Community
The Village of Shelby invites the entire county to the “soft opening” of the newly renovated Getty Park, Saturday, Nov. 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Getty Park, located on the corner of Sixth and School Streets. Enjoy cider and donuts while touring the new “all-access” playground, gathering pavilion with fireplace, performance pavilion, splash pad, pickleball courts and walking paths.
It’s a sure sign that Christmas is on the way when vendor fairs start popping up across the county. “On the Farm” vendor fair was Oct. 9 in Mears, and “Karen’s Fall Vendor Fair” was last Saturday at the Oceana County Council on Aging. A variety of unique items and wonderful fall weather greeted event-goers at both locations.
The City of Hart reminds the public to vote for its favorite “Plein Air” (French for “open air”) paintings from now until Oct. 28. Paintings are on display in the storefront window of 53 S. State St. in downtown Hart. A QR code is available for voting in two categories: intermediate and advanced. One winner in each category will receive $750. Many artists were on hand during this year’s third annual ArtWalk, painting a variety of downtown scenes.
Churches
On the corner of Fox Road and 56th Avenue, the Mears UMC has installed a new electronic sign in front of its church. The church looks forward to being able to share information with the community in a more up-to-date format.
Municipal
The Village of Walkerville named Brian Hintz of Shelby as their Chief of Police in July, when former Police Chief Robert Robles took a full-time position with the Tribal Police in Manistee. Robles had served the village for the past 21 years. Hintz attended the West Shore Community College Criminal Justice program from 2012-14 and obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University in 2018. He currently works three five-hour shifts per month for the village and holds a full-time position at the Muskegon County Sheriff Department. Visit the Walkerville Police Department Facebook page to learn more about events or to connect with Officer Hintz.
Approximately 30 people attended an informational meeting entitled, “What’s the Problem with PFAS?” (poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances) Monday, Oct. 21 in the Walkerville Wesleyan Church gymnasium. The Walkerville Thrives nonprofit hosted the event. A video explaining where PFAS comes from and how it is affecting the state’s groundwater, residents and livestock was shown, followed by a question and answer time with individuals involved with educating and advocating for the public. Those wanting more information or assistance with this topic are encouraged to email Walkerville Thrives at walkervillethrives@gmail.com.
Agriculture
The Oceana County Farm Bureau (OCFB) had their annual meeting jointly with the Newaygo County Farm Bureau at the West Michigan Research Station Saturday, Sept. 21. Newly elected board members included Robert Rudat (incumbent), Nate Schamber, Justin Adams and Josh Rapes. Outgoing board members included Jamie Fekken, Adam Kokx, Noah Fox and Jason Fleming. The 2024-25 Board of Directors includes President Rob Rudat, Vice President Alyssa Redding, 3rd Member Tyler Oomen, Young Farmer Chair Nate Butcher, Promotion & Education Chair Kathy Walicki and Members at Large Nathan Schamber, Justin Adams and Josh Rapes. Members in attendance gave their approval to six different resolutions, and local insurance reps Matt Williams and Kaleb Klotz were honored with Key Club awards. The OCFB currently has 436 regular members and 588 associate members, up 22 from last year, giving Oceana the largest increase in District 7 (Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana and Osceola) in the past year. The evening included a report from District 7 Promotion and Education Committee Representative Breann Braga of Montcalm County. The organization is looking forward to the following annual events: the State Annual Meeting Dec. 3-4 in Grand Rapids; the Lansing Legislative Seminar Feb. 25, 2025; the Growing Together conference Feb. 28-March 2, 2025 in Muskegon and the Washington Legislative Seminar March 25-25, 2025. Winners of a frozen quarter of 4-H grown pork were Tyler Oomen, Daryl Alvesteffer, Caleb Herrygers and Stan Hallack.
Schools
The Walkerville School Boosters had their 15th annual “Spirit Day” fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 19, with many families and community members in attendance. Activities included many school carnival favorites, including a chili contest, dunk tank, cake walk, face painting, bounce houses, games, raffle drawings and food! The event is the boosters’ main fundraiser every year, and funds raised are used to provide other extras and events for the school throughout the year.
