter ID laws and view contact information for their local clerk.

Polls across the state will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

working people running for office, one thing that differentiates me is my commitment to the office I hold. The people of my township elected me as their treasurer. It is my responsibility and privilege to show up and represent them.

Brown: Running unopposed has its advantage, but you still have to be constantly doing your best. That takes changing to meet demands of the current time and circumstances. The only thing permanent is change.

Mennell: Nothing — in my opinion, we all want to serve the public and are willing to step forward to do so.

What changes would you make in county government or its programs as they are currently structured?

Phillips: One change I would like to see would be a county-wide recycling program. I have had several township residents come in to tell me what an important issue this is to them.

Mennell: No response.

Brown: Government should stick to what it is best suited for, governing. Private enterprise is much better suited to being the employer, innovating and providing a healthy tax base.

Who or what provides you inspiration?

Mennell: My family — what affects them affects us all.

Brown: Thinking ahead, trying to make current situations better or even eliminating them for something better. From a famous person’s quote: “Some decisions are only made by the brave.” As an elected official, you have to make unpopular decisions sometimes, brave or not.

Phillips: The “who” would be my family.

They inspire me to be better than I am. The “what” would be random acts of kindness.

When I hear of someone helping others simply because it was the right thing to do, it inspires me and refreshes my faith in mankind.

Few township leaders Incumbents will see contested races fill Rutland Republican-dominant Barry County will hold contested elections in less than half of its 16 townships Tuesday, highlighted by races for supervisor in Assyria, Barry and Orangeville townships.

Incumbent supervisors Mike Timmons in Assyria and Wes Kahler in Barry Township, are Republicans who will face opposition from Allen Stasku Jr. and Greg Gay, respectively, who have no political party affiliation.

Republican Thomas Rook in Orangeville Township is being challenged by Democrat George H. Williston.

In Yankee Springs Township, Democrat Shanon VandenBerg will face Republicans Mary Cook and Bruce Campbell for two open trustee seats. A similar three-candidate race for two trustee seats in Johnstown Township will pit Republicans Karen Doster and Jeffrey Warren against Democrat Robin Johnson.

A last-minute flood of write-in candidates in Baltimore and Prairieville townships will add interest to the race for trustee and parks commission seats. Republican Arthur DeFields had been the lone candidate for two trustee positions in Baltimore. Meeting the Sept. 26 writein candidate filing deadline were Richard Clark, Connie Case and Stephen Case whose party affiliation is unknown.

In Prairieville Township, five parks commission seats are available. Until the write-in filing deadline, only Democrat G.R. Labrecque and Republican Rebecca Kahler were on the ballot. Joining them now will be

unaffiliated write-in candidates Mark D. Doster, Deb Young, Kathryn Goebel, Shawn Diebold and Michael Lee Strong.

See additional election-related stories in this issue of the Banner.

Delton voters being asked to renew millage Voters in the Delton Kellogg school district will be asked to renew a millage when they go to the polls Tuesday.

Delton Kellogg Superintendent Paul Blacken said the millage proposal is not new but a renewal of the 2010 millage. The millage pays, in part, for basic operations of the school district, he said.

Approval of the millage would allow the school district to continue to levy the statutory rate of 18 mills on all property, except principal residences and other property exempted by law, required for the school district to receive its revenue per-pupil foundation allowance. The millage is to be renewed for a two-year period.

Township ballot All candidates in the Rutland Charter Township races are incumbents and unopposed in the general election. Supervisor Jim Carr held off challenger Joe Lyons in the August primary.

A questionnaire was sent to all the candidates in Rutland Charter Township. None responded.

Robin Hawthorne is seeking re-election as township clerk, and Sandra Greenfield as treasurer.

Candidates for the four available trustee seats are Marlin Walters, Bill Hanshaw, Brenda Bellmore and Dorothy Flint.

Maple Grove Twp. leadership will remain the same Maple Grove Township has no contested races. Running unopposed are Republican incumbents Supervisor Rod Crothers, Clerk Susie Butler, Treasurer Ginger Cole and trustees James Heyboer and Doug Westendorp.

None of the candidates returned requested biographical and political position information.

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 1, 2012 — Page 3

Dirty Dozen mud run draws hundreds

Those daring to brave the wet start the Dirty Dozen on an 80-foot water slide.

Julie Schaefer-Space climbs through a tire obstacle. (Photo by Julie Makarewicz)

Many groups, like these young people at the start of the race, dressed according to a theme.

YMCA camp counselors pose after participating in the Dirty Dozen are (from left) Peter Beck, Matt Johnson, Miguel Martinez, Dexx VanHouten, Ian Beck, John James and Matt Cathcart. (Photo courtesy of Jon Anderson).

More than 350 participants braved the chilly weather, the warming waters of the 45foot long super slide and 11 muddy obstacles just to say they did it, said Jon Anderson, Pennock Hospital cardiopulmonary colleague and organizer of the inaugural “Dirty Dozen” event Sunday.

“Families, friends and neighborhoods showed up to show their support for the United Way of Barry County and cheer on the runners, walkers and crawlers. There was much excitement, and some spectators found themselves returning to the event with a change of clothes so they could get down and dirty themselves.”

“Pennock is committed to improving the

health of our community, and we are committed to the work that is done through the United Way of Barry County. The Dirty Dozen was a way to engage the community on many levels and motivate families and individuals to get out and get active all while having fun in the name of a great organization,” said Sheryl Lewis Blake, Pennock chief executive officer and co-chair of this year’s United Way Campaign.

All proceeds from the event will support Barry County United Way. Plans for next year are already underway. Race results will be posted at www.pennockhealth.com.

77572172

These young men hit the course after starting on the water slide.

Page 4 — Thursday, November 1, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

Voting is a key element as an American citizen To the editor: Coming up Tuesday, Nov. 6 is a very important day for all qualified voters in the Barry County area. Whether you vote absentee or in person, it is your duty as an American to go to your place to vote, and vote your choices (not the government’s choices).

It does take a little time to research the information about your choices. Do not just go to the polls without researching the candidates and the issues. Do not just listen to someone else (friends, family or Facebook) tell you how to vote. Don’t just rely on MSNBC or FOX News to make your decision for you.

On any ballot with local or state proposals, take the necessary time to read the wording on your ballot. Your future will be in that vote that you placed. Make sure that you know where your polling places will be. Make sure that you have your ID, and that you look over the ballot carefully before you take the opportunity to place your votes.

It is also very important that we make this area’s election workers have a tough day with all the people coming in to vote. We do not need the usual 25 to 30 percent. This year, we need at least 75 to 80 percent of the electorate voting. Results from this election (national, state and local) are going to be in place for a long time. This election will set the stage for the future of this Union.

The people we put in office will be able to declare policy for a very long time. In America, “We the People” can take control of the government at all levels if we take the time, forget all the hoopla, and do some homework.

You have the constitutional right to a private vote, do not feel you must tell anyone how you voted. So many agencies need to declare winners in every election. Make them wait like all the rest of us.

Please vote for the right person, not the most popular or the chosen one. If you are

Did you

IURP RXU UHDGHUV flip-flopping around on some choices, look at how that person has conducted himself or herself. Take an old fashioned approach and go with what you want. I, as a card carrying American voter for many years, have gone with the system of looking at the man or woman. Will they do the job that they are being elected for? Or do they have the “Old Boys Club” label? Look out. If you take the time to vote, do it right. Do whatever you can to vote your choice and not for the “we need him or her” candidate. The future is now.

Elections are very important. This year in the state of Michigan, we have state-wide ballot proposals that want us, the Michigan voters, to

revise our State Constitution. It’s a trick. Look out. Take the old fashioned advice: If someone wants you to vote for constitutional changes, stop, look and listen to all sides. Keep the Michigan State Constitution intact for future generations to appreciate.

To all the newer generations, get the memo and do your duty and vote for the future of this country with a merger of new and old fashioned ideas. Our state and national Constitutions are not dead yet. It’s time for all good people to come to the aid of their country!

Stephen Jacobs, Hastings

Obama is for other 99 percent To the editor: Some people seem confused about who to vote for for president Nov. 6. For me, the decision is simple.

Romney would be an excellent president for the 1 percent. But I am not a millionaire, I am part of the 99 percent of Americans. For me, the choice is easy.

President Obama clearly has the needs of the people — the 99 percent of us — in mind.

He supports women, education, the environment, worker’s rights, seniors and medical care for all, to name just a few issues.

President Obama cares about our nation and will continue to be a good leader.

President Obama gets my vote Tuesday.

Jackie Schmitz, Middleville

see?

Working together builds a better community A 1993 Chamber of Commerce brochure asks, “Can you imagine living in one of the 100 best small towns in America?”

The brochure talks about Nashville residents Sandy Lundquist (left) and shopping in stores where Shirley Dexter took it upon themselves to rid village you know the salespeople streets of weeds and debris. With no fanfare, the two and they know you and cleared the better part of Main Street’s sidewalks. being so close to your place Businessman Gary White caught them in the act and of business that you can still snapped this photograph in early October as the run home for lunch. It also women quietly shaped up the landscape. Lundquist evokes the days of living 10 and Dexter are co-chairs for a new group dedicated minutes from open country to the growth and overall improvement of Nashville. and good fishing, yet being little more than a half-hour During the group’s most recent meeting, Rick from an international airport, fine symphony Moore from the Thornapple Trail Association orchestras and a number of industrial parks. congratulated the group, stressing the imporIt’s a place where you’re on a first-name tance of local volunteerism and “getting things basis with city officials, county commission- done.” He talked about the fitness trail that ers and other governmental officials. You can goes through Nashville and the number of volstill find an affordable home in a place where unteers working to expand the system. families settle down and raise their kids in the Moore mentioned the support of the Maple kind of place America was meant to be.

Valley building trades classes developing “fit” That all happens in Hastings which, in strips along the route. The students are build1993, was selected by Norman Crampton as ing fitness stations to offer different levels of being among The 100 Best Small Towns in exercise for trail users. And in Middleville, the America.

Boy Scouts are building kiosks to be used as At the time, area and national media outlets information centers which will be placed were contacting the local chamber of com- along the route. merce to learn more about Hastings and why it “We’re really gonna have to work together made the list. The local chamber office was to survive,” says Moore. getting calls from interested citizens and busiThese are just a few recent highlights of nesses wanting to know more about our town. what can be done when local citizens take it It was a great time for our community because upon themselves to make this a better place to of the acknowledgment for something that live for all of us. we’ve been promoting for years — Hastings If we expect our communities to continue as a great place to live, work and play. to grow and prosper, it’s important that local That’s why I was a bit disappointed to read leaders keep an open mind on how they view recently that the Hastings City Council turned requests from citizens throughout the year. down the opportunity to make Green Street Whether it’s a festival, a parade, a fundraisthe center of attraction for our annual er or even trick-or-treating, the way local leadHalloween trick-or-treating. As I was growing ers deal with these issues impacts the kind of up, Green Street was always considered a community we become in the future. must on the list of places to go – it’s been a The 1993 Chamber of Commerce brochure Hastings tradition. said, “Take a look around, look at what’s Yet, when former council member Dave going on, meet some special people and MacIntyre recently stood before the council to choose one of the best small towns in the request closing a portion of the street during country.” trick-or-treating to make it safer for kids, his The joys of small-town life still exist in request was turned down due to the expense of places all around our county – but we must putting up a few barricades. According to city never take them for granted. They exist officials, it would cost around $850 to set up because people like those listed in this column and remove the barricades before and after the continue to give their time and their talent to event. Some council members also questioned make this one of the Best Small Towns in why this year, and why just Green Street.

America.

For decades, Green Street has been the center of attention for the annual event, attracting more than 1,000 children. Probably the most important issue would be the safety of the kids, yet it relates to why Hastings was chosen over 20 years ago as one of the best.

At Christmas time, many communities One of the most important responsibilities around the state promote certain neighbor- Americans possess is the right to choose their hoods as the place to see lots of lights and dec- leaders — the people who play a role in deterorations. They’ve become popular attractions, mining what kind of a country we will become drawing hundreds if not thousands of onlook- in the coming years. ers to enjoy the holiday spirit.

As a nation, we’ve fought for the right to That could happen with Halloween in vote and should be vigilant in protecting those Hastings. So, when council members turned rights. We’ve also fought in counties around down the request to close off the street, local the world to help others obtain those same citizens and Hastings Rotary Club members rights. took it upon themselves to offer their services So, as Election Day nears - set aside some to get the job done — protecting children as time to look over the roster of candidates and they trick-or-treat through the neighborhood. the proposals you’ll find on the ballot. To see Our publications throughout the year spot- a sample ballot, go to www.michigan.gov/ light hundreds of community activities where vote, choose ‘public ballot’ from the buttons volunteers come out of the woodwork to help on the left, then select county and respective when needed. jurisdiction, and click on ‘generate ballot.’

Just last weekend, Jon Anderson and some This edition of the Banner includes numerous of his fellow employees at Pennock Hospital stories on area candidates. put together a challenge mud run to raise The economy still remains upmost on votfunds for our annual United Way fund drive. ers’ minds. So, as you sit down to make your The event was fun for all involved, plus it choice, know that it will go a long way in attracted hundreds of people to watch. More determining what the economy might look than 350 braved the mud and cold to help the like in the next four years.

United Way. Over recent weeks in Nashville, a group of Fred Jacobs, vice president citizens has met to discuss what they can do to of J-Ad Graphics support their community and all its assets.

Cast your vote Tuesday

Cygnet corps Jan Atanay of Delton snapped this photo of a swan family Monday morning on Lake 21. Notice the lighter color on the adult swans (right); the cygnets still bear their “Ugly Duckling” feathers.

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?

Fedora lineup

Do you recognize any of these men?

Do you know why or when this photo was taken? The door has a sign for a doctor, possible an optometrist. The man on the right is likely Robert Sherwood. What can you tell us about this photo?

The Banner archives have numerous photographs from the middle of the past century that have no date, names or other information. We’re hoping readers can help us identify the people in the photos and provide

What do you

think?

Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the questions posed each week by accessing our website www.HastingsBanner.com.

Results will be tabulated and reported the following week, along with a new question. a little more information about the event to reunite the photos with their original clippings or identify photos that may never have been used. If you’re able to help tell this photograph’s story, we want to hear from you. Mail information to Attn: Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; email news@jadgraphics.com; or call 269-945-9554.

Last week’s photo of FFA members drew several responses, including calls from two

of men pictured. They are (seated, from left) Bob Case, Hastings ag teacher Ted Knopf, (standing) Richard Miller and Bob Shurlow. Miller and Case, who called the Banner after the photo was published, said they had received an award from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for a soil and water conservation project they had completed through FFA. Miller said the photo was taken in the spring of 1955, shortly before he and Case graduated.

Last week’s question: Monday’s final presidential debate now bring into focus the Nov. 6 election.

Were the debates helpful in shaping your final opinion?

47% 53%

Yes No

For this week: We’ve finally reached the finish line. Let’s see how we do on prognosticating the finish ... q q

Obama Romney

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 1, 2012 — Page 5

Long arm of the law shouldn’t extend to hand-picked officials

IURP RXU UHDGHUV Absurdity is basis of proposals To the editor: It is an unusual event for me to be writing about anything political. I believe the voting privilege we have in our country is a very personal obligation. But as business owner, I am writing today about the great state of Michigan.

A few months ago, I was fortunate to participate in the West Michigan Policy Forum, along with more than 600 business and community leaders from around Michigan. For two days, there was open and diverse dialog on the potential future policy directions for our state.

Monday, I attended the Grand Rapids Economic Club luncheon where Gov. Rick Snyder was the speaker. Different from other times he has spoken, Monday, he briefly spoke and spent an hour answering questions, all related to the six ballot proposals.

I have already voted on an absentee basis, and fortunately had time to review the proposals. The wording in them is very misleading. I find it offensive that proposals cannot be written so the average person can understand what they are voting on. The ballot proposals will have a huge impact on our state, and the information flooding the radio and TV is not accurate. Monday, Gov. Snyder, in a very non-partisan way, reviewed the proposals and the tremendous impact they will have on our state.

For example, regarding Proposal 6, the new-bridge initiative, We have all seen the commercials that imply our schools will fail for lack of funds if an additional bridge is built to Canada. That is ridiculous. The bridge is not being built with our tax dollars — it is being built by Canada. After they are repaid

by Canadian taxpayers and through tolls (in about 50 years), then it will be a revenue stream for Michigan. We need this bridge for commercial trade that will help continue the rebirth of Michigan. We need this bridge to attract new businesses to Michigan. We need this bridge so current employers do not leave due to poor access.

Commercials supporting Proposal 4, which would allow unionization of home health care workers, imply that our elderly family members will get poor care if the proposal is not voted in. That also is ridiculous. What it would do is require family members who are taking care of their own parents to pay union dues. That is absurd.

Proposal 2 would have a devastating impact to our economy, if passed. This will impact 170 laws and 18 constitutional provisions already in place to protect workers. It will provide unions incredible power over the state. Gov. Snyder, who clearly stated he is not against unions, said if it passes, it will begin an onslaught of litigation that could put our state on hold for three years, while the resulting legal mess is resolved. The uncertainty would move our state backward. The Right Place in West Michigan and similar organizations in Southeast Michigan are working hard to draw new businesses to Michigan. No business will want to relocate here, if this passes — and many might leave.

There are too many other states to go to, with much less uncertainty. This would be devastating to the economy of our state.

Gov. Snyder said he believes in Michigan and believes in non-partisan politics. The only way we can succeed is working together with a positive attitude. He knows how to make that happen. We cannot go backward, economically. I do remember the days when the expression was “last one in Michigan, turn the lights off.” We cannot have that happen again. We have a great state with great people.

Please pass the word along. Proposal 1 is a “yes,” and vote “no” on the rest. Pass the word along to your employees, friends, children and neighbors. As Gov. Snyder said, we are all Michiganders.

Let’s keep Michigan moving forward.

Jamie R. Mills, Grand Rapids

Regardless of data, Americans need to work together To the editor: Which president is to blame for gas prices and economic troubles? A letter writer can select datum that makes his case rather than looking at the bigger picture.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, gas price increased from $1.30 in November 1999 to $3.77 per gallon in September 2008 for a percentage change of 190 percent. By November 2008, gas prices had fallen to $1.95, for a percentage change over eight years of 50 percent. This decrease from September 2008 to November 2008 was caused by the financial meltdown when Lehman Brothers collapsed and many other financial institutions barely avoided bankruptcy.

Over the past four years, the price of gasoline has risen from $1.95 to $3.31 per gallon, which is a change of 70 percent. If we selected September 2008 as the base month, since

the economy had not crashed and burned yet, the cost of gasoline per gallon has decreased by 12.2 percent from $3.77 to $3.31 a gallon as of October of this year.

Yes, the facts can be disconcerting when dissected. Hopefully, they us make us put things in their proper perspective.

Our future should find all Americans rowing in the same direction so that our huge potential can be realized. It should be selfevident that continuing to allow our divisive political parties to inflict the death of a thousand cuts on each other and severely damaging America in the process is not acceptable in the past or in the future. We only have to look at ourselves to find who to blame for the current state of affairs. As Pogo would say, “We have met the enemy, and he is us.”

Donald M. Wiggins, Nashville

Barry County’s future will be determined Tuesday To the editor: When you examine the issues that surround Sheriff Dar Leaf, you have to think of the consequences to Barry County of supporting this type of behavior.

Allowing a sheriff to perpetrate the type of behavior of looking the other way while his supporters commit crimes of animal cruelty and overcharge on government contracts — and not only doesn’t pursue them, but joins them, such as James Dull and Mark Englerth have done in the past — is both hypocritical to the oath of office and the people he swore to protect. His protection is to his friends first, make no doubt about it.

Being a member of the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association and now going underground even more to the public scrutiny leaves but little doubt of the veracity of their commitment to this group.

How can the public feel like they are getting fair treatment under the law when this type of behavior is so prevalent? Should the sheriff endorse candidates while this hands are not so clean? How can the public feel that they are being protected fairly?

I would hope the new prosecutor will investigate these past happenings and report her findings to the people of the county when she is seated as the new prosecutor of Barry County.

My way of thinking is that if you want to be an active part of government, you will work to support the people’s needs. Lower your department’s demands on the county budget. The sheriff controls $4.3 million of the county’s $14 million general fund budget.

One would hope that his outside interests do not represent an expense for the taxpayers.

With all of the smoke and mirrors he continues to use, transparency from him continues to remain questionable at best.

The sheriff would want you to believe that he has tried to connect with everyone, including me, and discuss his issues — not so. The sheriff continues to blame others for his shortcomings, and excuses his own behavior with “I have tried to sit down and talk but they won’t ...” That’s hogwash; it never happened and never will.

The county is in good hands with its dedicated staff members under the direction of the county administrator. These folks continue to seek qualified board members for dozens of community and regional positions that represent millions of dollars of services to county residents. Concerned voters need to be interested in these future relationships in which the county has a commitment to be involved.

My challenger has never applied for a board or a committee position or attended a meeting of his expected involvement. Is this who we want to lead us? Honesty and integrity is what you will get from me, I guarantee it.

Do the right thing. I am asking for your write-in vote Nov. 6.

I will continue to do what I have done in the past — work diligently and honestly for all those in the 7th District.

Jeff VanNortwick, Battle Creek

To the editor: I am asking my fellow citizens of Barry County Commission District 7, to write in Jeff VanNortwick in the election Nov. 6. Jeff is the incumbent for this office. Over the past almost two years I have attended meetings of the county commission, and learned from listening and asking questions of the commissioners.

My district is well represented by Jeff, and in speaking with him, I have found him to be well informed on issues, and also fair in considering how his vote impacts the public. He has taken the time to answer questions posed by his constituents and treated all with respect and civility.

Commissioner VanNortwick is now engaged in a write-in campaign due to the low turnout in the recent primary election. Our county and District 7, need Jeff’s experience and counsel as we advance through difficult times. Now is not a good time to change horses.

After the primary was held, it became public knowledge that Sheriff Dar Leaf had actively escorted and campaigned for opposition candidates to both Bob Houtman and Jeff. While that may have not been illegal, it certainly has the appearance of being unethical – and very poor judgement – on Dar Leaf’s part. Our justice system is supposed to be blind and unbiased. I suggest that our sheriff’s action was poorly reasoned and wrong. I have been a fan of Sheriff Leaf in the past, and said so publicly, but I disagree with his action in this matter.

In the Oct. 18, 2012 edition of this newspaper it was reported in a letter by former commissioner Keith Ferris that in the 2007-08 term, “while performing an approved renovation project in the county jail, Jim Dull (working as an independent contractor-editor’s note) submitted an additional $2,200 expense for work completed. Later, it was proven in court that Jim Dull paid then-Commissioner Mark

Englerth for working on this project.”

The committee overseeing the work described above was made up of Commissioners Englerth, Don Nevins, Ferris and Sheriff Dar Leaf.

Now we have our sheriff engineering an election to attempt to elect two of his handpicked and campaigned-for candidates, Dull and Snow. Would you like to hand pick your boss? It would be more than difficult for the sheriff’s commissioners to be objective and fair in a situation like we have here, especially in budgetary matters.

Citizens of Barry County expect to have unbiased people in office. Please join your friends and neighbors in District 7 and write in Jeff VanNortwick.

William F. Norris, Dowling

Sheriff is protecting constitutional principles To the editor: But for the Oct. 25 letter to the editor titled “Sheriffs should enforce laws, not interpret them,” I had gained considerable respect for the wisdom and intellect of its author, Brian Reynolds.

As I read his letter, trying to separate the rhetoric and innuendo from the meat of the issue, I found his point seemed to rest on a contentious opinion, if not a fearful concern that the Constitutional Sheriff’s and Peace officers Association would violate their oath of civil protection and would abuse Constitutional compliance to implement some kind of national coup on all of America, and specifically on Barry and Eaton Counties.

CSPOA is a group of about 160 sheriffs from various counties across all 50 states that had come together in an educational environment to learn the historic importance of the Constitution, study its content, intentions and to honor its tenets. Cognitive awareness of the laws related to the Constitution has nothing to do with “interpreting” the Constitution, as Mr. Reynolds would have you believe. To insinuate Sheriff Dar Leaf, Sheriff Mike Raines of Eaton County and/or the CSPOA, all publicly elected officials, are in some way a national conspiracy group bent on the wrongful interpretation of the doctrine and principles of the Constitution is simply ludicrous. More insulting to basic reasoning and common sense is to label Sheriff Leaf, Sheriff Raines and the CSPOA group with terms like “unbalanced,” “mentally unbalanced,” “flawed human beings,” “political crackpots,” “delusional,” “cowboys,” “swashbuckling sheriffs,” and “vain.”

At one point in his letter, Reynolds totally contradicts himself quoting Sheriff Leaf as saying, “We have a lot of people — even in our own community — who are scared about (the federal government).” Reynolds then writes, “Of course, he (Sheriff Leaf) is right about that.

I have spoken to many of the same people.

While some of their fears might be out of proportion, they are not misplaced.”

So, why would someone who acknowledges the potential danger to the liberties and freedoms of our American democracy “are not misplaced” be so offended that Sheriff Leaf is dedicated to protecting those same principles to cover our backside?

Sheriff Leaf is our county’s top elected enforcement official, who knows the Constitutional issues of authority and has taken it upon himself to consciously educate and prepare to protect our rights as he was elected to do.

Reynolds kept stating in his letter, “Wow. Aren’t you proud of your sheriff now?”

Just so there is no misunderstanding: I am proud of my sheriff and I praise God for his devotion to what often is a thankless job. Quite frankly, I think there are many other Barry County families, friends and neighbors who are proud of him too and in fact feel safer now that we know the degree and quality of his dedication to the safety of this community.

The rest of the letter seems to address Reynolds’ lack of awareness of any threat, stating there was little or no “clear and present danger of official overreach, I think the people of Barry and Eaton Counties have far more to fear from a delusional sheriff than from the federal government.”

Apparently, Reynolds has not fully comprehended the “overreach” of the recent National Defense Authorization Act 2012, specifically sections 1021 and 1022 of the NDAA, Public Law Number 112-81 signed into law by President Obama Dec. 31, 2011, which openly runs counter to the foundation of our nation’s rights and freedom as set for in the U.S. Constitution.

Sections 1021 and 1022 prescribe military detention in an offshore prison, of any person, including U.S. citizens, without representation, legal cause or trial for an indefinite period of time. It violates the 4th, 5th, and 6th Amendments. It corrodes the ideals of presumed innocence and the fight to a fair trail. It infringes on freedom of speech, religion, assembly, privacy, rights to council, and any other rights enumerated as well as the safety from harm committed by politically powerful enemies of the Constitution, whether foreign or domestic, with emphasis on domestic.

As per three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist Amber Lyon, sections 1021 and 1022 “gives the federal government the power to behave like dictators and arrest any American citizen without warrant and indefinitely detain them in offshore prisons without charge.”

According to Lyon, confidentiality of sources could become a problem with journalists. NDAA will give power to detain journalists when refusing to reveal sources, calling it

an act that is “aiding terrorists.”

Pulitzer Prize winner Chris Hedges states, “NDAA is setting up a legal mechanism to criminalize dissent.”

Even the American Civil Liberties Union calls it a “catastrophic blow to civil liberties.”

Reynolds, you say we have far more to fear from our delusional sheriff than from the federal government. I wonder what Nakoula Basseley Nakoula would say. Arrested, and I believe still under lock and key, for producing an anti-Muslim film trailer that was falsely (my opinion) blamed for the Benghazi massacre.

Original arrest was due to the video. Is this a 1st Amendment abuse? You decide.

Or perhaps you would like to have been in the boots of U.S. Marine veteran Brandon Raub who was removed from his home in the middle of the night by federal authorities for posting comments on Facebook that someone took offense to and felt they were anti-U.S. government. I researched those comments and in my opinion they were mundane and commonplace compared to other postings I have seen on Facebook.

Raub was detained in a mental institution, secluded for 30 days and mentally analyzed several times by psychologists. When he finally got his right to be heard by a judge, he was released immediately. That judge was U.S. District Judge Katherine v. Forrest who “permanently enjoined” Section 1021, calling the “indefinite detention” portion “unconstitutional.”

In addition to the above two examples, our U.S. Congressman Justin Amash, is a co-sponsor of HR 3785 which was introduced by U.S. Senator Rand Paul to repeal Section 1021. Also, a Michigan State Rep. Tom McMillin has addressed this issue under HB 5778.

Some may feel NDAA is of no concern to local authorities or communities. The folks of Allegan County, our neighboring county, recognized the dangers of NDAA 2012. They petitioned the Allegan County Board of

Commissioners by way of a resolution stating in short “all agencies of Allegan County up to and including Allegan County Sheriff Department and all police departments in the jurisdiction of Allegan County are instructed to decline requests by federal agencies acting under detention powers of sections 1021 and 1022 of the NDAA 2012 that could infringe upon residents’ freedom of speech, religion, assembly, privacy, rights to counsel, or other rights not here explicitly enumerated as well as their safety from harm committed by politically powerful domestic enemies of the Constitution.”

Perhaps the citizens of Barry County should consider a resolution for our board of commissioners. Are the folks of Barry County ready to step up to protect their rights under the Constitution?

Let’s go back to the “clear and present danger” comment. Section 1021 and 1022 are already the law of this nation. We are already in danger and have been since New Years Eve, last December. Some important national, state and local leaders recognize the law as a clear and present danger, enough to initiate legislative action to repeal. What say you? Is this an “official overreach” on a federal level?

Do the people of Barry and Eaton Counties have more to fear from Sheriff Leaf and Sheriff Raines than from the federal government?

Again, you decide what the truth is. Is it with our locally elected sheriffs who go out of their way to expand their knowledge of protecting citizens and who are, in cases of federal detention without legal cause, perhaps willing to put their lives, careers, and elected office on the line to stand between federal authorities and presumed innocent citizens?

It’s a no-brainer as far as I am concerned.

Sheriff Leaf and Sheriff Raines are my pick.

How about you?

Gary Munson, Delton

System creates bias among jurors To the editor: I received a letter, postmarked Sept.12, informing me that I was summoned for jury duty Oct. 22. To determine the place of appearance, I was obliged to call the preceding Friday after 5 p.m. and follow the instructions given by juror number.

I arrived at at the instructed time, on the required date, and listened to jury selection relative to a high-profile criminal case prosecuted by an attorney from the State Attorney General’s office. I did not hear my name or juror number called, 14 others from the jury pool were impaneled and sworn in. The rest of the jury pool and the challenge rejects were dismissed. Each of us was handed a juror work certificate before we left.

Three days later I received a letter, signed by the presiding judge, telling me I “did not appear” for jury duty, that I in possible contempt of court, “which could result in the assessment of a substantial fine and/or jail time (27A-1346 Contempts of Court sec. 1346

Michigan Statutes annotated).” The date on the letterhead was Oct. 23.

It was only after I re-read my juror work certificate and read the judge’s letter again that I felt contempt of court. The juror work certificate did not include my name or juror number, but the judge’s letter of intimidation did.

Intimidated jurors will react emotionally one of two ways: The fearful will attempt to appease the judge and prosecutor, both paid by the State of Michigan. This biases the juror toward the prosecution, in the manner of a schoolchild following the lead of a bully.

The offended or angered will perceive government incompetence, and conclude that a court which screws up juror attendance could screw up evidence, too. I am old enough to remember the case against O.J. Simpson in California where the prosecution lost their credibility.

Frederick Schantz, Hastings

Commissioners should do homework To the editor: When I appeared before the county board Tuesday, Oct. 2, regarding a budget appeal, commissioners VanNortwick voiced concerns over how the sheriff’s department monitors, inventories, and audits ammunition.

Commissioner VanNortwick then asked is there any reason the taxpayers in this county should become alarmed with the aligning of our sheriff with the constitutional party and their vow to protect and hold firearms and to do their own governmental treatment versus what we are seeing with Sheriff Mike Raines over in Eaton County?

Is there any reason the people should be alarmed with hoarding of ammunition or firearms by our sheriff?

I was unclear at the time what this had to do with a budget appeal, but feeling that Commissioner VanNortwick had a genuine concern regarding this issue, I responded.

When I answered these questions I made the offer to Commissioner VanNortwick and any other commissioner to come to the sheriff’s office and make their own inspection of our armory to see just what we have in weapons and ammunition. Commissioner VanNortwick’s response was that he was only performing due diligence.

That was four weeks ago. And as of now

neither Commissioner VanNortwick nor any other commissioner has come to the sheriff’s office to check for themselves.

Now I have to ask, if Commissioner VanNortwick was so concerned with this issue, why didn’t he follow up by doing his own inspection so he could make a report to the taxpayers of this county?

It would appear to me that it was another political ploy and personal attack on the office of the sheriff by Commissioner VanNortwick.

Further, to the best of my knowledge the constitutional party; Sheriff Mike Raines and our sheriff were not listed on any terrorist watch list, so I am confused by the innuendoes and claims made by Commissioner VanNortwick.

I do not believe that there is any proof of Sheriff Raines or our sheriff being members of the constitutional party.

But over and above that, how is aligning oneself with an organization that believes in the Declaration of Independence; the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights a bad thing.

Maybe a better question is, why haven’t the commissioners aligned themselves with an organization with these beliefs?

Robert E. Baker, Undersheriff Barry County Undersheriff

Page 6 — Thursday, November 1, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads

Area Obituaries Jeffrey Lynn Kelley

Worship Together…

Grant Robinson

John F. Huntley, Jr.

77572041

...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.

Pastor Collin Pinkston. Phone 269945-2938. Sunday School 10 a.m.; Worship 11 a.m. Wednesday Night Bible Study 7 p.m.

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

Traditional Worship; 10 a.m.

Refreshments; 10:45 a.m.

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

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

Pastor Daniel Graybill, Pastor Brian Teed, and Youth Pastor Eric Gillespie. Sunday: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. for children and youth, and a variety of classes for adults. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. Children’s Junior Church, 4 years through 4th grade dismissed prior to offering. Junior and Senior High Youth Group 6:00 p.m. , and several adult small group opportunities. Wednesday Mid-Week Pioneers at 6:30 p.m.: Pioneer Club, 4 years through 5th grade.

Adults: Marriage Enrichment class, Women’s Prayer Group and a Men’s Bible Study. Thursday: Senior Adult (50+) Bible Study at 10 a.m. and lunch at Wendy’s, 11:30 a.m.

Third Thursday Brunch at 9:30 a.m.

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, Nov. 4 - Worship Service 8 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Nov. 4 - Daylight Savings Time Ends; Men & Women’s Alcoholics Anonymous 7 p.m.; High School Youth Group 5-8 p.m. Nov. 5 Women of Faith Bible Study 7:30 p.m.; Recovery Bible Study 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6 - Brother of Grace 7 p.m.; Worship Committee 7 p.m.

Nov. 7 - Wordwatchers 10 a.m.; God’s Children 5:30 p.m.; Sarah Circle 7 p.m. Nov. 8 - Pasty Flour Mixing 9 a.m.; Clapper Kids 3:45 p.m.; Clapper Kids 3:45 p.m.; Grace Notes 5:45 p.m.; Adult Choir 7:15 p.m. Nov. 9 - Pasty Meat Cutting.

Nov. 10 - Pasty Sale. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945-2698.

Pastor Amy Luckey. http://www.discover-grace.org FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 405 N. M-37, Hastings, MI 49058.

(269) 945-5463. Rev. Dr. Jeff Garrison, Pastor. Sunday Services: 8:55 a.m. Traditional Worship Service; 11 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service. Nursery and Children’s Worship available during both services. Visit us online at www.firstchurchhastings.org and our web log for sermons at: http://hastingspresbyterian.blogspot.com.

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

Wednesday - 4 p.m. Pickleball.

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

Lauer Family Funeral Homes

770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541

1401 N. Broadway Hastings

Fiberglass Products

945-2471

FREEPORT, MI - Jeffrey Lynn Kelley, age 48, of Freeport, passed away Thursday, October 25, 2012 at his residence.

He was born December 16, 1963 in Hastings, the son of Michael Merle Kelley and Patricia (Truesdell-Kelley) Swihart.

Jeffrey attended Hastings schools. He was employed at Bradford White in Middleville for 17 years.

Jeff loved family, playing with nieces, nephews and cousins. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, to all he knew. Jeff also loved nature, collecting and caring for any injured wildlife he found, then releasing them back to nature.

Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Michael Merle Kelley; and uncles, David Kelley and John Kelley.

Jeff is survived by his mom, Patricia Swihart; stepdad, Ronald Swihart; brothers, Mick Kelley and William Kelley; sister, Beckey Kelly (Neil); grandmother, Doris Strouse; step-brothers and sisters: Christina (Todd) Warner, Angela (Chad) Wilbur, Shannon (Andrew) Cooley, Richard (Carey) Swihart, Teresa Hummell; nieces, Amber Fitzgerald and Kristal Kelly; nephew, Jeffrey Allerding; and aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 3 p.m. at the Grace Brethren Church, 600 Powell Rd., Hastings, MI 49058. A luncheon will follow the services.

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

Mark Gregory Pennock

FREEPORT, MI - Mark Gregory Pennock, age 50, of Freeport passed away unexpectedly at Pennock Hospital in Hastings, on Saturday, October 27, 2012.

He was born April 16, 1962 in Sullivan, MO, the son of Lee and Helen (Issgrigs) Pennock. Mark grew up in Sullivan, MO, graduating from Sullivan High School in 1980. He married Leigh Bailey on June 18, 1981, also in Sullivan, MO. Mark was employed by Michigan Lasercut in Grand Rapids, for 22 years.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, kayaking, singing and dancing.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Helen Pennock.

He is survived by his wife, Leigh Pennock of Freeport; son, Jason Pennock of Hastings and son, Jesse Pennock of Nashville.

Respecting Mark’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 10 a.m. at the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. Rev. Carla Smith will be officiating the service. A luncheon will follow the memorial service at Jason Pennock's Residence, 520 E. Thorn St., Hastings.

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

HASTINGS, MI - Grant Robinson, age 91, of Hastings, passed away Monday, October 29, 2012 at his residence.

Grant was born on May 1, 1921 in Middleville, the son of Earl and Esther (Schleh) Robinson. He attended and graduated from Thornapple Kellogg High School of Middleville in 1939.

Grant honorably served in World War II from June 2, 1945 through December 29, 1946, stationed in the Aleutions. Following the war he was employed at Middleville Engineering for a year. Grant and Carolyn Shellington were married on June 14, 1947.

He and wife Carolyn worked as manager of Thornapple Manor, then called the County Farm. Grant farmed for 21 years on his 200 acre dairy farm on East State Road. He was a MABC technician and DHIA milk tester for Barry County. He retired from the Hastings Post Office after 12 years of service in 1984.

Grant has been a member of the Grace Wesleyan Church in Hastings since 1947. He was a church treasurer and board trustee and a member of Giddeon. Grant was also a Hastings township treasurer.

Grant and Carolyn traveled extensively in the United States, camping in their Airstream “condo on wheels” during retirement. He was a talented wood craftsman. Grant enjoyed gardening, reading and photography, as well.

Grant was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Esther Robinson; in-laws, Emmett and Mary (Bouck) Shellington; brothers-inlaw, Howard Shellington, William Shellington and Robert Shellington; sistersin-law, Ruth (Willard) Kidder and Dorothy (Jerry) Barker.

Grant is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carolyn (Shellington); sons, Lynden (Patty) Robinson, Gordon (Merry) Robinson, Ron (Patti) Robinson; daughter, Lois (Randy) Frantz; grandchildren, Sadie, Cale, Julia, and Kelley Robinson, Casey (Mitch) Edmondson, Sarah and Nicole Frantz, Nacole Kreiser-Budz, Nick and Christopher Kreiser and Alison (Mike) Stephens; greatgrandchildren, Noah and Logan; brother, Wayne Robinson; sisters-in-law, Frances Shellington, Kathleen (Smith) Sherman, Pat Shellington, Verna Shellington; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Barry County Commission On Aging, 320 Woodlawn Ave., Hastings, MI 49058.

Visitation will be held Thursday, November 1, 2012 from 6 until 8 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, November 2, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home. Burial will follow the funeral service at Freeport Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the funeral service at the Barry County Commission on Aging.

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

HASTINGS, MI - John F. Huntley, Jr., age 71, of Hastings, died early Sunday morning, October 28, 2012 after an extended battle with emphysema.

He was born in Detroit on November 14, 1940 to Frank and Ruth (McCarty) Huntley.

He moved to Hastings as a small child and spent the majority of his life there afterwards.

He attended Michigan State University, received his law degree from the University of Michigan, and his Masters of Divinity from Western Theological Seminary. He practiced law in Hastings for 30 years as a private attorney and served as a mediator and court referee as well.

Following his legal career he was ordained as a Presbyterian minister. His pastoral work included serving as a guest minister for a wide variety of protestant denominations, and as a hospital chaplain.

His passions included music, reading, nature, and learning.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie McBain Huntley; his daughters, Jill (Colin) Carpenter and Amy Huntley; his grandchildren, Asher Carpenter, Arie Carpenter and Natalie Mackson; his brother Craig (Sally) Huntley and his sister-in-law Judy Huntley.

John became a Catholic late in life and services were held at the Saint Rose of Lima Church in Hastings on Wednesday, October 31, 2012.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Tribute Program, P.O. Box 1000, Dept.

142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, please visit our website at www.girrbachfuneralhome.net to sign the online guest book or to leave a memory or message to the family.

HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, Nov. 1 — November Reading Club, “Get Fired Up for Reading,” begins for pre-kindergarten through 12th grades; Movie Memories celebrates the films of Jeanne Crain with “State Fair,” 5 to 8 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 2 — preschool story time enjoys blanket stories, 10:30 to 11 a.m.

Saturday, Nov. 3 — Lego Club’s Lego Extreme Team Challenge, noon to 2 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 5 — computer classes learn Internet basics, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 6 — toddler story time enjoys stories about apples, 10:30 to 11 a.m.; young chess tutoring class, 4:30 to 5:30; open chess club, 6 to 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 7 — 1st to 3rd Club enjoys lions, 4:15 to 5:15 a.m.; library book club discusses Unfamiliar Fishes by Sarah Vowell, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Call the library for more information, 269945-4263.

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 •

102 Cook Hastings

945-4700

1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554

118 S. Jefferson Hastings 945-3429

Family Owned and Operated

www.girrbachfuneralhome.net

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 1, 2012 — Page 7

Barry Township Supervisor will face challenger Tuesday

BETTER BRIDGE IN BARRY COUNTY

by Gerald Stein NORTH N: A 10 4 2 M: K 10 8 3 L: K Q 8 3 K: 6

WEST

EAST

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

N: 8 7 M: 5 4 L: 10 8 6 4 K: A Q J 9 2 SOUTH: N: K Q J 9 6 5 M: J 7 6 2 L: J 9 K: 10

Dealer: South Vulnerable: East/West Lead: 3N North

East

4N

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South 2N 4NT

West Pass Pass

The Hastings

Banner

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

Hastings Banner, Inc.

A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 Newsroom email: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising email: j-ads@choiceonemail.com

John Jacobs President

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Stephen Jacobs Secretary/Treasurer

• NEWSROOM • Doug Vanderlaan (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Shari Carney Dave DeDecker Bonnie Mattson

Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Scott Ommen Jennie Yonker

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Subscription Rates: $35 per year in Barry County $40 per year in adjoining counties $45 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box B Hastings, MI 49058-0602 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, MI 49058

Frank R. Boniface

HASTINGS, MI - Frank R. Boniface, age 95, of Hastings passed away Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at MagnumCare in Hastings.

Frank was born November 19, 1916 in Prairieville Township, the son of Frank and Jennie (Raymond) Boniface. He attended school in Prairieville.

Frank married Leta Jones on September 5, 1936 and they were married for 61 years until she passed in April of 1997. Frank retired from Ketchum Machine Company in Freeport after 20 plus years of service. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, travel and going out to eat with family and friends. Frank especially loved camping, hunting and mushrooming in and around the Gaylord area.

Frank had a gift to gab, enjoying many conversations with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Jennie Boniface; wife, Leta Boniface; five brothers and one sister.

Frank is survived by his daughters, Maxine Swinehart of Plainwell, Pauline Hurless of Delton, Joan (Jim) Charles of Lowell, Lorraine (Arvin) Minard of Florida and his sons, Raymond Basil (Nancy) Boniface of Delton and Jerry Boniface of Delton; 17 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Respecting Frank’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are being held.

Arrangements made by Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings.

of groundwater contamination. The hypocrisy from the state is beyond amusing. Try to do something like this on private property and DEQ will bury you in cease-and-desist orders. Conversely, if the state wants it, their attitude is citizens better deal with it.

How can local government impact public schools?

Why should local government impact public schools? Isn’t that the job of the school board, the school administrators, and concerned citizens? In general, government tries to do too much, which results in the taxpayer footing the bill for one boondoggle after another.

How will you approach the budget woes of local government?

Long-term, I will try to change the mindset that government needs to be everything for everyone. This isn’t economically feasible nor is it the principle upon which this country was founded. In the short-term, I’ll use productivity and restraint to minimize the cost of government.

Social News

Audra Rayne, born at Spectrum Health Hospital on Aug. 16, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. to Ashley Glenn and Anthony Collins of Middleville. Weighing 8 lbs. 6 ozs. and 21 1/2 inches long. Proud grandparents are Linda and Don Rosendall of Middleville, Steve and Michelle Glenn of Wayne and Pat and Shelia Collins of Middleville. ***** Harper Ann Miller, born at Spectrum Health Hospital on Oct. 8, 2012 at 4:34 p.m. to Joe and Lindsey Miller of Middleville. Weighing 8 lbs. 8 ozs. and 19 inches long. Proud grandparents are Dean and Sonja Lambert of Hastings and Gordie and Janet Miller of Kentwood. ***** Riegan June, born at Pennock Hospital on Oct. 18, 2012 at 5:44 p.m. to Amanda and Ryan McIntyre of Hastings. Weighing 7 lbs. 8 ozs. and 22 inches long. ***** McKenna Maree, born at Pennock Hospital on Oct. 20, 2012 at 5:38 a.m. to Curtis Norman Jr. and Kelsey Bodenmuller of Bellevue. Weighing 6 lbs. 15 ozs. and 20 inches long. ***** Taylor Ryan, born at Pennock Hospital on Oct. 19, 2012 at 7:00 a.m. to Autum Shriver and Joshua Sleight of Hastings. Weighing 7 lbs. 6 ozs. and 20 1/2 inches long. ***** Whitney Lynn, born at Pennock Hospital on Oct. 21, 2012 at 6:42 a.m. to Corinna Gould and Andrew Robinson of Plainwell. Weighing 6 lbs. 15 ozs. and 18 inches long. *****

Reids to celebrate 25th wedding anniversary Gary and Gina Reid will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary on November 7, 2012.

Newborn Babies

Marriage Licenses Timothy Glen Sleight, Middleville and Maria D. Osoria, Hastings.

Michael Patrick Cross, Hastings and Courtney Kae Bennett, Galesburg.

Robert Royle Brenner, Delton and Paula Kay Garrison, Delton.

Joshua Francis Bossie, Holt and Amanda Dette Mayhew, Middleville.

In Loving Memory of our

Mother, Grandmother, and GreatGrandmother

Jennie Hause who passed away November 3, 2007 We miss you more than ever.

Love you always ...

Your Family

Area Locations to purchase the Hastings Banner!

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

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

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

Pine Lake: Pine Lake Grocery

Dowling: Goldsworthys Dowling General Store

Prairieville: Prairieville Fast Stop

Woodland: Woodland Express

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

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

77566089

Brett Bremer Julie Makarewicz Fran Faverman Sandra Ponsetto

• ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT •

Obituary

address?

The first issue I will address is wasteful spending by the township government. One such example is the use of Hummers for law enforcement vehicles, these vehicles are not a cost-effective choice for the township police department as operating and maintenance costs for these vehicles are extremely high.

How can local government impact job creation?

The unfortunate answer to this question is that local government, all too often, impacts job creation negatively. In my 15-plus years as a business owner, I’ve many times been hampered by slow moving, over-regulating local governments. This is a cost which affects a business’ ability to hire employees.

What is your position on medical marijuana and local enforcement?

This is a freedom issue, one that was passed into law by voters. Therefore, if a person feels that smoking pot is beneficial to them, I will respect their right to do so. I just hope that person understands my right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

What is your position on banning tobacco smoking in public parks?

Yikes, this used to be a free country. When is this madness going to stop?

What is your position on hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, in Barry County?

I’m against fracking due to the proven risk

77572038

Captain M. North looked over the Barry County Bridge Barge as it lay at rest at the Charlton Park Pier. It was time for winterizing the trusty vessel and time for putting her away for the winter. Captain North mused that it had been a successful year of bridge voyages up and down the Thornapple River, starting at Lake Thornapple, stopping at points along the way including the Charlton Park Pier, the Tyden Park Pier, and the Irving Township Pier. These weekly voyages had been successful bridge tournaments as well, with as many as seven tables each week on these popular cruises. Captain North was doing all of the last minute details before the Barry County Bridge Barge would be pulled from the river, wrapped in shrink-wrap, and stored away until spring came back again.

A call from the shore caught Captain North’s attention. “Oh, Captain North. Captain North, it’s Vera and Rosy to see you. May we come aboard?” Captain North turned toward his two favorite bridge players, and he waved for them to step aboard. “Be careful,” he warned. “I am preparing the BCBB for her winter’s rest. There will be no more voyages this season.”

As Vera and Rosy came aboard, they were breathless with excitement. “Oh Captain North, we know that there will be no more bridge cruises this year, but we just have to bring you something special.” Captain North looked up, amused as usual. “What did you bring me, Vera and Rosy?” he asked.

“Tricks and Treats!” they both exclaimed in unison with peals of laughter coming from both of them. Captain North shook his head. “Do you mean Trick or Treat? This is Halloween time, you know.”

“Oh, Captain North, we know about Trick or Treat. This is more than that. We are talking bridge talk here, you know.” Captain North knew that it was time to take a break from his winter prep work. “Sit down, Vera and Rosy, and let’s hear your story about Tricks and Treats!”

Vera and Rosy took a seat at one of the last card tables still up. Rosy began as usual, “Captain North, we must tell you about our recent success playing at the Kalamazoo Club. We had such a day. May we share just one hand with you?”

Captain North was relieved. “I think I have time to hear about one of your latest hands. Go ahead, please.” Vera chimed in. “You won’t be disappointed, Captain, on this hand. It has to do with the Law of Total Tricks. Do you know about the Law of Total Tricks, Captain North?”

Captain North suppressed his smile and nodded.

Rosy spoke next. “Captain, I was South in this hand, and I had a good six-card spade suit, and not many points. Only about nine high card points, but a good time for a weak-two bid with six spades and most of my points in spades. I opened as the dealer with two spades.”

Vera immediately took up the thread. “I looked at my hand carefully, and I saw four more spades in my hand to go with Rosy’s six spades. My spades were good too with the AN and the 10N as well as two others. Do you know what I bid, Captain North?” Before he could answer, Vera almost shouted out, “I bid four spades, Captain North. Can you believe it?” Captain North only nodded.

Rosy spoke again. “The contract was four spades in the South, and I was playing the hand.

The lead was a safe trump lead since our opponents knew we had a lot of spades between us.

The lead did not hurt us.” Here she paused for a second.

“I thanked Vera for her wonderful bid. We have been playing the Law of Total Tricks lately, and Vera knew that I had six good spades, and she had four good spades. We added them together, got to ten, and we knew we had a good shot of making ten tricks with spades as trump. Such fun, Captain North.” Captain North could only nod and smile.

“Making my plan was the next step on my way to making four spades. I saw that we had three losers once trumps were drawn. We would lose the AK, the AL, and the AM for three losers.

Once the trumps were drawn, I led the JL, set up the diamonds, and lost the three tricks as expected. But, we made our contract of 4N.” Captain North nodded and commented, “Well done, Rosy and Vera. It sounds like you enjoy using the Law of Total Tricks to find a trump fit in your two hands.”

“Oh, we do, Captain North. That is why we called out to you about ‘Tricks and Treats’ just a bit ago. We took our ten “Tricks” and we were one of the few pairs to make the right bid and so we took top “Treats” as well in the scoring column.” Both Vera and Rosy burst into laughter as Captain North could only smile and say, “Tricks and Treats? Yes, I see your point.” Vera and Rosy beamed as the Captain slowly stood up to finish the winterizing of the Barry County Bridge Barge. “See you in the spring,” he said, as Vera and Rosy skipped off the BCBB. Bridge Question for this week: What is Captain North’s first name? It has never been mentioned in all of the bridge columns about Captain North and Vera and Rosy. The correct answer will win a copy of the Hastings Banner with my autograph. Send your entries to the editor of the Banner. Answer will be announced next week if there is a winner. ***** (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)

Incumbent B a r r y Township Supervisor Wes Kahler is being challenged in Tuesday’s election by Greg Gay, who has no party affiliation.

Incumbent Clerk Debra Knight, a Republican, is not being challenged, nor is f e l l o w Greg Gay Republican and Township Treasurer Judith Wooer.

James Alden and Ricky Lawrence, both Republicans, are seeking two open trustee seats. Current trustees Carol Price and Roger Turner Jr. did not file for re-election.

A questionnaire was sent to the candidates.

Gay was the only candidate to respond. His answers follow.

If elected, what issue will be the first you

Page 8 — Thursday, November 1, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

Lake Odessa Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD

by Elaine Garlock A benefit concert at Lakewood High School for the family of Evan Pung promises a variety of entertainment. The Lake Odessa Community Library will host a fall event, Tea Time, Nov. 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. This annual venture is aimed to boost the building fund for the library.

Sunday, Nov. 4, will bring a concert at Central United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. by the musical group King’s Choralers of Grand Rapids. Norwin Pierce, a Lakewood grad, is a member of the singing group. The public is invited.

Thursday, Nov. 8, is the annual Memory Tree meeting of the Lake Odessa Area Historical Society. There will be eight trees on which ornaments will be hung as names are read. Refreshments will be served. This is another free event hosted by the local historical society. As a bonus, visitors get to view the permanent displays.

The Ionia County Genealogical Society will meet Saturday, Nov. 10, at 1 p.m. at the Freight House. This will be the final meeting for Pam Swiler as president, a post she has held since the society’s inception in 1996.

The Ionia County Chapter of Michigan Association of Retired School personnel will meet Thursday, Nov. 15. This will be the annual Christmas party with music by Andy McFarland and Friends. Andy is a retired band instructor at Ionia High School and current director of a volunteer band.

Ronald and Marge Erickson were honored

by family and friends, at the coffee hour of First Congregational Church Sunday, Oct. 21 to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary.

Their five children are Nancy Hickey of Lake Odessa, Paula Schray, Carol Henton of California, Mark and Janet Pennington, both of Lake Odessa. The Ericksons have enjoyed many winters in Florida.

Several ladies from Central United Methodist Church gathered Oct. 16 for an allday sewing session. Andrea Gentner and her sister led the group in making dresses for little girls in Jamaica where the Gentners, their son from St. Johns and Pastor Karen Sorden are going in December. The so-called pillowcase dresses are made by simple directions with adjustable straps. Some sewed, some ironed, some wielded shears and others stuffed casings with drawstrings, so production line techniques could accomplish much in a short time. Thirty-five dresses were completed that day, and several others were taken home to be finished by the ladies later in the week. The following Sunday, the dresses were hung on racks in the sanctuary for all to see. This was a colorful lot of dresses.

First Congregational Church hosted its annual harvest supper with turkey and all the trimmings Oct. 25. After the meal, Pastor Mark Jarvey enlightened his audience with a presentation on Guatemala, where he had recently visited as part of his Spring Arbor coursework on a project to witness social justice issues.

SOCIAL SECURITY COLUMN

JONES

‘Scary’ investment moves to avoid A presidential election is almost upon us.

But if you have young children or grandchildren, you know what’s really important this week is Butterfingers, not ballots, and Pop Rocks, not the popular vote. Yes, it’s Halloween time again, which means you’ll see plenty of witches and vampires scurrying around. You’ll no doubt find these characters more amusing than frightening, but you don’t have to look far to find things that are a bit more alarming — such as these scary investment moves: • Paying too much attention to the headlines — Some headlines may seem unnerving, but don’t abandon your investment strategy just because the news of the day appears grim.

• Chasing “hot” investments — You can get “hot” investment tips from the talking heads on television, your next-door neighbor or just about anybody. But even if the tip was accurate at one point, by the time you get to a “hot” investment, it may already be cooling down.

And, even more importantly, it simply may not be appropriate for your individual risk tolerance and goals.

• Ignoring different types of investment risk — Most investors are aware of the risk of losing principal when investing in stocks. But if you shun stocks totally in favor of perceived “risk-free” investments, you’d be making a mistake because all investments carry some type of risk. For example, with fixed-income investments, including CDs and bonds, one risk you will encounter is inflation risk — the risk that your investment will provide you with returns that won’t even keep up with

inflation and will, therefore, result in a loss of purchasing power over time. Another risk you will incur is interest-rate risk — the risk that new bonds will be issued at higher rates, driving down the price of your bonds. Bonds also carry the risk of default, though you can reduce this risk by sticking with bonds that receive the highest ratings from independent rating agencies.

• Failing to diversify — If you only own one type of investment, and a market downturn affects that particular asset class, your portfolio could take a big hit. But by spreading your dollars among an array of vehicles, such as stocks, bonds and government securities, you can reduce the effects of volatility on your holdings. (Keep in mind, though, that diversification cannot guarantee profits or protect against loss.)

• Focusing on the short term — If you concentrate too much on short-term results, you may react to a piece of bad news, or to a period of extreme price gyrations, by making investment moves that are counterproductive to your goals. Furthermore, if you’re constantly seeking to instantaneously turn around losses, you’ll likely rack up fees, commissions and possibly taxes. Avoid all these hassles by keeping your eyes on the future and sticking to a long-term, personalized strategy.

You can’t always make the perfect investment choices. But by steering clear of the “scary” moves described above, you can work toward your long-term goals and hopefully avoid some of the more fearsome results.

This article was written by Edward Jones

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

STOCKS

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

Altria Group 31.76 -.59 AT&T 34.63 -.37 BP PLC 41.73 +.33 CMS Energy Corp 24.22 +.25 Coca-Cola Co 37.04 +.43 Eaton 45.12 -.43 Family Dollar Stores 65.60 +.31 Fifth Third Bancorp 14.49 -.20 Flowserve CP 130.93 +.80 Ford Motor Co. 10.36 -.36 General Mills 39.85 +.37 General Motors 23.28 -.59 Intel Corp.

21.95 +.36 Kellogg Co. 52.90 +1.25 McDonald’s Corp 86.71 -1.25 Pfizer Inc. 25.43 +.24 Ralcorp 72.48 +.38 Sears Holding 66.69 +6.12 Spartan Motors 4.80 +.05 Spartan Stores 14.47 +.26 Stryker 52.19 -.06 TCF Financial 11.33 +.38 Walmart Stores 75.11 +.35 Gold $1709.85 +$3.15 Silver $31.80 -.15 Dow Jones Average 31,107 +5 Volume on NYSE 681M +51M

Wilt announces retirement from YMCA Memorization is best

by Vonda VanTil Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Are you looking to replace your Social Security card just because you don’t have it?

Then rest assured; you really don’t need to replace it. What is most important is that you remember your Social Security number.

Remember, during your formal education, when you used to memorize passages from a book or answers for a test? In the same way, you should memorize your Social Security number. Knowing your Social Security number is important when it comes to work, taxes, banking and other types of business. Treat your number as confidential information and keep it protected. Memorizing your number means you don’t need to carry your Social Security card with you unless you need to show it to your employer. Keep it in a safe place with your other important papers.

If you really do need to get a replacement card, it’s easy to apply for a new one.

Complete an application for a Social Security card (Form SS-5) and show us original documents proving your U.S. citizenship or immigration status, age and identity. The application includes examples of documents you may need; you can find the application at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber. Then, take or mail your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office. We will mail your Social Security card to you.

If your card is lost or stolen, you can apply for a replacement for free. However, with some exceptions, you are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime.

Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov.

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

SU

269-967-8241

06790990

SURPRISE!

FRI., NOV. 2ND – 9PM

Country Chapel’s Annual

Pork & Dressing Dinner

Country Chapel UMC will host its annual Pork & Dressing Dinner on …

269-908-0491

Saturday, November 10th — NOON ’TIL FOOD IS GONE —

$49

The event will take place at COUNTRY

Security System Installed

CHAPEL

77572152

9275 S. M-37, DOWLING, MI • 269-721-8077

The

Tickets: $8 for adults; $4 for children 6-12 years of age; children under 5 years of age are free

The God’s Gals will also be having a Bake Sale.

Please join us for this delicious and enjoyable event with Pork, Dressing, Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Squash, Cole Slaw & Pie.

EMPTIES FOR EDUCATION

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right individual,” said Solmes. “With the recent completion of our strategic plan, we are poised to continue to meet our mission as we serve more people throughout the county.

We need the services that the YMCA provides now more than ever, and we have a great group of volunteers on the YMCA board to help set our direction for the future.”

The search process is expected to take four to five months. The application process will be conducted through online submission process handled by the YMCA of the USA. Those interested in the position may apply at http://tinyurl.com/Barrycounty-ymca-ceo More information on the Y can be viewed by visiting its website, www.ymcaofbc.org.

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ISE R RP

COME CELEBRATE WITH HIM @ SEASONAL GRILLE

Cell:

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through both local and national sources.

“I have been blessed to serve this YMCA and work with exceptional volunteer leaders,” said Wilt. “When I started here in 2007, we all knew that the intent was to continue to build on the strength of past leaders and begin an endowment initiative that would allow this YMCA to be an independent organization into the future.”

Wilt has led the YMCA through increased program development throughout the county and increased its endowment funds to support general operations, camp maintenance and the establishment of the Bob King Legacy Fund to help provide scholarships to families in financial distress.

“This should be a great opportunity for the

Karl is 40!

Ty Greenfield

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YMCA Executive Director Tom Wilt has announced to the board of directors of the YMCA of Barry County his intention to retire. The YMCA’s director since 2007, Wilt said he plans to retire in the first quarter of 2013, but has agreed to help the YMCA with the transition for the new director.

“We are thankful for Tom’s leadership for the YMCA,” said YMCA Board President David Solmes. “Tom has provided exceptional leadership for our YMCA, including embarking on an endowment campaign to help ensure the future of our YMCA. While we will miss his leadership, we are also confident that the YMCA board is ready to help find a new CEO to help us meet the needs of our community with a strong emphasis on the mission of the YMCA.” A search committee has been formed that will work with specialists from the YMCA of the USA to implement a nationwide search for the best possible candidate, said Solmes.

Once finalized, the position will be promoted

Several Delton Kellogg and Hastings High School students are dual enrolled, attending the Battle Creek Area Math and Science Center (BCAMSC) for a portion of each day. The Center provides advanced instruction to a select group of students from Barry, Branch and Calhoun counties.

In an effort to support their transportation expenses, these students and their families are participating in the “Empties for Education” fund raising event. They would like to ask members of the community to help support their efforts, by donating returnable bottles and cans. Your donations will be accepted at the Barry County Telephone office, in Delton, during regular business hours. Please package your donations in clean, tied plastic bags.

Thank you for supporting these gifted students.

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Exercise helpful in retirement

by Dr. E. Kirsten Peters I don’t know about you, but I find it all too easy to sometimes come up with a reason I cannot exercise on a given day. I tell myself that my life is too crowded with work and meetings, or that I’m too tired from sleeping poorly the night before. Mind you, if I do exercise I always feel the better for it. But there is what a scientist might call an “energy barrier” to finding what it takes within myself to go for a swim at noon or a significant walk after work.

I find that as I get older, it’s not easier to come up with the energy to exercise. So in that sense, I can sympathize with people in retirement who find it quite a struggle to work up a sweat on a regular basis. In short, I’m sure it’s easy for older Americans to come up with excuses to avoid daily exercise. And some people do have medical conditions that prevent them from lifting weights or playing tennis.

But it’s also true that most of us, whatever our age, could do better than we do. And the news is that even if you are in retirement, it’s not too late to start to enjoy the good effects of regular exercise. At least that’s the picture painted by a recent study from Sweden reported by the website WebMD. It was a big study, following 1,800 people for 18 years. People in the study were at least 75 years old when they were enrolled in the program. Half of the participants lived to be 90 years old or older.

Results of the study showed that participants who swam, walked or exercised regularly in other ways lived an average of two years more than those who didn’t. And exer-

cise was the single biggest predictor of how long a person in the study was going to live.

Add in factors like not smoking and having a rich social life, and the study found that elderly people with the healthiest lifestyles lived about 5.5 years longer than those with the worst lifestyles. (The study didn’t include information on diet, a factor that might also make for some significant differences.)

Gisele Wolf-Klein, M.D., of the geriatric education division of the North Shore-LIJ Health System, commented about the study to WebMD. “It’s been known for a long time that adjusting lifestyle behaviors at any age can be beneficial in terms of health and survival,” she said.

That’s right. Both your health and your very survival can be impacted by working up a sweat each day, and that’s true no matter your age.

Wolf-Klein has one anecdotal example of the positive effects of exercise in the elderly. Her mentor was a smoker until he had a massive heart attack after age 70.

“He gave up smoking ‘cold turkey’ after that and began exercising on a stationary bicycle 30 minutes each day,” she said. “He is still doing it at the age of 94.”

No excuses now — let’s get going.

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

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 1, 2012 — Page 9

Pioneer school boy ran away and became Civil War soldier, part 2 The following is part of a series that began in the April 30, 1914, Hastings Banner regarding Hickory Corners native Alonzo D. Cadwallader, and his recollections as a boy soldier. He was assigned to Company K, 17th Michigan Infantry when he enlisted just shy of his 15th birthday. He reportedly said he was 18 and from Kalamazoo. ***** The following morning’s reveille faintly penetrated far off dreamland and at first sounded like the soft hum of the bee as it sipped nectar from the flower, then it changed to the tones of a lute in the hands of some loved one seeking to beguile, and then the shrill tones of the bugle were heard as they were aroused from slumber.

When the men arose and looked around o’er the yet unburied dead and noted the absence among them of many a familiar face, their hearts were sad as they thought of “man’s inhumanity to man.”

Here brethren of the same blood were fighting each other for principle, the said-brother shooting brother arrayed in the ranks of the enemy. Half the horror of a fratricidal war cannot be told.

The roll call revealed the absence of more than a fifth of those engaged in battle.

No time was lost by unnecessary delay, for the decisive battle had not yet been fought.

The haversack contained the frugal meal. The ammunition wagons, always near the front in times of danger, brought forward a full supply, and cartridge box and belt were filled for future use, and then the 17th with its brigade was soon in motion.

As they advanced along the pike, slowly at first, the narrator observed the dead and dying, but one poor fellow who was undergoing his death struggle, with the rattle in his throat, particularly attracted his attention. He was young and early in his teens and the fortunes of war had snipped him. He was paying the penalty of those who caused the quarrel higher up. He thought that some Southern home would soon be draped in mourning for a hero it had sacrificed upon the altar of its country.

The next three days and nights following the battle of South Mountain were spent in marching and counter-marching, for the troops were deployed by the guiding hand of the general like pieces on a chess-board.

The two armies were maneuvering for position and advantage ere they again clashed, in a decisive battle. Two-hundred-thousand troops in that Maryland campaign then faced each other determined not to yield supremacy.

One brigade was ordered to support a battery, and the soldiers laid on their arms, in the rear of the guns, ready to spring forward and defend them from capture, in case the enemy should charge them.

The battery seemed to annoy the enemy greatly and drew the concentrated fire of their

artillery. Pandemonium reigned in and around that battery as the enemy tried hard to silence it. Shells screamed and burst, and round shot whizzed and plowed the ground.

The narrator observed the greatest danger was in the rear. The tendency was to overshoot, but many a shot and shell fell in and around the battery and among the troops supporting it.

The battery’s guns were some distance apart, and the cannoneers not actually engaged in serving them, stood by, some distance apart, ready to spring forward and take the place of a disabled comrade.

As they lay there intently watching, one comrade suddenly exclaimed, “See those shots go!” The narrator observed that by carefully looking in line with the shot he could distinguish a swiftly moving streak.

The night before the great battle opened, which was to decide the fate of that campaign, the final disposition of the contending military units was made, to be disarranged, perhaps, on the following morning.

The night was dark, and more than 200 guns on a side spit fire and flame, from commanding positions, sending forth their missiles of destruction; yet, nevertheless, it was a grand sight to behold. It resembled a fierce thunderstorm minus the wind and rain. A continuous roar and rumble like the artillery of heaven, and chariots of war speeding o’er rough pavements.

Early the next morning, the 17th with its brigade, was in motion maneuvering here and there to counteract the enemy.

About three o’clock in the afternoon, it advanced quickly down the pike and crossed Antietam Creek over a narrow bridge and deployed to the right between the creek and a high steep bluff and formed in line of battle.

They were at the front now and on the firing line soon to be.

With due respect to his superiors, the narrator thought, and still thinks, the crossing of that bridge was a military blunder and a useless sacrifice of life, for the enemy had their guns trained on that bridge and the creek could have been forded anywhere. When behind the bluff, they had a temporary shelter.

The enemy tried to toss its shells over among them, but the shells overreached and exploded harmlessly in the rear.

The crown of the bluff, with its steep and rugged ascent was covered with scrubby timber, and open fields lay beyond as they soon afterward learned.

A skirmish line had been sent ahead to clear the way and feel out the position of the enemy, but some daredevils had evaded them and remained in the treetops at the brow of the bluff and opened fire on the line. They were, however, quickly disposed of.

The order to advance was shortly given and the line was soon in motion. It moved forward slowly and laboriously up that steep incline

RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP

BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Rutland Charter Township Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed Township Budget for fiscal year 2013, at a regular meeting to be held on Wednesday, November 14, 2012, at 7:30 p.m. at Rutland Charter Township Hall, 2461 Heath Road, Hastings, Michigan.

THE PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE RATE PROPOSED TO BE LEVIED TO SUPPORT THE PROPOSED BUDGET WILL BE A SUBJECT OF THIS HEARING.

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

77572076

No bugle was sounded or roll-call taken. They were anxiously awaiting the psychological moment – still there was delay.

The enemy’s skirmish line had been forced back a quarter of a mile or so. A stone house was used as a redoubt – an apple orchard lay between the lines.

Then and there, during that beautiful September morn while the dew was yet upon the grass and everything at peace but man, an act of heroism was performed worthy of a better cause. It was a case where discretion would have been the better part of valor.

In the narrator’s company, Company K, there was a genuine daredevil. His name, after 50 years, has passed from memory, but the act itself is as clearly remembered as though it happened yesterday. He asked permission of the commanding officer to fill his haversack with apples from that orchard between the skirmish lines. The officer laughed and warned him of the danger.

He persisted in his request and gained permission to go – the officer thought he would test his mettle – expecting he would exhibit the “white feather.” He left his gun and went unarmed. He walked briskly to the skirmish line and passed it. They watched him with bated breath. He reached the orchard and commenced to fill his haversack. The boldness of that unarmed soldier ought to have been his shield. A true soldier always takes off his hat at the exhibition of such nerve, but there are always cravens in an army. Some cowardly ruffian shot him down. Two men were sent out under a flag of truce to bring him in – he was wounded in the groin and lived but a short time. A shell was dropped into that house shortly after the incident, and it was quickly vacated.

Activity suddenly sprang up all along the front – the skirmish lines were strengthened from time to time, and the soldiers ranged nearer to each other. The brigade moved forward a quarter of a mile or so when the enemy’s cannonading grew terrific with a front and angling fire. The line wavered and was thrown into confusion. The men were ordered to lie flat upon the ground. The order was quickly obeyed, not even an officer of the line remained standing. It was said the supporting batteries ran out of ammunition. The

enemy seemed to take delight in bombarding them and worked their guns vigorously.

Shells screeched and screamed, and round shot went bounding along the ground – safety lay in lying close, and Mother Earth was never embraced more affectionately.

All things have an ending, they say, and the kaleidoscope of the battle changed. The enemy’s artillery fire slackened, and an advance was ordered – then the musket balls began to sing. Sgt. Tuttle [A James H. Tuttle of Jackson, member of the 17th Michigan Infantry, Company K, died Sept. 17, 1862. He was 24 upon his enlistment in June. Source: Don Harvey, Michigan in the War. org.] of Company K was struck squarely between the eyes by a musket ball. He reeled from the ranks near the narrator like a drunken man.

The enemy, it was said, was in a cornfield just in front, their skulking forms could not be seen, but their musket balls sang like swarms of bees.

The brigade charged up to and over a fence into a lane just in front of the cornfield and there, behind the fence, waged a fierce protracted conflict with the stalks.

After a time, the enemy emerged from the other side of the cornfield, and the tide of battle receded. Another brigade moved in between and assumed the brunt of battle in a clear and open field beyond the corn.

The narrator admired those brave fellows who stood up in line unflinchingly while shells burst in their faces. It was a hot place and they were soon relieved by other troops as the enemy slowly and sullenly retired.

The field at last was won and would have resulted in the annihilation or capture of Lee’s whole army if it had not been for Col. Miles’ cowardly surrender at Harper’s Ferry, when aid was near, two days before Lee’s army, shattered and broken, slipped across the Potomatac into Virginia.

The battle of Antietam was fought on the 17th day of September, 1862. The Union loss was 2,010 killed and 9,416 wounded. The Confederate loss was 3,500 killed and 16,399 wounded.

(Continued next week)

Trustee race to be decided in Johnstown Township In Johnstown Township, Republican incumbents Barbara Earl, supervisor; June Doster, clerk; and Karmen Nickerson, treasurer; are running unopposed. Incumbent trustee Karen Doster faces opposition from challengers Jeffrey Warren and Democrat Robin Johnson for two trustee seats.

Three candidates are running as trustees for three non-partisan positions on the Dowling Public Library board: Cynthia Hart, Eve Sidney and Russell Trongo.

Of the township position candidates, only Johnson responded to the Banner’s questionnaire.

What is the biggest issue facing the township today?

Johnson: I see a need to work with planning and zoning to be able to enforce guidelines to clean up unsightly/unhealthy conditions within the community where it’s apparent that properties are not maintained.

What do you offer as a township leader?

Johnson: 34-plus years working for the federal government, administrative experience providing oversight and guidance for an organization with over 1,000 employees, analysis experience managing a budget of over $7 million, and organization management experience as a program manager for several different programs. I’ve worked with private and government agencies.

What differentiates you from other candidates?

Johnson: I don’t personally know the other candidates, but I’m high motivated and genuinely interested in taking on the position of trustee and learning more about the township

and doing the best I can to be an asset and trusted agent for the people in the township.

What changes would you make in county government or its programs as they are currently structured?

Johnson: I’m unsure. I need to be oriented, and once acclimated, canvass people and make suggestions where appropriate.

Who or what provides you inspiration?

Johnson: There are a number of individuals that I admire and are good role models who are strong, honest, try to do the right thing for others and themselves, and who have a conscience that keeps them who they are. I hope that I follow in their footsteps well.

Hurricane Sandy elicits urgent need for blood Hurricane Sandy caused the cancellation more than 100 American Red Cross blood drives in 11 states along the East Coast, resulting in a shortfall of thousands of units of blood and platelets.

“The Red Cross is urging immediate blood and platelet donations in areas unaffected by this storm,” said Todd Kulman, communications program manager for the Great Lakes Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross in a press release. “It’s the blood that is already on the shelves that helps save lives before, during and after a disaster.”

While Sandy has impacted the number of people available to donate, hospital patients still need blood and platelets, despite the weather.

Local residents may donate at two previously scheduled blood drives in Delton and Nashville. Friday, Nov. 2, a blood drive will

be at Delton Kellogg High School, 327 N. Grove St., from 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, Grace Community Church, 8950 E. M-79, in Nashville, will host a blood drive from 1 to 6:45 p.m.

Nationwide, around 44,000 blood donations are needed every day to meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients, and children with blood disorders. If collections are negatively impacted by a disaster, the longterm needs of these patients could also be affected.

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

To make an appointment to donate blood call 800-733-2767 or visit www.redcrossblood.org.

O R A N G E V I L L E VOT E R S Hello, The next four years are important in the future of Orangeville Township. The nature of our area could become much more industrialized as gas wells are drilled, fracked, compressor stations, condensate tanks, and pipelines are put in. Our health, real estate values, and quality of life may be effected. The DEQ gets 1/6th "royalty" of the profits from the wells. No one is going to protect us if we don't push it.

Thank you – George Williston

For pro-active leadership ...

VOTE FOR

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A copy of the budget is available for public inspection at 2461 Heath Road, Hastings, Michigan.

This notice is posted in compliance with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act), MCLA 41.72a(2) (3) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Rutland Charter 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/hearing upon seven (7) days notice to the Rutland Charter Township Clerk.

Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Clerk at the address or telephone number listed below.

by aid of bush and rock, falling back at times and losing ground. It was an uncertain scramble for the top. When the summit was reached a broad expanse of farming lands appeared to view. There the line halted, and they laid on their arms to avoid the enemy’s artillery as much as possible – they were held in leach by commanding officers.

That was a death-trap if the enemy had taken advantage of the opportunity and made a vigorous charge while they were struggling up the steep incline, or after they had arrived at the summit, for they were there without a particle of support, only from the batteries.

The brigade could have been annihilated, but such are the fortunes of war. Chances are taken and opportunities lost at decisive moments that decide the fate of battles.

As they laid there in the battle line awaiting coming events, the narrator made observations.

Back in the rear among the mountains, flags of the signal corps wigwagged orders from commanding officers.

At a short distance in front, and in full view, the skirmish lines of the contending armies were actively engaged. The lines were slender – one rank deep – and the soldiers ranged from three to four rods apart in their respective lines, and the lines were from 30 to 40 rods apart. The skirmishers tried to keep their formation regular and their lines straight.

Those who could shelter themselves behind a stump or stone or rise or depression of the ground did so; others stood in the open. The two lines kept up a vigorous musket fire at each other. Not many fatalities were observed. The men were nervous, perhaps, and the lines were quite a distance apart for those old muskets – it required good marksmanship to be effective.

Sometimes one line would charge and the other waver and fall back. It was a kind of a seesaw between them.

That was really the beginning of the fight on the enemy’s right wing, but is only known in history as skirmishing for position. The decisive battle was to come. That night the narrator’s brigade slept in the line on their arms, ready for instant action.

The next day at the first glimmer of dawn, they were astir and nibbled their hard tack.

WILLISTON FOR SUPERVISOR

Paid for by: Committee to elect George Williston, 10334 Keller Rd., Delton, MI.

Page 10 — Thursday, November 1, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

Hastings Board of Education has no races in election With three seats on the Hastings Area Schools Board of Education up for election and just three candidates, there will be no school board races for voters in the district to decide when they go to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 6.

Incumbent board trustee Jon Hart is running unopposed for a partial term ending Dec. 31, 2014; he was appointed to that seat after trustee Scott Hodges resigned from the post in November 2011. Valerie Slaughter and Louis Wierenga are running for the two six-year seats currently held by long-term board members Gene Haas and Patricia Endsley, who are not seeking re-election. Although his name will still appear on the ballot as a third sixyear candidate, Steve Williams has withdrawn from the race for health reasons.

While there is no race for any of the seats on the board, the Hastings Banner asked board candidates fill out a pre-election questionnaire in order to provide constituents with an idea about who will be representing them on the board of education. Only Wierenga provided a photo.

Jon Hart and his wife Shelly have lived in Hastings for 19 years and have four children — one who recently graduated from Hastings High School and three who currently attend Hastings schools. Hart has been employed with Hastings Mutual Insurance Company for 21 years. He has a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a master’s degree from Western Michigan University.

Why are you running for a seat on the Hastings Board of Education?

I want to help lead our school system forward to ensure our children have a high-quality, competitive education and provide them

the opportunity to have successful, productive lives in the future. I want to see us compete and work toward a vision leading us toward becoming a premier education system.

How do you feel about transparency, Louis Wierenga and what, if anything, do you think should be done to improve it?

Transparency is obviously an important issue. Best practices should be benchmarked and implemented to improve transparency.

Improved communication and reporting is another avenue toward building greater transparency as mentioned above. However, they’re laws that require us under certain situations to maintain confidentiality and protect people such as under student discipline.

What, in your opinion, are the most important issues currently facing Hastings Area Schools?

We need to align expenses with revenues to have a balanced budget and a surplus. We have fallen behind in our facilities and it hurts our image. Class size is another big concern.

Music, art, and foreign language are important to upgrade. I would like to see vocational program expand.

What can Hastings Area Schools do to:

• Increase enrollment? We need to implement strategic planning and sustain planning year-to-year, which addresses the key issues facing Hastings Area School System and more importantly, execute on the planning. This will lead to increased student enrollment.

• Increase revenue? We have several areas where we need to seek additional funding through bond or millage proposals. If we want to continue to maintain high quality services and attract and retain high quality teachers, administrators, and support staff, we need to seek out new sources of revenue.

What are your thoughts on privatization of services?

I’m for privatization of services as long as the services received offer as good or better value at reduced cost to the school system and to our taxpayers.

Valerie Slaughter graduated from Hastings in 1993, and earned a bachelor’s degree in business, organizational development and administration from Spring Arbor University. She is a claims executive at Michigan Insurance Company, has been secretary for Hastings Youth Athletic Association since 2006, and was the Hastings varsity volleyball coach this past season.. She has three children who attend Hastings Area Schools — Jason, 10th grade, Jesslyn, ninth grade, and Robby, second grade at Central Elementary.

Why are you running for a seat on the Hastings Board of Education?

I want to help create a school district that attracts families, has a foundation of teamwork amongst the teachers and administration, and that the community and parents are proud to support.

How do you feel about transparency, and

what, if anything, do you think should be done to improve it?

Transparency is a key to building trust within the community and amongst the staff and parents in the district.

What, in your opinion, are the most important issues currently facing Hastings Area Schools?

Unfortunately, it all comes down to money.

In order to offer better classes and extracurriculars, maintain buildings and keep valued teachers and staff, it comes down to getting out of deficit and maintaining a fund balance to support other areas that need to be addressed.

What are your thoughts on privatization of services?

In making cuts, unfortunately sometimes there are hard decisions, but my opinion is to keep as much within the district as possible.

We want to support the community and the people working in the community. This is the only way to gain community support and trust.

What can Hastings Area Schools do to: • Increase enrollment? Build a strong educational foundation and increase test scores to make the district one of the top in the area, which will help attract families looking to move, build or apply for school of choice. Finding “Saxon Pride” by working with community and staff to build a foundation of support.

• Increase revenue? The main source of revenue for schools is enrollment and fulltime equivalent from the state. We have to work on keeping school of choice kids within our district and attracting families from other districts, as well as promoting the new home school program that increases FTE.

Louis Wierenga is a Hastings High School graduate who has lived in Hastings and worked on a family farm his entire life. He and his wife, Mary, have a daughter, Lillian, who attends Hastings Middle School.

Wierenga has not held political office but is the past president of Barry County Farm Bureau and is the head of trustees at Hope United Methodist Church.

Why are you running for a seat on the Hastings Board of Education?

I would like to help with rebuilding the trust in the school system that we had before recent years.

How do you feel about transparency, and what, if anything, do you think should be done to improve it?

I think all school meetings should be open to the public with no part being closed.

What, in your opinion, are the most important issues currently facing Hastings Area Schools?

I think the most important thing facing the school now is the lack of trust in the administration and the difficult funding situation for the students.

What can Hastings Area Schools do to: • Increase enrollment? I think more vocational classes would help increase enrollment; not everyone is going on to higher education.

• Increase revenue? Better management of school funds with the building funds and wiser choices on the part of the administration.

What are your thoughts on the privatization of services?

I think the school should look at the option, but I like seeing a familiar group of employees taking care of our student needs.

that home health workers are not required to avail themselves of the training opportunities, and Home Help Service participants are not required to select service providers from the registry.

Proposal 5 New tax limitation amendment In general, nearly all legislative actions require a simple majority vote (affirmative vote of more than one-half of the members elected to a legislative body). However, the Michigan Constitution currently imposes a supermajority requirement (either threefourths or two-thirds of the members serving in the Senate and in the House of Representatives) in certain instances, such as to raise school operating property tax rates or give a law immediate effect.

If Proposal 5 passes, the state Constitution would be amended to prohibit the imposition of new or additional taxes or expansion of the base of taxation by the State of Michigan unless approved by a two-thirds majority of members in each chamber of the legislature or by a statewide vote of the people. The requirement would apply to any new state taxes, raising the rates of any existing state taxes and expanding the base of any existing state taxes.

The two-thirds vote requirement would not apply when the legislature desires to eliminate a tax, to reduce tax rates, to reduce the tax base, or to authorize local taxes. In these instances, a simple majority vote would be required.

If Proposal 5 is rejected, any existing tax limitations or supermajority vote requirements would remain in place. In all other cases, to change the tax rate, add or remove taxes, or change the tax base, a simple majority vote of the legislature is required.

Major issues to consider: The rationale for the adoption of supermajority requirements is to restrict legislative powers to make it more difficult to enact tax increases or adopt new taxes. But the evidence in the literature and from other states is mixed. The growth in total state revenues in states with supermajority vote requirements have been similar to that experienced in the nation as a whole. To make up for reduced tax collections arising from supermajority vote requirements and to keep state budgets balanced, states often increase other taxes, fees and charges or decrease the amounts distributed to local governments, school districts, universities, and other entities dependent on state revenues.

This can result in local property tax increases or tuition increases to balance the budgets of those entities.

Proposal 6

New-bridge construction amendment Trade with Canada is very important to Michigan’s economic health, contributing directly and indirectly to Michigan jobs and income. For more than a decade, representatives from Michigan, the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, Transport Canada, and Ontario Ministry of Transportation have been pursuing construction of an additional international crossing of the Detroit River.

If Proposal 6 passes, a statewide vote would be required before the State of Michigan could construct or finance a new international bridge or tunnel for motor vehicles (“new” being defined as a bridge or tunnel opened after Jan. 1). For the question to appear on the statewide ballot, proponents (parties outside of the Michigan state government) would have to gather signatures of registered voters equal to 8 percent of the total votes cast for all candidates for governor at the previous general election. The majority of voters in both the entire state and each municipality in which a bridge or tunnel would be situated must approve the proposal.

If Proposal 6 is rejected, the legislature retains the right to approve capital projects, make state appropriations to this purpose, if necessary, and use all other constitutional and legal avenues to approve or disapprove the construction of any new international bridges or tunnels.

Major issues to consider: Proposal 2 is intended to block, or stall, construction of the proposed New International Trade Crossing south of the existing Ambassador Bridge in Detroit. It is not a referendum on the proposed bridge, but a constitutional amendment that would require a statewide vote before the state government constructs or finances a new international bridge or tunnel. While it is clear that this proposal would require a statewide vote on proposed crossings going forward, there is disagreement on the effect of this proposal on the interlocal agreement already in place with Canada.

Additionally, an unintended outcome of some ambiguous language in the proposal may result in a statewide vote being required for the construction or financing of any bridge or tunnel in the state — international or otherwise. Michigan’s courts would have to decide the ultimate impact of this proposal on the New International Trade Crossing.

For more information, visit the council’s website www.crcmich.org.

(Additional non-partisan sources regarding the ballot issues Banner readers may want to check include The Truth Squad and Michigan State University Extension.)

BALLOT ISSUES, continued from page 1 Constitution.

If Proposal 1 passes, PA 4 would be reinstated.

If Proposal 1 is rejected, the preceding iteration of the law, PA 72 of 1990 would remain in effect; when PA 4 was suspended, PA 72 was revived. (PA 72 was revived pursuant to Attorney General Opinion No. 7267. This opinion has been challenged and is currently the subject of litigation.) PA 72 does not allow emergency financial managers to abrogate contracts or collective-bargaining agreements, nor does it provide certain other powers contained in PA 4. The legislature would have the power to introduce new legislation to handle financial emergencies should PA 72 still be deemed insufficient.

Major issues to consider: At the time PA 4 was adopted, supporters claimed the intent of the law was to encourage locally elected officials and union leaders to make hard budget decisions in a time of economic difficulties and provide emergency managers with more tools to guide a local government out of fiscal distress. Opponents worry that parts of the law are undemocratic and unfair to residents, local government employees and retirees, bondholders, vendors and others.

Proposal 2 Collective-bargaining amendment The recession has greatly affected state and local government budgets, resulting in decreased public sector employment. At the same time, policymakers in Michigan and other states have enacted a number of laws that are perceived to adversely affect public sector unions. Among those is the move by Indiana to become the first Great Lakes state, and 23rd in the nation, to enact a right-to-work law.

If Proposal 2 passes, the right of public- and private-sector employees to organize for the purpose of collective bargaining would be enshrined in Michigan’s Constitution. The Michigan legislature would not be able to enact right-to-work legislation.

The collective-bargaining rights of privatesector employees are established in federal law, so public employees of local governments, school districts and the state would see the most significant changes from this amendment. Under this proposal, the legislature would lose the ability to set limits on the terms and conditions of employment that are subject to collective bargaining, but it would retain the ability to prohibit strikes by public sector employees.

If Proposal 2 is rejected, current laws would continue to set parameters within which col-

lective bargaining exists for local governments, school districts, institutions of higher education and other political subdivisions of the state. The state’s civil service commission would continue to create the work rules and conditions of employment for state employees, and employee organizations would continue to negotiate with the state employer on matters not covered by civil service rules.

Michigan’s legislature would retain the ability to enact right-to-work legislation in the future.

Major issues to consider: The amendment would impact private-sector employees by prohibiting right-to-work legislation and has the potential to dramatically alter laws affecting public-sector workers. Most notably, public-sector employees and employers could bring any issue up for negotiation, including those that the legislature has previously deemed a management matter rather than a labor matter. The fundamental question of this proposal is whether the state legislature should have some say over the ability of public-sector workers to organize and the scope of issues that can be bargained, or whether the right of public-sector workers to organize and bargain on all issues is fundamental and should be enshrined in the constitution.

Proposal 3 Renewable energy amendment Michigan’s current renewable energy standard, created by Public Act 295 of 2008, calls for investor-owned utilities, alternative retail suppliers, electric cooperatives and municipal electric utilities to generate 10 percent of their retail electricity sales from renewable energy resources by 2015.

If Proposal 3 passes, 25 percent of each electricity provider’s annual retail electricity sales in Michigan would be required to be derived from renewable electric energy sources — namely, wind, solar, biomass and hydropower. The implementing legislation would create a phase-in period to put each utility on a path to reach this goal by 2025.

If Proposal 3 is rejected, policymakers could still revisit the issue of renewable energy in the future and make legislative changes to require that a higher percent of total energy be generated from renewable sources, alter the types of renewable technologies that qualify under the act, and/or amend the manner in which compliance is monitored and credits are rewarded.

Major issues to consider: In addition to reducing the amount of greenhouse gases and other pollutants produced in the state, this amendment would reduce the amount of coal Michigan buys from other states, and keep

CITY OF HASTINGS

REQUEST FOR BIDS

The City of Hastings, Michigan is soliciting bids for the provision of two (2) year 2012 minimum 2500HD, 4WD Extended Cab Pickup Trucks for use by the Department of Public Services.

Specifications are available from the Office of the City Clerk.

The City of Hastings reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any irregularities in the bid proposals, and to award the bid as deemed to be in the City’s best interest, price and other factors considered.

Bids must be clearly marked on the outside of the submittal package - “Year 2012 4WD Extended Cab Pickup Truck #1 and #2.”

Bids will be received at the Office of the City Clerk/Treasurer, 201 E. State St., Hastings, Michigan 49058 until 9:00 AM on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at which time they will be opened and publicly read aloud.

Tim Girrbach Director of Public Services

77572105

more of those dollars in the state; coal is Michigan’s main source of electricity generation. However, the 25 percent standard may pose challenges in balancing the production and transmission of electricity, leading to redundant infrastructure to ensure reliable electricity transmission. The sources of renewable energy would be spelled out in the Constitution and may not be easily altered if the most cost effective or reliable source of energy changes before 2025.

Proposal 4 Collective bargaining for in-home care workers amendment The Medicaid-funded Home Help Services Program provides in-home support to people who need assistance with personal care and household chores.

The eligible individuals hire and fire home care aides who are paid by the state, with state and federal funds. The purpose of the program is to allow disabled and elderly people to stay in their own homes and out of nursing homes, which is often preferred by participants, while saving money for the state.

If Proposal 4 passes, the limited collectivebargaining rights of approximately 42,000 home care aides would be guaranteed (currently, only state police troopers and sergeants have collective-bargaining rights enshrined in the state constitution), but aides would not be considered state employees for any other purpose and would not be authorized to strike.

The Michigan Quality Home Care Council would be established in the state constitution and would serve as the public employer of home care aides for purposes of collective bargaining. The council would create a statewide registry of home care aides and provide training opportunities to aides and patients.

If Proposal 4 is rejected, home care aides would continue to be employed subject to the same conditions as they were prior to the election. The legislature may choose to enact legislation to provide collective-bargaining rights for home care workers.

Major issues to consider: The Medicaidfunded Home Help Services Program would remain in effect, regardless of the outcome of the proposal: this proposal focuses on the unionization of home care workers and the establishment of the Michigan Quality Home Care Council, not on the services available to the disabled and elderly.

Proponents of the proposal argue that the registry and training opportunities provided by the proposal would improve the quality of care available to the disabled and elderly program participants, while opponents have countered

NOTICE The Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the following Boards/Commissions: Agricultural Preservation Board (4 positions: 1 representing Natural Resource Conservation, 2 representing Agricultural Interest, and 1 representing Real Estate or Development Interest) Commission on Aging Board (2 positions) Parks and Recreation Board (1 position, Citizen at Large) Region 3B Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council (1 position, Member at Large) This position requires completion of a special application form.

Please contact the County Administrator’s Office to request a copy, at 269-945-1284.

Applications may be obtained at the County Administration Office, 3rd floor of the Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings; or www.barrycounty.org; and must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 19, 2012. Contact 269-945-1284 for more information.

77572097

Delton man shot while driving to World Series A bullet from the gunman who has shot at 24 cars along the I-96 corridor in Ingham, Oakland, Livingston and Shiawasee counties stopped a 46-year-old Delton man from attending the fourth game of the MLB World Series in Detroit Oct. 28.

Though he missed the game, Scott Arnold may, fortunately, still have another chance to see the Tigers in the World Series.

Arnold was driving east on I-96 near Fowlerville when a bullet hit his driver-side door and punctured his left buttock. No one else was in the vehicle. Arnold was treated at the scene and then transported to Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital in Livingston County.

Police believe it may have been a random shot by a gunman who has reportedly fired 23 other times along the highway. Earlier that

day, an 18-year-old driver reported having his rear window shot out near the Fowlerville exit.

Arnold is the first to be wounded by a bullet. According to reports, Arnold told police he thought a tire had gone flat and pulled off the highway and into a gas station. That’s when he realized he had been shot. Livingston County Police said the victim initially refused to go to the hospital for treatment, but instead wanted to go on to the Tigers’ World Series game.

Police believe the shooter is driving a 1988 Chevy Cavalier and is using a 9mm or .40 caliber weapon. Anyone with information about the shootings may call Detective Mark King, 517-540-7953. There is a $102,000 reward for information that leads to the gunman’s capture.

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 1, 2012 — Page 11

LEGAL NOTICES FORECLOSURE NOTICE This firm is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for this purpose. If you are in the Military, please contact our office at the number listed below. MORTGAGE SALE – Default has been made in the conditions of a certain mortgage made by: Russell W. Gleason and Wendy M. Gleason, husband and wife to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systms, Inc., as nominee for Regions Bank, its successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated January 15, 2004 and recorded January 28, 2004 in Instrument # 1121392 Barry County Records, Michigan Said mortgage was assigned to: Household Finance Corporation III, by assignment dated March 15, 2012 and recorded March 19, 2012 in Instrument # 201203190002759 on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Eighty-Six Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety-Eight Dollars and Forty-One Cents ($86,898.41) including interest 7.45% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, Circuit Court of Barry County at 1:00PM on November 15, 2012 Said premises are situated in Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: That part of the Northwest one-fourth of the Northeast one-fourth of section 21, Town 1 North, Range 8 West, Described as: The East 12 Rods of the Northwest one-fourth of the Northeast one-fourth of section 21, Town 1 North, Range 8 West. Commonly known as 1801 Mill Lake Rd, Battle Creek MI 49017 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241 or MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or upon the expiration of the notice required by MCL 600.3241a(c), whichever is later; or unless MCL 600.3240(17) applies. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: 10/18/2012 Household Finance Corporation III, Assignee of Mortgagee Attorneys: Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 811 South Blvd. Suite 100 Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 844-5123 Our File No: 12-67167 (10-18)(11-08) 77571792

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

MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by James Bradley and Nancy Bradley, Husband and Wife, original mortgagor(s), to Household Finance Corporation III, Mortgagee, dated October 28, 2004, and recorded on November 3, 2004 in instrument 1136631, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Ninety-Five Thousand Six Hundred Fourteen and 30/100 Dollars ($95,614.30).

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on November 15, 2012.

Said premises are situated in Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: A Parcel of land located in the Northwest 1/4 of section 21; Town 1 North, Range 8 West, Beginning at a point which lies North 05 degrees 20 minutes West 75.00 feet from the Northwest corner of Lot 10, Arnetts Resort; thence North 85 degrees 43 minutes West 273.82 feet, thence North 05 degrees 20 minutes West 70.16 feet for the place of beginning; thence South 05 degrees 20 minutes East 70.16 feet, thence North 85 degrees 43 minutes West 30.83 feet; thence North 89 degrees 9 minutes West 30 feet; thence North 5 degrees 20 minutes West to a point which lies North 83 degrees 34 minutes West of the plat of beginning, thence South 83 degrees 34 minutes East 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: October 18, 2012 For more information, please call: FC H (248) 593-1300 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #409653F01 (10-18)(11-08) 77571662

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

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

STATE OF MICHIGAN 5TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF HEARING CASE NO. 08007762-NA PETITION NO. 12008395 TO: Amber McComb l/k/a 311 South Hanover, Hastings, Michigan 49058.

IN THE MATTER OF: Lily Rose McComb, dob 07/04/2012.

A hearing regarding jurisdiction over Lily McComb and termination of parental rights will be conducted by the court on November 16, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. in Barry County Family Court, located at 206 West Court Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 before Judge William M. Doherty.

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that Amber McComb personally appear before the court at the time and place stated above.

This hearing may result in the termination of your parental rights.

77572241 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 PHIL W. HART, AN UNMARRIED MAN, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. ("MERS"), solely as nominee for lender and lender's successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated June 16, 2011, and recorded on June 30, 2011, in Document No. 201106300006442, and assigned by said mortgagee to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Ninety-One Thousand Six Hundred Forty-Five Dollars and Forty-Seven Cents ($91,645.47), including interest at 4.375% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, At the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan. at 01:00 PM o'clock, on November 8, 2012 Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: THAT PORTION OF THE NORTH 1 / 2 OF THE NORTH 1 / 2 OF THE NORTHEAST 1 / 4 OF SECTION 21, TOWN 2 NORTH, RANGE 8 WEST, LYING WEST OF THE HIGHWAY, EXCEPT 2 ACRES ON THE SOUTH SIDE, BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale unless determined abandoned in accordance with 1948CL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 600 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period.

JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C. 23938 Research Drive, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, MI 48335 JPMC.000851 CONV (10-11)(1177571652 01)

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

MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Michael J McGill, a married man, joined by his wife, Kelly McGill, who is waiving dower, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Plus, Inc., Mortgagee, dated October 18, 1995, and recorded on October 26, 1995 in Liber 643 on Page 586, and assigned by said Mortgagee to Nationsbanc Mortgage Corporation as assignee as documented by an assignment, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Ninety-Eight Thousand Nine Hundred FortyOne and 97/100 Dollars ($98,941.97).

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on November 29, 2012.

Said premises are situated in Township of Irving, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: A parcel of land located in the Southeast 1/4 of Section 32, Town 4 North, Range 9 West, described as: Commencing at the Southeast corner of said Section 32, running thence Due North 870.43 feet to the centerline of Irving Road; thence North 47 degrees 22 minutes 30 seconds West 390.25 feet; thence North 54 degrees 17 minutes 30 seconds West 1,021.63 feet; thence North 79 degrees 18 minutes West 567 feet to the point of beginning; thence South 15 degrees 15 minutes West 308.20 feet to the railroad right-of-way fence; thence Northwesterly along said railroad right-of-way fence 450.70 feet; thence North 10 degrees 42 minutes East 319.50 feet; thence South 79 degrees 18 minutes East 475 feet to the place of beginning.

Except A parcel of land located in the Southeast 1/4 of Section 32, Town 4 North, Range 9 West, described as: Commencing at the Southeast corner of said Section 32 running thence Due North 870.43 feet to the centerline of Irving Road; thence North 47 degrees 22 minutes 30 seconds West 390.25 feet; thence North 54 degrees 17 minutes 30 seconds West 1,021.63 feet; thence North 79 degrees 18 minutes West 567 feet to the point of beginning; thence South 15 degrees 15 minutes West 208.20 feet to the railroad right of way fence thence Northwesterly along said right of way fence 225.35 feet thence North 12 degrees 58 minutes 30 seconds East 313.85 feet; thence South 79 degrees 18 minutes East 237.50 feet to the point of beginning.

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

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

Dated: October 25, 2012 For more information, please call: FC X (248) 593-1302 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #413216F01 (10-25)(11-15) 77571836

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 Arthur W. Moredick and Dianne M. Weers, husband and wife, original mortgagor(s), to ABN AMRO Mortgage Group, Inc., Mortgagee, dated March 18, 2005, and recorded on April 15, 2005 in instrument 1144932, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Sixty-Five Thousand Seven Hundred Six and 19/100 Dollars ($165,706.19).

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on November 8, 2012.

Said premises are situated in Charter Township of Rutland, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lot(s) 3, Algonquin Shores Plat, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 3 of Plats, Page 55.

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

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

Dated: October 11, 2012 For more information, please call: FC C (248) 593-1301 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #411228F01 77571510 (10-11)(11-01) NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT; ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY SERVICE PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW. Notice under MCL 600.3278: Pursuant to MCL 600.3278, if the property is sold at a foreclosure sale under MCL 600.3201 et. seq., the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. ATTENTION POTENTIAL PURCHASERS AT FORECLOSURE SALE: In the case of resolution prior to or simultaneously with the aforementioned foreclosure sale, U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for Manufactured Housing Contract Senior / Subordinate Pass-Through Certificate Trust 1999-2, by Green Tree Servicing LLC, as Servicer with delegated authority under the transaction documents, may rescind this sale at any time prior to the end of the redemption period. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited to the return of your bid amount tendered at the sale, plus interest. Default having occurred in the conditions of a Mortgage made by Ruth A. Eggleston and Terry L. Eggleston ("Mortgagor"), to Green Tree Servicing LLC (f/k/a Green Tree Financial Servicing Corporation), dated October 9, 1998, and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for the County of Barry in the State of Michigan on October 12, 1998, in Document Number 1019220, et. seq., said Mortgage being last assigned to U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for Manufactured Housing Contract Senior / Subordinate Pass-Through Certificate Trust 1999-2 ("Green Tree"), by Mortgage Assignment dated April 2, 2012, and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for the County of Barry in the State of Michigan on April 11, 2012, in Document Number 201204120004425, et. seq., on which Mortgage there is claimed to be due as of the date of this Notice the sum of $120,631.10, which amount may or may not be the entire indebtedness owed by Debtors to Green Tree together with interest at 6.75 percent per annum.

NOW THEREFORE, Notice is hereby given that the power of sale contained in said Mortgage has become operative and that pursuant to that power of sale and MCL 600.3201 et. seq., on November 15, 2012 at 1:00 p.m., on the East steps of the Circuit Court Building in Hastings, Michigan, that being the place for holding the Circuit Court and/or for conducting such foreclosure sales for the County of Barry, there will be offered at public sale, the premises, or some part thereof, described in said Mortgage as follows, to-wit: LAND SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, COUNTY OF BARRY, STATE OF MICHIGAN, IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE SOUTH LINE OF SECTION 9, TOWN 3 NORTH, RANGE 9 WEST, DISTANT SOUTH 89 DEGREES 07' 54" WEST, 439.05 FEET FROM THE SOUTH 1/4 POST OF SAID SECTION 9; THENCE SOUTH 89 DEGREES 07' 54" WEST, 439.06 FEET ALONG SAID SOUTH LINE; THENCE NORTH 02 DEGREES 49' 32" WEST, 791.67 FEET; THENCE NORTH 89 DEGREES 13' 22" EAST, 439.35 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 02 DEGREES 48' 24" EAST, 790.97 FEET TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING; SUBJECT TO AN EASEMENT FOR PUBLIC HIGHWAY PURPOSES OVER THE SOUTHERLY 33 FEET THEREOF. which also includes any interest Green Tree may have in the 1998 MFGD Housing Mobile Home, Serial Number M0308512. The redemption period shall be six (6) months unless the property is established to be abandoned pursuant to MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be the later of thirty (30) days from the date of sale or fifteen (15) days from the date the notice required by MCL 600.3241a(b) was posted and mailed, or unless under MCL 600.3240(17), prior to the foreclosure sale the borrower follows the procedure set forth in that section to establish the presumption that the property is used for Agricultural purposes, in which case the redemption period shall be one (1) year from the date of the sale. Dated: October 4, 2012 U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for Manufactured Housing Contract Senior / Subordinate PassThrough Certificate Trust 1999-2, by Green Tree Servicing LLC, as Servicer with delegated authority under the transaction documents By: DONALD A. BRANDT (P30183) BRANDT, FISHER, ALWARD & PEZZETTI, P.C. Attorneys for Green Tree 1241 E. Eighth Street, P.O. Box 5817 Traverse City, Michigan 49696-5817 (231) 941-9660 File No.: 6140.1100 Ad #39457 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 77571568 11/01/2012

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

MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Joseph A Lively, a married man and Laura Lively, his wife, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registrations Systems, Inc., as nominee for Centennial Mortgage and Funding, Inc. its successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated December 14, 2007, and recorded on December 20, 2007 in instrument 20071220-0005400, and modified by Affidavit or Order recorded on June 27, 2012 in instrument 2012-001648, and assigned by said Mortgagee to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association as assignee as documented by an assignment, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Ninety-Four Thousand Four Hundred Sixty-Five and 36/100 Dollars ($194,465.36).

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on November 29, 2012.

Said premises are situated in Township of Barry, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Parcel 1: A parcel of land in the Southeast 1/4 of Section 18, Town 1 North, Range 9 West, described as: beginning at a point on the East and West 1/4 Line of said Section 18, which lies 1955 feet due West of the East 1/4 post of said Section 18, Thence South 225 feet; thence West 175 feet; thence North 225 feet; thence East 175 feet to the place of beginning.

Parcel 2: Commencing at a point on the East and West 1/4 line of Section 18, Town 1 North, Range 9 West, which lies 1825 feet West of the East 1/4 post of said Section 18; thence South at right angels to said East and West 1/4 line 225 feet; thence West parallel with said East and West 1/4 line 130 feet; thence North 225 feet to said East and West 1/4; thence East 130 feet to the place of beginning.

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

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

Dated: November 1, 2012 For more information, please call: FC S (248) 593-1304 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #379217F02 (11-01)(11-22) 77572109

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE SALE DEFAULT having been made in the conditions of a certain Mortgage, made by MADISON D. HOWELL AND LINDA L. HOWELL, husband and wife, whose address is 3070 Madilin Lane, Hastings, Michigan 49058, as Mortgagor, to MAINSTREET SAVINGS BANK, whose address was 629 W. State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, as assigned in the Barry County Register of Deeds to Daemeon Richards and Jennifer Richards, whose address is P.O. Box 53, Hastings, Michigan 49058, and securing that certain Note between Madison D. Howell and Linda L. Howell, as Debtor and MainStreet Savings Bank, as Creditor, dated September 16, 2005, November 29, 2005 and May 6, 2003, and pursuant to that certain guarantee wherein Mortgagor, Madison D. Howell and Linda L. Howell, guaranteed the Note mentioned above and secured the guarantee with Mortgage described above.

There is claimed to be due thereon, at the date of this notice, for principal and interest, the sum of SEVEN HUNDRED TWENTY-NINE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED FIFTY-FOUR AND 25/100($729,854.25) Dollars with interest at the rate of 7.75%, as secured by the above-referenced mortgage as of this date. There also shall be attorney’s fees, unpaid real estate taxes and costs.

And no proceedings having been instituted to recover the debt now remaining secured by said Mortgage, or any part thereof, whereby the power of sale contained in said Mortgage has become operative; NOW, THEREFORE, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that by virtue of the Power of Sale contained in said Mortgages, and in pursuance of the statute in such case made and provided, the above said Mortgage, will be foreclosed by a sale of the parcels of the premises therein described, or so much thereof as may be necessary, at public auction, to the highest bidder, at the Barry County Courthouse, County of Barry, Michigan, that being the place of holding the Circuit Court in and for said County on the 15th day of November, 2012, at 1:00 p.m.

Eastern Standard Time, of said day and said premises will be sold to pay the amount so as aforesaid then due on said Mortgage, together with interest payable at the rate of 7.75%, together with late fees, legal costs, attorneys fees and also any taxes and insurance that said Mortgagee does pay on or prior to the date of said sale together with interest thereon as though on an open account at the rate of 5% per annum; which said premises are described in said Mortgage, to-wit: THE NORTH 1/2 OF THE WEST 1/2 OF THE SOUTH 1/2 OF THE NORTHEAST 1\4 OF SECTION 30, TOWN 4 NORTH, RANGE 8 WEST, CARLTON TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN. The period of redemption will be six (6) months from date of sale.

Dated: October 9, 2012 Nathan E. Tagg, Attorney for Daemeon and Jennifer Richards Drafted by: Nathan E. Tagg (P68994) Tripp & Tagg, Attorneys at Law 206 South Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 948-2900 77571632

FORECLOSURE NOTICE This firm is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for this purpose. If you are in the Military, please contact our office at the number listed below. MORTGAGE SALE – Default has been made in the conditions of a certain mortgage made by: Carl Forsythe, an unmarried man and Tammy L. Peters, an unmarried woman to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for America's Wholesale Lender its successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated August 17, 2006 and recorded August 28, 2006 in Instrument # 1169197 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage was assigned to: BAC Home Loans Servicing, LP fka Countrywide Home Loans Servicing, LP, by assignment dated March 29, 2011 and recorded April 15, 2011 in Instrument # 201104150004237 on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Seventy-Two Thousand Six Hundred Twenty Dollars and NinetyFive Cents ($172,620.95) including interest 7.125% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, Circuit Court of Barry County at 1:00PM on November 29, 2012 Said premises are situated in Township of Thornapple, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: The East 132 feet of the West 30 acres of the North one half of the Southeast one quarter of Section 32, Town 4 North, Range 10 West, except the North 583 feet thereof; also the South 208.71 feet of the West 181 feet of the East 313 feet thereof. Also a strip of land described as: The North one half of the Southeast one quarter of Section 32, Town 4 North, Range 10 West, except the West 30 acres thereof. Also except the East 50 acres thereof. Commonly known as 11377 Davis Rd, Middleville MI 49333 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241 or MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or upon the expiration of the notice required by MCL 600.3241a(c), whichever is later; or unless MCL 600.3240(17) applies. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period.

Dated: 10/25/2012 Bank of America, N.A., successor by merger to BAC Home Loans Servicing, LP fka Countrywide Home Loans Servicing, LP, Assignee of Mortgagee Attorneys: Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 811 South Blvd. Suite 100 Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 844-5123 Our File 77572033 No: 12-69983 (10-25)(11-15)

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE SALE DEFAULT having been made in the conditions of a certain Mortgage, made by MADISON D. HOWELL AND LINDA L. HOWELL, husband and wife, whose address is 3070 Madilin Lane, Hastings, Michigan 49058, as Mortgagor, to MAINSTREET SAVINGS BANK, whose address was 629 W. State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, as assigned in the Barry County Register of Deeds to Daemeon Richards and Jennifer Richards, whose address is P.O. Box 53, Hastings, Michigan 49058, and securing that certain Note between Madison D. Howell and Linda L. Howell, as Debtor and MainStreet Savings Bank, as Creditor, dated September 16, 2005, November 29, 2005 and May 6, 2003, and pursuant to that certain guarantee wherein Mortgagor, Madison D. Howell and Linda L. Howell, guaranteed the Note mentioned above and secured the guarantee with Mortgage described above.

There is claimed to be due thereon, at the date of this notice, for principal and interest, the sum of SEVEN HUNDRED TWENTY-NINE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED FIFTY-FOUR AND 25/100($729,854.25) Dollars with interest at the rate of 7.75%, as secured by the above-referenced mortgage as of this date. There also shall be attorney’s fees, unpaid real estate taxes and costs.

And no proceedings having been instituted to recover the debt now remaining secured by said Mortgage, or any part thereof, whereby the power of sale contained in said Mortgage has become operative; NOW, THEREFORE, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that by virtue of the Power of Sale contained in said Mortgages, and in pursuance of the statute in such case made and provided, the above said Mortgage, will be foreclosed by a sale of the parcels of the premises therein described, or so much thereof as may be necessary, at public auction, to the highest bidder, at the Barry County Courthouse, County of Barry, Michigan, that being the place of holding the Circuit Court in and for said County on the 15th day of November, 2012, at 1:00 p.m.

Eastern Standard Time, of said day and said premises will be sold to pay the amount so as aforesaid then due on said Mortgage, together with interest payable at the rate of 7.75%, together with late fees, legal costs, attorneys fees and also any taxes and insurance that said Mortgagee does pay on or prior to the date of said sale together with interest thereon as though on an open account at the rate of 5% per annum; which said premises are described in said Mortgage, to-wit: THE EAST 1/2 OF THE SOUTH 1/2 OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 30, TOWN 4 NORTH, RANGE 8 WEST, CARLTON TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, EXCEPTING THEREFROM THE FOLLOWING: PART OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 30, TOWN 4 NORTH, CARLTON TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, DESCRIBED AS: COMMENCING AT THE EAST 1/4 CORNER OF SAID SECTION; THENCE NORTH 00°37’24” EAST 542.33 FEET ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID SECTION TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE NORTH 89°22’36” WEST 309.60 FEET; THENCE NORTH 00°18’04” WEST 265.03 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 89°22’36” EAST 313.87 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 00°37’24” WEST 265.00 FEET ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID SECTION TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; NOW BEING A PART OF RED OAK ESTATES CONDOMINIUM, ACCORDING TO THE MASTER DEED RECORDED IN DOCUMENT NO. 1136354, AND AMENDMENTS THERETO, EXCEPTING THEREFROM UNITS 5, 6, 10, 11, 12 AND 13.

The period of redemption will be six (6) months from date of sale.

Dated: October 9, 2012 Nathan E. Tagg, Attorney for Daemeon and Jennifer Richards Drafted by: Nathan E. Tagg (P68994) Tripp & Tagg, Attorneys at Law 206 South Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 948-2900 77571637

Page 12 — Thursday, November 1, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

LEGAL NOTICES SYNOPSIS Barry Township Board Regular Meeting Held October 2, 2012 Regular meeting opened @ 7:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL: 4 board members and 10 guests.

Motion approved minutes with corrections and Treasurers reports as presented for September 2012.

Motion approved agenda with 3 additions.

Received Department reports.

Motion approved MFR and Fire labor for DFD and HCFD. Motion approved D Knight and W Kahler as signers for all BPH paperwork.

Motion approved to send letters to Fire Chiefs and Supervisors concerning the county wide AMA agreement.

Motion approved requiring the Fair Lake connection fees be forwarded to Barry Township.

Motion approved bills and check register for October 2012.

Adjourned at 8:42 p.m.

Respectfully, Attested to by: Debra J. Knight Wesley Kahler Barry Township Clerk Barry Township Supervisor 77572079

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 the 6th day of December, A.D., 2012 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: October 11, 2012 Sheriff Dar Leaf Randall S. Miller & Associates, P.C. Ronald S. Glaser (P46986) Attorneys for Plaintiff 43252 Woodward Avenue, Suite 180 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 (248) 335-9200 (10-11)(11-22) 77571583

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 ROBIN M. ELWEN, A SINGLE WOMAN, to EXCHANGE FINANCIAL CORPORATION, Mortgagee, dated July 17, 2003, and recorded on July 28, 2003, in Document No. 1109466, and rerecorded on September 9, 2003 in Document No./Liber 1112854 and assigned by said mortgagee to MICHIGAN STATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Sixty Thousand One Hundred Seventeen Dollars and Thirty-Two Cents ($60,117.32), including interest at 4.500% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, At the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan. at 01:00 PM o'clock, on November 8, 2012 Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: THE NORTH 74 1 / 2 FEET OF LOT 4 OF BLOCK 4 OF H.J. KENFIELD'S, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN LIBER 1 OF PLATS, PAGE (S) 9 OF BARRY COUNTY RECORDS. 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.

MICHIGAN STATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C. 23938 Research Drive, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, MI 48335 USBW.001780 FHA (10-11)(11-01) 77571657

Case No. 12-141-CH CIRCUIT COURT SALE In pursuance and by virtue of a Judgment of the Circuit Court for the County of Barry, State of Michigan, made and entered on the 17th day of July A.D., 2012 in a certain cause therein pending, wherein THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWABS, INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-9 was the Plaintiff and Teresa Herlein and Duane T. Herlein were the Defendants. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that I shall sell at public auction to the highest bidder, at public venue, at the Barry County Courthouse (that being the place of holding the Circuit Court for said County), on the 29th day of November, A.D., 2012 at 1 pm o’clock in the forenoon, Eastern Standard Time, the following described property, viz: All certain piece or parcel of land situated in the Township of Thornapple, County of Barry and State of Michigan, described as follows: Lot 8, Near Lane Estates No. 1, as recorded in Liber 6 of Plats, Page 7, Barry County Records Tax ID: 14-140-0008-00 Commonly known as: 12942 Near Lane, Caledonia, MI 49316 This property may be redeemed during the six (6) months following the sale. Dated: October 4, 2012 Mark Sheldon Deputy Sheriff Randall S. Miller & Associates, P.C. Ronald S. Glaser (P46986) Attorneys for Plaintiff 43252 Woodward Ave., Suite 180 Bloomfield Hills, MI 77571391 48302 (248) 335-9200 (10-04)(11-15) IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN BANKRUPTCY OR HAVE RECEIVED A DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY AS TO THIS OBLIGATION, THIS COMMUNICATION IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT IN VIOLATION OF THE AUTOMATIC STAY OR THE DISCHARGE INJUNCTION. IN SUCH CASE, PLEASE DISREGARD ANY PART OF THIS COMMUNICATION WHICH IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE FOREGOING. OTHERWISE, FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES US TO ADVISE YOU THAT COMMUNICATION FROM OUR OFFICE COULD BE INTERPRETED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND THAT ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED MAY BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. IF YOU ARE NOW ON ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY OR HAVE BEEN IN THE PRIOR NINE MONTHS, PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AS YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO THE BENEFITS OF THE SERVICEMEMBERS' CIVIL RELIEF ACT. MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Virgil D. Walters Jr and Judy L. Walters, husband and wife, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender's successors and/or assigns, Mortgagee, dated October 22, 2004 and recorded November 15, 2004 in Instrument Number 1137258, Barry County Records, Michigan.

Said mortgage is now held by Wells Fargo Bank, NA by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Ninety-Three Thousand Nine Hundred Forty-Three and 90/100 Dollars ($93,943.90) including interest at 6.25% per annum.

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the Barry County Circuit Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan in Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 p.m. on 11/08/2012 Said premises are located in the Township of Hope, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Barry County, Michigan: The South 209.00 feet of the North 627.00 feet of the East 365.00 feet of the Northeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 25, Town 2 North, Range 9 West, Hope Township, Barry County, Michigan. subject to the right of way over the East 33 feet thereof for Gurd Road.

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

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

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

Dated: October 11, 2012 Orlans Associates, P.C. Attorneys for Servicer P.O. Box 5041 Troy, MI 48007-5041 File No. 326.9846 77571607 (10-11)(11-01)

CITY OF HASTINGS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the City of Hastings will hold a public hearing during its regular meeting on November 20, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058.

SYNOPSIS PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Regular Meeting October 10, 2012 Supervisor J. Stoneburner called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Present: Supervisor J. Stoneburner, Treasurer K. McGuire, Clerk Owens, Trustee Grundy and Trustee R. Goebel Absent: none Also present were 23 guests.

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

Minutes were presented to the Board and approved.

Correspondence, if any was read.

Public Comment was received.

Barry County Commissioner report was given.

Parks Report was given.

Fire Departments report was placed on file.

Police Department report was placed on file.

Supervisor’s Report was received.

Treasurer’s Report was received.

Clerk’s Report was received.

Approved to pay Township bills for $47,135.38 Approved Motions for the Pine Lake Weed Assessment Approved Motion on the Center Street Light Approved Motion on the BPH Committee Members Appointment Approved Motion to reappoint Sylvia Goebel to the Library Board Approved Motion to appoint Ted DeVries as Township Representative to the Library Board Approved Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 144 Approved Motion to approve a contract with Republic for recycling services, with every weekend service State of Upper Crooked Lake Public comments were received.

Board comments were received.

Meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m.

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

77572084

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 Daniel L. Kramer, a married man, and Patricia L. Kramer, a married woman, original mortgagor(s), to Union Federal Bank of Indianapolis, Mortgagee, dated May 8, 2003, and recorded on May 15, 2003 in instrument 1104418, and assigned by said Mortgagee to MidFirst Bank as assignee as documented by an assignment, in Barry county records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Ninety-Six Thousand Seven Hundred Nineteen and 15/100 Dollars ($96,719.15).

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on November 8, 2012.

Said premises are situated in Hickory Corners, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Land situated in the Township of Bary, County of Barry, State of Michigan: The West 443 feet of the South 1009 feet of the East 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 35, Town 1 North, Range 9 West The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale.

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

Dated: October 11, 2012 For more information, please call: FC C (248) 593-1301 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #403049F02 (10-11)(11-01) 77571498

CITY OF HASTINGS

— FOR SALE — 2001 4WD CHEVY PICKUP TRUCK

The purpose of the public hearing is to hear comments and make a determination on a variance request by owner, Brad Carpenter, 1140 North Michigan Avenue, Hastings.

The City of Hastings, Michigan, will accept bids for the sale of one (1) 2001 4WD Chevy Pickup Truck and Snow Plow. This vehicle and equipment will be sold as-is without warranty of any kind.

The truck has approximately 70,000 miles on it. Arrangements to view this vehicle can be made by calling 945-2468 weekdays between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

The applicant has requested a variance from Section 90-859 (3) (b) of the City of Hastings Code of Ordinances, that if granted, will allow a fence to be higher than six feet.

Bids will be received at the office of the Hastings City Clerk/Treasurer, 201 East State Street, Hastings, MI 49058 until 9:15 AM on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at which time they will be opened and publicly read aloud.

Legal description of said property is: CITY OF HASTINGS West 66 feet of East 1/2 of Lot 23.

The City of Hastings reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any irregularities in any bid, and to award the bid in a manner that the City deems to be in its best interest, price and other factors considered.

Written comments will be received on the above request at Hastings City hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 until 5:00 PM on the day of the hearing. Requests for information and/or minutes of said hearing should be directed to the Hastings City Clerk at the same address.

The winning bid, if any, will be approved at the City Council meeting on November 26, 2012. Winning bidder must be prepared to take possession with certified funds no later than November 30, 2012.

The City will provide necessary reasonable aids and services upon five days notice to Hastings City Clerk (telephone number 269945-2468) or TDD call relay services 1-800-649-3777.

No formal bidding forms or documents are required, but all bids must be in writing and sealed. All sealed bids shall be clearly marked on the outside of the bid package as follows: “SEALED BID - 2001 4WD CHEVY PICKUP TRUCK.”

Thomas E. Emery - City Clerk

Thomas E. Emery - City Clerk/Treasurer

77572107

77572103

STATE OF MICHIGAN BARRY COUNTY 58B DISTRICT COURT PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT FILE NO. 12-557-GC In the matter of John Fechner v Allicia Lupnitz.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS including: Allicia Lupnitz whose address(es) are unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A Summons and Third Party Complaint were filed on August 23, 2012 in the 56B District Court, 206 West Court Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 before Judge Michael L. Schipper.

Defendant has 28 days to file an answer with the court and serve a copy on the other party or to take other lawful action. If an answer is not file or other action taken within the time allowed, judgment may be entered against Defendant for the relief demanded in the complaint.

Stephanie S. Fekkes P43549 Law, Weathers & Richardson, P.C. 800 Bridgewater Place 333 Bridge Street, N.W. Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504-5320 (616) 459-1171 77571989

THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. MORTGAGE SALE--Default has been made in the conditions of a Mortgage made by TIMOTHY LEE COLBURN AND JEANETTE ELLEN NORRIS, a single man and a single woman, Mortgagors, to NPB MORTGAGE, LLC, Mortgagee, dated September 13, 2005, and recorded September 19, 2005, Instrument Number 1153020, of Barry County Records, Michigan, which mortgage has been assigned by mesne assignments to First National Acceptance Company, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due as of the date of this notice $77,593.57, including interest at 12.95% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage, and pursuant to the statutes of the State of Michigan, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction to the highest bidder, on Thursday, November 15, 2012, at 1 o’clock in the afternoon, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan. Said premises are situated in the Township of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lot 16 of Sundago Park, according to the recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 2 of Plats, Page 71, Barry County Records; c/k/a 82 Sundago Park, Hastings, MI 49058 The redemption period shall be six months from the date of the sale, unless the premises are determined to be abandoned pursuant to MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days.

Please be advised that if the mortgaged property is sold at a foreclosure sale by advertisement, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 you will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale, or to the mortgage holder, for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: October 18, 2012 LeVasseur Dyer & Associates, PC Attorneys for Mortgagee Assignee P.O. Box 721400 Berkley, MI 48072 (248) 586-1200 (10-18)(11-08) 77571824

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

MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Sequoyah Stuk a married woman, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Amerifirst Financial Corporation its successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated May 19, 2011, and recorded on May 27, 2011 in instrument 201105270005466, in Barry county records, Michigan, and assigned by said Mortgagee to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association as assignee, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Eighty-Seven Thousand Seven Hundred Thirty-Seven and 46/100 Dollars ($87,737.46).

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on November 29, 2012.

Said premises are situated in Charter Township of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: A Parcel Of Land In The North 1/2 Of The Northeast 1/4 Of Section 12, Town 3 North, Range 8 West, Which Commences At The Southeast Corner Thereof; Thence North 26 2/3 Rods For a Place Of Beginning; Thence North 220 Feet; Thence West 198 Feet; Thence South 220 Feet; Thence East 198 Feet To The Place Of Beginning, Hastings Township, Barry County, Michigan.

Also: A Parcel Of Land In The North 1/2 Of The Northeast 1/4 Described As Beginning At A Point On The East Line Of Section 12, 24 Rods North Of The North 1/8 Line; Thence North 2 2/3 Rods On Said East Line Of Section 12; Thence West 12 Rods; Thence South 2 2/3 Rods; Thence East 12 Rods To Place Of Beginning, Hastings Township, Barry County, Michigan.

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

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

Dated: November 1, 2012 For more information, please call: FC S (248) 593-1304 Trott & Trott, P.C. Attorneys For Servicer 31440 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-2525 File #413723F01 77572044 (11-01)(11-22)

IF YOU ARE NOW ON ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY OR HAVE BEEN IN THE PRIOR NINE MONTHS, PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT 248-5021502.

MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by William G Mosher, Samantha L Mosher, husband and wife, to Fifth Third mortgage - MI, LLC, Mortgagee, dated September 16, 2005 and recorded September 19, 2005 in Instrument Number 1153026, Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Fifth Third Mortgage Company by assignment.

There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Four Thousand Eight Hundred Forty-Two and 90/100 Dollars ($104,842.90) including interest at 6% per annum.

Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the Barry County Circuit Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan in Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 p.m. on 11/29/2012.

Said premises are located in the Village of Freeport, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Land situated in the Village of Freeport, County of Barry, State of Michigan: Lots 3 and 4 of Block 11 of Samuel Roush's Addition to the Village of Freeport, according to the recorded plat thereof, being a part of the North 1/2 of Section 1, Town 4 North, Range 9 West.

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

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

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

Dated: November 1, 2012 Orlans Associates, P.C. Attorneys for Servicer P.O. Box 5041 Troy, MI 48007-5041 File No. 200.9462 (11-01)(11-22) 77572092

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 September 19, 2006, by Daniel R. Welton and Judith Welton, 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 October 17, 2006, in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan, in Instrument Number 1171503, which mortgage was assigned to Commercial Bank by an Assignment of Mortgage dated November 15, 2011, recorded on December 1, 2011, in Instrument Number 201112010011202, 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 Seventy Thousand One Hundred Ninety-Eight and 08/100 Dollars ($170,198.08); 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, November 29, 2012 at 1:00 o'clock in the afternoon, at the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan, that being one of the places for holding the Circuit Court for Barry County, there will be offered for sale and sold to the highest bidder or bidders at public auction or venue for purposes of satisfying the amounts due and unpaid on said Mortgage, together with all allowable costs of sale and includable attorney fees, the lands and premises in said Mortgage mentioned and described as follows: LAND SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF HASTINGS, COUNTY OF BARRY, MICHIGAN, DESCRIBED AS: Parcel “K”: Commencing at the North quarter post of Section 5, Town 3 North, Range 8 West; thence West along the North line of said Section, 1502.00 feet; thence South 47.67 feet to the centerline of Coats Grove Road; thence 335.05 feet along said centerline and the Arc of a curve to the left the radius of which is 358.10 feet and the chord of which bears South 38 degrees 08 minutes 10 seconds West 322.95 feet; thence continuing along said centerline South 11 degrees 20 minutes 00 seconds West 146.76 feet; thence continuing 169.62 feet along said centerline and the arc of a curve to the right the radius of which is 996.45 feet and the chord of which bears South 16 degrees 12 minutes 37 seconds West 169.43 feet to the true place of beginning; thence continuing 98.04 feet along said centerline and the arc of a curve to the right the radius of which is 996.45 feet and the chord of which bears South 23 degrees 54 minutes 20 seconds West 98 feet; thence North 73 degrees 30 minutes 34 seconds West 247.74 feet to an intermediate traverse line of the shore of Leach Lake; thence North 56 degrees 51 minutes 42 seconds East along said intermediate traverse line 137.21 feet; thence South 64 degrees 57 minutes 21 seconds East 86.06 feet; thence South 77 degrees 06 minutes 50 seconds East 86.58 feet to the place of beginning. Including lands lying between said traverse line and the waters of Leach Lake. Formerly Described as: A parcel of land in the Northwest fractional quarter of Section 5, Town 3 North, Range 8 West, described as: Commencing at the Southeast corner of Leach Lake Plat, according to the recorded Plat thereof, said point being 1376 feet West of the North quarter post of said Section 5; thence South 69 degrees 45 minutes West 326 feet; thence South 47 degrees West 69 half feet; thence South 36 degrees West 441 feet; thence South 21 degrees West 75 feet; thence South 16 degrees West 265 feet; thence Southwesterly along the highway 100 feet for the beginning; thence continuing Southerly along said highway 100 feet; thence West to the Shore of Leach Lake; thence Northerly along said Lake Shore to a point West of the place of beginning; thence East to the place of beginning.

Commonly known as: 120 Coats Grove Road, Hastings, Michigan 49058-9509 Parcel Number: 08-06-005-042-00 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: October 10, 2012 FOSTER, SWIFT, COLLINS & SMITH, P.C. COMMERCIAL BANK Benjamin J. Price of Hastings, Michigan, Mortgagee Attorneys for Mortgagee 313 S. Washington Square Lansing, MI 48933 (517) 371-8253 (10-18)(11-08) 77571813

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 1, 2012 — Page 13

Irving Township leadership will Prairieville Township will see little change change with new supervisor

by Julie Makarewicz Staff Writer Irving Township residents will soon see changes in leadership.

Current Supervisor George London is not seeking re-election to the top position, but is seeking election to one of two open township trustee positions.

Jamie Knight has filed for the supervisor’s job and is running unopposed in the November election after defeating challenger Charlie Boulter in the August primary.

Township Clerk Carol Ergang and Jamie Knight Lynnette Wingeier Treasurer Lynnette Wingeier are both unopposed in their bids for re-election.

London and Larry Brummel Jr. are unop- home computers to get information about elections, etc. And with the upcoming elecposed in their bids to fill two trustee seats.

Below are questions posed to each candi- tion, there is a lot of work on the Internet.”

Treasurer dates and their responses. No biographical Lynnette Wingeier, 46, is seeking re-elecinformation was available for Larry Brummel Jr. He currently serves as a township trustee tion as Irving Township treasurer.

Wingeier has lived in Irving Township all and is seeking re-election. No photos are her life. She has two children, and she and her available for Ergang, London or Brummel. husband were involved with the Thornapple Supervisor Jamie Knight, 35, of Hastings has lived in Kellogg PTO and athletic boosters.

She is also a member o the Caraway Street Irving Township for seven years and is seekministry at Peace Church in Middleville and ing the office of township supervisor.

She has served as the Irving Township assists with children’s services and vacation deputy clerk for the past two years. She has Bible school.

Why do you want to continue serving the an associate’s degree in administrative assisting from Grand Rapids Community College township?

“I have enjoyed representing my neighbors and worked as an associate financial representative the Northwestern Mutual Financial the past 10 years as township treasurer. In Network for 10 years in addition to serving as 2011, I graduated from the Township Governance Academy, and during my studies deputy township clerk.

She’s been president of the Friends of the drafted a mission statement that the board Freeport District Library since 2009, a Girl revisits and adopts on an annual basis. It Scout troop leader since 2008, and is involved summarizes my intentions as Irving in children’s religious education programs at Township’s treasurer: to serve the best interests of all our residents by providing and church.

What have you been doing to prepare your- maintaining a safe, healthy and enjoyable self for the role of Irving Township supervi- place to live. I recognize the dignity and worth of public service and am dedicated to sor?

In preparation for township supervisor, I the highest standards of integrity. I pledge to have been working with a local company to be self-motivated and continually strive to develop a website for the township. I have provide the most efficient, effective and fisalso been working with the current supervisor cally responsible level of service.

How important is it to be able to provide to learn more about the supervisor’s role in high-speed Internet service throughout the tax assessments.

What do you hope to accomplish in your township?

“I am passionate and have spent many first six months of office?

In my first six months as township supervi- hours trying to get high-speed Internet to our sor, I would like to see a website up and run- residents. Unfortunately, I don’t see a fix to ning for the township. I will also be taking this problem in the near future. But our resimany classes through [Michigan Townships dents can be assured that I am representing Association] to further my education. them [since] this has moved from just an Residents should know that I am here for Irving Township issue to a county issue that is them to answer any questions or concerns that being worked on [because] we partnered with the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and they may have.

What skills/experience can you offer that Economic Development Alliance along with ConnectMi to work towards a solution.” will be useful to this position?

Township trustee I am a well-organized candidate and have George London, 76, township supervisor great communication skills. Being on the Friends of the Freeport district Library Board, for 6.5 years, is seeking one of two vacancies as a township trustee.

I have gained leadership skills.

London is retired and presently serves as a Clerk Carol Ergang, 70, has filed for re-election member of the Freeport Fire Board, the [Baltimore, Irving, Rutland, Carlton, as Irving Township Clerk.

She is active with Welcome Corners United Hastings] Fire Board and is chairman of the Methodist Church and has served on the Barry County Michigan Townships Association chapter.

Habitat for Humanity Board.

Why do you want to continue serving the Ergang was born and raised in the township and has been the township clerk for the township?

“I would like to see a cooperative effort to past 11 years.

She is a 1960 graduate of Freeport High increase economic activity throughout the School and says she enjoys serving the people entire county and to see a county-wide recyof the township, working elections and taking cling program get started. I am also very concerned about the fracking procedure for oil care of the Irving and German cemeteries.

How important is it to be able to provide and gas and the potential environmental harm high-speed Internet service through the town- it could do to our water, soil and air.”

How important is it to be able to provide ship?

“High-speed Internet is very important to high-speed Internet service throughout the our residents and students so they can use the township?

“The high-speed Internet is important for Internet in their homes. We can not get Internet service at the township hall location, business and educational pursuits. It should so my deputy clerk, and I have to use our be provided for all areas if possible.”

The lineup will remain the same in Prairieville Township where Supervisor Jim Stoneburner, newly appointed Clerk Ted DeVries, Treasurer Kasandra McGuire, and Trustees Jim Grundy and Rod Goebel are unopposed. All are Republicans. A lastminute flurry of five write-in candidates will join Democrat G.R. Labrecque and Republican Rebecca Kahler to contest five open parks commission seats.

Clerk Jill Owens did not seek re-election and resigned earlier this month.

Only Goebel and DeVries returned the Banner’s requested questionnaire.

What is the biggest issue facing the township today?

Goebel: The biggest issue facing the township today is far bigger than the township, which is in good hands, is fiscally sound, and is pro-

viding a good place to live and work. The bigger issues are the potential consequences of bad choices elsewhere on the ballot.

DeVries: In my eyes, there is no one issue.

There are many different ones that are important. I do not have a personal agenda. I will give all issues that come before the township board my full attention and will vote only after understanding the facts of the situation.

What do you offer as a township leader?

DeVries: As clerk, I am very familiar with the office. Some of my background includes over 30 years’ work experience emphasizing customer service, computer technology and general business; effective communication skills; and I am a certified election official.

Goebel: Experience.

What differentiates you from other candidates?

Goebel: No response.

Write-in candidates will impact election in Baltimore Township What looked to be a ballot of uncontested races in Baltimore Township has heated up with the late arrival of three write-in candidates for two trustee seats. Only the name of Arthur DeFields will be on the ballot.

Richard Clark, Connie Case and Stephen Case, whose party affiliations are unknown, have thrown in their hats for the trustee posts.

Supervisor Bill Miller is unchallenged, as is his fellow Republican Arthur DeFields Penelope Ypma Treasurer Mary Baker. Clerk Penelope Ypma, a Democrat, also is running unopposed.

A questionnaire was sent to the candidates address?

I would like to continue policies that help for Baltimore Township in regard to seeking office. Ypma and DeFields were the only can- preserve the rural nature of our township.

How can local government impact job credidates to respond.

Arthur DeFields, 66, of Dowling, has ation?

I would like to encourage township resiserved on the Baltimore Township Board of dents to get involved in local government and Review for 3 1/2 years.

If elected, what issue will be the first you volunteer opportunities. I would like to see increased recycling efforts for our township address? and promote the use of local goods and servExisting township issues.

How can local government impact job cre- ices through a “buy local” campaign.

What is your position on medical marijuaation?

Keep regulations to a minimum on busi- na and local enforcement?

I am not in favor of local government getting ness.

What is your position on medical marijua- involved with the medical marijuana laws.

What is your position on banning tobacco na and local enforcement? smoking in public parks?

Stay with the law.

As a fitness instructor, I would most likely What is your position on banning tobacco be in favor of banning tobacco smoking in smoking in public parks? public parks.

There is no law against smoking.

What is your position on fracking in Barry What is your position on hydraulic fracturCounty? ing, or fracking, in Barry County?

I am opposed to hydraulic fracturing in Needs to be done by a reputable drilling Barry County. company.

How can local government impact public How can local government impact public schools? schools?

Encourage business growth within the Make sure schools stay with budget.

Townships don’t have a lot to do with school township.

How will you approach the budgetary woes business.

How will you approach the budget woes of of local government?

Provide the current level of public services local government? that we provide while maintaining our current Make sure money is not wasted.

Penelope Ypma, 59, is currently serving a budget surplus, and refrain from imposing any new or increased taxes at the township second term as Baltimore Township clerk.

If elected, what issue will be the first you level.

DeVries: I’m already handling the duties of township clerk since I won the August primary. The current clerk has resigned her position as of Oct. 14 and I’m running unopposed.

I am honored to have the opportunity to work with the board to serve the people of Prairieville Township.

What changes would you make in county government or its programs as they are currently structured?

DeVries: I really don’t have an opinion on that right now.

Goebel: No response.

Who or what provides you inspiration?

Goebel: The American Dream: opportunity; liberty and government by law, not men; the Constitution and the Holy Bible.

DeVries: Most definitely, my family.

LEGAL NOTICES SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN, P.C., IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT (248)539-7400 IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. MORTGAGE SALE – Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by ERIC W. BEADLE and JODI S. BEADLE, HUSBAND AND WIFE, to MORTGAGE PLUS OF AMERICA CORPORATION, Mortgagee, dated September 25, 2002, and recorded on October 8, 2002, in Document No. 1088998, and assigned by said mortgagee to U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Twenty-Four Thousand Four Hundred Twenty-Four Dollars and Forty-Nine Cents ($124,424.49), including interest at 6.250% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, At the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan. at 01:00 PM o'clock, on November 29, 2012 Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: COMMENCING AT THE WEST 1 / 4 POST OF SECTION 28, TOWN 1 NORTH, RANGE 8 WEST, THENCE WEST 107.00 FEET TO THE CENTERLINE OF BANFIELD ROAD; THENCE SOUTH 28 DEGREES 00 MINUTES EAST ALONG SAID CENTERLINE 1414.00 FEET TO THE TRUE PLACE OF BEGINNING; THENCE SOUTH 28 DEGREES 00 MINUTES EAST, ALONG SAID CENTERLINE OF BANFIELD ROAD, 500.00 FEET; THENCE NORTH 62 DEGREES 00 MINUTES EAST 383.00 FEET; THENCE NORTH 28 DEGREES 00 MINUTES WEST 500.00 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 62 DEGREES 00 MINUTES WEST 383.00 FEET TO THE TRUE PLACE OF BEGINNING. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale unless determined abandoned in accordance with 1948CL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 600 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C. 23938 Research Drive, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, MI 48335 77572245 USB.002825 FHA (11-01)(11-22)

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tell people why you want something, be able to justify it and give a legal basis for doing it.

I am looking forward to working with them.

How are you going to work with city, township, county and state police?

I have a good rapport with the state police, county and city. I don’t know how I can effectively prosecute or defend a case without working well with law enforcement, without communicating, learning what they think are the county’s strengths and weaknesses.

You have worked with all three judges as a defense attorney, but what about as Barry County prosecutor?

I have communicated with all three and all have been open and willing to meet with me to discuss things we could do differently, what’s working and how to use time more efficiently in court. Each of the judges is completely open to making changes for the better.

How do you see the Barry County prosecutor fitting into the community?

I think the prosecutor’s job is not only to prosecute cases, but to use our resources to educate people. I have talked to the Commission on Aging about elder-abuse issues. I would like to be more involved with the Substance Abuse Task Force.

77572130

After winning the primary election in August against Tom Evans, Julie Pratt is unopposed in the general election for the office of Barry County Prosecutor. Pratt said she is ready to bolster the strengths of the prosecutor’s office and make changes where needed.

Her responses to a questionnaire follow.

What issue will you address first when taking office in January?

The first thing I want to do is be sure I have a good staff. As promised, we were not going to have anymore ignoring people or yelling at meetings, name-calling or swearing. It’s unacceptable. Soon after I begin there will be a new set of policies.

In your first six months or year, what will be your focus?

Establish a more formal system for the victim services program. Dovetailing that with the child advocacy issue, I am happy to say I am meeting with the people from Safe Harbor in Allegan County. Then I am going to meet with some volunteers who said they wanted to be involved.

How do you see yourself working with the county commissioners?

I see a professional relationship ... it’s a team effort. That doesn’t mean everyone will agree on everything. You have to be able to

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Pratt promises to make changes as prosecutor

Page 14 — Thursday, November 1, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

CANDIDATES, continued from page 1 today?

Attempting to maintain acceptable service levels in all departments while balancing smaller and smaller budgets.

What do you offer as a county leader?

Four years of experience as a county commissioner and two years as chairman of the board. I am an excellent problem-solver. I have the ability to see both sides of an issue and seek out a responsible resolution.

What differentiates you from other candidates?

I am making decisions for the entire county that will impact people’s lives for many years.

I’m more concerned with the long-lasting effects of my decisions rather than seeking out gratification for myself. I think others are more concerned with the political ramifications rather than what is best for Barry County.

What changes would you make in county government or its programs as they are currently structured?

I would like to see more cross-training of personnel from all departments. I’d like to maintain good customer service during vacations, retirements, etc.

Who or what provides you inspiration?

My son, Conroy, and my daughter, Laura.

I’ve learned more from watching them grow then they will ever learn from me in their lifetime. Selfishly, when I volunteer and serve our community, I’m only attempting to make it a better place for my kids to live, work and play.

District 3 Barb Cichy (D) v. Joyce Snow (R) Snow, 59, defeated sitting commissioner Robert Houtman in the Aug. 7 primary. She has been a resident of four townships in her more than 50 years of living in Barry County.

Cichy, 70, is a 40-year county resident who, for the past 20 years has been a community activist.

What is the biggest issue facing the county today?

Cichy: The loss of budget revenue due to the reductions of the state taxable value on property within Barry County. It may take a decade to see the valuation back to where it was before the economy went into a recession.

Meanwhile, the spending of funds should be carefully monitored.

Snow: I feel the state of the economy is still the No. 1 issue we face as a county. In talking with people over the last few months, this was a recurring concern.

What do you offer as a county leader?

Snow: I have a very diverse background that has given me a foundation to understand issues from more than one perspective. I will listen to the constituents, and I will work with other commissioners, organizations and individuals to promote the economic and social health of Barry County.

Cichy: Hopefully, my common sense and the ability, along with the interest to investigate issues before I cast my vote.

What differentiates you from other candidates?

Cichy: There are not that many differences.

Candidates campaign for office because they have read or heard discussion on issues and concerns that affect people, property or the environment. I will bring a different perception to the board, I am a Democrat.

Snow: I think my diversity differentiates me from other candidates. I have worked in nonprofit, manufacturing, education, workforce development and agriculture. This has given me many experiences, opportunities, and insights that most other candidates have not had.

What changes would you make in county government or its programs as they are currently structured?

Snow: I need to see how the total system operates from the inside by talking with employees and front line folks. I would look at departmental best practices that could be examples for others and help to identify redundancy and/or programs that are no longer relevant.

Cichy: I would like to have the structure of the county’s different boards and agencies condensed so that residents will be able to understand and to visualize the transparency and accountability that should be within the board.

Who or what provides you inspiration?

Cichy: The residents of the county inspired and motivated me to campaign for the position of commissioner in Barry County.

Additionally, I rely on the gift and blessing of the Lord for my everyday life decisions and inspiration.

Snow: I am inspired by my parents who instilled in me the value of service, honesty and hard work. They are members of the Greatest Generation who risked everything so the next generation would have a better life.

District 4 Jon Smelker (R) — Unopposed Smelker, 62, is a lifelong county resident making his first run for public office. In the Aug. 7 primary, he defeated Dean Bass and Curt Cybulski. Smelker is a U.S. Army veteran and a retiree from E.W. Bliss and the U.S. Postal Service.

What is the biggest issue facing the county today?

As long as the county commissioners continue to budget within our revenue stream and preserve and equity fund balance, economic development is the biggest issue we face.

What do you offer as a county leader?

I have attended every county commission meeting since deciding to run for office. This has given me an understanding of the issues facing Barry County, and I will be ready to serve from Day 1. I have leadership experience in my volunteer involvement, employment and military participation.

What differentiates you from other candi-

Leaders of county offices will remain familiar There will be no surprises in county offices following the Nov. 6 election. Among county officials, Clerk Pam Jarvis, Treasurer Susan VandeCar, Register of Deeds Barbara Hurless, Drain Commissioner Russ Yarger and Surveyor Brian Reynolds are all running unopposed. All are Republicans. Only Hurless and Reynolds returned the Banner’s questionnaire.

What is the biggest issue facing your county office today?

Hurless: Revenue sharing cuts have affected the county and the register of deeds office.

The county has seen employees laid off, stretched beyond their means and office hours cut. These cuts have left many county offices able to fulfill only the basic, everyday duties.

Reynolds: The biggest issue for me (and for nearly all county surveyors) is amendatory legislation to restore the remonumentation program to its former scope. A state administrative decision in late 2009 radically changed the scope of the program, to the detriment of Barry County and most rural counties in Michigan.

What do you offer as a county leader?

Reynolds: The county surveyor has a limited official function. Within those limitations, I offer a dedication to serve the best interests of Barry County. I fight for what is right for of the people Barry County. Separate from the office, I serve my community in a variety of volunteer organizations.

Hurless: My work in the office for the past 13 years and filling in for the register as needed has provided the skills and experience necessary to lead the office. I am familiar with the computer systems, documents, laws and statutes. I know how this office operates.

What differentiates you from past holders of the office?

Reynolds: The county surveyor served an important function through the 19th century, but much less so during most of the 20th century. Beginning in 1993, the remonumentation program placed new (and truly important) duties and responsibilities with the county surveyor. The difference is mostly a matter of luck and timing.

Hurless: There is a tremendous learning curve which is why many registers hold their position long term. Each register had strengths that helped develop the office into the excellent one it is today. My greatest strengths are the knowledge and experience demanded of this position.

What changes would you make to your office and its program as it is currently struc-

tured?

Hurless: I will continue on the same efficient path under which the office was run by Darla Burghdoff. I will see through the completion of the conversion to the new software system so that the public is able to purchase documents online. I will review the office budget for any savings.

Reynolds: As already mentioned, it is of primary importance that the remonumentation program be restored to its original scope.

I would ask our state representative and state senator to get behind legislation that will make that happen. The amendatory legislation will be introduced early in the next session.

Who or what provides your inspiration?

Reynolds: Surveyors played a big part in our history. Mount Rushmore celebrates “three surveyors and one other guy” (Teddy Roosevelt is the odd man out). Mason and Dixon or Lewis and Clark come to mind.

Among local 19th century surveyors, Lucius Lyon, John Mullett and Francis Hodgman were among the best.

Hurless: My strong faith in God is a huge inspiration in my life. On a daily basis, my inspiration comes for helping people solve their issues and leave the register of deeds office happy.

Primary was decider for Hope Twp. head After defeating incumbent Supervisor Patricia Albert in the Aug. 7 primary, Republican Mark Feldpausch will be the only name on Tuesday’s ballot for supervisor of Hope Township.

Incumbent Clerk Deborah Jackson and incumbent Treasurer Arlene Tonkin, both Republicans, are not being challenged.

Jackson was appointed clerk earlier this year after the resignation of Linda Eddy-Hough in February.

Trustees David Messelink and Meryl Peake, both incumbents and Republicans, are uncontested.

All candidates were asked to respond to a Banner questionnaire to share their views with voters, but none of the candidates responded.

dates?

As a retired person, I have the time to serve the people of Barry County. I understand there are two or more points of view on every issue and that working together is the only way to solve problems.

What changes would you make in county government or its programs as they are currently structured?

I would like to see the various departments be more user-friendly. They could publish their policies so a user would know what to expect on the first contact. This would also help the county commission fulfill its oversight responsibilities.

Who or what provides you inspiration?

My faith, my family and my community.

District 5 Ben Geiger (R) — Unopposed Geiger, 25, is running for his first full term on the commission after having been appointed to fill the seat vacated by Mike Callton in 2011. On Aug. 7 he successfully fended off a primary challenge from Steve Pyrzynski.

What is the biggest issue facing the county today?

Closing projected budget gaps and maintaining quality customer service. I don’t shy away from tough decisions and am prepared to take these challenges head on.

What do you offer as a county leader?

In my two years as a commissioner, I’ve helped balance the budget, maintain a high credit rating and pay down our debts. I am proud of my record and the reforms I have supported.

What differentiates you from other candidates?

I have worked in the Michigan Legislature as well as the governor’s office. This has given me valuable insight on best practices for local government. I also have a deep understanding of new technologies and how we can best use

them.

What changes would you make in county government or its programs as they are currently structured?

I have been an advocate for simplifying how our citizens interact with government. We can accomplish this by listening to their ideas, examining internal processes and enhancing our online services.

Who or what provides you inspiration?

First is to leave county government in better shape than I found it. Second is to raise the bar for county government in Michigan by offering second-to-none customer service.

District 6 James DeYoung (R) — Unopposed DeYoung, 58, is making his first run for public office following a successful Aug. 7 primary victory over challengers Vivian Lee Conner and Mark A. Doster. He is a former administrator from Thornapple Manor.

DeYoung did not respond to the Banner’s questionnaire request.

District 7 James Dull (R) v. Jeff VanNortwick (R) Dull, 48, defeated incumbent VanNortwick in the Aug. 7 primary by a 93-vote margin from 983 total votes cast. He is a lifelong Barry County resident who established and runs a building and contracting business.

VanNortwick, 61, announced a write-in campaign Oct. 4, following his defeat to Dull in the primary. He has lived in Barry County for 30 years, earned an agricultural technology degree from Michigan State University, and works in landscaping and nursery management.

What is the biggest issue facing the county today?

Dull: Shortfalls in revenue. The county could face a $700,000 shortfall in 2013 if revenue sharing from the state is cut. A $1.2 mil-

Callton seeking re-election to 87th House District State Rep. Michael Callton is being challenged in his 87th District Michigan House of Representatives seat by Democrat Sherry Anderson and Libertarian Joseph Gillotte.

Neither Anderson, a Hastings resident, nor Gilotte responded to questionnaires sent by Banner staff.

The 87th District includes all of Barry County and most of Ionia County.

Callton, of Nashville, was a Barry County commissioner for six years, a school board member for 15 years and a village councilman for five years.

If elected, what will be the first issue you address?

I’m already elected, but the big focus has been on improving the economy, which will create jobs.

How can state and local government impact job creation?

By keeping business taxes low, reducing burdensome regulations and improving the labor climate.

What is your position on medical marijuana and local enforcement issues of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act? Being a chiropractor, I look at medical marijuana as a health care issue. I know that marijuana can help with nausea and appetite for cancer patients. I do think there needs to be a more professional delivery system.

What is your position on the building of a new Michigan/Canada bridge?

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce, General Motors, Ford, Chrysler and Farm Bureau all think a new bridge will be an economic dynamo for the region, and I agree. I am concerned about financing issues.

What is one thing you would change about our current health care system?

There is not enough competition in most markets ... therefore cost of health insurance is higher than it should be.

What can state government do to improve

Michael Callton public education?

Stop educating young people like they are all going to college. Many will work in the skilled trades and need a different kind of high school experience than those heading to universities.

How do you see renewable energy in terms of Michigan jobs and the needed energy for a revitalized economy?

I think we have to work on developing renewable energies, but Proposal 3 requires 25 percent renewable energy by the year 2025. Forcing the issue like this could result in much more expensive electric bills.

What one thing would you can change about the Michigan tax structure?

I would like to see the removal of the personal property tax. It’s not fair to double tax a business for trying to grow. No wonder Michigan loses so many jobs to other states.

BOWLING SCORES Tuesday Mixed Boyce Milk Haulers 251; Barry County Red Cross 22.5; Hometown Lumber 22; Hurless Machine 21; J-Bar Antique Tractors 16.

Men’s High Game & Series - K. Beebe 192-512; M. Bird 136; D. Wilkins 239-504; C. Steeby 168; C. Featherly 172; D. Blakely 187.

Women’s High Game & Series - Sis 181512; N. Boniface 167.

Monday Mixerettes Dewey’s Auto Body 237-5; Kent Oil 21-11; Dean’s Dolls 20-12; Nashville Chiropractic 14-18; Creekside Growers 13-19.

Good Games and Series - E. Ulrich 188457; J. Rice 171-462; M. Rodgers 175-479; D. Snyder 184; V. Carr 187-508; N. Potter 159423; P. Fowler 162.

Senior Citizens Sun Risers 21-11; M&M’s 18-14; Butterfingers 17.5-14.5; Three Gals & A Guy 17-15; Usedtobe#1 17-15; Ward’s Friends 1715; Just Having Fun 15.5-16.5; King Pins 1517; Kuempel 12-20; Early Risers 10-22.

Women’s Good Games and Series - Y. Markley 149; E. Ulrich 167; Y. Cheeseman 154; J. Gasper 189-537; N. Frost 142-411; D. Larsen 158; M. Wieland 188-499.

Men’s Good Games and Series - H. Bowman 210; L. Markley 162-432; D.

Murphy 137-393; R. Boniface 169; G. Forbey 170-421; J. Kleinbrink 155; W. Talsma 201510; L. Brandt 210-558; W. Mallekoote 164434.

Wednesday PM Court Side 24-8; Boniface Construction 2111; Hair Care 18-14; Eye & ENT 17-15; Delton Suds 16-16.

Good Games and Series - E. Ulrich 166; J. Pettengill 130; S. Beebe 187-488; J. Rice 193; A. Tasker 148; Y. Cheeseman 191-469.

Tuesday Trios Wash King 27-9; Sam 27-9; Cbs 22-14; Look Ins. 18-18; Team Turkey 18-18; Classic Trio 16-20; Lu’s Team 14.5-17.5; Coleman Ins. 14-18; Blair Landscaping 13.5-23.5; Ghost Team 0-36.

High Game - Shirlee V. 191; Paula R. 190; Luanne P. 174.

High Series - Shirlee V. 512; Luanne P. 501; Renee B. 481.

Sat. Majors (Youth League) Grimm Reapers 9-3; Kit Kats 8-4; Walking Dead 8-4; Saxons 5-7; Leones 5-7.

Girls Good Games and Series - L. Frost 67-146; C. Roush 204-495; S. Gross 97.

Boys Good Games and Series - J. Clous 160; K. Kenyon 138-343; J. Elliott 137; K. Kavanagh 144.

lion shortfall was predicted for 2012, but didn’t take effect and helped the county avoid going broke.

VanNortwick: A steady job market.

Graduates are leaving the area and the “brain drain” will affect us all. We need forwardthinking families, businesses, farmers, residents and local governments in this vital and progressive challenge to maintain and move the county in a positive and productive course for the future.

What do you offer as a county leader?

VanNortwick: I have demonstrated my commitment to this community and will continue to do so by helping to establish credible programs and supporting existing programs with the tools and the help that our talented individuals have to create the environment to excel and create the community spirit needed within the county.

Dull: Old-fashioned values and common sense. People want to be asked their views and opinions — they do not want to be told what to think and be directed by their government.

What differentiates you from other candidates?

Dull: I’m more concerned with talking to my voters and getting their input and ideas. I was told that researching concerns is more important than listening to my voters, but I disagree.

VanNortwick: My honesty and dedication.

My opponent has taken money for services brought into question and has never applied to volunteer for a committee or board. My special interest is the people of the county and the future only. I have sought to improve my community with my time and skills.

What changes would you make in county government or its programs as they are currently structured?

Van Nortwick: The local governments and the county are performing their duties professionally. Democracy is working well when transparency is involved. There are opportunities and challenges as we evolve as a community, but I do not see a need to make any dramatic changes.

Dull: I want to make government departments more user (voter) friendly. So when people have a question, they get an answer that makes sense, not a bunch of technical jargon that leaves them more lost than when they started.

Who or what provides you inspiration?

Dull: Problem resolution. I enjoy getting people solutions to their problems and questions. I may not get them the answer they want, but I get them an understanding of why the answer is different than what they asked for. Some sitting commissioners could take lessons from County Administrator Michael Brown.

VanNortwick: Seeing a productive program that materializes and benefits the taxpayer.

Individuals who work to deny caring folks their passion and concerns by stonewalling them and creating unnecessary obstacles give me inspiration and commitment as well to help them. Not providing a fair and even playing field is counterproductive.

Pedestrian hit by car near Freeport The Barry County Sheriff’s Department investigated an accident involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on Freeport Road near South East Street Oct. 28.

Preliminary investigation indicated that a Lake Odessa man was traveling east on Freeport Road where he collided with a pedestrian in the roadway.

The pedestrian was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment. His current status is unknown. The incident remains under investigation. Names are being withheld.

Four people involved in two-car accident on M-43 A two-car accident at the intersection of M-43 Highway and Martin Road in Woodland Township left three people hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries Thursday, Oct. 25.

An 18-year-old driver traveling east on M43 failed to yield the right-of-way when turning north onto Martin Road. He collided with a westbound vehicle, driven by a 48-year-old male, who was not able to stop and struck the turning vehicle in the passenger door.

The driver of the eastbound vehicle was not injured, but his 61-year-old passenger was transported to Spectrum Butterworth by Hastings Mercy Ambulance.

The driver and 22-year-old female passenger of the westbound car were transported to Sparrow Hospital by Nashville Ambulance.

Officers said all occupants were believed to have been wearing seatbelts. Alcohol and speed did not appear to be factors.

The investigation was conducted by the Barry County Sheriff’s Department and was assisted at the scene by Woodland Fire.

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 1, 2012 — Page 15

Trustee seats to be decided in Yankee Springs Township Candidates for the board of trustees in Yankee Springs Township are running unopposed except for the two trustee seats where three candidates are on the ballot. Incumbent Mary Cook and primary victor Bruce Campbell are running as Republicans, while Shannon VandenBerg is running for a trustee seat as a Democrat.

Supervisor Mark W. Englerth, born in 1955, lives on Edwin Drive. He is a graduate of Hastings High School and has an associate’s degree from Kellogg Community College in vocational education. He has been self-employed in the building trades for 35 years. He has been a resident of Yankee Springs Township for 23 years and served as county commissioner for District 6 in 2007 and 2008. Among his community activities, he includes the Animal Control building, the Payne Lake Road fire barn, Habitat for Humanity, and 15 years in the Barry County Republican Party.

Some say the board is focused primarily on the interests of waterfront property owners.

Do you agree? If so, how would you balance competing interests?

The waterfront and lakefront lot owners make up the largest population of the township. Two-thirds of the township is either state park or game land. We always have to keep the interests of the overall township in consideration.

What measures would you take to restore full library services for township residents in the Wayland school district?

We need to have more discussion to find a solution to this issue, which is one of the primary responsibilities of a township, according to the Michigan Constitution.

Do you support giving up direct local control of planning and zoning in the township?

There is currently discussion to continue to use our current planning commission and the zoning board of appeals using local resident input and partnering with other government entities. Keeping local control and saving taxpayers thousands of dollars.

Would you support a local millage dedicated to local roads?

Not at this time. The township makes annual contributions to the local road commission of approximately $180,000 and still maintains a very healthy fund balance.

Do you support additional renovations to the existing township hall or would you prefer to invest in a new structure?

At this time so much money has been spent on the existing structure that careful consideration will need to be given as to how to serve our township needs.

Clerk Janice C. Lippert, born in 1946, has lived on Park Drive since 1991. She is running for a fourth term as clerk. In 1995, she was deputy clerk and was appointed clerk in 1996 following the resignation of the elected clerk.

She is a high school graduate and has taken

business law courses and has credits from the Michigan State University Citizen Planner program. She is certified by the State of Michigan as an election official and by the Michigan Townships Association in accounts payable and payroll, general ledger and government accounting procedures.

Her community activities include church membership, the Gun Lake Protective Association and charitable activities.

Some say the board is focused primarily on the interests of waterfront property owners.

Do you agree? If so, how would you balance competing interests?

There is a difference in focus, not in interest. All residents are of equal interest; however our population is concentrated around the lakes. Therefore, more problems occur and require focus. The interests are equal, not competing. Water-oriented development is numerically overwhelming.

What measures would you take to restore full library services for township residents in the Wayland school district?

The services have already been restored to those residents willing to pay $45 (out-of-district fee). I believe the boundary district map of Henika Library could be revised to include all of the Wayland Union School District taxpayers. This can be done through a ballot proposal referendum.

Do you support giving up direct local control of planning and zoning in the township?

No. Yankee Springs is so different from Barry County zoning. Yankee Springs Township is recreational and lake-oriented.

Less than 30 percent of our land area is habitable; the rest is water and state land. Barry County is mainly agricultural and urban. This would diminish our property owners’ rights.

Would you support a local millage dedicated to local roads?

Our township roads are in good shape. All taxpayers in Yankee Springs Township have funded road maintenance without a road millage. It is more fair to work within our budget and rely on special assessments roads (at residents request) to correct isolated areas to upgrade these roads. I say “no” to new taxes.

Do you support additional renovations to the existing township hall or would you prefer to invest in a new structure?

Renovations save tax dollars. New structure is wasteful, ego-driven excess.

Treasurer John Jerkatis, born in 1945, lives on Ravens Way Drive and has lived in Yankee Springs for 36 years. He attended Thornapple Kellogg schools and holds an associate’s degree in drafting and design technology from Western Michigan University. He served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1969 and was discharged as a first lieutenant.

Jerkatis’ work experience is in private industry. His involvement in township government began in 1980. His community activities include membership in the VFW and the

American Legion and a fraternity.

Some say the board is focused primarily on the interests of waterfront property owners.

Do you agree? If so, how would you balance competing interests?

I represent the concerns of residents and property owners of every square foot of Yankee Springs. Even though our lake properties are a large percentage of our population, I haven’t seem action by township government favoring interests of waterfront property owners over those in the rural and agricultural areas.

What measures would you take to restore full library services for township residents in the Wayland school district?

Access to the library services in the Wayland school district for Yankee Springs residents and property owners should be resolved between the residents, the school district and the library. The township can act as an agent for collecting and transferring funds agreed upon, if necessary.

Do you support giving up direct local control of planning and zoning in the township?

Yankee Springs is a unique and diverse area. The interests of the residents and property owners can best be protected by local control; the responsibility for planning and zoning, development and growth within the township must remain at the local level where residents can contribute input to maximum effect.

Would you support a local millage dedicated to local roads?

Township boards and county road commissions have practiced continuous maintenance of the roads through tax revenues received by the township. I do not favor a property tax millage for public road maintenance. I support creation of special assessment districts where residents want a more expensive maintenance procedure.

Do you support additional renovations to the existing township hall or would you prefer to invest in a new structure?

I see no reason for the addition to any township building. For public safety, it may be necessary to expand the parking lot at the Payne Lake Road fire barn when the facility is used as a polling place. That capital expense could be avoided by moving the precinct to another facility.

Trustees Bruce W. Campbell, born in 1965, lives on Oakwood Shores and has been a township resident since 1998. He was a mechanic in the U.S. Marine Corps and has a degree from ITT in architectural design. Until acquiring a restaurant in the township, he has worked in private industry. His community involvement has been through donations to projects.

Some say the board is focused primarily on the interests of waterfront property owners.

Do you agree? If so, how would you balance competing interests?

As a 13-year non-lakefront resident of

Yankee Springs township, I don’t feel there is a difference.

What measures would you take to restore full library services for township residents in the Wayland school district?

I would like to review what has and is being done to resolve this issue, then see what I could do to help.

Do you support giving up direct local control of planning and zoning in the township?

I would review what is being done in other townships, then weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Would you support a local millage dedicated to local roads?

No, I’m not in support of a millage when we have a gas tax that is intended for our roads.

Do you support additional renovations to the existing township hall or would you prefer to invest in a new structure?

I would like to spend some time there to better understand the use of the current space before thinking of either a new building or renovations.

Mary L. Cook, born in 1954, lives on Bowens Mill Road, has lived in the township for 37 years, and is running for her sixth term on the Yankee Springs Board of Trustees. She is a graduate of Thornapple Kellogg High School and has done some post-secondary work at Davenport and Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

Cook has worked in the banking industry and is currently a site supervisor at the Barry County Commission on Aging. Her community involvement focused on scouting and athletic activities until she became active in the Commission on Aging and aging issues.

Some say the board is focused primarily on the interests of waterfront property owners.

Do you agree? If so, how would you balance competing interests?

I do not. The number of lakefront lots is much greater than the number of non-lakefront lots, so it may seem that way. But we serve everybody equally.

What measures would you take to restore full library services for township residents in the Wayland school district?

There is no easy answer to this one. Henika Library wants one-third mill from the entire township when only the westernmost portion lies within their district. I would favor a special assessment on only those households affected by this.

Do you support giving up direct local control of planning and zoning in the township?

No. I believe we have served our own unique needs quite well by having a planning commission made up of capable local citizens. I also believe we would not realize any monetary savings because the county would have to hire someone to take on the additional load and we would pay for that.

Would you support a local millage dedicated to local roads?

Maybe some day. But for now, we are able to do what we need to do from the general fund.

Do you support additional renovations to the existing township hall or would you prefer to invest in a new structure?

I support the current plans for a modest addition to the current office area. I also believe we can improve the energy efficiency of this building. A new hall would require a huge debt that I do not favor.

Shannon J. VandenBerg, born in 1956, lives on Payne Lake Road. He has lived in the township for 25 years and is a graduate of Kentwood High School. His background is in the building industry. He ran for the post of township trustee in 2008 in the Republican primary. In 2012, he filed as a Democrat. He appears on the ballot as the lone Democratic candidate in Yankee Springs Township.

VandenBerg has described his community involvement as interactions within the community on a personal and work-related basis, saying he does his best to give the community an inside look at local government.

Some say the board is focused primarily on the interests of waterfront property owners.

Do you agree? If so, how would you balance competing interests?

People do have a tendency to protect their own interests. Balance could be achieved by trying to put yourself in the shoes of those with competing interests.

What measures would you take to restore full library services for township residents in the Wayland school district?

A township committee would be formed with Wayland and Thornapple Kellogg residents. This committee could discuss restoring privileges for those Yankee Springs residents living within the Wayland school district.

Do you support giving up direct local control of planning and zoning in the township?

I would support discussion on the topic of redirecting the planning responsibility to the county level. However I do not see this option as giving up local control but rather it would be a potential and significant cost saving for the township’s consideration.

Would you support a local millage dedicated to local roads?

Regarding a local millage dedicated to local roads, I would support putting the question on a ballot. In that way the decision ultimately would rest with the voters.

Do you support additional renovations to the existing township hall or would you prefer to invest in a new structure?

The current administration has taken the option of building a new structure at a new site off the table. They have spent nearly $200,000 at the current location. This money was allocated within months of an administrative change. The current administration has taken the issue of investment choice from the incoming administration.

Orangeville Township supervisor, treasurer facing challengers Only Supervisor Tom Rook and Treasurer Vicki Ritchie face opposition on the Nov. 6 ballot.

Rook is opposed for the post of supervisor

by George H. Williston who filed as a Democrat. Ritchie is opposed by Sharon Burgess who filed as an unaffiliated candidate. All other candidates are unopposed, including Clerk Jennifer Goy and trustees Robert Perino and Linda Ribble.

Supervisor Republican Tom Rook, born in 1954, lives on Saddler Road. He is running for his third consecutive term as supervisor. He graduated from Martin High School and has a two-year college degree and has been a certified wastewater operator for 25 years. He is a past president and current member of the Michigan Townships Association, Barry County Chapter; he represents the township supervisors’ association and the Michigan Townships Association on the Barry County Solid Waste Oversight Committee. He also participated in building the children’s playground and the veterans memorial.

“I enjoy what I’ve done,” he said. “We can

do more. We’ve made a lot of progress.”

Rook cited food programs, the building of the new town hall and the development of a community center with ball fields, a playground for kids, and the restoration of the mill pond.

“Problems are going to keep coming at us,” he said, an allusion to the current fracking issue. “We are working on a road ordinance, so that if it comes to us, we can control the hours of operation and where they go.”

Democrat George H. Williston, 57, is a teacher at Martin Public Schools and holds a master’s degree as a trades instructor, which he taught for 10 years at the Michigan Career and Technical Institute at Pine Lake. A 20year resident of the township, he is also a cabinetmaker/designer. Williston’s community activities have primarily been centered on education until neighboring state land was sold for mineral rights, at which time he became active in awareness and action activities.

His primary concern is fracking.

“What is going to happen if these leases are turned into drilling permits over the next five

years?” he asked. “I don’t believe the state or the federal government are going to protect us. We can only do it at the local level.”

Williston said he is outraged that the state received $9,700 for the lease of 800 acres of Fish Lake, across from where he lives. He also supports using the public trust argument in a lawsuit against the state.

He said he has good leadership skills and that the supervisor should have regular office hours and be accessible.

Treasurer Democrat Vicki Ritchie, of 11539 9 Mile Road, born in 1952, is running for a fourth term as treasurer. She is a graduate of the Delton Kellogg Schools. She has lived in Orangeville for 45 years and operates a hair and tanning salon. She also holds a real estate license. Her community activities are centered around her church and Orangeville Days.

Among her accomplishments as treasurer was the introduction of the computer to township offices in 2002.

“I started doing the tax bills and the tax roll. My husband and I fold them and stuff

them in an envelope with the newsletter. In 2002, I saved the township $6,000 which the company was charging us,” she said. “The county pays us $2.50 for every parcel when I do the tax roll. I care about the community and the people. “ Sharon Burgess, born in 1944, lives at 11497 9 Mile Road and has been a township resident for six years. She filed as an independent candidate. She is a high school grad-

uate with some college.

Burgess is an over-the-road truck driver who worked in the retail industry before moving into transportation management. She offers bookkeeping, payroll, dispatching and computer skills. She has been a volunteer with the Red Cross in Kalamazoo for the past six years.

She plans on retiring to devote herself to family and community activities.

Castleton Township has no contested races Castleton Township voters will see no contested races when casting their ballots Tuesday.

Republican incumbents on the ballot are Supervisor Cheryl Hartwell, Clerk Lorna Wilson, Treasurer Dorothy Semrau and trustees Michael Trahan and Earl Wilson.

Only Trahan returned requested biographical and political position information.

Trahan, 67, is seeking re-election as Castleton Township trustee, where he has served since 2008. Trahan has a degree in marketing and business from Ferris State University, is past president and board member of Barry County Chamber of Commerce; initiator of Joint Economic Development Commission; past member Hastings School Board Committee of 33 and past board member of P-Ring Credit Union. He has lived in the township for 12 years.

What is your level of community involvement.

I was involved in the chamber of commerce and JEDC working with local govern-

ments to bring new employment to the area. I was active in the local school athletic booster club, serving as past president.

Why are you seeking this position?

I intend to continue to Mike Trahan represent all the people of Castleton Township by making sure their tax dollars are spent wisely.

What skills or experiences do you bring?

Current Castleton trustee, past president of Barry County Area Chamber of Commerce, sales manager of largest bus dealership in Michigan, dealing with many governmental agencies.

What is the most important issue facing the township?

The passage of the EMS millage renewal Proposal 1 and the other [local] millage (proposals 2, 3 and 4.) Voters need to understand these are renewals — not new taxes.

What is your position on fracking?

I oppose fracking.

What steps would you take to improve the local economic climate?

Local government needs to be transparent to all the voters and respond to their concerns.

Many people have moved from the area.

What will reverse this trend?

Local government needs to try to retain the people who can contribute to the community by working with other governmental agencies to find companies that want to relocate to the Route 66 corridor and bring new job opportunities.

What changes you would like to see?

No response.

Neon black-out raises nearly $500 for animal shelter The second annual Neon Black-Out “We Care” varsity football game against Grand Rapids Catholic Central Oct. 12 raised $495 for the Barry County Animal Shelter. The stands were neon-i-fied with glow-in-the-dark shirts, neon nails, hair, and face paint.

Each year, the Hastings High School cheer teams vote on local causes in the community and nominate four. The high school students then vote by donating spare change, and the top change-getter is the recipient of all money raised during the campaign. Between students voting for a cause with spare change, a penny war that was won by the junior class, the cheer team selling “We Care” shirts and a donation made

by State Grounds Coffee House, a check in the amount of $495.49 made payable to Barry County Animal Shelter. Presenting the check to Barry County Commissioner Craig Stolsonburg are (from left) Alyssa Turashoff and Kim Landon. Coach Diane Jager also is on hand for the presentation between the first and second quarters of the game. (Photo by Dan Goggins)

Page 16 — Thursday, November 1, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

Prosecution rests, Michael Terpening defense begins

by David DeDecker Staff Writer (Note: Some of the language in this article is sexually graphic) As part of its prosecution of Michael Terpening, lawyers from the state attorney general’s office spent most of the criminal sexual conduct trial’s first seven days calling witnesses in the criminal sexual conduct case. On Tuesday, Oct. 30, the prosecution rested and the defense started calling its witnesses.

Terpening, 33, is accused of numerous acts of criminal sexual conduct with underage boys at the Bellevue group home he directed.

Investigators gathered more than 8,000 pages of discovery information. Terpening has been free on bond since August, pending his trial, which began Monday, Oct. 22. The trial is expected to continue in Barry County Circuit Court, with Judge Amy McDowell, for the next week or more.

Assistant AG Angela Povilaitis is the lead prosecutor on the case. Attorney Thomas Schaeffer and co-counsel Joseph Eldred are charged with representation of the defendant Michael Aaron Terpening.

In her opening statement, Povilaitis told the 16-person jury that Terpening is responsible for his decisions and actions, nobody else.

“He had sufficient authority in every sense of the word,” said Povilaitis. “They knew they had nowhere to turn and he knew that...the kids knew he was in charge. He controlled their money and privileges. He could get them into trouble with their foster care workers or probation officers. He controlled their visits to court and to their friends. He controlled when they would see their families. He knew their personal histories - why they were in the system. He knew their vulnerabilities. His predatory behavior was kept secret for years.”

Povilaitis told the jury Terpening had staffed the group home, “The House Next Door” with family members and friends who rely on him for their livelihood. She said they knew they would continue to support him no matter what occurred.

“Remember this phrase over the course of the next few weeks,” said Povilaitis. “You are here because of the choices and decisions that Mr. Terpening made. He will focus on the kids and their vulnerabilities and their troubles -- their issues. Make no mistake, it is the People of the State of Michigan versus Michael Terpening.

We are here because of the choices and decisions that he made. Keep that focus on him.

“His predatory behavior at The House Next Door was kept a secret, quiet, and in the dark for years... he finally assaulted the wrong boy.

“Focus on Mr. Terpening. Focus on what he did. He will try to keep the focus on these troubled, vulnerable young men. He will put this on their behavior and their choices and their deci-

sions. But you, ladies and gentlemen, are here because of one thing -- because of what this man did and the choices he made when he abused that position of authority and selfishly stole what he wanted from the victims for his own selfish, sexual satisfaction.”

The prosecution called several social workers and foster care licensing agents to set a foundation for what Terpening allegedly engineered over the years.

When Terpening expressed interest in becoming a foster group home, according to testimony, he was young and single, and running a animal refuge called EARTH Services on a Bellevue farm. One witness said, when Terpening applied for a foster home it was not typical since only one other single male had ever applied to be a foster parent. The witness testified Terpening first asked to start a home for young pregnant girls but was advised against it.

A former foster care licenser testified Terpening expressed interest in what types of children he preferred for his group home — boys between 13 and 18 who were sexually active and sexually abused.

He looked in the MARE book (Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange) and picked out the boys he was interested in having in his home, which according to the witness, was not typical either. She said Terpening asked for boys that were the hardest to place. He asked for a boy named Frank, who was not placed with him.

He asked for a boy prone to public sex displays, who was not placed with him. He asked for a boy who was a registered sex offender , and that boy was not placed with Terpening.

The first alleged victim in the trial had been in 10 places before arriving at the House Next Door program. He testified to being 15 years of age at the time.

“Mike was the top dog,” he said. “The boss.

The supervisor.”

He told the court that, in May 2011, Terpening took him to one of his vacant houses and said if the boy would show him his penis he would buy him a pack of cigars. The witness said the defendant took him to a chicken coop, backed him against the wall and gave him oral sex, then masturbated while talking sexually to the boy. According to the witness, they then got into Terpening’s truck and went to a party store where he bought Swisher Sweets and made him swear “on his sister’s life” not to tell anyone.

One of the farm hands, who was part of a rehab program, testified that he was supposed to meet Terpening at the newly built chicken coop.

He told the court that, when he arrived, Terpening and the boy were already there. He said later Terpening asked him to change his story so Terpening and the boy arrived after he did at the chicken coop. After police investigated the chicken coop, Terpening asked him to clean the “Kennel House’s” basement floor and walls with bleach.

On another occasion, according to the wit-

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In Memoriam IN MEMORY OF Philip Armstrong We thought of you today but that was nothing new; we thought about you yesterday and the day before that too.

We think of you in silence we often speak your name; all we have are memories and your pictures in some frames.

Your memory is our keepsake with which we’ll never part; God has you in his keeping but we have you in our hearts.

Sadly missed by Pauline and family.

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.

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Community Notices DO YOU NEED your leaves raked? Hastings Y-12 FC Soccer Club will rake leaves for donations on Saturday, November 3rd. Call Bob 616-717-1725

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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.

ness, Terpening took the boy into the kitchen of one his vacant houses and pursued the boy around the table and into the pantry. Terpening allegedly pulled down the boys shorts and gave him oral sex, and began masturbating, then he tried to turn the boy around. The witness said Terpening ejaculated into his hand and wiped his hand off with a plastic grocery bag. The grocery bag was found in the pantry by police and the DNA matched the defendant’s.

Defense asked the witness, on cross examination, if he had ever looked in the pantry window and saw Terpening and his wife having sex.

Defense was raising the doubt that a marital sex act may be the reason for the DNA sample.

The witness said he was afraid Terpening would send him to a more secure group home and get him into trouble with his probation officer for previously fighting with another boy. He then told his Bellevue High School counselor about the two incidents just days after they occurred.

In another line of questioning, the witness said Terpening would get boys to fight each other. The defendant allegedly asked the witness to beat up three other boys. The boy also told the court Terpening would take them to psychiatrists and ask for their medications to be changed.

Alleged victim number two said he came to The House Next Door when he was 11 or 12 years old and is now 17 years old. He is living outside of Michigan. The witness was the first resident at THND and was very upset over the loss of his mother. He told the jury Terpening would come into his bedroom, sit on his bed, and start rubbing his leg from knee to within inches of his genitals. The witness testified he told Terpening to stop.

“It was inappropriate and unprofessional,” he said. “The way he was rubbing was for a sexual purpose.”

Judge McDowell asked him how many times this happened. He told the judge it was two or three different times.

The witness then told the jury that, when he was missing his mother, he would scream while in his room. He said once when he was screaming, and only screaming, Terpening and three other men came in and taped him to the floor.

The farm hand testified about an incident that happened in a break room on the farm. Povilaitis asked him about the break room when some of the workers were goofing around and telling jokes.

He said there were several guys in the room and they were telling dirty jokes and rough housing. When one of the workers was sitting on the couch Terpening came over and grabbed his crotch. According to the farm hand everyone in the room was shocked and Terpening left the room.

“I packed my bags and ran from Bellevue, Michigan as fast as I could,” said the farm hand.

When asked by Schaeffer if he had ever said Terpening was rich and there was a lot of money to be made, the witness replied “No.” The next witness for the prosecution was a 22-year-old man who had spent some time on Terpening’s mother’s farm near Battle Creek.

He told the court “sexual stuff” had happened a couple of times between the defendant and himself. He had previously been in 13 homes before being adopted.

It happened for the first time when the defendant was ten. He was taking care of animals in the barn and Terpening came into the barn and allegedly raped him.

“I thought it was my fault,” said the witness.

“I didn’t think anyone would believe me and I suppressed the thoughts for a long time.”

It happened a second time. Then he and his twin brother were sent away because they were accused of molesting their sister. He testified that he thinks Terpening made the accusation.

He told the court he hadn’t seen Terpening since that time.

Defense asked the witness about his memory and said the witness had several family members who were registered sex offenders.

The prosecution asked how sure he was the acts were committed by Terpening in the barn.

He told the court he was 100 percent sure.

Accuser number three has been in 47 homes including THND, at which time he was 17 years old. He said Terpening was the “Big Cheese” and there were consequences for not doing what Terpening wanted.

The witness admitted their relationship changed one day. Terpening was driving him to a court date and they had to spend four hours in the car each way.

He told the court he is openly gay and thought the feeling was mutual with the defendant. He said during the ride there was flirtation and sexual language. According to the witness, while driving Terpening unbuttoned his own pants and pulled out his penis, then started rubbing the witness’ inner thigh. The witness said he gave Terpening oral sex while the defendant was driving. He told the jury Terpening told him not to say anything, but that he did not feel threatened.

The witness said there were three more sex acts between he and Terpening including the fondling of genitals through his pants. In the “Kennel House” the two gave each other oral sex and masturbated. The witness said when they left there was semen on the basement floor.

He told one of the staff about the incident but the woman did not believe him.

The witness told the jury he did not want Terpening to get in trouble. He had seven or eight verbal recantations of his accusations against Terpening -- including one to Barry County Commissioner Jeff VanNortwick.

The witness also appeared in three video segments talking about the incidents and the upcoming trial on Channel 3 News Dec. 27, 2011; on YouTube Jan. 4, 2012; and on a public

access talk show with Judith Faye.

“I was hoping it was all going to go away,” he said. “I have lost more than I have gained.”

One of Terpening’s cousins took the witness stand for the prosecution.

“He was like a brother,” she said. “ We did everything together.”

The woman is 28 years old now and testified that, when she was 12 years old and in 6th grade, Terpening sexually fondled her when she was in the barn taking care of the horses. She said he came up behind her and put his hand under her bra and then put his hand on her pubic area beneath her underwear.

Crying she said, “I didn’t want Michael to get into trouble.”

At the time, she told her mom who said she would talk to Terpening’s father. According to the witness, no one in the family believed her.

She said the family started to treat her terribly and kids on the bus started calling her a whore.

The woman testified that Terpening’s sister recently gave her a letter to sign that said Terpening did not sexually abuse her and did not talk to the police about it in 1997. She said she didn’t read it, but just signed it. She said she was under pressure from the family to sign the letter on the spot.

“I felt if I didn’t sign the letter I would be reliving life as I did when I was 12,” she said.

Yet another witness, a 21-year-old worker on the farm, testified that Terpening took him to one of his vacant houses and said the man could live there if he “gave him head.” He told the court he stopped Terpening from touching him, but Terpening kept asking him for oral sex and saying he could then live in the house.

The man did not show in court to testify on Friday, Oct. 26 because he didn’t want to talk about what happened. He said Terpening gave him a new life and a job, and he really didn’t want to testify.

The prosecution wrapped up with their witnesses Tuesday morning, Oct. 30, and the defense started presenting its case.

In his opening statement Oct. 22, lead defense attorney Schaeffer told the jury the prosecution would like them to believe only one side of the story.

“She says focus on what we are accusing the defendant of doing, and disregard other evidence you are going to hear,” said Schaeffer.

Schaeffer explained there are five alleged accusers and two of those accusers are main witnesses for the prosecution. He told the jury the two conspired to make accusations against Terpening, with a motivation to get out of the group home and to go elsewhere. He said there will be witnesses who overheard the two making plans to accuse Terpening of improper behavior.

The second motivation for the accusations, said Schaeffer, was the possibility of making money.

“These are felons of offenses of dishonesty and larceny,” said Schaeffer. “You will hear that they said ‘We’ve got a chance to make some money. Michael Terpening is loaded and has all this property. This is an opportunity for us to make some money.’”

Schaeffer said Michael Terpening is a victim of system manipulation and that he is not a pedophile or a predator as accused.

“The government wants you to believe the defendant has such a long-seated perverted problem, that he surrounds himself with damaged baggage. I submit, you will hear testimony to the contrary.”

The defense is presently calling its witnesses to the stand and, after closing arguments, the 16person jury will be randomly reduced to 12 members. They will then go into deliberations and decide the fate of Michael Terpening. If found guilty on all or some of the charges, Terpening will face life in prison.

POLICE BEAT Stray dog results in ticket for owner Hastings Police were dispatched Oct. 25 to a home on East Grant Street where a man was cornered by a stray dog growling and barking at him. When Hastings Police arrived, they were able to distract the dog long enough for the homeowner get to safety. The dog was apprehended with help from Barry County Animal Control. The owner of the dog was located and issued a citation for having a loose dog.

Vehicle break-ins are increasing Hastings Police responded to two more vehicle break-ins Oct. 28. Officers responded to a residence on West Bond Street where a homeowner discovered that the trunk of his vehicle had been entered and his hunting bow and accessories stolen. He said his vehicle had been left unlocked and parked in his driveway. Police also responded to a theft of a wallet from a vehicle parked downtown. Pry marks were discovered on the driver’s door where the vehicle had been entered.

Couple’s troubles get worse with daylight Deputies were called to a Arlington Street residence in Middleville the morning of Oct. 28 after an off-duty deputy reported a woman running across a gas station parking lot bleeding from the mouth and yelling for help. When deputies spoke with the 31-yearold Middleville resident, she said she was at the bar downtown and got drunk. She also said she was wanted on some warrants. She said when she got home her husband kicked her in the face and loosened her front teeth.

When the husband was contacted, he told deputies the woman had come home after closing time and started scratching him on the face and neck and poking him in the eyes. He said she bit him and twisted his ear.

That’s when he grabbed their son and locked himself and the boy in the bathroom, telling the woman he was going to call the police.

He told deputies that is when his wife started punching herself in the face and yelling “Look what you have done to me.” The woman’s portable breath test registered .14 percent, and the husband’s registered .094 percent. The man was placed under arrest for an outstanding warrant. The wife was placed under arrest for domestic violence and four outstanding warrants. The case is open pending review.

Roads turn slippery with wintery mix Hastings Police responded to an accident on South Hanover at South Street Oct. 30.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Rockford woman heading south crossed into the northbound travel lanes, left the roadway and hit a utility pole on the east side of the highway. The Hastings Fire Department and Lansing Mercy Ambulance service responded to the accident and extricate the 21-yearold driver from the vehicle. Speed and weather conditions contributed to the accident. The woman was flown to Spectrum hospital by Aero Med with internal injuries.

Overnight guest leaves with hands full A man called Barry County Deputies Oct. 28 to report a friend had spent the night at his house and left after stealing money and two shirts. The Bellevue homeowner told deputies the 17-year-old Otsego girl spent the evening with him and when he woke up, $200 in cash was missing from his wallet.

The girl was also gone. When she was contacted by deputies she said her boyfriend had picked her up while the man slept. She denied taking the money and the clothing.

The case has been turned over to the prosecutor.

Man attacked when picking up his children Barry County Sheriff’ deputies were called to a Gerke Drive, Hastings, residence on a domestic violence complaint Oct. 27.

When deputies arrived, a 24-year-old woman was standing next to the garage. She told deputies the man inside had assaulted her. The man had come to the house to pick up his two kids from her and an argument started. He said she started throwing things at him and asking him to buy her booze. She then allegedly slapped him several times in the face. Deputies reported the man’s face was red in a manner consistent with being slapped. She registered a .079 percent blood alcohol level and she was arrested for domestic assault. The case is pending review by the prosecutor.

Employee pockets extra pay and tools A Delton contractor told deputies Oct. 22 that an employee had collected $1,900 for a job and only turned in $1,300. He told deputies the same employee had pocketed $600 from another contract in September.

The owner said he only found out about the discrepancy when the homeowner called with an issue and said how much money he had given the 28-year-old employee. He said the employee also was under investigation for stealing tools from his business.

Deputies had the owner call the employee and arrange pick-up of the man’s final paycheck. Deputies had warrants to be served on the suspect, and he was arrested. The case has been turned over to the prosecutor.

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 1, 2012 — Page 17

Assyria candidates run unopposed Assyria Township Assyria Township officials will retain their current seats after Tuesday’s election.

Republicans, Supervisor Mike Timmons, Treasurer Elizabeth Miller and trustees James Miller and Eugene Waterbury are running unopposed.

Three candidates returned requested biographical data and political position information, which follows.

Supervisor Mike Timmons, 71, is the incumbent for the position of supervisor in Assyria Township where he has served since 2004.

Timmons has a bachelor’s degree in public administration and has lived in the township 28 years.

Why are you seeking re-election?

I have the time to give, I enjoy helping people and there is some challenge to the job ... plus there are a couple of long-haul projects I want to finish.

What skills or experiences can you offer that will be useful to this position?

U.S. Navy, master chief boatswain mate.

Retired as a chief warrant officer, 20 years as a U.S. Department of Defense analyst, Scout and 4-H leader; deputy in Ottawa County, Red Cross volunteer, band booster, animal rescue and foster, certified Methodist lay speaker , EMMAUS community since 1994.

What is the most important issue facing the township?

Roads and cemeteries. The county owns the roads, but without township assistance, there is increased potential for stranding of buses, emergency and personal vehicles.

Balancing funds over the long haul is challenging. Cemetery administration; try to develop a plan for whoever has this job 50plus years down the road.

What is you position on fracking?

One well requires three to five million gallons of water drawn from lakes, streams, rivers and aquifers. Chemicals, including hydrochloric acid, biocides, emulsifiers and carcinogens, are pumped into the sub-aquifer rock.

Backflow is released into the area. The potential risk outweighs the benefits of cheaper gas.

Clerk Deborah Massimino, 48, is uncontested for the position of clerk, which she has held since 1998. Massimino has lived in the area for 21 years and has a master’s degree in public administration. She volunteers at the Barry County Commission on Aging.

Why are you seeking this position?

No answer provided.

What skills or experiences can you offer that will be useful to this position?

No answer provided.

What is the most important issue facing the township?

Increased cost to maintain roads and decrease of state shared revenue.

What is your position on hydraulic fracturing (fracking)?

No answer provided.

What steps does local government need to

Deborah Massimino

Mike Timmons

take to improve the local economic climate?

No answer provided.

Many people have moved from the area.

What ideas do you have to reverse this trend?

No answer provided.

What changes would you like to see?

No answer provided.

Trustee James Miller, born in 1946, lives on M-66 in Nashville. He has served two terms as Assyria Township trustee. Miller went to the Michigan State Agricultural College and has

lived in Assyria for 66 years. He is active in church, township, neighborhood and is self-proclaimed local historian.

Why are you seeking this position?

Assyria has had a very conservative board for many years. I wish to continue.

What skills or experiences can you offer that will be useful to this position?

No answer provided.

What is the most important issue facing the town-

ship?

Funding fire equipment, keeping our roads in good condition. Keeping land available for cemeteries.

What is you position on fracking?

Don’t know enough about it.

What steps does local government need to take to improve the local economic climate?

Keep spending under control.

Many people have moved from the area.

What ideas do you have to reverse this trend?

No answer provided.

Lions’ Rushford earns her third trip to the State Finals Jessica Rushford will hope the third time is the charm.

The Maple Valley senior is making her third appearance in the Division 3 State Finals this Saturday at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn after a ninth-place finish at her team’s regional meet in Jackson last Saturday.

Rushford finished her regional race at Sharp Park in 20 minutes 13.1 seconds.

She was 101st at the state finals as a sophomore, and moved up to 59th last year. The top 30 earn medals and all-state honors.

The top 15 runners and top three teams from regional races around the state last weekend qualified for the state finals.

Jackson Lumen Christi took the girls’ Division 3 Regional championship in Jackson, finishing with just 37 points.

Hanover-Horton was second with 46, followed by Hillsdale 99, Napoleon 126, Quincy 131, Olivet 152, Leslie 161, Maple Valley 234, Bronson 256 and Union City 264.

Behind Rushford for the Lion ladies’ team, Emma McGlocklin was 57th in 23:31.9, McKayla Lamance 59th in 23:56.1, Elizabeth Wetzel 70th in 26:14.2 and Lynzie Trumble 71st in 26:21.8.

Hanover-Horton’s Megan Hubbard was the individual champion in 18:49.0. Hillsdale’s

Madeline Richards was a ways back in second place, finishing with a time of 19:07.9.

Jackson Lumen Christi had five runners among the top 13, led by Aubrey Penn’s thirdplace time of 19:19.7. Her Titan teammate Caitlin Clark was fourth in 19:23.8.

Maple Valley’s boys were eighth, just like the girls, but with far fewer points.

Lumen Christi won the boys’ title too, with 38 points, followed by Hanover-Horton 119, Napoleon 120, Jonesville 127, Quincy 131, Leslie 142, Bronson 179, Maple Valley 179, Hillsdale 213, Michigan Center 217, Union City 262, East Jackson 345 and Olivet 369.

Andrew Brighton led the Lion boys, placing 23rd in 17:51.0. Austin Rood was 29th in 18:06.9, Micah Bromley 35th in 18:19.5, Kyle Brumm 43rd in 18:34.4 and Sam Benedict 49th in 18:57.8.

Hanover-Horton’s Bryce Stroede was the individual champion in 16:17.3.

Like Hubbard in the girls’ race, Stroede had a good lead at the end. Hillsdale’s Zach Hardway was second in 16:38.3, edging Lumen Christi’s Karl Berkemeier at the line.

Berkemeier finished in 16:38.9.

Berkemeier’s teammate Charlie Ludlow was fourth in 16:47.4. Lumen Christi had four in the top ten and five in the top 14 in the boys’ race.

Hastings Police were dispatched Friday, Oct. 26, to the Hastings Post Office regarding a political protest being conducted on the sidewalk by a couple identifying themselves as Livonia residents and members of the LaRouche party.

Alan Egre, 29, and Ema Reuter, 26, told the Banner that they have been traveling nationwide this political season to use party founder Lyndon LaRouche’s economic and social positions as a protest against the administra-

The dirt on Sandy

by Sandra Ponsetto Sunday, while Hurricane Sandy was threatening to tear up the Eastern Seaboard, leaving a wake of destruction, this Sandy wasn’t leaving much of a wake, chugging my way through Pennock Health Service’s new fundraiser for the Barry County United Way, the Dirty Dozen — a mini-mud run, featuring 12 obstacles.

But, that which doesn’t kill us leaves us with some good stories to tell.

“Well, I think this sounds like we need a first-hand account,” said Banner and Reminder editor Doug Vanderlaan, grinning.

It was Monday before last, and I had just volunteered to write the promotional story on the mud run for the Oct. 27 Reminder.

“You know I can’t run,” I said.

It’s true; I can’t run.

“It’s more than just running — you get to climb stuff. You to crawl in the mud,” countered Doug, grinning wider. “You can crawl through mud.”

I couldn’t argue with that. As a mom, I’ve had a lot of experience with crawling and with various sticky substances, mud being far from the worst.

“Okay,” I said. “If Fred puts up the entry fee, I’ll do it and write a column about it.”

“You will?” asked Doug, obviously surprised that I had actually taken the bait.

“Sure. Why not?” I said. “I can’t really run, and it won’t be pretty; but I’ll do it. All I have to do is finish it. They say the things you regret the most aren’t the things you do, but the things that you don’t.”

It sounded good when I said I said it; but, I have to admit that over the next few days, I had more than a few moments of trepidation. When I told Doug I couldn’t run, I meant it, literally. An auto accident when I was 19 resulted in broken ankle that effectively ended my running days. The most vigorous exercise I’ve had in recent years was chasing an 8-year old boy around the stage at DeVos Performance Hall during Opera Grand Rapids’ production of “La Boheme,” in May. Nor was I under the illusion that I could transform myself from a spud to stud in just six days, especially since these last two weeks I have spent most of my evenings at the opera company rehearsing for the upcoming production of “Samson and Delilah” where, as a supernumerary, I spend most of my time waiting in the wings for a few minutes of stage time when I would mime such vigorous activities as wailing, moaning and pleading as a Hebrew slave and brushing Delilah’s hair, lighting a torch at the altar and carrying the sacrificial knife to the altar of Dagon as a Philistine priestess.

It’s not exactly strenuous stuff. The hardest thing I have to do in this production is getting off the floor after kneeling for 10 minutes.

The fact that I find getting off the floor difficult these days should have been a warning; but, I’ve never been one to pay much attention to warnings.

As I stood shivering in the cold at the starting line Sunday at the top of an 80-foot homemade slip-n-slide ending in a murky

pool of icy-looking water and looked out over the rest of the course — measuring a mile and studded with fences, head-high hay bales, tires and various other obstacles to crawl over, under and through — it suddenly looked a lot longer than it had from the road when I drove by earlier in the week.

I hate to admit it, but Doug was right; I can crawl through mud. In fact, that was probably one of the easiest parts of the course for me. The plastic-covered hay bales? Not so much. After several attempts to get over the first of two, my co-worker Julie Makarewicz who, with my husband and youngest daughter, followed me around the course to document every mud-soaked minute, offered to get me a ladder.

Although early in the course, at that point I was beginning to think that a crane and a winch was about the only thing that was going to get me over the bale. Still, after a few more attempts, I managed to clamber to the top of both bales, sliding, or rather oozing, over the second like a slug on a Coke bottle.

I was huffing, puffing and wheezing, but I also smiling through the whole course. I enjoyed the good-natured raillery from Julie and my family and the humor and hearty encouragement from all the volunteers along the course. Besides the specter of my daughter posting the entire thing on YouTube hash- tagged, “Mom’s Epic Fail,” the jokes and encouragement were what kept me plugging along, even as I was tempted to make a break for my car and drive home for a nice steaming mug of hot chocolate liberally spiked with Bailey’s.

I didn’t get an official time because I switched from the 23rd wave, which was slated to start at 4:20 that afternoon, to the second because I had to get to cleaned up and get to opera rehearsal by 6:30 p.m. But, my daughter, who video taped every second said it took me exactly 20 minutes and 45 seconds.

Obviously, it wasn’t the fastest time posted Sunday afternoon, but I was satisfied. I met my goal — which was to finish and not get lapped by anyone in the third, or any subsequent, wave.

Later that night as I sat warm and dry in the darkness of the wings at DeVos hall waiting for my cue, I thought with satisfaction of another challenge met — even if it is just giving up my couch-potato ways for an afternoon. I also remembered that it was almost 10 years ago to the day that I, a basic introvert and theater neophyte, auditioned to become a super at the opera and never looked back. You never know what will happen when you try something new.

I talked to mud run organizer Jon Anderson Tuesday morning, and he said t approximately 360 people of all ages participated in the inaugural event and there are plans to hold the event again next year.

Will I do it again? You bet. I was cold. I was wet. I was muddy and I was wheezing; but I was also having fun and it was all for a good cause. And, as I said earlier, what doesn’t kill you makes for a good story, and I love to tell stories.

LHS girls knock off DeWitt for CAAC Gold Cup victory

Politics comes to Hastings on Friday with a demonstration conducted by members of the LaRouche movement outside the Hastings Post Office.

Political protest blocks sidewalks outside Hastings Post Office

Hastings Banner reporter Sandra Ponsetto slithers over an obstacle on the Dirty Dozen course Sunday afternoon. (Photo by Julie Makarewicz)

Hastings Assistant Police Chief Jeff Pratt (left) explains to political protesters Alan Egre (left) and Ema Reuter that, because their demonstration is obstructing the sidewalk outside the Hastings Post Office, they will have to move.

tion of President Barack Obama.

LaRouche, of New Hampshire, is best known as a longtime political activitist who has run for president eight times and has espoused warnings of financial crisis and conspiracy theories.

Hastings police received reports that Egre and Reuter were allegedly harassing customers as they were walking in and out of the post office. When police arrived and spoke with the couple, they noticed a table that had

been set up on the sidewalk and also a large standing sign. Officers informed the protestors they would have to remove the table and signs from the sidewalk. They did so without incident and left the area.

Hastings Police Department reminds the public that they do have the right to a peaceful demonstration, however, city ordinance prohibits obstruction of any part of sidewalks.

The Vikings swept through the best volleyball teams in the Lansing Area without dropping a single set.

Lakewood’s varsity volleyball team won the second annual CAAC Gold Cup championship by scoring a 25-23, 25-13, 25-14 victory at DeWitt Tuesday.

“The team adapted to a DeWitt team with a different line-up than what we faced (earlier in the season). The girls made the changes to finish them off in the last two sets,” said Lakewood head coach Kellie Rowland.

Emily Kutch led the Vikings with 23 kills, 15 digs, seven service points and an ace.

Olivia Davis had ten kills, six blocks, eight digs and three aces.

Beth Tingley was the Viking leader in digs with 19, and added two kills.

Viking setter Brooke Wieland had 37 assists, as well as five kills and two blocks.

Lakewood also had Jordan Kietzman add nine digs, nine service points and three aces.

Karly Morris chipped in six digs.

Rowland said that Charlie Smith was the team’s unsung hero f the night, “doing so many good things that allowed others to play even better.” Smith finished with three digs, three assists and two kills.

The Viking coach added that there was a great atmosphere, with the Lakewood student body, parents and supporters there to cheer on the team.

“It is their commitment of support and energy that encourages us to play with Viking pride,” Rowland said.

Lakewood opened play in the Class B state tournament by topping Hastings 3-0 in a district opener at Wayland Union High School Tuesday. The Vikings will face the host Wildcats in the district semifinal tonight at 5 p.m. The winner of that contest advances to the district final, which will be played Saturday at 10 a.m.

Page 18 — Thursday, November 1, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

Thornapple Kellogg has county’s best XC teams

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor There were gloves, mittens, sweatshirts, Under Armour, head bands, stocking caps ...

Hastings’ Ariel Moore ran the race with a hat that looked like a cross between a polar bear and a sock monkey on her head.

Delton Kellogg varsity cross country coach Dale Grimes joked with one of his girls after the race that she looked like she was wearing one of those puffy sumo suits because of the layers of clothing underneath her uniform.

It was cold. It was windy. And for many of the runners it was just about fun and finishing off the 2012 cross country season at the Barry County Invitational which was hosted and won by Thornapple Kellogg Monday afternoon. The Trojan boys’ and girls’ teams won the county’s team titles.

Hastings’ junior Trista Straube looked like she had a little more than fun on her mind as she pulled away from Thornapple Kellogg’s Melissa Winchester over the final few hundred meters to win the girls’ individual championship.

She finished in 20 minutes 8.3 seconds, while Winchester was second in 20:20.4.

Winchester and the Thornapple Kellogg girls will be running at the Division 2 State Finals in Brooklyn Saturday, but for Straube this was the last race of her season after placing 16th at their Division 2 Regional, which was hosted by Carson City-Crystal Saturday.

The top 15 there earned spots in the state finals, as well as the top three teams.

The top seven finishers earned All-Barry County First Team honors Monday, while the second seven finishers earned honorable mention All-Barry County.

Straube and Winchester were the first two of five girls to finish in under 21 minutes on the winding course between the Thornapple Kellogg High School and Middle School.

Maple Valley’s Jessica Rushford, a state qualifier in Division 3, was third in 20:38.8, while TK had Casey Lawson fourth in 20:48.3 and Olivia Lamberg fifth in 20:58.1.

Moore broke up a big Trojan pack, placing sixth in 21:27.7.

TK’s Janie Noah earned the final first team all-county spot, placing seventh in 21:34.7.

She had teammates finish eighth, ninth and tenth behind her. Shelbi Shepherd was eighth in 21:47.9, Taylor Ward ninth in 22:12.4 and Bryn Beyer tenth in 22:16.3.

The final four all-county honorable mention award winners were Delton Kellogg’s

The Thornapple Kellogg boys’ and girls’ cross country teams celebrate their 2012 Barry County Invitational championships together after scoring wins Monday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) and Anna Zuver 46th in 29:40.

The county’s only individual state qualifier in Division 2, David Walter from Thornapple Kellogg, won the boys’ race in 18:15.0 - leading throughout the entire race.

Hastings had Ronnie Collins second in 18:18.6, Chance Miller third in 18:28.8 and Jake Miller fifth in 18:51.0, but couldn’t get the fourth and fifth scores it need to top the Trojans.

TK’s boys finished with 39 points.

Hastings was second with 42, followed by Maple Valley 61, Delton Kellogg 98 and Lakewood 108.

Delton Kellogg’s Jarryd Calhoun, an individual state qualifier in Division 3, broke up the Saxons’ top pack with his fourth-place time of 18:41.8.

Delton Kellogg’s Jarryd Calhoun races to the finish line during the Barry County Meet Monday afternoon in Middleville.

(Photo by Brett Bremer) Andrew Brighton who was 18th in 19:59.

Behind the two seniors, Calhoun and Haas, for Delton were Jacob Morgan 26th in 21:13, Dylan Kelley 27th in 21:29 and Alex Stevens 28th in 21:38.

Lakewood had Nolan Stoepker finish 20th in 20:30, Tyler McDiarmid 21st in 20:31, Traviss Wilkerson 22nd in 20:33 and Ben Wakely 35th in 22:49.

TK girls are Brooklyn bound

The Saxons’ Jacob Pratt nears the finish line at the end of the Barry County Invitational in Middleville Monday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

The Saxons’ Rachel Rimer races along at the start of the second mile during the Barry County Invitational Monday. (Photo

by Brett Bremer)

The rest of the first team all-county performers were from Maple Valley. Austin Rood was sixth in 18:51.6 and Micah Bromley seventh in 18:56.8.

Thornapple Kellogg had the first four honorable mention all-county performers, with Conor Leach eighth in 19:02.9, Joe Gaikema ninth in 19:04.9, Austin LaVire tenth in 19:10.6 and Daniel Vannette 11th in 19:11.2.

Lakewood’s Daniel Sauers was 12th in 19:12.0, Delton Kellogg’s Zach Haas 13th in 19:14.5 and Maple Valley’s Sam Benedict 14th in 19:19.0.

Behind the top three for Hastings, Jacob Pratt was 15th in 19:25 and Garrett Bowers 17th in 19:39.

Just missing awards for the Lions were Kyle Brumm who was 16th in 19:33 and

Christi Boze who was 11th in 22:20.8, Hastings’ Rachel Rimer who was 12th in 22:21.2, Thornapple Kellogg’s Morgan McNutt who was 13th in 22:37.7 and Hastings’ Maria Palacio who was 14th in 22:54.7.

McNutt was honorable mention all-county, but didn’t score for her team. TK’s girls finished with 26 points. Hastings was second with 46, followed by Delton Kellogg 89, Maple Valley 89 and Lakewood NTS. Hastings’ fifth scorer was Olivia Rose, who was 16th in 23:13.

Behind Boze for Delton, which is going to the state finals in Division 3 as a team, Sammi Cleary was 18th in 23:43, Megan Grimes 23rd in 24:37, Marcie Stevens 32nd in 25:45 and Liz Jackson 37th in 26:53.

Maple Valley had Emma McGlocklin 22nd in 24:20, McKayla Lamance 24th in 24:39, Lynzie Trumble 35th in 26:31 and Ivy Braden 42nd in 28:04.

Lakewood had just four runners, with Olivia Loutham leading the way with her 26th-place time of 24:54. Brooke Stahl was 31st in 25:09, Holly Leonard 44th in 28:34

Thornapple Kellogg’s Melissa Winchester (front from left) and Olivia Lamberg and Delton Kellogg’s Christi Boze and Megan Grimes work to stay in front of the pack at the start of the Barry County Invitational Monday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

The Trojans were hoping to be third in the days and weeks leading up to Saturday’s Division 2 Regional Meet hosted by Carson City-Crystal at the Fish Creek Sportsman’s Club.

The top three teams from regionals across the state last weekend earned spots in this coming Saturday’s State Finals, at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn.

“We were thinking it’s going to be tough, but we’re going to go for it,” said Thornapple Kellogg varsity girls’ cross country coach Tammy Benjamin.

She changed her mind right before the race.

“I got up Saturday and I said ‘no, we’re just going to go for it,’” she said. “We are not worrying about third, we are going to go.”

And go the Trojans did, fast enough to earn a runner-up finish and a spot in the Division 2 State Finals. They beat two teams, Forest Hills Northern and DeWitt, who were ranked among the top ten teams in the state in their division.

“I was never so happy to be second in my entire life,” Benjamin said.

Forest Hills Eastern took the day’s championship, scoring just 50 points thanks in part to senior Clara Cullen who was the day’s individual champion with a time of 18 minutes 21.9 seconds.

Thornapple Kellogg won the tight race for third with 90 points. Forest Hills Northern

Thornapple Kellogg’s Casey Lawson races towards the finish line at the end of Saturday’s Division 2 Regional Meet hosted by Carson City-Crystal. (Photo

by Julie Makarewicz)

Thornapple Kellogg’s Conor Leach, (front from left) Danielle Vanette, and David Walter break out of the chute at the start of Saturday’s Division 2 Regional Meet hosted by Carson City-Crystal. (Photo by Julie Makarewicz) was third with 95 points, while DeWitt finished with 100 points. DeWitt’s top two runners will get to go to the finals, thanks to their top 15 individual finishes.

While the DeWitt team just missed a spot in the state finals, so too did Hastings junior Trista Straube. An individual qualifier a year ago, Straube was one spot short just like the Panthers, finishing 16th in 19:27.5.

Thornapple Kellogg’s Casey Lawson filled the final spot for individual qualifiers, finishing 15th in 19:22.2 Melissa Winchester led the Trojans in fourth place with a time of 18:59.3.

TK also had Olivia Lamberg 20th in 19:41.1, Janie Noah 23rd in 20:01.1 and Shelbi Shepherd 26th in 20:23.7.

“Those top five ran their fastest times of the year,” Benjamin said. “They ran the best race of the year. They were passing kids.

They ran smart races.”

“I can pinpoint three, four different kids that passed people all at the end. Third we looked good, but second they ran well. I was very proud of them and I’ve seen a lot.

We’ve had a lot of success, but this is a team that really deserved to go and it was just cool to see them make it out of a region that was that strong.”

St. Johns was fifth in the team standings with 136 points, followed by Ionia 153, Belding 183, Mt. Pleasant 199, Hastings 253, Alma 262, Comstock Park 264, Wayland 335, Midland Bullock Creek 343 and Lakewood 452.

Behind Straube for Hastings, Ariel Moore was 36th in 20:41.0, Rachel Rimer 56th in 21:30.7, Maria Palacio 71st in 22:19.0 and Olivia Rose 74th in 22:40.8.

Lakewood had Olivia Louthan 86th in 24:12.4, Lindsey Tooker 88th in 24:16.1,

Mycah Ridder 91st in 24:42.1, Anja Gimse 92nd in 24:42.3 and Brooke Stahl 95th in 25:09.1.

Thornapple Kellogg junior David Walter was in Straube’s place a year ago, although he has never run in the state finals before. He will now after moving up from a 16th-place regional finish to a 15th-place regional finish this season. He finished the race in 16:51.9, coming in a few seconds ahead of the 16th place runner.

He’ll be the only boy running in the Division 2 State Finals from the area.

Forest Hills Northern took the regional title with 77 points. Ionia was second with 78, followed by St. Johns 110, Forest Hills Eastern 112, Alma 121, Belding 129, DeWitt 176, Midland Bullock Creek 191, Thornapple Kellogg 241, Wayland 253, Mt. Pleasant 257, Hastings 287, Lakewood 420 and Comstock Park 433.

Behind Walter for TK, Austin Lavire was 41st in 17:46.1, Daniel Vannette 48th in 18:00.3, Conor Leach 66th in 18:40.9 and Joe Gaikema 71st in 18:48.0.

Hastings was led by Chance Miller’s 39th-place time of 17:43.0. Ronnie Collins was 46th in 17:55.8, Jake Miller 61st in 18:25.6, Jacob Pratt 67th in 18:45.4 and Brandon Gray 74th in 18:58.8.

Daniel Sauers led Lakewood, finishing a little behind Gray. He was 77th in 19:10.4.

The Vikings also had Traviss Wilkerson 81st in 19:32.8, Tyler McDiarmid 85th in 19:54.2, Ben Wakely 86th in 19:59.9 and Nolan Stoepker 91st in 20:39.8.

Forest Hills Eastern’s Mowgli Crosby won the individual regional title in 15:59.9.

Ionia had the next two finishers, with Brice Brown second in 16:09.6 and Brandon Winter third in 16:09.8.

The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 1, 2012 — Page 19

Delton Kellogg girls qualify for State Finals once again

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Delton Kellogg girls extended their streak.

The Panther varsity girls’ cross country team will take part in the Division 3 State Finals at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) in Brooklyn Saturday thanks to their third-place finish at last Saturday’s Division 3 Regional Meet at Portage West Middle School.

“It’s a big deal for these girls,” said Delton Kellogg cross country coach Dale Grimes.

“Some of them it will be their third time at state with the team because this is their third consecutive year, so that’s exciting. It’s exciting to keep that going another year.”

They’ll be joined at MIS by senior Jarryd Calhoun from the boys’ team, who is an individual state qualifier for first time thanks to his 15th-place finish Saturday. The top three

teams and top 15 individuals from regional meets across the state last weekend earned spots in the state finals.

Hopkins won the girls’ team title Saturday with 42 points. Hartford was second with 93 points and the Delton Kellogg girls third with 94 points.

“Kind of knew we could end up either second or fourth there, because it was going to be pretty tight,” Grimes said. “Sure enough, it was one point between us and Hartford who was second. So, it did kind of play out. We were hoping for second at least, but we had Hopkins at our invitational so we saw them already this season and knew that they were loaded.”

Hopkins’ top five all would have been individual state qualifiers, as they all finished in the top 14. Rachael Weber led the way for the Vikings, winning the individual regional championship in 19 minutes 10 seconds.

Senior Christi Boze would have been the only state qualifier for Delton Kellogg. She was sixth in 20:24.1. Teammates Sarah Rendon and Sammi Cleary were just outside the top 15. Rendon was 18th in 21:48.5 and Cleary 19th in 22:00.5.

Grimes was especially pleased with the way Rendon was able to finish.

“I would say a vast majority of the season she’s been suffering and dealing with her back. So, she hasn’t been training like she should and conditioning like she should, trying to reduce impact on her back and here she steps up. She didn’t think she ran well, but I was really pleased with how she ran. For not training at all like she should and struggling with that back, I thought she did great.”

Delton also had Megan Grimes 31st in 22:47.7 and Marcie Stevens 33rd in 22:51.4.

Cleary ran her best time of the season, as did Danielle Morse who was 37th in 23:00.8.

“It’s good to see those girls working hard as a team, and ultimately earning a spot in the state finals,” Grimes said.

Calhoun has been working hard too.

“I think Jarryd watched what Zach (Haas) has done the past couple years training-wise.

Jarryd has always been a very strong competitor. Track season he ran sub-5 minute miles a few times. That built his confidence a ton. He started practicing, training a little bit harder, a little extra. Kind of like what he has seen Zach do in the past, and everything started coming together.”

Both of them are seniors who are dealing with injuries a bit late in the season here. It slowed Haas enough Saturday that he finished 40th in 18:56.0.

“So, Zach gets to see Jarryd go to state. It’s his first time. Zach has been to state a couple times, freshman and sophomore year, but it’s frustrating I know for him to be missing out

on that as a senior and not competing with guys he should be competing with in these big races.”

Delton also had Dylan Kelley 71st in 20:24.5, Alex Stevens 76th in 20:42.3 and Brock Mueller 81st in 21:11.5.

Schoolcraft’s Zach Wehner won the regional title, in 16:28.4. Bridgman’s Cameron Bredice was second in 16:39.0.

The team title went to Watervliet, which had the third, fourth and sixth place individual finishers. Watervliet finished with 45 points.

Schoolcraft earned a spot in teh state finals with 84 points as did Bangor which finished with 107.

Berrien Springs was fourth with 142 points, followed by Bridgman 167, Hartford 181, Constantine 184, Brandywine 207, Comstock 242, Hopkins 265, Coloma 276, Delton Kellogg 277, Parchment 292, Bloomingdale 320 and Fennville 362.

DK seniors, coach see prep careers end

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor An attack by senior Alisha Vanderwoude floated long, and that was that.

After four straight seasons of winning the Kalamazoo Valley Association, and a runnerup finish this fall with the Panthers’ only losses coming to Schoolcraft, it was another KVA foe that ended Delton Kellogg’s varsity volleyball season on the first night of the Class C state tournament.

Kalamazoo Christian outlasted the Panthers 18-25, 25-21, 19-25, 25-21, 15-13 in a district opening match at Hackett Catholic Central that didn’t end until well after 10 p.m.

Monday.

“It looked like (Vanderwoude) was going to carry us there at the end, and then the last ball was ... you know,” said Delton Kellogg head coach Jack Magelssen.

That one last attack, and a few others, missed their mark, but Vanderwoude finished the night with 30 kills. She was also second on the team with 26 digs and added three aces.

She certainly did carry her team throughout

Delton Kellogg head coach Jack Magelssen (right) looks on from the end of the bench late in the fifth set of his team’s 3-2 loss to Kalamazoo Christian in the Class C District Opener at Hackett Catholic Central Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

Delton Kellogg senior Rachel Parker (center back) tries to get her team fired up before the start of its fifth set against Kalamazoo Christian in the Class C District Opener at Hackett Catholic Central Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

the evening, and at the end of the third set.

With the Comets and Panthers tied one set each, and tied 19-19 in the third set, Vanderwoude blasted four kills among the final six points in the Panthers’ 25-19 win.

Senior Rachel Parker and sophomore Hannah Phommavongsa had huge digs for the Delton team during that run, and freshman setter Hannah Walker was solid throughout the night.

“I thought Rachel Parker played her butt off. She did everything she could to will us to win,” Magelssen said.

The Delton coach said it was some of the best volleyball he’d seen from his team.

“In the third game, where we hustled and fought. We haven’t done that all year, flying around the court fighting. We saw that at least. A positive, because we haven’t done it all year.”

Kalamazoo Christian responded to that flurry by the Panthers by taking a 9-2 lead early in the fourth set. Delton clawed its way back into the set, eventually trailing just 2221, but a Panther serve went into the net and

The Panthers’ Hannah Phommavongsa passes the ball late in the first set of her team’s 3-2 loss to Kalamazoo Christian in the Class C District Opener at Hackett Catholic Central Monday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) then the Comets’ Allison VandenBerg blasted kills to put the set away for her team.

Delton trailed again in the fifth set, 9-5, but rallied to take a 13-12 lead before the Comets scored the final three points.

Stephanie VanderLugt led Kalamazoo Christian with 14 kills, seven blocks and two aces. VandenBerg finished with 13 kills.

Kalamazoo Christian was slated to face Lawton in the district semifinals last night.

Delton got 14 kills and five solo blocks from Faith Ferris. Walker finished with 49 assists. Parker had a team-high 31 digs, and Phommavongsa added 23. Kanoelani Chaffee had four aces, and Walker had three.

Delton Kellogg seniors Vanderwoude, Parker, Sarah Cleven and Hayleigh Sexton

aren’t the only ones who finished out their high school careers Monday. Magelssen said he is done coaching.

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

The Panthers were 29-22 this season, upping Magelssen’s win total to 1,832 for his career. He guided Portage Northern to ten Class A state championships, and two runnerup finishes, before coming to Delton Kellogg in 2005.

He led the Delton girls to their first ever district and conference victories, as well as a trip to the state championship match in 2009 and the state semifinals in 2011.

TK girls start fast, but have to rally for win over Portland

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Trojans were fired up.

Molly Lark knocked two aces in her first run at the service line. Jessica Ziccarello and Sydney LeMay were pounding down sets from teammate Alaina Pohl.

Thornapple Kellogg’s varsity volleyball team led Portland 4-1 in the first set of its Class B District Opener at Wayland Union High School Tuesday. The Trojans pushed that lead to 15-5, and eventually won the first set 25-13. They couldn’t sustain that level of play though, and wound up needing to rally to avoid going to five sets with the Raiders.

They found themselves in a battle, which they won 25-13, 25-20, 22-25, 25-23.

“I thought our first game was great,” said Thornapple Kellogg head coach Patty Pohl.

“The second game we really lost momentum and they came back. I said on the sidelines we lost momentum, you’ve got to go out fired up.

You’ve got to be aggressive and all that.”

The Trojans weren’t able to come out that way in the third set, and Portland took advantage. Although, the Raiders never got too far ahead. The set was tied 22-22, before Portland won it. The Raiders got some big kills from Mae Johnson and Alexa Kaiser in that set, and solid play all evening from setter Nicole Green.

The Raiders did carry some momentum from the third set win into the fourth set. They took an early 9-5 lead, but that’s when Ziccarello and LeMay really started to find their groove hitting the ball again.

“Sydney was pushing everything, and honestly the whole night Jessica Ziccarello she was just awesome,” coach Pohl said. “I mean, she’s so consistent with her one error every time. She’s something else.”

Eventually, Ziccarello blasted a kill to make it 10-8 in favor of Portland. Ziccarello

and LeMay paired up for a block to win another point. LeMay pounded a kill for an 11-10 TK lead. Nicole Schondelmayer scored an ace. Then LeMay hit a kill off the face of a Portland defender and pounded another to the floor. A run of seven straight points put TK up 14-10.

LeMay finished with 16 kills and Ziccarello had 13. LeMay also had seven blocks.

From there the fourth game was back and forth. Portland managed to tie it up at 14-14.

Neither team led by more than two points the rest of the way.

A back row attack by Portland crashed into the net to finally clinch the win for TK. “I hate that part of volleyball,” coach Pohl said. “I hate the ups and downs and all of that, but I’m glad they pulled it off.”

Alaina Pohl finished with 45 assists for the

Thornapple Kellogg’s Crystal Smith slides across the floor to get to the ball as teammate Alaina Pohl looks on during the first set of the Trojans’ 3-1 win over Portland in the Class B District Opener at Wayland Union High School Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

Trojans. Lark had a team-high 21 digs.

Schondelmayer finished with seven kills as well as five blocks. TK also got nine digs from Jessica Morgan.

The Trojans will take on Ionia in the sec-

ond of two district semifinals in Wayland today, with Lakewood meeting Wayland in the first beginning at 5 p.m.

The district championship game is slated for 10 a.m. Saturday.

Thornapple Kellogg’s Jessica Ziccarello (5) races back from the net to celebrate with teammates (from left) Molly Lark, Crystal Smith and Jessica Morgan after a kill that gave her team the chance to serve for the match late in the fourth set Tuesday against Portland. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

Page 20 — Thursday, November 1, 2012 — The Hastings Banner

No games, practices left for Saxons this season

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor Junior Zach McMahon stood in the north end zone, helmet off, with a grimace on his face staring across Baum Stadium at Johnson Field.

His senior teammate Eric Hart shared one last on-field hug with Hastings varsity football coach Fred Rademacher as their teammates flooded past them towards the locker room.

“I’m proud of them,” said Rademacher.

“They’re a great group of guys. They played hard until the end. It’s one of those sad realities of the playoffs. They’re cool, they’re great, but there is only one team in Division 3 that’s going to end up happy on the night of their last game.”

Hastings running back Stephen Shaffer takes a moment by himself on the sideline late in Friday’s Division 3 Pre-District loss to Plainwell. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

Hastings running back Jon French gets by Plainwell’s Jason McCauslin during a third-quarter run around the right side Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

“The thing I’m most disappointed in is that we don’t get to come out and practice again next week. They’re a great group of guys. We have fun at practice. We’ve enjoyed it. That’s the thing that’s going to hurt the most to me, not being able to be around them out on the football field.”

Plainwell ended Hastings’ 2012 football season with a 35-16 victory over the Saxons in a Division 3 Pre-District contest in Hastings Friday.

The Trojans did it with a combination of hay-makers and body blows. Plainwell’s Homer Roblyer returned the opening kick-off 87 yards for a touchdown. The next time his team go the ball it drove 86 yards in 21 plays, finishing off an 11 minute 19 second drive with a 1-yard touchdown plunge by quarterback Grant Pell. Extra-point kicks by Graham Hubbell had the Trojans up 14-0, and they led the rest of the evening.

Plainwell got big plays to start each half.

The Trojans led 21-8 at the half, and quickly pushed its lead to 28-8 when the Saxons fumbled the second-half kickoff. The Trojans scored three plays later on a 17-yard touchdown run by fullback Anthony Davis.

“That was huge. That was huge,” said Plainwell head coach Darren Conklin. “So many times you come out and I think the kids, both sides, are nervous and it’s a punch in the gut. It just is. We’ve had it both ways. Tonight you couldn’t draw it up any better.”

Conklin said he’d never even heard of anything like his team’s 21-play scoring drive happening before, let alone his own team pulling something like that off.

The Saxons felt a little bit like the Trojans had taken a page out of their playbook.

“Offensively, they just got people there,” Rademacher said. “They controlled the line of scrimmage. They did to us what we do to people generally. 15-play drives. We couldn’t get our defense off the field, and it’s tough to win when that happens.”

Plainwell finished the night with 306 yards on the ground. Ryan Britton had 33 rushes for 210 yards, and found a lot of success for a time taking pitches from Pell and racing to the outside. Pell was just 1-of-1 passing, but that one was a 17-yard touchdown pass to Tyler White with just 3.5 seconds left in the first half.

The Trojans moved 68 yards in six plays to get the final points of the first half, answering a 16-yard touchdown pass from Hastings’ Chase Huisman to Kenny Cross. Jon French added the two-point run after that first Saxon score.

Hastings’ Kenny Cross (right) knocks down Plainwell running back Ryan Britton at the end of a run early in the third quarter Friday during the Division 3 Pre-District contest inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field in Hastings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings managed 213 yards on the ground. Stephen Shaffer had 23 carries for 124 yards, and scored the Saxons’ second touchdown. Shaffer’s 20-yard touchdown run pulled the Saxons’ within 28-16 two and a half minutes into the second half, after Cross’ two-point run.

A fumble and a pair of interceptions ended the final three Saxon drives, two of them

inside the Plainwell 30-yard line.

Huisman finished 3-of-6 passing for 29 yards.

French led the Saxon defense with 11 tackles, and Cross had seven.

Plainwell advances to the District Final Friday night, where it will visit Harper Creek who beat Charlotte 35-21 to start the tournament.

Saxon spikers one and done

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Saxon sophomore setter Erin Goggins gets in position to pass the ball during her team’s Class B District Opener against Lakewood Tuesday in Wayland.

(Photo by Brett Bremer)

Hastings junior Becky Barnard passes a Lakewood serve during the third set of her team’s Class B District Opener at Wayland Union High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer)

by Brett Bremer Sports Editor Hastings sophomore setter Erin Goggins saw the tears coming and jumped over the row of folding chairs which comprised the Saxon bench at Wayland Union High School Tuesday.

“Don’t cry. It was a good season,” she said as she embraced senior teammate Nikki Redman.

“It was a winning season.”

Somebody had to start the postseason against No. 1, and that somebody was Hastings. The Saxon varsity volleyball team fell 25-5, 25-15, 25-12 to Lakewood in the Class B District Opener in Wayland.

Despite the rough end to the season, it was a good one for the Saxons. Their 28 wins puts them among the winningest varsity volleyball teams ever at Hastings. They just weren’t any match for one of the best teams ever from Lakewood The Vikings won the first six points in the opening set, and pushed the lead to 18-1 before Saxon senior Christine Maurer knocked her team’s second kill of the match.

“I think the first game, it’s mental,” said Hastings head coach Val Slaughter of the slow start. “They know they’re going up against the number one team in the state.

They know it’s their last game. My seniors are upset about that. They kind of got over it that second and third game, and they played a little bit better.”

Lakewood head coach Kellie Rowland said she knew the Saxons were better than they

The Saxons’ Corrie Osterink (left) and Grace Bosma (right) go up to try and block an attack by Lakewood’s Emily Kutch during the first set of their Class B District Opener at Wayland Union High School Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) showed in that opening set, but was really focused on keeping her team up for the rest of the match.

“You have to try to keep them pumped and keep them going. Jordan (Kietzman) at one point had tears in her eyes, probably because she’s so pumped and couldn’t get it released in any other way,” Rowland said.

Lakewood led the second set 5-1 and the third 6-1. In that third set though, the Saxons were able to battle back. They tied the set at 6-6, and were down just 10-8 later on after a Viking serve went into the net. The Vikings though pulled away from there.

“They cover everything,” Slaughter said. “I think we had what, six kills and maybe four or five aces. They just cover everything. They’re all over on the floor. They’re a very good team. Have to give them props for that.”

Beth Tingley led the Vikings in digs with 16, and added six aces.

“One thing I think we did well was cover every inch of the court. It seemed like there wasn’t much open floor, and Beth did a nice job at that,” Rowland said. “We’ve got to go back, because Thursday is going to be a real contest. We’ve got to be ready. I’m a nervous wreck.”

The Vikings will take on the host Wildcats in the first of two District Semifinals at Wayland Thursday. Thornapple Kellogg, who beat Portland Tuesday, will face Ionia in the

other semifinal.

Emily Kutch led Lakewood with ten kills and 12 digs Tuesday. Olivia Davis and Vanessa Reynhout had five kills each, and Taylor Vantland and Brooke Wieland had four each.

Wieland also had 31 assists.

Davis had four aces and Sunshine Young three. Kietzman chipped in eight digs.

Ally Owen and Corrie Osterink had three kills each for Hastings. Rachel Quillen and Grace Bosma had four blocks each.

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