Monthly Archives: August 2018

Ottawa County Honors Employees for Customer Service

Join us in congratulating Britney Brown from the Ottawa County Department of Public Health and Amy Bodbyl-Mast from Ottawa County Fiscal Services, who have been recognized as Ottawa County’s Outstanding Customer Service Award recipients for the first quarter of 2018. You can read the nominations which earned each recipient an award plus learn more about them at miOttawa.org.

Ottawa County One Step Closer to Acquiring Dune Property Located in Ferrysburg

Project recap:

• In the fall of 2017, the current owner offered to sell the property based on an appraisal of $11.2 million and donate 25% of the land value to serve as match in a grant proposal for $8.4 million to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF).
• In December 2017, the MNRTF Board recommended that a $4.2 million grant be awarded in 2018, with encouragement to submit a phase two grant request for the remaining funds needed in 2019.
• Ottawa County Parks submitted a grant request from the MNRTF for phase two in April 2018. If approved, Ottawa County Parks will be notified in December 2018.
• In June the state grant agreement for phase one (188 acres) was received and approved by Ottawa County.
• The Land Conservancy of West Michigan has agreed to purchase the second parcel of property (157 acres) and hold it until grant funding becomes available in 2019.

If all aspects of the acquisition proceed smoothly, the county will acquire 188 acres of the 345-acre site by August 1 and the Land Conservancy will utilize loan from The Conservation Fund to acquire the remaining 157 acres at the same time. “In order to secure this property for the public the purchase needed to happen in full, but we only have grant funding for just over half of the property at this point. The Land Conservancy really stepped up and for that we are very grateful. Without them, the opportunity to purchase this land would not have been possible,” said John Scholtz, Ottawa County Parks Director.

The loan agreement from The Conservation Fund will cover the approximately 4 million dollar purchase price for the second half of the property. The Land Conservancy will launch a fundraising campaign later this summer to cover costs related to the land acquisition. While the purchase agreement and the loan from the Conservation Fund are significant steps in protecting this property, it will not be permanently secured until the loan is paid off and the fundraising is complete. The land owner has generously offered approximately $1.5 million as a contribution in the project and the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund will look to make a commitment to the project in 2019.

Muskegon County Calendar of Events 08/06 – 08/13/2018

Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.visitmuskegon.org

Monday August 06:

Roll On Muskegon
Mondays, @ 6:30 pm
“Roll on Muskegon” is a fun, community, bicycle ride through the neighborhoods of Muskegon. Bikers meet every Monday at the downtown Muskegon Farmers’ Market. This easy 8 mph, family friendly ride begins at 6:30pm. For more information, find them on Facebook.

Team Trivia Game Show
Mondays @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Mondays at 6:30pm, come to Racquet’s Downtown Grill for the Team Trivia Game Show! Groups of any size are invited to play for free with prizes for the top three teams! Categories range from pop culture and entertainment, to sports, history, science, culture and general knowledge. Your live host will also offer many genres of music throughout the game, plus, you’ll enjoy food and drink specials each week. For more information, call (231) 726-4007.

Team Trivia at Fricano Place
Mondays @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Mondays from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, come to The Hideaway Lounge at Fricano Place for Team Trivia, hosted by Brandon Covell. This is a free event with prizes given to the winning teams! Team Trivia players will get a $3.00 discount on Fricano’s Pizza during the event. For more information, call (231) 722-2600.

Lighthouse Tours
Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays
The Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy is offering tours of the Muskegon South Pierhead Light Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays in June, July and August from 1:00-5:00pm. Additionally, there will be Friday and Saturday night tours from 5:00pm – 8:00pm during the month of July. The cost is $2 – $4. For more information, call 844-MLIGHTS or visit www.muskegonlights.org.

Tuesday, August 07:

Lighthouse Tours: National Lighthouse Day
August 7 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
The Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy is offering tours of the Muskegon South Pierhead Light in honor of National Lighthouse Day! Observed annually on August 7, National Lighthouse Day honors the beacon of light that for hundreds of years symbolized safety and security for ships and boats at sea. At one time, the beacon of light could be found across almost all of America’s shorelines. Hours are 1:00pm – 5:00pm. The cost is $2 – $4. For more information, call 844-MLIGHTS or visit www.muskegonlights.org.

Muskegon Farmers’ Market
Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday @ 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Muskegon Farmers’ Market is more than a market, it’s an experience! The summer market season for 2018 is May – November located at 242 W. Western Ave. For more information, call (231)722-3251 or visit muskegonfarmersmarket.com.

Serene Yoga Beach Series: Hoffmaster State Park
Tuesday and Thursday @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am Serene Yoga will be hosting a Beach Yoga Series June 5 – August 30, Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10:00am – 11:00am at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park! The drop-in rate is $15 or $10 for Michigan residents. For more information please contact Sereneyoga10@gmail.com. In case of inclement weather, call 231-343-8381 or 231-343-8381 for cancellation information. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.

Free Summer Concert Series: Saline Fiddlers
August 7 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Join the Arts Council of White Lake every Tuesday evening at 7:00pm at the Montague Band Shell for the ACWL’s Free Summer Concert Series! In case of inclement weather, concerts will be held at the Montague Area Public Schools Center for the Arts located at Montague High School. For more information, call (231) 893-2524.

Paddle and Pints
August 7 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Paddle Muskegon invites you to join them at Heritage Landing for “Paddle and Pints!” Come enjoy an evening on the working waterfront of Muskegon, followed by some craft beer from Pigeon Hill Brewing Co.! You will have your choice of single or tandem kayak, stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or their giant inflatable Megalodon SUP for an evening cruise. All equipment is provided! The cost is $20 with pre-registration required through Eventbrite. Participants are welcome to bring their own equipment, they just ask for a suggested donation of $5 for the coordination of the event. Ticket sales will end 2 hours prior to the event. For those wanting to register after that please call (616) 745-4287.

Seed to Feed Camp: Chilling and Grilling with Chef Char
August 7 @ 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Tuesday and Thursday, August 7 and 9 from 1:00pm – 3:30pm, bring the kids to Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for “Seed to Feed Camp: Chilling and Grilling with Chef Char!” Chill out with fresh produce purchased directly from the farmers at the Muskegon Farmers Market and make healthy treats for the freezer or the grill. On the first day of cooking camp, participants will also shiver and shake while making their own ice cream, cook fruit smoothies and frozen all-fruit popsicles. On the second day, campers will heat up the grill and make delicious veggie skewers with the freshest and healthiest vegetables from the market and accompany it with creative “camping cuisine” style meals in foil packets. This is a two-day camp for kids ages 7-13. The cost is $70 for both days. For more information, call (231) 769-2202 or visit Eventbrite.com to sign up.

Wednesday August 8

Performances @ The Block: Tim Froncek and Friends
August 8 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Mr. Froncek and a collection of friends will present three evenings of stellar live jazz in the elegant ambiance of The Block. Enjoy these fantastic regional artists while sipping your favorite beverage of choice. Step out onto the rooftop deck after the concert for downtown’s best view of the sunset sunset over Muskegon Lake! Doors and bar open at 7:00pm. Call 231-726-3231 for tickets and more information.

Unity Christian Music Festival
August 8 – August 11
Come to Heritage Landing for Michigan’s premier Christian music festival ! This year’s event features Crowder, for King and Country, MercyMe, Casting Crowns and dozens of others. Plenty of family activities fill the day and evening as well. Tickets, schedules and other information are now available at www.UnityChristianMusicFestival.com

Community Dog Walk
August 8 @ 6:30 pm
Pound Buddies and the Downtown Muskegon Petsafe Bark Park invite anyone and everyone to join their Community Dog Walk! Meet at the Pound Buddies’ Western Market chalet in the sand lot behind the shops on Western Ave. (across from the Farmers Market) Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm through August 29. Everyone will walk to the Downtown Muskegon Petsafe Bark Park where the dogs can play. The walk is one mile long. For details, safety rules and FAQs, find the Petsafe Bark Park on Facebook!

Muskegon Flea Market
Wednesday 8:00am – 2:00pm
The Flea Market (at the Farmers’ market) is located at 242 W. Western Ave. For more information, call (231)722-3251 or visit muskegonfarmersmarket.com.

Cruise-Ins at Fricano Place
Wednesdays @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Cruise-Ins at Fricano Place happen from 5:30pm – 8:00pm every Wednesday evening, weather permitting. Bring your classic car to the parking lot behind Fricano Place, overlooking Muskegon Lake. They welcome all antiques, customs, classic and novelty vehicles! DJ Tom Schalk will be playing your favorite songs. Your favorite beverages, Fricano’s Pizza, as well as ice cream and desserts from Fricano’s Sweet Shoppe will be available for purchase! For more information, call (231) 722-2600

Thursday August 9

Every Brilliant Thing
August 9 @ 7:30 pm – August 11 @ 7:30 pm
Come to the newly renovated Howmet Playhouse for the production of “Every Brilliant Thing” by Duncan Macmillan, with Jonny Donahoe and directed by Natalie Carmolli. You’re six years old. Mum’s in hospital. Dad says she’s “done something stupid.” She finds it hard to be happy. So you start to make a list of everything that’s brilliant about the world. Everything that’s worth living for. (1) Ice cream. (2) Kung Fu movies. (3) Burning things. (4) Laughing so hard you shoot milk out your nose. (5) Construction cranes. (6) Me. You leave it on her pillow. You know she’s read it because she’s corrected your spelling. Soon, the list will take on a life of its own. A play about depression and the lengths we will go to for those we love. For more information, call (231) 894-4048 or visit the website below.

Serene Yoga Beach Series: Hoffmaster State Park
Tuesday and Thursday @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Serene Yoga will be hosting a Beach Yoga Series June 5 – August 30, Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10:00am – 11:00am at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park! The drop-in rate is $15 or $10 for Michigan residents. For more information please contact Sereneyoga10@gmail.com. In case of inclement weather, call 231-343-8381 or 231-343-8381 for cancellation information. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.

Northside Family Fun Fest
August 9 – August 11
The 10th annual Northside Family Fun Fest will take place at Walker Park in North Muskegon from August 9-11 at Walker Park in North Muskegon! This event will feature a parade, art fair, book sale, beer and wine garden and “Taste of the Northside”. The arts & crafts fair will be Saturday only. For more information visit www.cityofnorthmuskegon.com.

Dill Pickles, Relish, Bread & Butter Pickles with Chef Char
August 9 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday, August 9 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, come to Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for the culinary class, “Dill Pickles (Kosher and Zesty), Relish, Bread and Butter Pickles with Chef Char!” Kitchen 242’s canning, freezing and preserving classes continue and in this class will focus on using pickles. You will be taking your creations home with you to enjoy later. Learn how to select pickles for these different recipes. Tips for easy, safe and successful processing of each of these will be shared and demonstrated in class before turning you loose on creating your own. The cost is $40. For more information, call (231) 769-2202. To buy tickets, visit Eventbrite.com.

Crash Course: Wax Casting with Michael Peoples
August 9 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Come to the Muskegon Museum of Art for a Crash Course! Michael Peoples, creator of the “Perchance to Dream” installation, will demonstrate wax-casting techniques on the MMA loading dock. This event is free and open to the public. For more info., call 231-720-2570.

Unity Christian Music Festival
August 8 – August 11
Come to Heritage Landing for Michigan’s premier Christian music festival! This year’s event features Crowder, for King and Country, MercyMe, Casting Crowns and dozens of others. Plenty of family activities fill the day and evening as well. Tickets, schedules and other information are now available at www.UnityChristianMusicFestival.com

Mac Attack” AMA District 14 State Championship Hillclimb
August 10 – August 11
The Muskegon Motorcycle Club presents the Kyle Jerls “Mac Attack”, AMA District 14 State Championship Hillclimb at Mt. Garfield! Join them for this 1st time ever amateur event held at Mt. Garfield! Gates open at noon on Friday with early tech and signup from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Saturday sign-up and tech are from 7:00am – 9:00am. The Hillclimb starts at 10:00am Saturday. Camping is included with your gate fee of $25. No open riding allowed. For more information, call the club at (231) 798-1552 or visit the website below to register.

McGraft Park Free Concert:Westside Soul Surfers
Thursday, August 9 @ 7:00 pm
Enjoy summer evenings filled with music at McGraft Park’s Free Summer Concert Series! Concerts are Tuesdays (except where noted) and begin at 7:00pm. **This week the concert is Thursday.** Sponsored by the Lakeside District Association.

Dancing into the Sunset: Dancing and Music
Thursday August 9, @ 7:00 pm
Most Thursdays, May 10 – August 30, come to the band shell in Pomona Park for Dancing into the Sunset! Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, snacks and beverages to settle in for a great evening of music and dancing. The fun begins at 7:00pm. Free and open to the public! For more information, find “Dancing into the Sunset” on Facebook.

Muskegon Museum of Art: Free Thursday Evening Tours
Thursdays @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
You’re invited to the Muskegon Museum of Art for a free tour guided by MMA docents, compliments of Meijer! For more information, call 231-720-2570

Yankee Tavern
August 2 @ 7:30 pm – August 4 @ 7:30 pm
Thursday – Saturday, August 2 – 4 at 7:30pm, come to the newly renovated Howmet Playhouse for the production of “Yankee Tavern” by Steven Dietz! THE STORY: Just when you thought you’d heard every crazy 9/11 conspiracy theory, a stranger walks into the Yankee Tavern. There, inside the walls of this crumbling New York tavern, a young couple finds themselves caught up in what might be the biggest conspiracy of all. Steven Dietz’s acclaimed and already widely produced dramatic thriller—a selection of the National New Play Network’s Continued Life Project—is a fierce, funny and ultimately mind-bending work of theatrical power that grips you until the final word. What you don’t know can hurt you. For more information, call (231) 894-4048 or visit the website below.

Friday August 10

Muskegon Heritage Museum Community Days:FREE Tours
August 10 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Muskegon Heritage Museum is offering “Community Days” throughout the 2018 season with free admission sponsored by Consumers Energy Foundation! Friday, August 10, the theme is “Celery Farms,” featuring guests Al Wagenmaker and other former celery growers. For more information, call (231) 722-1363.

Yoga at the Light
August 10 @ 9:30 am
Summer days are for unwinding and what better way to enjoy a summer’s day than relaxing along the water on the lawn of the White River Light Station! They offer many family friendly events throughout the summer that are free to the public. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy time together watching a movie, or listening to folk inspired music while visiting and exploring the White River Light Station. The museum and tower will be open for the standard admission charge. July 20 at 9:30am: Yoga at the Light with Mitch Colman. Rain date will be July 27. For more information, call White River Yoga at 231-740-6662.

Music and Beer at the Light with Fetch Brewing
August 10 @ 6:00 pm
Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy time together listening to music while visiting and exploring the White River Light Station. The museum and tower will be open for the standard admission charge. (In case of rain, events will be held at the Fruitland Township Office) Live Music with Catfish and the Man! This family friendly event. Beer and wine, as well as soft drinks and water, will be available for purchase for cash only. For more information, call 231-845-7417.

Unity Christian Music Festival
Through – August 11
Come to Heritage Landing for Michigan’s premier Christian music festival ! This year’s event features Crowder, for King and Country, MercyMe, Casting Crowns and dozens of others. Plenty of family activities fill the day and evening as well. Tickets, schedules and other information are now available at www.UnityChristianMusicFestival.com

Northside Family Fun Fest
Through- August 11
The 10th annual Northside Family Fun Fest will take place at Walker Park in North Muskegon from August 9-11 at Walker Park in North Muskegon! This event will feature a parade, art fair, book sale, beer and wine garden and “Taste of the Northside”. The arts & crafts fair will be Saturday only. For more information visit www.cityofnorthmuskegon.com.

Montague Artisan Market
August 11 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Support local artists and find unique gifts for yourself or a loved one at the Artisan Market in Montague! The Artisan Market is adjacent to the Farmer’s Market on Water Street and runs the first Saturday of June, July, August, and September from 9:00am – 1:00pm. A variety of vendors sell their handmade items, including soap, jewelry, and other art items. For more information, call 231-893-1155.

White Lake Chamber Music Festival
-until August 12
From August 3 – 12, this year’s White Lake Chamber Music Festival will present exceptional performances and events held throughout the White Lake area of Montague and Whitehall. Now in its ninth year, the Arts Council of White Lake’s Music Festival brings great music to the charming towns of Montague and Whitehall, nestled on the shores of scenic White Lake, connecting to Lake Michigan. Come and experience the quaint downtown shopping districts, family-friendly parks, and extensive bike trails of this beautiful vacation paradise. Festival details will be provided as they become available. For more information, call (231) 329-3056.

SJO Supercross
August 4 @ 7:00 pm
Come to the Muskegon County Fairgrounds for motorcycle and quad racing at the SJO Supercross! Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for youth 11 and under. For more information, call (231) 924-5778.

White Lake Area Nature Walks
August 11 @ 10:30 am
Discover the beauty of the White Lake area! Local naturalists will lead guided tours of local natural areas and cover a variety of topics relating to native plants and wildlife. The walks are appropriate for adults and families; no children allowed without parents. Walks will take place the first Saturday of the month, beginning in June 2 and continuing through October 6. Walks begin at 10:30am sharp and last until approximately noon. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Bring water and snacks if needed. Other optional items include: sunscreen, hat, umbrella, binoculars, sketchpad, and pencils or pens. Walks will take place regardless of weather, unless conditions are unsafe. Please call 231-893-4585 to confirm or if you have questions.

Music at the Light
August 4 @ 2:00 pm
Come to the White River Light Station for “Music at the Light,” featuring the Western Michigan Dulcimer Friends for an afternoon concert. The tower will be open and available for tours for the standard admission charge of $5 for adults and $2 for kids 12 and under. All concerts are free! In case of rain, meet at the Fruitland Township Hall (4545 Nestrom Rd., Whitehall). For more information, call (231) 894-8265.

Saturday August 11:

Hey 5K Run/Walk
August 11 @ 8:00 am
The Hey 5K Run/Walk is happening August 11 at 8:00am and begins at the historic Union Depot located at 610 W. Western Ave. Early registration is at the Depot on August 10 from 3:00pm-5:00pm. Bring your family and friends for this fun Run/Walk and enjoy the sites of historic Downtown Muskegon while supporting the family friendly non-profit radio station 88.9FM. Family and group rates are available for this race. Everyone is welcome! For more information visit www.heyradio.com/hey5k.

Flyboarding Experience
August 11 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Come FlyBoard at Mona Lake Boat Club located at 372 Randall Road on Mona Lake. To schedule a Flyboarding ride call Mona Lake Boat Club at 231-798-4011. You must be 12 years of age and over 100 pounds. You must be pre-registered. Each ride costs $75 for members and $100 for non- members of Mona Lake Boat Club

Maranatha Summer Concert: Theater for the Thirsty
August 11 @ 7:00 pm
Every Saturday evening at 7:00pm, come to Maranatha Bible & Missionary Conference for a free summer concert. You can receive preferred concert seating by purchasing tickets to their Saturday evening Italian buffet in the dining room. Dinner begins at 5:00pm. All dinner guest receive early entry into the concert venue beginning at 6:30pm. Call 231-798-2161 or stop by the front desk to make reservations.

Motorcycle Super Saturday
August 11 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Come to the Muskegon Museum of Art for a Motorcycle Super Saturday free family fun day! Celebrate motorcycles and their cool designs. Vroom, vroom! Join the fun!
• 11:00am and 1:00pm – Family Film: The Mouse and the Motorcycle (60 mins.) Join a mischievous little mouse named Ralph who befriends a boy name Keith. Keith happens to have a mouse-sized motorcycle that lands Ralph in a lot of trouble!
• 11:00am – 1:00pm Guided Look: Check out “American Icon: The Art of the Motorcycle” with an MMA docent.
• 11:00am – 2:00pm – Make & Take Motorcycle Collage: Make your own moving work of art with photos and mini wheels. For more information, call 231-720-2570.

Click, Clack, Moosic!
August 11 @ 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Come to Michigan’s Heritage Park as they welcome the West Michigan Symphony and “Click, Clack, Moosic!” As a part of the White Lake Area Chamber Music Festival, they will be presenting two of the Symphony’s whimsical programs based on Doreen Cronin’s picture books. Children and their caregivers will learn about dynamics and tempo through these fun and playful programs. For more information, call the park at (231) 894-0342.

Self Defense Class
August 11 @ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Are you interested in learning methods of self-defense?
Using his 30 plus years of various martial arts experience, Scot Demarest, Chief instructor at Lakeshore Martial Arts, put together a class in self-defense that anyone will be able to use! After teaching you an 8-move-combination, Scot will demonstrate multiple different scenarios where you can use this combination in order to defend yourself. Make sure to wear gym-type attire. REGISTRATION is required as space is limited. Registration will open one month before course starts. This class is for ages 16 and up!

Movies on the Beach: Moana
August 11 @ 9:00 pm
Come to beautiful Pere Marquette Park to enjoy a “Movie on the Beach!” Saturday, August 11 at dusk it’s “Moana!” For more information, find them on Facebook.

Sweetwater Local Foods Market
Saturdays @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sweetwater Local Foods Market is open year-round, every Saturday from 9:00am-Noon! Healthy! Humane! Homegrown is their pledge to use NO synthetic fertilizers, NO synthetic chemical pesticides or herbicides, no growth promoting antibiotics and NO GMO’s! You can find them in the lobby and parking lot of Mercy Health Lakes Village. For more information, visit www.sweetwaterlocalfoodsmarket.org.

Sunday August 12

Film at the USS Silversides: Three Stooges & Batman
August 6 – August 11 @ 2:00 pm
Stop in at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum this summer. For the price of an admission ticket to the museum, not only can you explore exhibits in the two-story museum, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter McLane and, of course, the USS Silversides Submarine, but at 2:00pm every day you can also enjoy a full-length feature film in their newly renovated, air conditioned theater.

8th Annual Mona Lake Boat Poker Run
August 12
Join the Child Abuse Council on Mona Lake as they embark on the 8th Annual Mona Lake Boat Poker Run! Start at the Mona Lake Boat Club and go from dock to dock to gather cards in order to make the best hand and win a prize. All motorized boats are welcome! Pontoons and boats are $25, jet skis and other small motorized watercraft are $15. Each poker hand is $10. There’ll be a raffle and silent auction afterwards with food and drinks available for purchase. To register, go to www.childabusecouncil.org/registration to secure your spot today.

Yoga Top Deck of the LST 393
Sundays @ 7:00pm- 8:00pm
Get your down dog on while participating in yoga each Sunday evening. Just $5 a person and the money raised goes back into the community. This is open to everyone (no membership needed) See you on the deck of the LST 393 Veterans Museum (you may even see an amazing sunset at close of class) For more information contact Rootdown Yoga 231-722-9642

Film at the USS Silversides:Crash Dive
August 12@ 2:00 pm – August 18@ 2:00 pm
Stop in at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum this summer. For the price of an admission ticket to the museum, not only can you explore exhibits in the two-story museum, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter McLane and, of course, the USS Silversides Submarine, but at 2:00pm every day you can also enjoy a full-length feature film in their newly renovated, air conditioned theater.

White Lake Chamber Music Festival
August 3 – August 12
From August 3 – 12, this year’s White Lake Chamber Music Festival will present exceptional performances and events held throughout the White Lake area of Montague and Whitehall. Now in its ninth year, the Arts Council of White Lake’s Music Festival brings great music to the charming towns of Montague and Whitehall, nestled on the shores of scenic White Lake, connecting to Lake Michigan. Come and experience the quaint downtown shopping districts, family-friendly parks, and extensive bike trails of this beautiful vacation paradise. Festival details will be provided as they become available. For more information, call (231) 329-3056.

Michigan Maritime Celebration
August 13 – August 19
Join Lake Effect Boating as they celebrate the maritime wonders of Michigan! From great beaches and boating, to awesome restaurants, breweries, and community events, you won’t want to miss the fun. The Michigan Maritime Celebration, held August 13 – 19 along the Shores of Muskegon, is maritime fun for everyone! Details will be provided as they become available. For more information, visit www.michiganmaritimecelebration.weebly.com.

ONGOING EVENTS:

The 150th Anniversary of Edward Curtis: 150 Masterpieces from The North American Indian
The 150th Anniversary of Edward Curtis: 150 Masterpieces from The North American Indian will be on display at the museum May 24 – September 9 as they present 150 photographs that represent the breadth of subjects touched on in the project. The exhibition also examines criticism of Curtis’s works, and uses the objects themselves to present the dilemmas inherent in understanding the project’s legacy. The show will also premiere newly acquired copper plates used to create the photogravures, and several of the volumes of The North American Indian. www.muskegonartmuseum.org

54th Annual Student Art and Design Exhibition Reception
May 21- September 6 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
The annual Muskegon Community College Student Art and Design Exhibition will be on display in Overbrook Art Gallery May 21 – September 6. Free and open to the public. Call the MCC Arts and Humanities Office at (231) 777-0324 for more information. Summer hours are 9:00am – 4:00pm Monday-Thursday, and 9:00am – 12:00pm on Friday.

• Come to the Union Depot Building (we have Selfie Stations!) or snap yourself having fun at your favorite Muskegon County attraction.
• Use our hashtag #VisitMuskegon when you share your photo!
• Throughout Summer we will search for #VisitMuskegon selfies (remember, we won’t see it unless it is public) on each Wednesday.
• Using random.org we will select someone’s smiling selfie to snag some Visit Muskegon swag!

Village of Fruitport Acquires Waterfront Property Adjacent to Pomona Park

Ann LaCroix, Village of Fruitport Clerk/Treasurer

[Fruitport, MI, June 4, 2018] The Village of Fruitport is announcing the acquisition of nearly three acres of waterfront property on Spring Lake. This waterfront property is adjacent to Pomona Park in the heart of the Village of Fruitport. Through a directed and generous donation from a publically anonymous donor, the Village of Fruitport acquired the property from private owners on June 1, 2018. No funds from the Village of Fruitport were used to purchase this property. The property is being added to Pomona Park.

“The addition of this beautiful property to Pomona Park reinforces our efforts to increase public access to Spring Lake and provide more recreational opportunities in the Village of Fruitport,” said Roger Vanderstelt, Fruitport Village President. Vanderstelt went on to thank the Fruitport Village staff for their hard work and diligence on seeing this project through. “It was touch and go for a while, but we all stayed steadfast to the effort,” he said.

Pomona Park is an 8.5 acre, waterfront, community, park in the Village of Fruitport that offers boating, fishing, picnicking, and kayaking as well as a multi-use path, a band shell, a playground, and temporary space for carnivals and special events. Winter activities also take place with sledding as a highlight. Pomona Park serves a much larger population than just village residents due to its public boat launch and the annual Old Fashioned Days celebration over Memorial Day weekend. Pomona Park also boasts a rich history in music and dancing and was once a popular resort for its mineral springs.

Fruitport Village Trustee, Amy Haack said, “It literally took a village to see this effort finally come to fruition and we are thrilled to add a chapter to the history of Pomona Park.” She thanked the publically anonymous donor and said, “It is reassuring to know, there are still caring and generous people left in the world.”

The Village of Fruitport encompasses one square mile of land in Muskegon County. The Village has an approximate 1,100 residents and is bordered by Fruitport Township (west, north, east) and by Spring Lake Township (south). Fruitport Village is positioned between two exits on I-96 which allows for easy access to Pomona Park, Spring Lake, and other amenities.

Fruitport Township’s Hot Potato in the Drain Commissioner’s Office; the Kuis Drain

Brenda M. Moore, Muskegon County Drain Commissioner, May 11, 2018

Bond proceeds for the Kuis Drain have been secured. Contracts have been signed for work to proceed. Because no appeals were made; 10 days after the “Day of Review” the project was solidified—even though I contemplated downscaling the subdivision work. Please read on.

Since the first public hearing for the Kuis Drain project in 2014, significant resources have been used to design and execute drain clean-out and a subdivision storm sewer project. There have been numerous mailings to individual property owners, meetings to discuss design, scope, and timing of the project. All hearings, including one with the state, were in the newspaper and properly posted in public places. Public input after the original hearing was scarce. At the time, few disputed the work needed to be done, most wanted to know the final cost. In 2015, we provided preliminary plans for subdivision work to the township asking for input—nothing. Where did everyone go after the 1st public hearing?

The perfect storm began to brew: 1) numerous homeowners sold their homes and did not tell new owners about the pending project; 2) Many new homes were built–still below the elevations required in recorded Master Deeds; 3) the basement elevations were not checked as part of the building permit process, and; 4) the area does not have sanitary sewer as housing density and groundwater discharges increase.

In the meantime, the project planning team proceeds in good faith. Rather than discharging sump water in their yards, at the road, or to a neighbor’s property the new storm sewer system will give each property owner a direct outlet for discharged sump water—right to the main branch of the Kuis Drain. The design was finalized, bids were taken, and the assessment roll presented. Now the project had a price tag. Numerous residents came out in full force. We made adjustments to the roll after Day of Review based on property owner comments, which seemed to upset even more people.

There were two points of appeal during the 4-year process. Four appeals were generated; all were dropped, one by the township under the previous supervisor, the others by property owners. We believe residents did not want to pay the court-ordered bond to help cover legal fees. It was suggested they “pass the hat” among dozens of vocal property owners to cover the cost. Instead, those opposed to the subdivision project went political in the 11th hour, after bids were let and it was too late to make changes without significant time delays and increased costs. These project opponents, though silent during the initial requests for project input, bombarded the office of the Drain Commissioner with calls, emails, flowers, drop-ins, even recall petitions. They also packed the township hall and County Board chambers trying to sink a ship that had already landed under the legal process.

In an ill-advised attempt to kill the project, all but two County Commissioners chose not to pledge the county’s full faith and credit as part of bond financing. I understood trying to advocate for a vocal public—but second guessing another elected official, her engineers, finance person and legal team, seemed to defy logic—accept for the fact the county does not appreciate their drain assessments either. It is also an election year for County Board members.

We investigated the possibility of cutting out a portion of the subdivision project (e.g., homes built after the petition process). I learned that the Drain Code is very clear about process, which cannot be skirted by the Drain Commissioner, citizens, or the County Board. The intent of the law prevents a Drain Commissioner from suddenly adding work and cost to a project after the Day of Review. This works in reverse as well, by not allowing certain individuals to “opt out” of a project that is already planned, bid, and on its way to financing. Either scenario can bring chaos to a public infrastructure project, put more financial burden on those who are left in the project, and damage future dealings with financial institutions and contractors.

In short the key legal facts are:

• A project cannot be fundamentally changed after apportionments (assessment ratios) after the appeal time sunsets on the “Day of Review”.

• Financing is based on bids received and a computation of costs for the entire project. Under financing rules, when funds are sought for a project, costs must be locked in. Bonds are sold based on a specific project and assessment roll.

• Property owners cannot be charged if they don’t derive a benefit from the work (i.e., the whole district does not help pay for isolated work in the subdivisions).

Other not-so-fun facts:

• PA 222 allows for lawsuits by property owners if public entities are aware of a problem but do nothing—i.e., there is no governmental immunity.

• The township was asked about laying sanitary sewer line while the ground was open for the storm sewer construction. They are not pursuing this because of the high cost of a lift station to serve the area.

• Even if we could legally reduce the scope of the project at this late juncture, those not getting storm sewer services would still be paying thousands for state and federal permitting, attorney and engineering fees. They would get no infrastructure, just a design if they ever needed it.

The Drain Commissioner was put in the unhappy position of making the best decision possible for current and future property owners, their property values, and septic fields. The law limits the options at this late juncture without “starting over”. Doing that is foolhardy.

Alternative financing has been secured for the entirety of this project despite the County Board vote. We were able to get a 20-year term vs. 10 years, but the interest rate is somewhat higher because the County Board did not pledge “full faith and credit” on the bond. All the efforts made outside of the law’s appeal process simply added cost to assessments in the entire drainage district. Finally, the people who disagreed with the project that remained quiet until the end, or sold their property without disclosure, and/or built without knowing proper base floor elevations helped create this unfortunate situation. For most, it’s too late to go after the contractor. Now, the office of the Drain Commissioner is in a “cursed either way” situation. However, the project must continue as planned.

Crisis-Trained Chaplains Offer Ministry of Presence in Hawaii and Texas

Chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team have been ministering in three locations for the past few weeks: Kauai, Hawaii, following floods; Hawaii’s Big Island following volcanic eruptions; and Santa Fe, Texas, following a school shooting.

A small group of chaplains was already in Hawaii ministering to flood victims in Kauai when Kilauea erupted on May 3, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. Chaplains have been praying with and comforting those affected by both the volcano and the floods for more than a month.

“We’ve had a lot of opportunity for ministry with the people in the community,” said one of the chaplains. “They’re so receptive to the fact that we’re here, that we love them, that God loves them. The name of Jesus is being lifted up, so that’s really great.”

Another group of chaplains just completed their deployment in Santa Fe, Texas. The community was in shock after eight students and two teachers were killed when a shooter entered Santa Fe High School on May 18.

“They’ve just accepted us with open arms,” said Jeff Naber, manager of chaplain development and ministry relations for the Rapid Response Team. “There was not one person who said, ‘No, I don’t want to pray.’ Everyone accepted prayer and prayed with us.”

For more information on the ministry, including videos, photos, news articles and an interactive map of former and current deployments, visit www.billygraham.org/rrt. Updates can also be found at www.facebook.com/rrtchaplains.

Right to Life of Michigan PAC Releases Primary Endorsement List

June 8, 2018 – Today the full list of Right to Life of Michigan Political Action Committee (RLM-PAC) endorsements has been posted on the Right to Life of Michigan website. The full list is available here.

A Personalized Prolife Ballot generator is available here for voters to find the endorsed candidates that will appear on their precinct’s primary ballot.

RLM-PAC exclusively endorsed John James in the U.S. Senate race to replace current pro-abortion Senator Debbie Stabenow. John James is the only 100-percent prolife candidate in the race.

In the gubernatorial race the RLM-PAC endorsed all four Republican candidates: Lt. Governor Brian Calley, State Senator Patrick Colbeck, Dr. Jim Hines, and Attorney General Bill Schuette.

RLM-PAC Director Casey Kreiner said, “We are thrilled to announce 267 endorsements for the August 7th primary election. The RLM-PAC endorsement process is rigorous, and we have a strong slate of prolife candidates for the primary. As we move forward we would like to encourage all Michigan voters to support these candidates. These candidates are willing and able to stand for the most vulnerable among us.”

Edward Curtis: 150 Masterpieces from The North American Indian at the Muskegon Museum of Art

Muskegon, MI—The Muskegon Museum of Art is marking the 150th Anniversary of the birth of renowned photographer Edward Curtis by presenting 150 photogravures from The North American Indian, Curtis’s monumental project comprised of 20 volumes of text and over 700 large portfolio prints that sought to document the Native American tribes of the Western United States.

The show will also feature the premiere of newly acquired copper plates used in the creation of the photogravures, a new gold-tone print of plate #1—The Vanishing Race, and several of the volumes. The 150th Anniversary of Edward Curtis: 150 Masterpieces from The North American Indian runs through September 9, 2018.

Created over a span of decades, Curtis’s project was unique for its time, and was a passion that ultimately cost Curtis his health, livelihood, and family. But the enduring legacy of The North American Indian remains, a record of the humanity and strength of Native Americans, at a time when their way of life was under constant threat.

The Muskegon Museum of Art featured the entire collection of The North American Indian over the summer of 2017 in a multi-gallery exhibition that attracted visitors from around the world. The exhibition was both a celebration of Curtis’s achievement and an examination of the dual nature of its legacy, of the preservation of knowledge and culture, and the harmful perpetuations of stereotypes and prejudices that continue to affect the social and political landscape in our country today

The 150th Anniversary of Edward Curtis: 150 Masterpieces from The North American Indian brings to view images that represent the breadth of subjects touched on in last year’s presentation. The 2018 exhibition also examines some of the criticism of Curtis’s works, using the photos to present the dilemmas that are part of an understanding of the project’s legacy.

Mining Workshops, Historic Tours, and More at the Adventure Mine this Season

Fun! Excitement! Michigan History! All of these await you at the Adventure Mining Company. Adventure is not our middle name, it’s our first name. Located in the scenic and historic Copper Country of Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula, the Adventure Mining Company offers something for everyone.

Explore Michigan’s rich copper mining history during one of our underground tours. Our knowledgeable guides will set you up with a helmet and headlamp and lead you on an underground walking tour inside an actual copper mine that ceased operations over a hundred years ago. Five different fascinating and informative tours are offered, ranging from a basic forty-five-minute walking tour to tours that include using ropes to rappel deeper into the mine.

Our Captains Tour and the Mining Workshop offer more intense exploration into the underground mining experience. Guests on the five to six-hour Captains Tour descend deeper into the mine than any other tour, reaching the second level of the mine. Rope work, climbing, and crawling are all part of this extreme exploration of the Adventure Mine. You’ll even get a pasty lunch served by the light of a miner’s candlelight.

The six-hour Mining Workshop gives you a hands-on understanding of past and present mining methods, including drilling and blasting.

A favorite feature of our tours for many guests is our transportation. No matter which tour you take you will get a ride in one of our Austrian-made six or four-wheeled military vehicles. The vintage Pinzgauers used to carry soldiers from Switzerland’s armed forces. Now they provide our guests with an adventurous and safe ride up to the mine entrances.

If all that underground adventure isn’t enough, the Adventure Mining Company also offers trails for hiking and mountain biking. The seven miles of trails cover everything from moderate woods trails to more challenging climbs and descents. One loop will bring you to the top of the east bluff of Adventure Mountain with panoramic views of Upper Michigan’s impressive forests – over fifty miles on a clear day!

The Adventure Mining Company is in Greenland, Michigan twelve miles East of the town of Ontonagon. It’s near the intersection of the M-26 and M-38 highways, providing easy access from any direction.

For more information please visit our website at www.adventureminetours.com
To contact us for information or to schedule a group or an advanced level tour call 906-883-3371 or email to info@adventureminetours.com

Business Friendly Ratings Announced by Chamber

The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce representatives interviewed candidates running for county offices on business development and job creation. Two candidates received the highest “5” star rating. These candidates understand the economic issues facing the Muskegon Lakeshore community and will stand up for programs and services that create jobs and prosperity in Muskegon County.

Candidates were questioned about leadership, knowledge of the business community and how they plan to personally help Muskegon achieve its full economic potential. The volunteer representatives spent a combined total of nearly 50 hours conducting the interviews and rating the candidates.

A complete list of candidate ratings can be found in the Advocacy Center at www.muskegon.org. “This online resource provides the community a platform to quickly compare the local candidates running for office and access other election resources,” says Viktor Anderson, co-chair of the Government Affairs Committee.

“The Chamber encourages all of Muskegon’s residents to educate themselves on the candidates’ qualifications and participate in the election process,” says Eric Ringelberg, co-chair of the Government Affairs Committee. “We hope that employers will promote the importance of voting in the August 7 primary election.”

For more information about the community, business development and the elections, please visit the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce website at www.muskegon.org.

Ask Dr. Universe – Lizard Tails

Why do lizards lose their tails? -Bailey, Inwood, Iowa

Dear Bailey,

Our planet is home to all kinds of lizards. Maybe you’ve seen one climbing up the wall, scurrying through the grass, or at the pet store. Just the other day I saw a big green iguana when I visited the Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in search of an answer to your question.

Lizards hatch from eggs, have a backbone, scales, and depend on the environment to keep warm. They have four legs and claws, and a tail, which they sometimes lose and grow back. My friend Marcie Logsdon was taking care of the big iguana and several other exotic animals. She told me all about lizard tails.

Lizards have a series of small bones that run down their back. They are called vertebrae. Along the tail are several weak spots called fracture planes, Logsdon said. They are the places where the tail can detach.

The main reason a lizard loses its tail is to defend itself. When a lizard detaches its tail, the tail whips around and wiggles on the ground.

Nerves from the lizard’s body are still firing and communicating with each other. In fact, sometimes the tail will keep moving for upwards of a half hour. This distracts a predator and gives the lizard plenty of time to escape.

When the lizard’s tail grows back, it’s a bit different than it was before. Instead of a tail made of bone, the new tail is often made out of cartilage, the same stuff that’s in your nose and ears. It can take quite a while for the cartilage to form, too.

The small green anole has a tail that is only about four inches long, but it takes about two months to grow back. Meanwhile, a longer iguana tail might take more than a year to grow back.

Most lizards can only lose their tails so many times before they can’t regrow them anymore. Of course, there are the exceptions. The crested gecko is one lizard that can lose its tail, but it doesn’t grow back.

Like lizards, some squirrels also lose their tails to escape predators. But their tails also don’t grow back. In nature, we see other animals that regrow different parts. Some worms split into pieces can grow into new individual worms. Sea cucumbers can do this as well. Some spiders can even regrow missing legs or parts of legs. Some salamanders can also shed their tails.

You know, tails can come in handy. Some lizards can wrap their tails around vines or branches. Others use their tails as a kind of propeller to help them move through the water. Tails are also useful for balance. And for some lizards, being able to ditch their tail might just save their life.

Sincerely,
Dr. Universe

P.O.A.M Endorses Hughes in 34th State Senate Race

Muskegon, MI – On June 15th, The Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM), announced its candidate endorsement would be Holly Hughes for Michigan State Senate for Michigan’s 34th District.

The POAM represents over 12,000 law enforcement employees throughout the State of Michigan and is the largest such organization in our state. “We continually strive to protect and improve the safety, working conditions and economic security of our member. We believe it is imperative to support candidates who actively promote these goals,” said Legislative Director, Kenneth Grabowski.

Rising Numbers Stretching Mission Resources

Muskegon Rescue Mission is experiencing record number of people needing emergency shelter. During these summer months more and more people are turning to the mission for shelter. These astonishing numbers are making Muskegon Rescue Mission Resources tight.

Muskegon Rescue Mission is in its 111th year of continuous 24 hours a day, 365 days a year of service. They provide food, shelter, clothing and other services at two separate locations, one for men located at 400 W Laketon and for women and children located at 1691 Peck. “We are in a unique position to help the homeless, not just with the physical needs that make day to day life hard, but with their spiritual needs as well,” said Dan Skoglund, Executive Director. “We can point them to the gospel and everlasting change in their life.”

“The rise in numbers is pushing our resources to their limits and beyond” said Skoglund. In addition to providing shelter the Mission also serves 3 meals per day, provides hot showers, as well as, fresh bedding and pajamas. Skoglund added, “We are serving over 300 meals per day, double of our anticipated amount. The extra expenses of food, staffing, higher utility bills and other expenses needed to meet this enormous demand is far beyond our current budget of seasonal norms.”

During the warm summer months Muskegon Rescue Mission usually has lighter numbers. Skoglund added, “With the increase in guests at our shelter, and additional costs it is starting to impact our mission resources and stretching our staff, we are committed to helping everyone in need. We are truly the safety net, we never close our doors. This is a challenging situation, but we have a very caring community and we are asking for their help at this time.”

To make a donation please stop by our administrative office or visit www.muskegonmission.org.

SOS Johnson: Michigan Upgrades Election Security for 2018

New voting machines, voter file ready for use; $11 million will further strengthen elections system

As local clerks finalize ballots for the statewide primary, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson today detailed how new voting equipment, $11 million in new federal security grants and the extensive preparations her office has made will better protect Michigan’s elections system for the 2018 election cycle.

“Most importantly, every voter across Michigan still will use a good, old-fashioned paper ballot to mark their choices,” Johnson said three weeks before the August primary ballots will be sent out. “Then they’ll feed the ballot into a new next-generation voting machine designed with security in mind. But buying all new election equipment isn’t all we’ve done to safeguard our election system.”

“We carefully reviewed and improved our systems, and we’ll be putting $11 million of federal security grants toward further strengthening them against attack. Plus, we’re adding required cybersecurity training to our local clerk education programs.”

The Aug. 7 primary will be the first statewide election in which every city and township will use all new voting equipment that includes optical-scan ballot tabulators, accessible voting devices for voters with disabilities, and election-management and reporting software.

New upgrades include:

• Next-generation voting equipment that offers added security features over the older systems, including stronger multi-factor access controls, advanced data encryption and better physical security of tabulator access points with locks and seals. Tabulators are not connected to the internet.

The state paid for the equipment with $10 million that Johnson pushed the Legislature to approve and $30 million in federal money that Johnson and her predecessor saved for more than a decade. Cities and townships have had no upfront costs for the new equipment. Michigan was one of the only states that saved a substantial amount of federal funds to assist with the purchase of the next-generation voting systems, and one of the only states able to implement new voting systems statewide for use in the 2018 election cycle.

• $11.2 million in election security grants that Michigan will receive this year to upgrade elections systems. Bureau of Elections staff is finalizing how the money will be spent, but the plan will include a strong focus on security assessment – including comprehensive tests and other cybersecurity measures at the state, county and local level. The state must contribute $500,000 to receive $10.7 million that Congress approved this year for Michigan. The money is in addition to the extensive cybersecurity efforts already employed by the state of Michigan, which constantly monitors systems for suspicious activity and protects against cyberattacks.

• An upgraded Qualified Voter File system used by the Bureau of Elections and local clerks to maintain the state’s registered voter list and other election-related data. Besides being an improved, modern system that will help clerks perform their work more efficiently and effectively, the new system features enhanced security built in from the ground up over its 20-year-old predecessor.

• Strengthened relations with state and federal law-enforcement and homeland-security agencies. The Bureau of Elections can report any suspicious activity it detects — cyber or otherwise — with the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center, which shares threat information among local, state and federal agencies, including the FBI, Michigan State Police, Michigan National Guard and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Department of State has a staff person who participates with center. Additionally, Homeland Security officials now regularly share pertinent information, tools and services with state elections officials to assist them in thoroughly assessing and securing all aspects of their systems. Secretary of State staff have also participated in briefings for election administrators from federal homeland security officials.

• Expanded cybersecurity training for local election officials. Bureau of Elections staff are now also implementing a continuous multi-course training curriculum for clerks on cybersecurity best practices.

• Post-election audits that now include ballot validation. Bureau of Elections and county clerks now include ballot validation in the post-election audit process. After this November’s general election, ballot tabulation validation will be completed for the first time for a statewide election, involving every county with some randomly selected precincts. This process will verify that the voting machines properly tabulated ballots. The previous process, in place since 2013, already verified the successful completion of appropriate pre-election programming and testing steps. Post-election audits, which were started by Johnson, verify local election workers are performing their duties correctly and help target training programs to better assist election workers.

In addition to the new equipment and initiatives, Michigan elections will continue to feature long-standing accuracy and integrity practices that include:

• A detailed, thorough canvassing and certification process that each county performs after each election for up to two weeks. During the canvass, each precinct’s results are scrutinized, and ballot and voter numbers are cross-checked to make sure everything adds up. Each county’s canvassing board, which certifies election results, is made up of two Republicans and two Democrats. In addition, state and federal races are then canvassed and certified by the bipartisan Board of State Canvassers.

• Voting machine public testing. Every ballot tabulator used in each of the state’s 4,800 precincts is tested before every election in a public forum to verify it will tabulate ballots accurately, and then is physically secured until Election Day.

• Election precincts open to the public and representatives of political parties and other groups to observe voting and ensure officials are performing their duties properly.

• Continuous voter-list maintenance efforts. the Bureau of Elections and local clerks regularly scrub the voter list to remove ineligible voters. During Johnson’s time in office, The Bureau of Elections has removed 1.2 million ineligible voters, including 134,000 who have moved out of state and registered in a new state, 563,000 who died and 3,512 who were noncitizens.

Grand Rapids Chamber PAC Endorses Holly Hughes for State Senate

Grand Rapids, MI –The Grand Rapids Chamber Political Action Committee (PAC), Friends of West Michigan Business, announced its candidate endorsement in the contested 34th district GOP primary would be Holly Hughes.

“The Chamber PAC endorses candidates who will work to advance policies that support continued economic growth in our region, improve educational outcomes and invest in roads and infrastructure,” said Chamber President & CEO, Rick Baker.

“Michigan’s economic recovery has been nothing short of amazing, but we still have many real challenges, and must elect experienced, knowledgeable leaders to move Michigan forward.” Said Andy Johnston, Vice President of Government Affairs, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce.

When asked what made the PAC so confident in their decision of endorsing Holly Hughes for State Senate, Rick Baker stated, “Representative Holly Hughes has been a relentless champion for West Michigan during her time in the House of Representatives. She is focused on policies that support job-growth and strengthen the regional economy.”

Grand Valley State University’s Winter 2018 Dean’s List

Grand Valley State University announces the names of students who were placed on the dean’s list for the Winter 2018 semester concluding in April. The list includes those students who have maintained a 3.5 grade point average and been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits.

Fruitport: Ian Heil; Rebeka Johnson; Ryan Oldenburg; Brianna Routt; Gabrielle Schaub; Courtney Wagasky

Muskegon (49441): Morgan Deruiter; Andra Durham; Connor Inglat; Devinder Kaur; Amanda Lauher-Smith; Abigail Medema; Amber Modena; Tyler Morton; Christopher Parisian; Aurelia Pena; Patrick Taylor; Danielle Warren; Hannah Weinrick

Muskegon (49444): Montoya Briggs; Jared Cloutier; Collin Cribley; Brandy Cumbee; Stephanie Eslick; Frank Gasior; Megan Harken; Laura Hartung; Nicklas Koeller; Emily Leindecker; Lauren Maus; Justin Wierengo; Carl Wilson

Nunica: Jeffrey Crouse; Lydia Engelsma; Alexandra Gemmen; Noah Strasler; Alec Williams

Ravenna: Erica Austin; Weston Bernath; Jessica Jerue; Lillian Lieffers; Shaina McKinnon; Haley Pearson; Brooke VanDonkelaar

Spring Lake: Brandon Aho; Zachary Anderson; Stefanos Apostle; Brianna Brady; Lauren Brown; Lance Burt; Hannah Cabala; Arden Clark; Sarah Corgan; Aylissa Curry; Lori Davis; Laurie English; Michael Farwig; Megan Galligan; Dean Geschiere; Margaret Ginocchio; Karlee Hale; Rachel Howard; Anna Huizenga; Jillian Huizenga; Shelby Kiser; Emily Marine; Christian Pelke; Aaron Ponce; Anne Revilla; Joseph Rohloff; Jillian Schnurstein; Veronica Schoemer; Katelyn Sinn; Ryan Strandberg; Dylan Styburski; Kyle VanDenHeuvel; Abby VanOtteren; Samuel Ventocilla; Travis Ward; Jacob Weesies; Leah Wilcox; Natalie Wilson

Fruitport Area News Online

The Hometown Paper Reaching Fruitport and Sullivan Townships