The Varsity Girls Cross Country Team finished a strong 4th place finish at their final conference meet held at Riverside Park on October 19. Their top two runners placed All-Conference. Annalise Elliot slid into the 7th place, moving up consistently throughout the races. Larissa McGrath placed 11th overall after having a tough first half of the race but never gave up and pushed through the second half to earn her spot.  All Ladd (27th) had a strong race for herself, keeping a big pack behind her and trying to move up and close some gaps.  Next, we had Molly Bently (31st) who had a really strong race for herself and looked smooth and relaxed through the entire race.  Madison Golliver (40th) and Izzy VanDusen (41st) worked really well together to help push each other as they did their best to keep the gaps small.  Kaitlyn Brown (45th) finished strong to round out the varsity squad.  

Coach Melinda Stressman said, “I thought we managed pretty well and competed with goals and a purpose in mind. Championship meets are always going to go out fast and aggressive, especially on courses like Riverside Park. The key is to stay relaxed and trust in the training and embrace the process.  We have to not overthink and just run and we were better at that for this final championship meet.  I’m very proud of these girls and stoked to see them compete in these final meets this season. We had two ladies finish All Conference and I know more of them can be up there to earn those spots.”  

The JV Girls Cross Country Team finished 2nd place overall in their final conference meet. Hannah Reed (2nd) led the team out on the course, having a very strong race and her season best. Next, was Addyson Brown (6th), who gave a great effort and moved up through some packs to try and keep the gap small.  Kaisa Maki (9th) started the race smart and moved up a lot in the last half to be right where she needed to be.  Addison Wood (14th) ran and looked strong throughout the meet.  Next was Emily Hoort (17th) who also started smart and ran stronger every mile she hit.  Reagan Viau (23rd) ,Maidson Viau (25th) and Allie Teuscheur (30th) rounded out the JV squad.  

“Our JV team really stepped up today and showed a lot of improvements as a whole, which is pretty exciting to see, especially from a pretty young team,” said Coach Melinda Stressman. “They ran great and all finished in great spots!”

Wildlife biologists with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources have confirmed a trail camera image showing a mountain lion walking through a semi-open area of firs and poplars was taken in September in Dickinson County.

“On Sept. 16, 2021, a trail camera photo was taken of a cougar in southern Dickinson County,” said Cody Norton, the DNR’s large carnivore specialist. “This is about 50 miles from where a July 20 video was captured in Baraga County.”

The photo recently gained news media attention after it was posted on social media.

The DNR’s team of biologists that investigates cougar reports had seen the photo but initially could not confirm the source or location where it was taken. The team was able to investigate the report after the owner of the photo saw a newspaper story about it and contacted the DNR.

This latest confirmation brings the total number of confirmed cougar reports to 74 in Michigan since 2008. This figure does not necessarily translate to the same number of cougars because a single animal may be included in more than one confirmed report.

So far this year, 10 cougar reports have been confirmed in the U.P., including three from Dickinson County, two from Marquette County and one each from Baraga, Delta, Houghton, Luce and Schoolcraft counties.

This year continues a three-year trend of the highest number of cougar reports confirmed over the past 14 years. The previous high of seven confirmations in a single year was surpassed in 2019 when 11 reports were recorded, followed by 15 in 2020. Norton said greater use of trail cameras by the public may be contributing to the increased number of cougar reports.

Previous genetic research has shown the cougars seen in the Upper Peninsula have dispersed to the region from states west of Michigan. The DNR has no evidence confirmed of a breeding population of mountain lions in the U.P.

For more information on cougars in Michigan, including a list of the confirmed reports and forms for reporting additional cougar evidence, visit Michigan.gov/Cougars.

By Ranger Steve Mueller

“Seventy-six trombones led the big parade” is a tune from the musical The Music Man. Hopefully, Michigan’s 76 natural communities within the great lakes’ ecosystem are even more popular. They are essential to the survival of specialized life forms adapted to unique habitats and for survival of human community health and wealth. 

It would be exhausting to read about each species that finds a nature niche in those communities. What is important is that each community helps maintain a watershed, holds, and retains water for gradual release and reduces flooding. They purify water for drinking and keep streams and lakes from excessive siltation and uncontrolled bacteria growth. Their biodiversity contribution keeps regional conditions livable for us. 

We have all heard of streams and lakes that become contaminated with e. Coli bacteria resulting in beaches being closed to human use. They become dangerous for wildlife. Too often botulism kills ducks, loons, and other wildlife. Most contamination is a result of human mismanagement of the natural communities. 

We cannot properly manage a resource when we do not know the inhabitants or their requirements for life. 

The Michigan natural features inventory (mnfi) works to identify natural communities and their inhabitants. Mnfi identified 76 natural communities in the state, but they won’t be listed here. Some major community headings that have specialized sub-communities are marsh, shrub wetland, forested wetland, forested, and bog. 

Within the forested communities, we find dry northern, dry-mesic northern, mesic northern, dry southern, dry-mesic southern, mesic southern, boreal forest. These are just seven of the 76 communities. It is not the purpose here to elaborate on each of the specific habitats or the species that depend on them. 

Be assured that all 76 have a diverse group of pollinators with complex food webs. Each captures carbon with some being more effective than others. They have renewable and non-renewable resources. 

Managed effectively, they provide a healthy environment that sustains human communities. The most cost-effective management is by natural community self-management. When allowed to remain intact they support human communities. It is impossible to leave all habitats untouched and still eke out a living. 

The challenge before us is how to support our wellbeing in natural communities without significantly damaging them. Some areas logged a century ago still have not recovered and are unable to support local economies. Kingston plains is one example. Some aquatic communities can no longer support sustainable fish populations and require stocking. Lake trout populations in the great lakes have plummeted. 

Management varies from continent wide laws like the migratory bird treaty to state game laws and small local site-specific development regulations. A sound approach depends on understanding biotic organisms within a landscape ecosystem. When we study natural communities, we start with the broad ecosystem and then consider the physical environment that defines what plants and animals can thrive in them. 

A segment of society recognizes healthy land supports healthy people and they consider people as part of the land. Natural communities need to be shared by all life to support people and the species living in them. 

Another segment of society considers people as separate from nature. Land’s wealth is to be harvested for personal use without consideration for natural community survival needs. If land is wild, it is considered wasted land. Their efforts are to control nature in a manner they determine is an improvement for human benefit.

The biggest difference between the two is whether people live as part of the land or apart from it. Contemplate how you view land use and its impact for sustaining present and future generations.

Natural history questions or topic suggestions can be directed to Ranger Steve (Mueller) at odybrook@chartermi.net – Ody brook nature sanctuary, 13010 northland dr. Cedar springs, mi 49319 or call 616-696-1753.

Bat Week, the international celebration of bats, takes place this year Oct. 24-31 and is the perfect time to shine a light on these important species.

Michigan is home to nine species of bats, all of which are insectivores. During the evening hours, these flying mammals consume many insect pests including mosquitoes, beetles, moths and flies.

The DNR, along with numerous partners, works to conserve bats and bat habitat because many species are in decline. 

White-nose syndrome is a deadly disease that affects North American bats primarily during their winter hibernation and has devastated many bat species. Infected bats prematurely awaken from hibernation, rapidly deplete their fat reserves and are unable to survive the winter. Bats with this syndrome often exhibit unusual behavior, like flying during daylight hours or gathering outside of caves in cold weather.

Learn about our efforts to conserve Michigan’s bats in our Wildlife Conservation Month story at https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIDNR/bulletins/2e8e76b.

Here’s how you can help bats:

Plant a bat-friendly garden and minimize the use of insecticides.

Remove invasive species.

Install a bat house in a location not frequented by people.

Do not enter closed mines and followdecontamination guidelines to help reduce the spread of white-nose syndrome.

Learn more about bats and ways you can take action during Bat Week and all year long at BatWeek.org.

More information on Michigan’s bat species and ways to help is available at Michigan.gov/Bats.

Questions? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.

Dale Douglas Larsen, age 74, of Coral passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Friday, October 22, 2021, likely due to a cardiovascular complication. He was born to Alvin and Norma (Hansen) Larsen on September 11, 1947, in Lakeview. He graduated from Tri-County High School with the Class of 1965. Dale was employed in the reliability lab at Gibson, Frigidaire, and Electrolux in Greenville for nearly all his working career. He had a great love for the outdoors and wildlife. He was an avid deer, raccoon, and rabbit hunter, beagler, and in his retirement, golfer.  He was a member of the AKC Breeders Association. Dale and his younger brother Karl always made sure that no matter what they were hunting or working on, they took the time to watch the three horse races that make up the triple crown: the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. Dale is survived by his wife, Brenda Larsen of Coral; daughter, Christine (Ronald) Behrenwald of Sand Lake; son, Brice Larsen of Grandville; 5 grandchildren, Anna and Lauren Behrenwald, Rebecca, Daniel, and Andrew Larsen; brother, Karl (Patricia) Larsen of Rose City; mother-in-law, June Stine of Wyoming; brother-in-law, Mike Stine; sister-in-law, Becky (Doug) Stevens. He was preceded in death by his father, Alvin; mother, Norma on September 30, 2021; father-in-law, Leonard Stine; brother-in-law, Scott Stine; aunt, Elizabeth “Betty” (Jim) Lewis; uncles, Marvin (Leona), Elman (Elsie), and Russell (Louise) Hansen. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 29, 2021, at Brigham Funeral Chapel in Lakeview, with Pastor Mark Mitchell officiating. The family will greet friends and relatives from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow at Coral Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please direct memorial contributions to hospice.  Condolences may be made by utilizing the guestbook at www.brighamfuneralchapel.com.

Arrangements by Brigham Funeral Chapel, Lakeview 

David Michael “Poe” Armstrong, of Cadillac, passed away on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at his home after a short bout with cancer. He was 56. David was born on October 3, 1965 to Don “Smiley” and Marsha (Fewless) Armstrong in Cadillac. He was a graduate of Cadillac High School Class of 1984 and went on to Grand Valley State University for a year of college. David then went to Tennessee to study and receive his lumber grading certificate. During his high school years, he was always very active in school sports, from baseball, to basketball and football, in which he achieved many awards for. He also played college baseball during his time at Grand Valley State University. He truly had a passion for sports and was a dedicated University of Michigan fan. David began his career working as a lumber grader for the Cadillac Forest Products and then spent the remainder of his career working for Atwood Forest Products in Cedar Springs. He could often be found at the Red Cross Blood Donations giving in any way he could. In his spare time he liked to watch John Wayne western movies and listen to country music. David cherished the time spent with his family and friends. David is survived by his mother, Marsha Armstrong (Phil Paye) of Cadillac; brother, Mark Armstrong (special friend Carol Sanborn); sister, Deborah (Donato) Armstrong-Loscalzo; nieces and nephews, Andrew, Sabina, Matthew and Luca; girlfriend, Amy Teeter; special dog companion, Jack; two cousins, Melissa (Randy) Rochester and Brandon (Mindy) Fewless; second cousins, Megan Rochester, Ryan Rochester, and Andrew Fewless; and many other loving friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Don “Smiley” Armstrong; brother, Brian Armstrong; grandparents, George “Jack” Irvin (Sally) Fewless; and grandmother, Alice Pritchard. Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Tunnel to Tower Foundation, in support of first responders. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.Hitesman-Holdship.com.

The family is being served by Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home.

November 2, 1949-October 5, 2021

Sharon F. (Bailey) DeWildt, 71, of Cedar Springs passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 5. 2021. The daughter of Mac and Marjorie (Bird) Bailey, she was loving, caring, creative and selfless as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and volunteer. Her unique and creative workds provided a special touch to many holidays and special occasions, blessing the lives of countless people over the years. Surviving are her husband of 49 years, Joseph J. DeWildt; sons, Scott DeWildt of Grand Rapids and Mac (Kara) DeWildt of Montague; six grandchildren, Kyler, Aleah, Alayna, Alivia, Levi, and Chloe (and “grandpup” Berkeley); siblings, Terry (Dave) Fountain, Judy (Jim) Owens, Betty Towns, Gilbert Bailey, and Gail (Lonnie) Armstrong; Aunt Letha (Bailey) Gebhardt and many special in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. She loved them all. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Ann Longcore and parents-in-law Joe and Bette (Nader) DeWildt. A visitation will take place on November 4^th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2780 Leonard St. NE, Grand Rapids from 4 to 5:30 p.m. A memorial service will follow at the same location at 6 p.m.

Our loving, funny, extroverted mother, Margaret Lillian Ketterman, earned her wings, Friday, September 24, 2021 at the age of 82. She was born on June 29, 1939 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Orlie James Stocking and Nancy Lillian “ White” Stocking. Proceeded in death by her husband, Robert Wade Ketterman; her sweet son, Ronald James Gliatti (Heather); her parents, Orlie and Lillian (White) Stocking; brothers, Cloise, Jim, Floyd and Bobby, and sisters, Brenda and Nancy.  Margaret is survived by her children, Theresa Gliatti Dinvalds, Veronica Ann Gliatti (James) and Charles Camden; 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Margaret had a light-hearted, happy personality. She loved gardening, fresh air, horses, and country life.  Margaret was never more content and peaceful than when she was living on a farm. She loved country music and could identify any song and it’s singer within a few bars. She was a ‘make-it from-scratch’ cook, never using box mixes. Her love and devotion to her family was unsurpassed. She had a fun, quick-witted sense of humor that always surprised you. She will be missed and loved forever. A small graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on November 6th at Chubbuck Cemetery, Kent City with a Celebration of Life held at 4 p.m. at the American Legion Post 123, 14111 Ball Creek Rd, Kent City, MI 49330.  For condolences visit Obituary for Margaret Lillian Ketterman | Filbrandt Family Funeral Home (filbrandtffh.com). 

Father Lam T. Le, Pastor

St. John Paul II Parish

3110 17 Mile Rd, Cedar Springs, Michigan • 616 696 3904

“They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Rev 7:14).

November commences with a great celebration, the Solemnity of All Saints. Another way to put it, “we venerate in one celebration the merits of all the saints” (see the Collect of November 1 in the Roman Missal). On this occasion, let us reflect on why the official teaching of the Church on the veneration of the saints has never lost sight of, but clarifies the principle enunciated in 1 Timothy 2: 5-6: “There is one God, and there is one mediator between God and man, the man is Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all.” Let us ponder:  what does veneration of the saints mean and why do we participate in veneration?

Veneration of the saints means imitating the virtues lived by the saints, and through them, asking them to bring us closer to Christ. In our earthly life, we imitate the goodness of our fellow family members and ask them to pray with us and for us. In a similar fashion, we imitate the virtues of the members of our spiritual families by following Christ and we ask them to pray with us and for us. The water of baptism established a bond between all believers in Christ. This is the Communion of Saints which we profess every Sunday in the Creed. The proper veneration of the saints is an in-depth expression of baptismal grace: we are members of One Body with Christ as its Head, and thus all members are connected.

When the Church venerates the saints, it is acknowledging and proclaiming the victorious grace of the one Redeemer and Mediator, Christ. The Church is thanking the Father for the mercy that is bestowed in Christ, and that has taken visible, effective form in one of its members, and thus in the entire Church as a whole. This teaching is expressed so well in one of our prayers (the Preface of the Saints in Roman Missal): “For you are praised in the company of your saints and in crowing their merits, you crown your own gifts.”  

The prayer quoted above captures the very essence of the instructions from Second Vatican Council: “The Church has also included in the annual cycle days devoted to the memory of the martyrs and the other saints. Raised up to perfection by the manifold grace of God, and already in possession of eternal salvation, they sing God’s perfect praise in heaven and offer prayers for us. By celebrating the passage of these saints from earth to heaven, the Church proclaims the paschal mystery achieved in the saints who have suffered and been glorified with Christ; she proposes them to the faithful as examples drawing all to the Father through Christ, and through their merits she pleads for God’s favors” (Sacrosanctum Concilium no. 104).

On this November 1, let us join “a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, and people, and tongue” and to praise: “Salvation comes from our Lord, who is seated on the throne, and from the Lamb” (Rev 7: 9-10).

(Father Lam also is the Pastor of Mary Queen of Apostles Parish, 1 West Maple St, Sand Lake, Michigan 49343 phone: 616 636 5671)

Jack was part of the positive team that made “Prom on Main Street” happen. 

Jack will sign the Social Media Policy. 

Jack will continue getting previous decisions into compliance with ordinances. Jack wants to be part of the council to continue updates that benefit Sand Lake, like the new tables and updating park equipment. 

Jack sees the positive changes the new council has made. 

Jack Christensen will keep the positivity flowing in Sand Lake.

Vote Jack Christensen for Sand Lake Village Council Trustee.

Keep the Unity in CommUnity. 

See you Tuesday,November 2nd.

Cherrie Camilleri, Sand Lake

To the Village of Sand Lake taxpayers and residents,

We have not had a more honest, transparent, united hard working Village President and Council in years. You all have seen for your self’s the improvements and unity this council has done for our Village and the new DPW is awesome and has done more than you all have seen in over the past year. If someone comes to your door and is asking you to sign a petition for a recall for either Mollie, Stacy, or Marcia, DO NOT sign it. These people that are coming to your door will tell you lies about the people they are recalling and they are very convincing so beware. Just tell them to leave and do not believe anything they are saying.

And please, for unity, trust and transparency, elect Jack S Christensen for Village of Sand Lake Trustee on November 2, 2021.

Marty Helton, Village of Sand Lake life-long resident 

Former S.L. Village councilman, former S.L. Village Department of Public Works Supervisor, Former S.L. Chamber of Commerce Trustee, Former S.L. C of C President.

Why do ghosts go on diets? 

So they can keep their ghoulish figures

Where does a ghost go on vacation? 

Mali-boo.

Why did the ghost go into the bar? 

For the Boos.

What is in a ghost’s nose? 

Boo-gers.

Why did the policeman ticket the ghost on Halloween? 

It didn’t have a haunting license.

Why do demons and ghouls hang out together? 

Because demons are a ghoul’s best friend!

What does a panda ghost eat? 

Bam-BOO!

What’s a ghost’s favorite dessert? 

I-Scream!