Municipal - Hart
Per city charter the Hart City Council appointed the following city officers in November; City Manager Robert Splane; City Clerk/Treasurer Karla Swihart; City Attorney Mika Meyers Attorneys; City Assessor Edward VanderVries (V & V Assessing LLC); and Chief of Police Juan Salazar.
In December, the City of Hart announced the appointment of city council members to city boards and commissions for the coming year: Mayor Amanda Klotz – All Committees/Boards/Commissions; Mayor Pro-Tem Jim Cunningham – Board of Review and Planning Commission; Councilor Cat Burillo – Cemetery Commission and HEART (Hart Economic and Redevelopment Team); Councilor Dean Hodges – Board of Review, Zoning Board of Appeals (BOA) and HEART, as well as the Boards of BioPure/Water, Hart Lake, Parks & Rec, Power/Light, and TIFA (Tax Increment Finance Authority); Councilor Andrew Mullen – BioPure/Water Board, Cemetery Commission, Planning Commission and HEART; Councilor Betty Root – Boards for BioPure/Water and Power/Light, Personal and Finance Committee, Planning Commission, and Zoning BOA. Community members interested in serving on any of the aforementioned committees are invited to visit the city’s website at www.cityofhart.org and click on the “Officials” tab or stop into the city offices.
Schools
The Oceana Echo wishes to give a public shout-out to Shelby Public Schools (SPS) School Resource Officer Tim Simon, Shelby Police Chief Dean Roesler and students of SPS teacher Tom Weirich’s Physical Fitness class for their coordination of shoveling for residents who have requested help keeping their sidewalks clear this winter. What a great show of community spirit. Well done!
Community
MSU Extension has shared a list of its programs coming up in 2025. Many are available virtually, and most are free to attend. Courses from help with personal goals and hobbies to growing your business, are available at the click of a button. Visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/ocean... for more information.
With the cold weather and illnesses everywhere, winter can be a confining time, especially for the area’s seniors. Whether housebound or in a care facility, there are many senior adults who would appreciate a visit this time of year. According to Deana Krise, RN at Cherry Blossom Manor, located at 611 East Main in Hart, more visitors are always welcome. Early afternoon, from 12:30-2 p.m., is the best time to just drop by. However, feel free to call ahead if another time works better. At this time masks are not required.
Volunteers
Was one of your New Year’s resolutions to spend more time volunteering? One needn’t look far for opportunities. Whether in your local government (boards, councils and committees), school (athletic boosters, reading tutors, chaperones), church (kitchen, teachers, child care, music) or community (civic organizations, food pantries, senior centers/living) more people are needed everywhere, especially younger people. Find an area you are passionate about, seek out opportunities that fit your schedule, or maybe volunteer as a family. Helping others is a great way to beat the winter doldrums!
