Category Archives: Community News

Muskegon, MI – Oakridge Public Schools is proud to announce the dates, times and locations of its 2019 Summertime Stories. All are invited to pull up a chair and enjoy a free ice pop while Oakridge teachers read stories aloud to attendees.

District staff will also be providing access to Chromebooks at each event for Oakridge parents who have yet to register their students for the 2019-2020 school year. Staff will also be handing out summer hygiene care packages to any attendees who need supplies. There will also be awards and prizes handed out to returning attendees, so students and children are encouraged to come to as many Summertime Stories as they can throughout the summer.

WHO: All Muskegon area students

WHAT: Stories read aloud by Oakridge teachers, free giveaways, ice pops, supplies

WHERE: Flickema Park and Beals Park

WHEN: Every week throughout the summer (see graphic)

CONTACT: Pollie Gilchrist, Director of Academic Programs, (231) 788-7111 or pgilchrist@oakridgeschools.org

Heroes Night, Father’s Day Event, Free T-Shirt Night and High School All-Star Classic all at Historic Marsh Field

MUSKEGON, Mich.,  – Muskegon’s summer collegiate baseball team, the Muskegon Clippers, will be hosting several promotional nights this week.

Today, Friday, June 14, 2019: Heroes Appreciation Night

The Hero Appreciation Night is for all veterans, active duty military, police, fire and first responders.   Admission is free and pre-game ceremonies will honor these groups.  Game takes place at historic Marsh Field on Laketon Avenue in Muskegon.  Gates open at 6pm with the first pitch at 7:05pm.

Sunday, June 16, 2019: Father’s Day With the Clippers

What better way to spend Father’s Day then with your dad, enjoying America’s past time at a Muskegon Clippers Game!

Come to the game with your father and the WHOLE family gets tickets to the game, and 2 meal vouchers (hot dog, chips, soda), all for just $10! Plus all Dad’s will receive 2 tickets to a future Clippers game, and will be entered into a drawing for an awesome Clippers Prize Package!

Game takes place at historic Marsh Field on Laketon Avenue in Muskegon.  Gates open at 4pm with the first pitch at 5:05pm

Monday, June 17, 2019: High School All Star Classic Sponsored by Extra Innings

The All Star Classic features the best high school senior baseball players along the Lakeshore from Ludington to Grand Haven.

The players will be split into two teams. The NORTH features senior players from the northern region of the Lakeshore which includes high schools like Montague, Whitehall, Holton, Shelby, Orchard View, Oakridge, Fremont and Ravenna.

The SOUTH features players from the southern area including Mona Shores, Grand Haven, Muskegon Catholic Central, Fruitport, Spring Lake, West Michigan Christian, North Muskegon and Reeths Puffer.

Game takes place at historic Marsh Field on Laketon Avenue in Muskegon.  Gates open at 6pm with the first pitch at 7:05pm

Tuesday, June 18, 2019:

Free T-shirt night

First 200 paid fans thru the gate will receive a free Clippers Baseball t-shirt! (supplies limited per size).

Game takes place at historic Marsh Field on Laketon Avenue in Muskegon.  Gates open at 6pm with the first pitch at 7:05pm

The Clippers are members of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League which is a developmental League for college athletes from all over the country.  These student athletes are looking to hone their skills, and possibly get spotted by baseball scouts as they hope for an opportunity at the next level.

The Clippers have gotten rave reviews from baseball experts and casual fans alike.  Not only is there great baseball played, but the fans love the historic ballpark and the fun and interactive atmosphere that is created during the games.

Part of the excitement includes:

• Walk up music for the players
• Sing along for fans
• Dance along with fans
• Our famous Beer batter
• Contests and Games for fans between innings
• Guests performing the national anthem
• Kids participating on the field in the introduction of players.
• And finally, fans are allowed to run the bases after the games.

The Clippers have a great line up of concessions including their ball park dog, brats, popcorn, candy, and Dippin’ Dots ice cream. In addition, a variety of soft drinks and ice cold Budweiser products are available for purchase.

Ticket Information

Game tickets are $5 for adults; $3 for Senior Citizens, $3 for students; $2 for children 5-12. Children 5 and under are free. There is also special pricing for Season Tickets, a Half Season 10 game flex package or group sales.

For more information contact Pete Gawkowski at 231-638-7696 or visit our website at www.muskegonclippers.com or join our Facebook page by searching Muskegon Clippers.

Earlier today at a special work session, the Muskegon Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint Mr. Dirk Weeldreyer as interim superintendent of Muskegon Public Schools effective June 11, 2019. Muskegon Public Schools will contract with the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District (ISD) for Weeldreyer’s services.

Cindy Larson, President of the Muskegon Public Schools Board of Education said, “The MAISD recommended Mr. Weeldreyer to our board as an ideal candidate to temporarily fill our district’s lead position. With his recent success as interim superintendent in Caledonia, our board agrees he is the perfect person for the job. We are pleased he was able to begin right away. I know our Big Red family will welcome him.”

Weeldreyer is the current Executive Director of the School Equity Caucus, a statewide organization representing Michigan school districts that seek adequate and equitable funding for K-12 public schools. He served as superintendent of Fennville Public Schools for nine years, principal of Martin Middle/High School for five years, and taught Social Studies at Jenison Public Schools for 16 years. Most recently, in 2018, Weeldreyer served for just under six months as Interim Superintendent at Caledonia Community Schools where he successfully prepared the district for a smooth transition to their next leader.

He holds an Educational Specialist degree in Leadership and Administration from Grand Valley State University, a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University, a Master of Education from Nazareth College, and a Bachelor of Arts from Hope College.

Muskegon Area ISD Superintendent John Severson said, “I have known Mr. Weeldreyer for several years and I’m confident in his leadership, skills, and experience. He has what it takes to lead Muskegon through this time of transition as they search for a superintendent. We are fortunate to have him.”

Weeldreyer lives in Jenison and said he has known and respected the strong traditions of Muskegon Public Schools for many years. “I look forward to learning more about how I can best serve the district from the students, parents, staff, community and board members who live and learn right here in Muskegon,” he said.

MUSKEGON, Mich., June 10, 2019 – Muskegon’s summer collegiate baseball team, the Muskegon Clippers, will be hosting their first ever Hero Appreciation Night for all veterans, active duty military, police, fire, first responders and their families. – Free of charge.

The Hero Appreciation Night will be Friday, June 14, 2019, at historic Marsh Field on Laketon Avenue in Muskegon. Gates open at 6pm with the first pitch at 7:05pm.

Events will include pregame recognition ceremonies on the field, allowing players from both teams to greet and share appreciation with the heroes and thanking them for their service.

The Clippers are members of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League which is a developmental League for college athletes from all over the country. These student athletes are looking to hone their skills, and possibly get spotted by baseball scouts as they hope for an opportunity at the next level.

The Clippers will play the Galion Graders from Galion, Ohio in game one of a three game set scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Gates open at 6:00 pm; first pitch is at 7:05pm, each night.

The Clippers have gotten rave reviews from baseball experts and casual fans alike. Not only is there great baseball played, but the fans love the historic ballpark and the fun and interactive atmosphere that is created during the games.

Part of the excitement includes:

• Walk up music for the players
• Sing along for fans
• Dance along with fans
• Our famous Beer batter
• Contests and Games for fans between innings
• Guests performing the national anthem
• Kids participating on the field in the introduction of players.
• And finally, fans are allowed to run the bases after the games.

The Clippers have a great line up of concessions including their ball park dog, brats, popcorn, candy, and Dippin’ Dots ice cream. In addition, a variety of soft drinks and ice cold Budweiser products are available for purchase.

Ticket Information

Game tickets are $5 for adults; $3 for Senior Citizens, $3 for students; $2 for children 5-12. Children 5 and under are free. There is also special pricing for Season Tickets, a Half Season 10 game flex package or group sales.

For more information contact Pete Gawkowski at 231-638-7696 or visit our website at www.muskegonclippers.com or join our Facebook page by searching Muskegon Clippers.

“Opening Day begins new season, highly competitive play and affordable family fun”

MUSKEGON, Mich., June 4, 2019 – Muskegon’s summer collegiate baseball team, the Muskegon Clippers, will be returning for its sixth season at historic Marsh Field in Muskegon. Opening day is today, Tuesday evening, June 4, 2019 at 7:05pm.

The Clippers are members of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League which is a developmental League for college athletes from all over the country.  These student athletes are looking to hone their skills, and possibly get spotted by baseball scouts as they hope for an opportunity at the next level.

The Muskegon Clippers have gotten rave reviews from baseball experts and casual fans alike.  Not only is there great baseball being played, but fans love the historic ballpark and the fun and interactive atmosphere that is created during the games.

The Clippers will play the Michigan Monarchs in game one of a three game set scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Gates open at 6:00 pm; first pitch is at 7:05pm, each night.

Ticket Information

Game tickets are $5 for adults; $3 for Senior Citizens, $3 for students; $2 for children 5-12. Children 5 and under are free. There is also special pricing for Season Tickets, a Half Season 10 game flex package or group sales.

For more information contact Pete Gawkowski at 231-638-7696 or visit our website at www.muskegonclippers.com or join our Facebook page by searching Muskegon Clippers.

MUSKEGON, MI – With only 4 days remaining before its debut – anticipation is growing for the Muskegon Summer Wine Up, Muskegon’s brand new outdoor wine festival.

The Muskegon Summer Wine Up kicks off this Saturday, June 8^th at Hackley Park in downtown Muskegon. Hours are from 2 PM until 8 PM. The festival will include live music, food trucks, wine tastings, a “Mystery Wine Challenge”, and wine seminars.

The Muskegon Summer Wine Up is being organized by Cumulus Radio – Muskegon, and includes radio stations WLCS-FM (Classic Hits); WVIB-FM  (Urban Adult Contemporary); Sunny 92.5 WWSN-FM (Adult Contemporary); 97.5 Nash Icon WLAW (Country).

“We have been getting some great feedback from the local community who are excited,” said Rich Berry of Cumulus Radio – Muskegon, the organizers of the Muskegon Summer Wine Up. “I think people will enjoy what we have put together.”

Ten wineries will be bringing more than 100 different wines with them for sampling purposes. Samples will be approximately 1.5 ounces, which organizers say is enough to truly sample a wine.

Seminars will cover a variety of fun topics and will include sampling opportunities as part of the presentations. Topics include:

2:30 PM: “The History of St. Julian Wine,” presented by Vince Meconi, a fourth generation member of the St. Julian Wine Family. Vince will discuss how this famous winery was started by his great-grandfather Mariano Meconi in “Canada during Prohibition before moving to Detroit and then to Paw Paw to became the winery that it is today. Samples of St. Julian Wine will be served as part of the presentation.

3:15 PM & 5:15 PM: “The Amazing Story of Ed O’Keefe, Junior,” by Statewide Ambassador of Chateau Grand Traverse Rhonda Riebow. Like many mavericks in the wine industry, Ed O’Keefe Jr. did a number of things before starting Chateau Grand Traverse. He was an Olympic Gymnast, Army Green Beret Special Forces Paratrooper, NYC Undercover Narcotics Agent with the U.S. Treasury, and other experiences – including a passion for wine, of course – led him to start a winery in 1974 where none had ever existed. Samples of Chateau Grand Traverse wine will be served as part of the presentation.

4:00 PM & 6:15 PM: “How to Read a Wine Label,” presented by David Belaen, Chief Executive Officer of Babich Wines of New Zeeland. Wine labels have a lot of information on them. Some of it is critical to understanding what is in the wine bottle and some of it is just “blowing smoke.” Belaen gives a guide to help you know what matters, how to spot a bargain and what to ignore. Samples of Babich Wines will be part of the presentation.

4:45 PM & 7:00 PM: “Holland Has Tulips, Muskegon Has Roses,” presented by Scott Vicary of Leelanau Cellars Winery. Scott will discuss the different styles of Rose and discuss why a Rose can make all the difference at a dinner party. Samples of Leelanau’s Roses will also be a part of the presentation.

Attendees will have the opportunity to sample over 100 different types of wines, according to Berry. Sample sizes will be 1.5 ounces. Admission is $15.00 and includes a souvenir wine glass and four wine sample tickets. Additional samples may be purchased throughout the day. A Wine “Scorecard” will also be included for people to write down the wines they liked if they wish to purchase bottles at their favorite wine stores.

You must be 21 or older to attend. Everyone must present a valid ID to be admitted.

The “Muskegon Summer Wine Up” is presented by the Little River Casino, HarborLight Credit Union, Parties in the Park, the Muskegon Heights Optimist Club and the Cumulus Radio Stations of Muskegon.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/WineUp2019

MUSKEGON, MI – Van’s Car Wash & Quick Lube has been locally owned and managed, serving the community since it opened its first car wash on Sherman Blvd. in 1969. To celebrate 50 years of serving West Michigan, Van’s is giving away a 2-year lease on a Jeep Compass with 100 free car washes.

Van’s is teaming up with Preferred Jeep/Chrysler of Muskegon for the contest. There are several ways to register to win including Van’s website, vanscarwash.com, at all seven Van’s locations, and at Preferred Jeep/Chrysler of Muskegon. Van’s will also have a Jeep Compass at Taste of Muskegon on June 14-15, as well as Muskegon’s 150^th Celebration on July 11-13 with an opportunity to register at each event. The contest runs June 1-July 31 with the winner announced on August 2. Full contest details are available on Van’s website.

“Fifty years is worth celebrating. We’ve had specials and events every month to celebrate and thank our customers,” said Jerry Vanderstelt, 4^th generation owner of Van’s. “We wanted to do something big for the summer and giving away a Jeep is big. Jeeps are perfect for muddy adventures, and we’ll help you get it cleaned up when you come home.”

Van’s story began on October 15, 1930, when Gerritt Vanderstelt and his son Henry opened Van’s full-service gas station at 1087 W. Laketon Ave. in Muskegon. Their franchise would eventually expand to five locations. Henry Vanderstelt took over the company after his father’s passing. In 1979, Henry retired and his sons, Gary and John, took over the reins of the family business, which included a car wash and gas station on Sherman Blvd. In 1987, Gary decided to retire from the business and sold the original location on Laketon Ave., while his brother John continued to own and operate the full-service Sherman location. Two of their sons, Mike and Jerry, remained as the co-owners and operators of the company. Today, the family legacy continues under the current owner, Jerry Vanderstelt.

Currently, Jerry owns and manages seven locations in the Muskegon, Fruitport, and Fremont areas. Van’s Car Wash & Quick Lube are one of the few locations that prep and spot clean your car before the automated wash. Also, with each oil change or auto service purchased, customers receive a free car wash. Core services remain car washes and quick lube/oil change services. Repairs and other maintenance is offered at the Sherman location. For a list of all locations and contest details, please visit vanscarwash.com.

Second-year Construction Trades student Skylar Wezell (Oakridge) hangs drywall in the main floor bath.

MUSKEGON, MI – The community is invited to join Construction Trades students and staff from the Muskegon Area Career Tech Center (MACTC) for an open house at 2558 Chestnut Trail, Thursday, June 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. This home is the twelfth home in the Chestnut Trail neighborhood built by Construction Trades students. Previous years’ homes will be marked by blue yard signs during the event.

The home this year is 2,144 square feet. This house, as well as those previously built, has been built to EnergyStar standards. It features low-flow plumbing, a high-efficiency heating and cooling system, spray foam insulation, and has basement walls constructed with insulated concrete forms for more comfortable, quiet, and energy-efficient living. Other features of the open format home include long-lasting LED lighting, nine foot ceilings, hardwood floors, solid surface countertops, three bedrooms, three baths, a den, a deck with access off the master bedroom and the kitchen, partially finished basement, and a two-stall garage.

“Every day is hands-on and you feel like you accomplish something,” said Construction Trades student Jett Young (Reeths-Puffer) when asked what he likes best about the program.

“This class has taught me that hard work really does pay off,” shared Construction Trades student Laben Beckly (Whitehall).

Several former Construction Trades students, who now work in the industry, returned to help again this year. Geoff Newmyer of Newmyer Plumbing visited to assist students with plumbing the home. When it was time for drywall, Eric Shafer of Elzinga & Volkers spent time sharing pointers on drywall finishing with students. Once the drywall was complete, 2017 graduate Kenneth Vandersteldt (now employed by painting contractor Creations by Brian) helped direct students on proper painting techniques.

Students from the Electrical/Computer Technologies program also worked alongside Construction Trades students. These students assisted with running low-voltage wires and installing structured cabling for internet, cable, and phone services.

The construction industry in West Michigan is booming! High school students interested in a career in construction may learn more about the program by visiting the Construction Trades page. Eighth graders can explore careers in construction too during Eighth Career Camp, June 17 to 20, 2019. Enroll at summercareercamp.org.

MUSKEGON, MI – With only one week remaining before its debut – anticipation is growing for the Muskegon Summer Wine Up, Muskegon’s brand new outdoor wine festival.
The Muskegon Summer Wine Up kicks off next Saturday, June 8th at Hackley Park in downtown Muskegon. Hours are from 2 PM until 8 PM. The festival will include live music, food trucks, wine tastings, a “Mystery Wine Challenge”, and wine seminars.

The Muskegon Summer Wine Up is being organized by Cumulus Radio – Muskegon, and includes radio stations WLCS-FM (Classic Hits); WVIB-FM (Urban Adult Contemporary); Sunny 92.5 WWSN-FM (Adult Contemporary); 97.5 Nash Icon WLAW (Country).

“We have been getting some great feedback from the local community who are excited,” said Rich Berry of Cumulus Radio – Muskegon, the organizers of the Muskegon Summer Wine Up. “I think people will enjoy what we have put together.”

Ten wineries will be bringing more than 100 different wines with them for sampling purposes. Samples will be approximately 1.5 ounces, which organizers say is enough to truly sample a wine.

Seminars will cover a variety of fun topics and will include sampling opportunities as part of the presentations. Topics include:

2:30 PM: “The History of St. Julian Wine,” presented by Vince Meconi, a fourth generation member of the St. Julian Wine Family. Vince will discuss how this famous winery was started by his great-grandfather Mariano Meconi in “Canada during Prohibition before moving to Detroit and then to Paw Paw to became the winery that it is today. Samples of St. Julian Wine will be served as part of the presentation.

3:15 PM & 5:15 PM: “The Amazing Story of Ed O’Keefe, Junior,” by Statewide Ambassador of Chateau Grand Traverse Rhonda Riebow. Like many mavericks in the wine industry, Ed O’Keefe Jr. did a number of things before starting Chateau Grand Traverse. He was an Olympic Gymnast, Army Green Beret Special Forces Paratrooper, NYC Undercover Narcotics Agent with the U.S. Treasury, and other experiences – including a passion for wine, of course – led him to start a winery in 1974 where none had ever existed. Samples of Chateau Grand Traverse wine will be served as part of the presentation.

4:00 PM & 6:15 PM: “How to Read a Wine Label,” presented by David Belaen, Chief Executive Officer of Babich Wines of New Zeeland. Wine labels have a lot of information on them. Some of it is critical to understanding what is in the wine bottle and some of it is just “blowing smoke.” Belaen gives a guide to help you know what matters, how to spot a bargain and what to ignore. Samples of Babich Wines will be part of the presentation.

4:45 PM & 7:00 PM: “Holland Has Tulips, Muskegon Has Roses,” presented by Scott Vicary of Leelanau Cellars Winery. Scott will discuss the different styles of Rose and discuss why a Rose can make all the difference at a dinner party. Samples of Leelanau’s Roses will also be a part of the presentation.
Attendees will have the opportunity to sample over 100 different types of wines, according to Berry. Sample sizes will be 1.5 ounces. Admission is $15.00 and includes a souvenir wine glass and four wine sample tickets. Additional samples may be purchased throughout the day. A Wine “Scorecard” will also be included for people to write down the wines they liked if they wish to purchase bottles at their favorite wine stores.

You must be 21 or older to attend. Everyone must present valid ID to be admitted.

The “Muskegon Summer Wine Up” is presented by the Little River Casino, HarborLight Credit Union, Parties in the Park, the Muskegon Heights Optimist Club and the Cumulus Radio Stations of Muskegon.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/WineUp2019

About Cumulus Media: A leader in the radio broadcasting industry, CUMULUS MEDIA (NASDAQ: CMLS) combines high-quality local programming with iconic, nationally syndicated media, sports and entertainment brands to deliver premium content choices to the 245 million people reached each week through its 434 owned-and-operated stations broadcasting in 89 U.S. media markets.

Fruitport, Michigan – Regenerative Medicine is the next biggest wave in health care that is presenting opportunities to help people regain function and improve the quality of their life without the use of drugs or surgery. It is the science of using living cells such as Stem Cells to stimulate the body’s own Repair Mechanism. Potentially regenerating or facilitating the repair of joints damaged by disease, Injury or aging.

Stem Cells are derived from human umbilical cord tissue of healthy birthed babies and their mothers, which is the safest and least-invasive method of extraction available.  These cells are naturally anti-inflammatory, immune regulating and regenerative in nature.

X-Cell Integrative Health is located in an adjoining suite to Fruitport Chiropractic at 3427 Farr Road in Fruitport Michigan.  Dr. Christopher Popp M.D. our Clinic Director and Chenoah Walsh FNP our Nurse Practitioner are excited to be of service by improving function making a difference in the life of others. Michelle Peterson is our Office Manager and the key to making sure the operations run smoothly and the patient has a wonderful experience.

The future of Stem Cell Therapy is here.  It offers you a painless option from surgery which is that is a safe and effective.  You have a choice.  Before, Surgery

Please join us in celebrating the next step in health care with X-Cell Integrative Health Grand Opening June 13, 5-7 pm, 3427 Farr Road, Suite B, Fruitport, Michigan, Ribbon Cutting Ceremony  5:30.