wednesday • july • 19 • 2017 page 1

wednesday • july • 19 • 2017 vol. 46 issue 40

for over 120 years • today - tomorrow - your lowell area news source www.thelowellledger.com

stories of perseverance School year begins early this year

by Brianna Massey Lowell Ledger intern The Kent Intermediate School District (KISD) completed a waiver through the Department of Education that is allowing them to bypass the State law and start school on August 21, prior to Labor Day The Lowell Area School District is following suit, starting school on August 22. “We’re not excited about change either to be very honest, but at the same time, how do you make it most valuable to your students and your families?” said Greg Pratt, superintendent of Lowell Area Schools. “You have to focus on keeping the students at their maximum focus and figuring out what’s going to benefit them as they move forward.” Former governor, Cherry Creek Elementary is one of six schools in the Lowell district that will be starting before Labor , signed Day this academic year. legislation in 2005 requiring schools to begin the able to get around this State the Michigan Department According to a an institution of higher academic year after Labor law. of Education. “We call this document provided by the education and the school Day, a ploy to bring in more “Numerically speaking, a Labor Day waiver. There Michigan Department of shares facilities, faculty pages 7-10 revenue for the tourism we’ve had an increase in must be a reason for the Education, school districts or courses with the higher industry in Michigan. But, school districts seeking district requesting the waiver can request the waiver if: education institution.” with the acceptance of a the waivers,” said Bill and it has to fall under one 1. The school “is School, continued, page 4 waiver, school districts are DiSessa, spokesperson for of four categories.” on the same calendar as

Revival performance of Chair-A-Tee for River of Time this Saturday Pink Arrow Pride

page 2

by Brianna Massey Lowell Ledger intern Uniquely painted chairs created by 70 area artists are currently on display along Main Street in front of businesses and organizations until August 18 to raise funds for Pink Lowell Area Historical Museum education director Luanne Kaeb has been busily Arrow Pride. The Chair-A-Tee chairs will be available for preparing local 4H participants for a revival performance of the pageant River of Time this purchase through a silent auction. The bidding starts at $75 Saturday at the Kent County fairgrounds. with $5 incremental bids and $300 results in an immediate page 15 Hosted about every four or five years, the pageant is performed by students and shares purchase of the chair before August 18. The bid sheets stories of Lowell’s past according to director Lisa Plank, “Luanne Kaeb teaches the kids are available at participating businesses and organizations about our early history, helps them build the set and learn their parts.” which display a pink t-shirt style poster in their windows. Those that have seen the production before, like avid community supporter Bruce The chairs will be displayed at the LowellArts Gallery, 50CENTS Doll, are anxious to view it again, “If you live in the Lowell area this is a MUST see. It is 223 W Main Street from August 22-26, where bidding will amazing the history that this area has and how well it is portrayed by the kids and adults continue with no ceiling. Saturday, August 26 there will be who put on this performance. I have been waiting to see it again for years!” a reception at LowellArts where final silent auction bids can The free public show is scheduled for this Saturday, June 22, at 2 pm. be placed and participants will be recognized. page 2 wednesday • july • 19 • 2017 Lowellian or Lowelllite? Michiganian or Michigander?

by Tim McAllister lead reporter Michigan residents have been debating what to call themselves, Michiganders or Michiganians, for over a David B., Lowell area century. Governor says ‘Michigander,’ while Derek B., Lowell “Michigander. Gander “Michiganders, that’s previous governors Jennifer Granholm, and Jim is a male prefix, that’s the what you call somebody Blanchard said ‘Michiganian.’ The last poll on the subject, only reason. I’ve never who lives in Michigan. Not from 2011, showed that 58 percent of Michigan residents thought about Lowellian or Lowellites, Lowellians. prefer ‘Michigander,’ 12 percent prefer ‘Michiganian’ and Lowellite. I’ve never heard That was always a bad thing 23 percent have either no preference or dislike of both. either.” when I was growing up, The word ‘Michigander’ was actually coined by Abraham Lowellites sounds too much Lincoln to make fun of governor Lewis like “low lifes.” Cass for exaggerating his military accomplishments. For From time to time the final nail in the coffin, if you look ‘Michiganian’ up on our Ledger reporters will pose a Wikipedia, it redirects you to the ‘Michigander’ page. question while out on the streets of Lowell. There are not any polls or statistics on ‘Lowellian’ This is your chance to speak out. versus ‘Lowellite.’ However, there are 21,600 Google If you have a question you think would be an results when searching for ‘Lowellian’ and only 2,210 excellent conversation starter, when you search for ‘Lowellite.’ feel free to suggest one. Last week we took to the streets to find out what a few Send your Street Smarts random people around town have to say about it. questions to: [email protected] subject line - "Street Smarts"

Jennifer G., Ada “I guess it doesn’t Daniel P., Jamestown matter. Either way. I don’t “Michiganders is the along have a preference. I like correct one. The other Lowellites. It sounds better doesn’t sound as good. to me. It rolls of the tongue ‘Michiganders’ sounds better.” tough. You ever mess main with a gander? They’ll chase you out of the yard. Lowellellians sounds a street little fancier.”

KENT COUNTY PARKS TOUR THE RIVER OF TIME PAGEANT The Kent County Parks Foundation and Grand Rapids Experience the history of Lowell on July 22 at 2 pm on Bicycle Company present the “Kent County Parks Tour” on the banks of Flat River at the Lowell fairgrounds. Bleacher Sun., July 30. Cyclists of all ages and abilities are invited seating or bring a chair. Presented by Alto Active Achievers to join us for a fun ride that showcases our Kent County 4-H Club and Friends. Sponsored by Lowell Area Historical parks and trails. The ride begins at Roselle Park in Ada, Museum. The River of Time is a historical pageant written with various routes that feature different lengths, difficulty by Heidi Kaeb Stoller and presented by local students to and scenery to suit all riders, with rest stops at various Kent teach the early history of Lowell. It begins in Wabwindego’s County parks. The goal of this event is to highlight some of Odawa village, includes a visit from trader Madame Sarah W., Lowell Kent County’s premier parks and green spaces surrounding LaFramboise and the arrival of trader-settler Daniel Marsac. “Michigander. I’ve our area. We will provide each rider with an event-day never heard Michiganian. packet, a fully marked course and with snacks or lunch at Feel free to send your event information to the Ledger for Along Lowellite. I always say “low Dakota M., Lowell our volunteer-run aid stations. This event is a benefit for Main St. All submission requests for Along Main St. are subject to space life,” that’s the only one I’ve “Michiganders. It the Kent County Parks Foundation and all proceeds will limitations. The Ledger makes no assurances that they will appear in ever heard.” print. To ensure that an event notification will appear in the Ledger, it just sounds better. I’ll say go towards preserving our local natural areas. https://www. is best to place a paid advertisement. All efforts will be made to place Lowellites. It sounds better bikereg.com/kent-county-parks-tour suitable items in the Along Main St. column but they are printed at the too.” discretion of the publisher. For profit events, church services, yard sales and the like, will not appear in this column. wednesday • july • 19 • 2017 page 3 Food trucks and signs discussed at council meeting by Tim McAllister The council’s next step donations from businesses lead reporter is to come up with a fee sponsoring such banners, Lowell city council schedule, which should be it does not coincide with discussed food trucks and ready to vote on by the next our current sign ordinance. signs at their meeting on meeting. [...] It is important to note Monday, July 17. The “Maybe what I’d do is these organizations have meeting lasted about 38 maybe at the next council utilized banners in this way minutes and was attended meeting I’d come back for many years. However, by nine local residents. at least with maybe some there have been complaints City attorney Dick proposed ideas for license regarding the condition of Wendt led the council in a fees and we can discuss the banners.” discussion of a potential that,” said city manager “I’d just point out that food truck ordinance. Wendt Michael Burns. it’s kind of snowballing,” prepared a draft ordinance The council discussed said city councilor Jim based on the food truck signs and banners that Hodges. “Years ago we rules from Grand Rapids, organizations have been didn’t have nearly as many Ferndale and Marquette. hanging in local parks and banners. We had a few. Now “One of the first at the fairgrounds. we’ve got many and it is provisions in this ordinance “Throughout previous quite unsightly. I don’t think is to require licensing,” years the youth fair, Lowell it adds to our community Wendt said. “Everyone youth football and the when you come in from the would be required to have Lowell little league have south and that fence is just City attorney Dick Wendt led the council in a discussion of a potential food a license. Usually a license been allowed to place lined.” truck ordinance. is granted for a year period. several temporary banners Lowell city council’s This ordinance provides that 5:30 pm that same day businesses to set up shop in Commerce building on the on the fences surrounding next regular meeting will it’s a period that would run the council will have a Lowell. They will also hold Riverwalk from 8 am until their fields,” Burns said. be at city hall at 7 pm on from May 1 through April special meeting to discuss a “Coffee with Council” at 10 am on Saturday, August “While this provides Monday, August 7. At 30, it’s non-transferable and allowing marijuana-related the Lowell Area Chamber of 5. it’s non-refundable.”

Light & Power board approves IBEW contract, projects at July meeting by Tim McAllister are effective July 1 and closed, in collections or with Engineering. The first “That fixes a lot of the some work they did on the lead reporter they agreed to the [contract] no activity for over a year. project was $15,000 and power factor penalties.” Siemens combustion turbine Lowell Light & Power before July 1,” Donkersloot “We are right on par involves a new circuit. The third project in May and June. ratified a union contract, said. “I think it’s only fair with other utilities our size “The purpose of this the board approved cost “They were on site approved a few special that we do the same with the in the nation,” Donkersloot project is to construct a $22,000 and will replace to adjust and calibrate the projects and took care of IBEW.” said. “We’re actually doing brand new circuit, number some unreliable relays. water injection process some write-offs at their The board voted to better than 75 percent of all 203, from the Bowes Rd. “The purpose of and exhaust emissions,” latest regular meeting on write off $3,407.62 in utilities.” substation to the north this project is to replace Donkersloot said. “In June July 12. outstanding utility bills, The board voted to side of W. Main St.,” the eleven 15kV breaker they were here for the stack At the beginning of the $611.60 less than last year. approve three projects for Donkersloot said. “This protective relays at the test.” meeting the board went into The write-offs are balances a total of $41,500. The will allow project number substation,” Donkersloot The board’s next a closed session for over an from accounts that were work will be done by GRP 105 to go forward which said. “They are all 15 years regular meeting will be at hour and a half to evaluate is a circuit upgrade from old and are no longer as the utility’s Broadway St. general manager Steve 4,160 volts to 12,470 volts. reliable as they need to be.” headquarters on Wednesday, Donkersloot’s performance. That will reduce line losses. The board voted to pay August 9, at 6 pm. When they came out of the In addition, circuit 203 will OnPower $15,891.16 for closed session, they voted allow a decreased load on unanimously to renew circuit 205.” his contract, give him a The second project four percent raise and pay involves new capacitor $575 for his Rotary dues. banks and will cost $4,500. The board also voted to “Project 107 is the approve their contract with installation of capacitor employees who belong to the banks on circuits 201 and International Brotherhood 202,” Donkersloot said. of Electrical Workers union. The contract was ratified by the union in June and will take effect July 1. “All employee raises Electric distribution and transmission manager Ryan Teachworth helping the board understand some of the projects they approved. page 4 wednesday • july • 19 • 2017 School, continued 2. “It operates a school Pratt wished for at least “In 2015, the State calendar that includes a a two-year warning, but that mandated 180 school days, summer break during the was not the case. requiring Lowell to add summer that is no greater “I’m not sure that five student days to the than six weeks in length.” Kent County could have year,” Pratt said in the letter business 3. “A local educational moved any faster for us,” addressed to Lowell parents. agency governing a school said Pratt. “They had to get “A second law requires identified as persistently their actions done at the a consistent county-wide lowest-achieving is State level before I could calendar for Thanksgiving, required to implement an have done anything here at winter and spring break.” directory intervention model specified a school level. The timing Educators are hoping under federal regulations wasn’t tremendous and I that tacking five days on and guidelines.” accept that and I apologize the beginning of the school 4. The district offers to parents when I talk to year rather than the end will a program with “extended them but the reality is we give students’ academic learning options to students got a calendar out as quickly advantages. throughout the summer as we possibly could.” “It made sense for us to break in a manner that Those affected by put those extra instructional provides an experience the change also showed days in the front than the similar to that of a shortened concern with students being back,” said Caniff. “There summer break.” in school during the hottest is conceivably more The Kent Intermediate days of summer. instruction time for students School District “My mom is concerned leading up to assessments superintendent, Ron Caniff, about the summer heat and AP [Advanced had option one in mind and how the temperature Placement] tests.” while requesting the waiver. will potentially affect “Students taking the “We’re aligning our students’ performance in SAT [Suite of Assessments] calendars with the Pre-Labor the classroom,” said Quinne will have an advantage Day start with colleges and Duhr, 2018 senior class of learning more of those institutions in which we president. materials before the test, partner which may include Granholm put this so hopefully we see some GRCC (Grand Rapids law into play a decade ago scores that get our kids Community College), in hope of benefiting the more opportunities and Davenport and Ferris, just Michigan tourism industry. more scholarships,” said to name a few,” said Caniff. “Many communities Pratt. Lowell Area Schools depend on high school According to Pratt, felt the pressure to follow students as their labor force there is a new state law KISD in their early start for during the summer and the that requires students to be the 2017-2018 school year. early start puts a fence on at grade level reading to “To ensure Lowell those communities,” said pass third grade. “Moving WE SHIP students can experience Caniff. the days forward in our all the opportunities and Caniff is hoping the schedule and providing resources Kent County has days off for students and more of a summer base to offer, we have aligned educators at the beginning program for those at-risk UPS our academic year with that of the year, will offset kids, we’ll have more of the Kent Intermediate the negative effects on students reaching grade The Buyers Guide School District and with the Michigan tourism level reading by third 105 N. Broadway Lowell West Michigan regional industry while still allowing grade,” said Pratt. “All programming offered families the ability to take of these things influence ••• through KISD,” said Pratt, those normal Labor Day decisions like this, but it’s in a March 20th letter vacations. hard to get on a one-page In the business world, the to Lowell Area Schools “We don’t have school letter to parents.” parents. “Nearly 200 the first Friday of the year Caniff and Pratt also rearview mirror is always clearer students are involved in and the following Friday, mentioned that many KISD programs, so being we are kicking into Labor athletes, musicians, etc. are than the windshield" out of alignment with their Day weekend which will starting to prepare for their ~ Warren Buffett (1930 - ) calendar would put those provide an opportunity respective activities starting students at an academic for those last “hurrahs” of in early August, so the early disadvantage.” summer vacation.” start of school will not be Educators, staff, But, for Caniff and much of change for many students, and parents felt Pratt, the benefits to the students. blindsided by this short early school start out weigh How long will this early notice announcement, the drawbacks. school start be in place? many of them having to “We believe that The Labor Day waiver cancel previously planned realigning the calendar with is a three-year commitment. vacations. the college schedule will “You don’t want change “I was very surprised make it easier for our kids to happen every other year, at our early start date, it to do dual enrollment,” said so having a sense that we’re seemed one week earlier Pratt. “Our dual enrollment going to do this for a couple than everyone else,” said is up over the past several of years gives parents a Sarah Ellis, Lowell High years, but it’s not a large chance to plan,” said Pratt. School Spanish Teacher and number and part of it is “We’re looking at this as a Aquinas College student because students have to multiple year trial.” studying Studio Art. “I start classes earlier in the There has been talk of had to cancel a trip we had summer than Lowell starts eliminating the post Labor TO ADVERTISE planned out West.” school.” Day start law. “We’re at the beckon call of the Michigan State in the Legislature to start after Labor Day weekend,” said Ledger DiSessa. “It could change down the road, but that would take the legislature Business Directory and the governor signing off on that.” Call 616.897.9261 wednesday • july • 19 • 2017 page 5 iew oint p 75 years ago 25 years ago v The Lowell Ledger The Lowell Ledger July 23, 1942 July 22, 1992 A group of Lowell’s business and professional LDC general contractor Larry Christiansen has men have just forwarded 53 cartons of cigarettes presented more projects to city councils than he can to that number of young men from this vicinity now count. Some have probably treaded through some serving over-seas. The gesture will serve to show UN rough waters before earning approval status. Monday receptors that they are not forgotten by those at home. night there was a hint of choppy waters. Seeing this, While chatting the other day with Rev. Fr. J. W. McNeil, Christiansen did what he could to calm them and pastor of St. Patrick’s Church, Parnell, the editor walked away with approval of a zoning request to re- learned that upwards of 30 young men from Parnell zone lots 26, 27 and 28 of Sweet and Smiths Addition and vicinity were now serving in various branches of from one family residential to general business. The the armed services, and that more will soon be called. request came from Burger King to allow use of off- A constantly increasing number of homes are being Street parking for the proposed restaurant lots of 27 affected by the war, against tyranny and oppression. and 28. The adjoining property to the north (126 S. Ed. Kik, chief clerk of the sugar rationing board for West) was included in the request for continuity, though Kent county, was in Lowell Wednesday night making not part of the Burger King plan. The disenchantment arrangements for the next sugar rationing program for from West Street residents, however, did not come fall canning. In the new county arrangements each from the rezoning, instead it concerned the access township will have a rationing site and for Lowell drive that would allow Burger King traffic to flow out 125 years ago township W. W. Gumser and Mrs. L. E. Johnson will onto West Street instead of all the traffic dispersing act as clerks of the site. Instructions will be given out onto M-21. Tami Bailey expressed concern for Lowell Journal to the clerks and any of the registrars who wish to the children on West Street. “West Street has no July 20, 1892 attend at the central high school in Grand Rapids on sidewalks, kids must walk to Bowes Road to catch the We stated some time ago that Austin VanDusen Friday, July 31. Certificates will be issued for the fall bus, there will be more trucks coming down our road, was building a new house. We were mistaken, it is canning at the Lowell City Hall on August 4, 5, 6 and this puts the safety of the kids in question,” Bailey said. Will VanDusen who is building the house. Now young 7. The same plan for rationing will be followed as in “Is Burger King so big it can’t understand the concerns ladies just put on your best bib and tucker and smile the last program, one pound of sugar for four pounds of the people in this town.” After hearing Bailey’s your sweetest. Will isn’t looking for a hired girl this of canned fruit. Mr. Gumser and Mrs. Johnson are concerns and hearing a Council that was empathetic time. He has got, or soon will have, a nice cage and calling for volunteers to assist in the work. with her concerns, Christiansen finished his public he is looking for a nice bird and he is going to find one hearing presentation by saying Burger King would be too. 50 years ago willing to pay for the residents share, through the City Mrs Geo. Frost caught the largest black bass of the sidewalk program, to run sidewalk south of the access season, in Murray’s Lake. It weighed over 5 lbs. Lowell Ledger drive all the way to Bowes Road and north to Main Clinton Snow has a fine field of raspberries and a July 20, 1967 Street (M-21). A three-year City sidewalk program that large number of pickers. He has added a tent to his Three robberies puzzle police Three robberies was completed approximately a year ago, offered to grounds. reported over the week end have kept Lowell’s pay half the resident’s costs with the resident paying Wm. Krum took home a new Buckeye binder last Police Department officers busy following leads and the other half or having it assessed on the owners Thursday and Silas Collar took home a new Deering investigating suspects. Monday morning at 3:40 a.m., taxes over a five-year period. “That’s a real positive binder Saturday. a Lowell officer on routine patrol discovered a rear move on behalf of Burger King,” Lowell Councilman window at Parker’s Service on West Main broken. Bill Thompson said. Bailey was even pleased by the 100 years ago Investigation found that some $1,200 in tools had extra step the fast food was willing to take. “That helps been stolen along with merchandise from the station. alleviate a lot of my concern about children having to The Lowell Ledger Monday morning construction workers at the Bushnell walk on the street with all the extra traffic. My main July 19, 1917 Elementary School reported that a router, valued at concern throughout all of this has been the children.” The Kent Transit Co. incorporated, is the name of $80, had been stolen from a tool room. Police reported The West Street resident still saw some problems even a new company organized to run a bus line service that a door was left open in the new school. A third with the sidewalk. “With the new sidewalk, property between Lowell and Grand Rapids, beginning Monday, report of a robbery came Monday morning when value will increase, property taxes will go up, with the July 23, at 7 a.m., at which time the first car will leave Midwest-Jacobsen Co., on South Washington St, access road, traffic will go up but our property value, Lowell for Grand Rapids by way of Alto, McCords, discovered a cash box hidden in a closet missing. The as far as selling the home, will decrease. The Council Whitneyville and Cascade. At 7, a.m., also a car will box contained $91 in cash and several checks the made it clear that legally it could not stop Burger leave Grand Rapids for Lowell by way of Ada. Cars company reported. No signed of forced entry into the King from putting in the access road. The Council run each way every four hours thereafter, four round office could be found by the police. approved the off-street parking, citing by denying it, it trips daily. Fares have been fixed at 75c for round trip, Rose Fongor announced this week that she plans would defeat the safety purposes. Lowell Police Chief 50c for one way. Pro rata charges at intermediate to open a drive-in restaurant in the former service Barry Emmons presented a traffic study as to the points. The passenger equipment consists of two station building at the corner of West Main and number of accidents on West Street from January of 25-passenger cars on Republic trucks, providing for Pleasant Streets. She will feature sandwiches and soft 1990 through July 13, 1992. The study showed there comfort in all sorts of weather. Lowell headquarters ice cream with tables and counter as well as in-the car were five accidents on West Street. The number of will be the Overland garage. Cars will start at east service. The new drive-in as yet unnamed, plans to accidents on M-21 between Center Street and Valley end of town, taking on passengers at all crossings open early in August. Vista was 62. In another study presented by Emmons, and at every farm house. Depot in Grand Rapids at The new Bushnell Elementary public school located it showed that the average speed on West Street was Bertles Motor Sales Co., 18-20 Commerce street. It on the Lowell’s west side, will be dedicated later this between 25-29 miles per hour. There were 18 vehicles is expected that a freight service will be added about fall to the memory of Marion A. Bushnell, longtime southbound on West Street to eastbound Bowes two weeks later. teacher in the Lowell system, who died last week. Miss Road. There were seven vehicles south bound on Lowell student at U. of M. mustered in. Wayne Bushnell, who had taught over 1,700 children in her West Street to westbound Bowes Road. There were Young of Lowell is one of 21 students in the University long career, retired last year after 44 years of teaching. 16 vehicles eastbound on Bowes Road to northbound of Michigan who was mustered into the United States Pfc Gerald M. Estes, USMC was wounded July 4, West Street and there were five vehicles westbound ordnance reserve corps at Ann Arbor. Mr. Young has in the vicinity of Quang Tri, Republic of Viet Nam. He on Bowes to Northbound West St. The traffic study been specializing for some time in army stores. He sustained fragmentation wounds to the right hand, was done July 4 from 6 p.m. until 8 p m on South West has been assigned to the Rock Island, Illinois, arsenal neck, and right elbow from a mortar round while on Street. The Planning Commission recommended that with the other university students by Recruiting Officer an operation. He is now receiving treatment at the 3rd the re-zoning be approved back on June 22. At its July Captain Sales of Detroit, for five weeks’ training. They Battalion. His condition is good. Gerald graduated in 6 meeting, the Lowell City Council set a public hearing will then be assigned to the regular ordnance service 1965 from Forest Hills and began Marine Boot Camp for July 20. Christiansen said Burger King’s open and later expect to sail for France, there to engage in In August, 1066. He arrived In Viet Nam in June 1967, house is scheduled for the fourth week in September. active service. and is a member of the infantrv. His mailing address remains the same: Pfc Gerald M. Estes, 2311317, L Co. 2nd PLT 3-9 3rd Marine Div., Care of FPO San Francisco, California. 96692. page 6 wednesday • july • 19 • 2017 July and August sees open air services health by Kathryn Atwood parishioner Carol Briggs, that returning to the natural any Sunday is rainy, we end contributing reporter who has attended the church setting each summer is up at the church at 621 East Lowell First United with family for more than 50 something she and fellow Main Street.” HEALTH With Drs. Paul Gauthier, Methodist Church (LFUMC) years. “Holding our services church members await. Saying the church's Jim Lang, offers an uncommon open outdoors connects those “Our congregation loves the connectivity with the Wayne A. Christenson III, air service each Sunday who attend more directly outdoor setting and looks community continues to John G. Meier & Tracy Lixie morning in July and August forward to relocating to the grow Briggs reported that to God’s creation,” said bee and insect stings which welcomes the Briggs. “Sitting outside on Riverwalk.” Worship at the Riverwalk is public to enjoy the scenic Besides bringing church just one of the many reasons a beautiful morning, hearing Stinging insects such bee stings must have access backdrop of the Flat River attendees closer to nature she loves her church. the wildlife and feeling the as bees, wasps and fire ants to an epi-pen to use in an along the downtown Lowell the unique outdoor sermons “Our congregation is very breeze as we worship puts inject a venom into their emergency. Riverwalk. are a great opportunity to giving. LFUMC provides a wonderful twist on our victims which can irritate Most people have less Worship at the welcome the public to their a location where anyone at weekly time together.” the skin. Stinging insects do serious reactions to bee Riverwalk, led by Pastor church, “We want to make any phase of their life can Meeting from 9:30- not usually transmit disease. stings. Common reactions Brad Brillhart, was added this setting comfortable, feel welcome and included. 10:30 am for a less formal, Some people can have include pain, swelling and to the church calendar about welcome and enjoyable to I love that we encourage all more casual service that a severe reaction to a bee redness at the site of the five years ago, according to all. If you come, you will persons to visit, worship includes music, Briggs said sting call anaphylaxis. bee sting. The affected feel welcome,” said Briggs and hopefully want to return People that have an allergy limb may swell for a few adding that the same was to our congregation.” to bee stings may experience days and feel hot. If you are true year round and in case trouble breathing, swelling stung by a bee, apply ice or of inclement weather. “If of the face, mouth, lips a cold compress, wash the and throat. They may also area with soap and water, experience stomach cramps, take an over-the-counter vomiting and diarrhea, antihistamine like Benadryl, dizziness and passing out. Zyrtec or Claritin. You can If you are stung by a bee take Tylenol or Motrin for and are experiencing these the pain. symptoms you should dial To avoid getting stung 911 and get to an emergency keep foods and drinks room as soon as possible. covered when you are People that have a outside, slowly, back away severe allergic reaction can if you see a stinging insect receive allergy shots for a and do not swat at a bee. Carol Briggs, center and other parishioners few years that may reduce Call a pest control service to sing along with hymns Sunday at the Riverwalk. the more severe reactions. remove wasp/hornet nests All persons with a history near your home. of anaphylactic reaction to

happy birthday

JULY 19 JULY 22 Bob Elzinga, Danielle Kelly Marie Roth, Laurie Rittersdorf, Marcia Baird, Fonger, Eric Shear, Mark Dupont. Noreen Myers, T.J. Butler.

JULY 20 JULY 23 Pastor Brad Brillhart leads Lowell First United Cara Thaler, David Thaler Methodist Church at their open air service. Dave Fosburg, Nathan III, Maureen Pawloski, Swift, Heather Pretzel, Beth Berry, Amber Brown, Robert Jahnke. Jerry Taylor. CALVARY CHRISTIANFIRST UNITED JULY 24 area REFORMEDMETHODIST CHURCH CHURCH JULY 21 Nathan Bush, Mike Lally. OF LOWELL Dara Anchors, Stephanie OF LOWELL621 E. Main Street Wade, Carolyn Mercer, 897-7060 897-5936 Rev. Dr. Paul Mpindi PHD Jeff Gurney, Kelly Tulecki, 1151 www.lowellumc.comWest Main Street, Lowell, MI Barrier-free entrance Alexander Stiles. SUNDAYMorning WORSHIP...... 9:30 Worship...... 10:00 am SundaySunday School...... 9:30 School...... 11:20 AM churches YOUTHEvening GROU WorshipPS (JR. &...... SR. HIGH)...... 6:006:00 PM PM WorshipNursery on availablethe Riverwalk at both begins services July 12 PastorBarrier-Free Brad Brillhart

GOOD SHEPHERDFIRST UNITED FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ST.METHODIST MARY CHURCH LUTHERAN CHURCHOF LOWELL OF LOWELL 103 Bluewater Highway621 (Missouri E. Main Synod) Street CATHOLIC 621CHURCH E. Main Street Halfway between Lowell &897-5936 Saranac on M-21 897-5936 www.goodshepherdlowell.org 402 Amity St. • 897-9820 www.lowellumc.com www.lowellumc.comwww.stmarylowell.com Worship Service Barrier-free...... entranceSunday - 10:30 AM Barrier-free entrance SUNDAY WORSHIP...... 9:30 SUNDAYWeekend WORSHIP...... 9:30 Masses: Sat 5 pm; Sun. 10:30 am SundaySunday School...... 9:30 School...... 9:15 am Sunday SaturdaySchool...... 9:30 Confessions: 3-4:30 pm YOUTH GROUPS (JR. & SR. HIGH)...... 6:00 PM YOUTHPrayer GROU & AdorationPS (JR .each & SR. HIGHWed.)...... 6:00 8:00 am - 8 pm PM WorshipJoseph on Fremer, the Riverwalk Pastor begins 897-8307 July 12 religiousWorship education on, children the R toiverwalk adults - callbegins pete Julywiggins 12 897-7915 All facilitiesPastor are Bradwheelchair Brillhart accessible see lowell cable chPastor 393, ewtn Brad for Brillhart 24hr. catholic broadcasting

LOWELL UNITED First Congregational FIRST BAPTIST Church, UCC CHURCH OF LOWELL METHODIST CHURCH CHRIST-CENTERED, KINGDOM-FOCUSED HOMES 865 Lincoln Lake SE • 616.897.5906 discover. grow. share 2275 West Main Street - (Barrier Free) 621 E. Main Street Worship Service - Sundays 10:00am 897-7168 -www.fbclowell.org Pastor Jon Pickens, Lead Pastor 897-5938 Lowell's Open Table - Thursdays 5 - 7 pm Pastor Phil Severn • Youth Pastor www.lowellumc.com • Barrier Free Entrance Serving meals and providing fellowship Christi Swain, Director of Children's Ministries to the greater Lowell community SUNDAY WORSHIP.....9:30 am (Nursery provided) Worship SUNDAY School...... 11:00 am (Nursery-Adult) 9 am - Traditional • 11 am - Contemporary OPEN AND AFFIRMING Awana (K-5 during school year) Wednesday, 6:15 pm Kid's Crew 11:15 am www.lowellucc.org Middle & High School - Mon-school year•Wed,summer, 7 pm Sr. Pastor - Brad Brillhart wednesday • july • 19 • 2017 page 7 page 8 wednesday • july • 19 • 2017 wednesday • july • 19 • 2017 page 9 page 10 wednesday • july • 19 • 2017 wednesday • july • 19 • 2017 page 11 Local band Headhunters back together for reunion by Tim McAllister The group sounded pretty lead reporter The highlight of their set The Headhunters, tight for a bunch of guys who at the Friday night cook-out Lowell’s most famous 60s hadn’t performed together was a performance of ‘Times rock band, reunited last for decades and their silly We Share,’ the a-side of the weekend for two special but informative between- single the Headhunters did concerts. Terry DeWitt, song banter gave the show a for legendary Sparta garage Dick Nowak, Tom Speerstra ‘VH1 Storytellers’ vibe. rock label Fenton Records. and Roger MacNaughton Three of the It’s considered a rare item got the band back together Headhunters have been today; copies of their single to play at Lowell High rehearsing together for over have sold on eBay for School class of 1967’s 50 a year, but Nowak lives in hundreds of dollars. The year reunion on Saturday Hawaii. band never played the song night. “We weren’t even sure live back in the 60s. On Friday night, at a he was going to be able “We did a record way, cook-out in MacNaughton’s to come,” MacNaughton way back and we never front yard, the Headhunters said in an interview before played it live anywhere,” played a 45 minute “dress the show. “He’s been here DeWitt said before the band rehearsal” of 60s classics for two weeks and we’ve played the song. such as ‘Louie Louie,’ ‘I’m been rehearsing. People “Because it couldn’t be A Believer,’ ‘Kind Of A are starting to be able to done,” Nowak added. Drag’ and ‘Nowhere Man.’ recognize the songs now.”

The Headhunters: Terry DeWitt, Dick Nowak, Tom Speerstra and Roger MacNaughton.

“The cool thing about “No, they put the right The Headhunters this tune is that it was our labels on the wrong sides,” originally formed at Lowell ticket to fame and fortune,” Speerstra said. High School in 1965 and MacNaughton said. “Or “The DJs couldn’t play split up for good in 1968. it was supposed to be. It it, they never knew what Until last weekend they had got real positive reviews song was going to come not played music together from, like, three people. out,” MacNaughton said. “It since 1993. The record manufacturers was played a couple times put the wrong labels on the on WGRD.” wrong sides.”

The Headhunters in their 60s heyday.

••• Yoga and Tai-Chi None but along the Riverwalk ourselves can free our Terry Abel minds. 311 E Main Street, Lowell (616) 421-4542 - Bob Marley FarmBureauInsurance.com

by Kathryn Atwood contributing reporter Continuing their mission to inspire healthy living Lowell Community Wellness (LCW) recently reintroduced their summer fitness classes along the Riverwalk on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Led by local health experts the classes are another of LCW’s community wide initiatives aimed at educating and promoting healthier lifestyle choices to the people of Lowell. Local instructor Sarah Ryder of The Hammock, a therapy and wellness center located on Alden Nash, leads the hour long Monday yoga class which begins at 7 pm. Longtime local physician Dr. John Mogor, who practices at the Lowell Spectrum Health location on Hudson Street, hosts and leads Tai-Chi on Tuesday at the same time. Both fun and low impact exercise options request a $5 donation per session. Tai-Chi will run through August 1 and Yoga through August 8.

LEDGER SUBSCRIPTIONS We can take care of it right over the phone - place it on your credit card & receive your first issue the following Wednesday in the mail! The Lowell Ledger 105 N. Broadway • P.O. Box 128 • 897-9261 page 12 wednesday • july • 19 • 2017 UEBERROTH Travis Paul Ueberroth was born in 1978, the 6th day obituaries of May, to the proud parents Mark and Teri Ueberroth (Gardner) in Lansing, Michigan. Although Travis left us on June 20, 2017, his legacy lives on. Travis will always NOON be remembered Karen Noon, age 56, died July 9, 2017. She was an as one of the most amazing woman who touched many lives through her thoughtful, loving, short life. She and giving souls was preceded in a human could be death by her father, fortunate to share Martin Bartl; and space with. To call her grandparents. him friend or to share She is survived by the bond of blood her husband of 36 that comes in the years, Randall Noon; form of family was children, Joseph, an honor. Travis had Juanita, and Melissa; a knack for finding and six grandchildren. us at our worst Celebration of Life moments in life, Dear EarthTalk: Is livestock ranchers. CBD memorial service will seeing us through the federal government’s maintains that drought and be held on Sunday, our tragedies, and decision to take climate change are likely to July 23, 2107, from 1 to 3 pm at Lowell Charter Township celebrating our Yellowstone’s grizzlies off worsen these problems. Hall, 2910 Alden Nash Ave. SE, Lowell, Michigan accomplishments. He was our confidante, cheerleader, of the endangered species Recent scientific data 49331. Small service with Pastor Frank at 1 pm. friend who gave the best hugs to all who knew him. list good news or bad news showing a decline in the He was a gentle giant; although physically imposing, for the iconic bear? -- bears’ population over a pushover to anyone who knew him. His loving and Jeffrey Elder, Los Angeles, the past two years as a generous nature was balanced with a wicked sense of CA result of “managed kills” humor and wit. Travis loved his family deeply and was It depends who you due to livestock conflict, known to be a father who was committed to maintaining ask. The majority of car crashes and poaching connections to his sons and their happiness. Travis had environmental and wildlife support CBD’s claims. The an appreciation for the simple things such as rainbows, advocates would prefer to group’s senior attorney, laughter of children, books, and music. He also carried keep endangered species Andrea Santarsiere, says that a fierce belief in humanity, feeling acceptance and protections in place for the Trump administration’s equality to all was a non-negotiable. Often known Yellowstone’s grizzlies, real reason for pushing to say something deep and serious followed by his which they consider to be the delisting is more about head thrown back, his dimples deep, and releasing still at risk. Meanwhile, appeasing trophy hunters that gravelly laugh from the depths of his soul, like many ranchers, hunters “who want to stick grizzly no other. He was preceded in death by his father, and libertarians applaud bear heads on their walls” Mark Ueberroth; and brother, Vincent Ueberroth. He the Trump administration’s than about concern over the is survived by his children, Brandon Charles Starkey decision to take the fearsome health of iconic American Ueberroth, Cameron Webb, Landon Webb, and Nevan predator off the list. wildlife populations. Webb; grandchildren, Roman Webb and Addaline Rice; But why now? “This outrageously mother, Teri Ueberroth; stepmother, Oralya Garza; According to the National irresponsible decision sisters, Sharla (Scott Caro Sr.), Marisa (Jimmy Mata), Park Service (NPS), some ignores the best available and London Ueberroth; grandfathers, William Gardner, 690 grizzly bears now roam science,” says Santarsiere. and Winfield Ueberroth; many aunts, uncles, cousins, the greater Yellowstone “Grizzly conservation has nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends. Visitation ecosystem—up from made significant strides, will be held Thursday, July 27, 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Roth only 136 or so bears in but the work to restore PUZZLE SOLUTIONS Gerst Chapel, 305 N Hudson St SE, Lowell, MI 49331. 1975. “The number of these beautiful bears has a Private family graveside service will be Friday, July 28. females producing cubs long way to go.” Overall, Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 29, in the park has remained grizzlies now occupy beginning 3:00 p.m. at Ted and Tate Bristol’s, 10218 relatively stable since 1996, less than four percent of Sayles Rd., Lowell, MI 49331. suggesting that the park their historic U.S. range. may be at or near ecological European settlement led carrying capacity for grizzly to the decimation of some bears,” reports NPS. 50,000 grizzlies that once ROTH Secretary of the Interior roamed the western half of Ryan Zinke considers the the Lower 48. www.gerstfuneralhomes.comGERST delisting decision “very “It’s incredibly good news for many disturbing to see the communities and advocates Trump administration in the Yellowstone region” end protections for these and “the culmination of beloved Yellowstone bears decades of hard work and even as their numbers are dedication on the part of falling,” says Santarsiere. state, tribal, federal and “This deeply misguided private partners.” decision just isn’t supported But the non-profit by the science, so the Trump Center for Biological administration may be Diversity (CBD) counters leaving itself vulnerable to a that while grizzly bear strong legal challenge.” numbers in the Greater While the Trump Yellowstone area may administration has not made have improved since the any noise to date about animals were first protected delisting the other major in 1975, the bears continue population of grizzlies in to be isolated from other the lower 48 in and around grizzly populations and Montana’s Glacier National are threatened by recent Park, environmentalists increases in human-caused worry that it’s only a matter mortality. Meanwhile, of time given the relative climate change and invasive population stability there species have taken a huge too. toll on two of the bears’ EarthTalk® is produced primary food sources, by Roddy Scheer & Doug whitebark pine seeds and Moss and is a registered cutthroat trout, prompting trademark of the nonprofit the bears to prey on Earth Action Network. To livestock outside national donate, visit www.earthtalk. park borders, leading to org. Send questions to: increased conflict with [email protected] page 14 wednesday • july • 19 • 2017 STATEPOINT CROSSWORD

THEME: OUTDOOR FUN

ACROSS 1. Big Ben's face 6. "C'____ la vie!" 9. Hefty competitor 13. Water-resistant wool cloth 14. William F. Cody, ____ Buffalo Bill 15. Domenikos Theotokopoulos, a.k.a. El _____ 16. Food-borne bacteria JULY 12 - JULY 18 17. Bro to sis or sis to bro • Washington – Monday the White House 18. Bat dwelling? featured Made in America week. They will 19. *It lights up the sky feature a product made from each state. 21. *S'more cooker 23. Turkish title of • Senate GOP Health Care Bill fails in the respect senate. GOP leaders will take it up again later 24. Sensational this fall. promotion 25. *Take a first aid one • On Thursday, July 20, O.J. Simpson will go on a camping trip before a parole board in a hearing to decide 28. Lover of Aeneas whether he can be released from prison. 30. *____ and field 34. Singular of #26 • Authorities are looking into how marijuana Down worth one million was hidden into brand new 36. Lagerlˆf's "The Mexican made Ford Fusions at a dealership in Wonderful Adventures Ohio. of ___" 38. Where there's • Chicago endured another bloody weekend trouble? as a spate of shooting left 11 people dead, 40. Ripped including a ten-year-old boy. 41. Labored breaths 43. 43,560 square feet • On Monday evening a 7.8 quake between 44. *Done to get in a Russia and Alaska to possibly cause race hazardous tsunami waves; Pacific Tsunami 46. Stash in the hold warning center. 47. Multicolored horse 66. Variable, abbr. 74. "The Second 31. At a great distance 48. Type of car 68. "Roots" author Coming" poet 32. Served hot in winter ••• 50. Greek Hs 69. Shoe binders 33. God's revelation to In three words I can sum 52. *Picnic invader 70. Shoshonean DOWN Muhammad 53. Make like a cat 71. Discrimination 1. Staff leader 35. Financial aid up everything I’ve learned 55. Nuke against seniors 2. Places criterion about life: it goes on. 57. *High ride 72. Soon, to a bard 3. Carbon monoxide 37. Dick and Jane's pet - Robert Frost 61. *Requires luring 73. The day before lacks this 39. *Camping abode 65. Roundish 4. "The Late Show" 42. Mbabane native guest 45. *Shoot this? 5. Stabbed 49. Teresa of Calcutta, 6. No problem e.g. SUDOKU 7. *Used on powder 51. Move sideways and water 54. A variety show 8. Brindled kitty 56. Bacteriophage, 9. Tennis great Steffi informally 10. First name in jeans 57. French novelist … 11. Maple, to a botanist mile 12. Doctor's order 58. Popular Russian 15. Genus in plural name 20. What Pinocchio 59. Little bit, in Mexico was doing? 60. Right to a property 22. Make a choice 61. "Born ____," movie 24. Gun sleeve 62. Pelvic parts 25. *On a string 63. Home on a limb 26. Paintings in an 64. Fitness centers Orthodox church 67. *For any terrain 27. Layered cake 29. "Days" in Havana

Puzzle solutions, page 12

LEDGER OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday: P.O. Box 128 8 am - 5 pm Friday: 8 am - Noon Lowell, MI 49331 Closed Sat. & Sun. 897-9261 wednesday • july • 19 • 2017 page 15

Position: President and founder of Drew Struckmeyer Ninjas On The Move Education: 2016 summa cum laude graduate of Lowell Senior High School, Associate of Arts Degree from Grand Rapids Community College and will attend Grand Valley State University in the fall to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Social Studies Education Family: Dad, Phil; mom, Andrea; brother; Nick (16); sister, Emily (13) Interests: Playing the bass guitar, drums, melodica, and mallet instruments; helping at his church, Impact; and assistant coaching the Lowell Middle School track team high jumpers and hurdlers by Brianna Massey and it got to the point where NOTM, a part of and a training center inside and festivals. It made Struckmeyer trains Lowell Ledger intern it was kind of ridiculous for Bonnie Lent-Davis’ non- of Vanguard BJJ, (Vanguard an appearance at The right alongside the little Kids dream of being just my brother Nick and I profit, Construct Lowell Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Center) Riverwalk Festival last ninjas to prepare for local Ninjas: stealthy, agile and to use it, so we figured we Area Youth (Clay), has an and we are opening a week and the course will be and national Ninja Warrior strong and thanks to Drew should add some classes for outdoor, indoor and mobile training center inside of available in August at the competitions. Struckmeyer, that has kids.” course and is adding another Grand Rapids Gymnastics Kent County Youth Fair. “I took third at Rockford become a reality for many Struckmeyer started indoor location in August on August 8th.” “It’s a twofold thing,” [MI] Ninja Warrior, the local youth. NOTM the fall of his senior 2017. At the ninja camps, said Struckmeyer. “The largest course in the “I saw the show year of high school around “I like to call it gorilla kids are taught “…how to health and wellness side of it world outside of the show (American Ninja Warrior) two years ago. business because it’s all train for Ninja Warrior and encourages fitness and to do [American Ninja Warrior]. four years ago and I started “We went from having over the place and you how to do specific obstacles the ninja course you have to I made it to the national training for it,” said Drew 13 kids at the first camp don’t know when it’s and get the techniques,” said be agile, fast, well balanced, finals for the Ultimate Ninja Struckmeyer, 19, president to now; we’ll reach over going to hit you next,” said Struckmeyer. and strong. It also adds a Athlete Association, LLC and founder of Ninjas on The 3,000 this summer,” said Struckmeyer. “We have The mobile course positive intergenerational (UNAA) and I was a course Move (NOTM). “I started Struckmeyer. an outdoor location in my can be found at school thing. Everyone who works tester for the show last building a backyard course backyard with a full course assemblies, church events at the course is between 15 season and this season.” and 19, so it helps build Struckmeyer has future up high schoolers for job plans to compete on the readiness and it also helps American Ninja Warrior younger kids know that television show. there are good role models.” “You have to be 21 to Not only is being a be on the show. I can do ninja on the move beneficial season 11. It’s season nine mentally and physically, but right now.” it is also highly affordable. Struckmeyer advises The classes offered young entrepreneurs to take range from $25 to $45. “initiative.” “You have to “Our mission is to bring ask to make it happen,” said Ninja Warrior to those who Struckmeyer. “Nothing bad otherwise wouldn’t have will ever come from asking. access to it by creating Go for it and have the affordable and accessible initiative to start it because opportunities to push their no one else is going to start limits,” said Struckmeyer. it for you. If you see a need, Bill Briggs, obstacle try and meet it.” consultant and Ada resident Have little ninjas is to thank for creating the who would be interested? course equipment. Visit ninjasonthemove. “He knows the ins com, email drewstruck. and outs of design and 3-D ninjasonthemove@gmail. modeling and he builds the com or visit the Ninjas on obstacles and makes them a The Move Facebook page. lot safer,” said Struckmeyer.

Drew Struckmeyer, president and founder of Ninjas On The Move, surrounded by muscular ninjas in training at an outdoor camp. Photos by Kyle Yates page 16 wednesday • july • 19 • 2017 Celebrating the heritage of area farms

Local man brings small farm experience to industrial farming by Tim McAllister He passed away when I Serne grew up farming hormones and they’re all at like that. Some people have That milk goes into a large lead reporter was very young. It really in Lowell and still does a different levels in different allergies, so if penicillin bulk tank where it’s cooled Not all farming came down to my uncle moderate amount of farming animals. It’s not like you’re or something like that got to about 38 degrees. It sits conforms to the popular Mike, my uncle Jim and my today. going too far off the charts. into the food chain it could in that bulk tank from 24 image of the small, family cousin Mike. They were the “My grandpa’s old You’re boosting it a little possibly pose a danger. to 48 hours depending on operation. Most farming is ones that really worked at it farm was right on M-21,” bit, but at the same time, For example, all chicken the size of the farm and the large-scale, industrialized for their whole life, pretty Serne said. “My mom and the half-life on all that stuff is antibiotic-free when it size of the tank. The milk and complicated. Pieter much. My uncle Jim and dad lived right across from is pretty quick. It’s like comes to your plate. Now, truck comes, picks it up Serne, sales representative my uncle Mike passed away Impact Church and that’s tipping over dominoes, all the bird may have had and brings it to the dairy. At and dairy specialist for and my cousin was the one where I grew up. I graduated you’re doing is pushing that antibiotics in the past for the dairy it gets bottled or Boehringer Ingelheim who kind of took it over and from Lowell High School first domino and the rest is treatment or something. processed into whatever the Animal Health, has worked handled it for as long as he in 2003. I was involved in the domino effect, it’s what What would you do if your end product is going to be.” in agricultural his entire life. could before he got married, FFA, football, wrestling and naturally happens.” child was sick? Would Michigan is one of the “Farming has been had kids and became pretty all that good stuff. Then I He is also a member of you give them antibiotics? biggest agricultural states in what I have done pretty busy. How it works is, went on to Michigan State the Young Dairy Leaders Sure, you would. That’s the US and we’re growing much my whole life up everybody who is hauling University and graduated Institute, a leadership and the same thing we do all the time. until I took this job,” Serne milk has a route that they’re with a degree in dairy communication skills with animals. When we “The Michigan dairy said. “I work for Boehringer given. It’s almost like shares. management. Now I live out development program put this ‘antibiotic-free’ industry has had a huge Ingelheim, an animal When you get out you sell on Five Mile, so I’m still created by the Holstein thing in place is it meeting amount of growth in the health company. They sell that to somebody else and pretty close. We have a little Foundation. our husbandry standards pharmaceuticals that are then they continue hauling 20 acre hobby farm. That meant just for animals. the milk. Now it’s called is always what I wanted Antibiotics, therapeutics, County Line Farms, out of to have. We’re looking reproductive hormones, Trufant, Mich. They are the at growing ourselves and right down the line. ones that purchased what trying to do more things Anything that deals with was my family’s old milk and trying to become more treating an animal or giving route. It’s pretty intense and diversified. We have some that animal something to pretty dedicated. They’re meat sheep, some beef treat it. I go out and talk to usually out there around cattle and some horses, but the farmers. It’s really a sales two in the morning getting we would like to grow that role, but I also do customer the truck going and warmed even more and look into service, troubleshooting up. You hop in the truck at supplying some restaurants. and things like that. I deal about three in the morning. Right now with the amount with distribution and over We would make our first of people demanding local the counter sales, but the stop north of town and pick food, it has been big. It’s bulk of what I do is dealing up milk and then you hop one of those things that, I with veterinarians and from dairy to dairy to dairy don’t want to see it go the dairy farmers. I’ve been to dairy until the truck is way of ‘organic and natural’ doing that for about four full. At about 11 o’clock where it becomes almost a years now. Before that I we would head into the cliché. There is a lot of that worked on a handful of milk plant in Grand Rapids. stuff.” He gained some experience with animal pharmaceuticals and “The Young Dairy for those animals? When reproductive management past four years,” Serne Leaders Institute is a three they’re sick we have to do when he spent some time on said. “We have the perfect year program focused on something and we want to the other side of the planet. mix of good soil and lots of bringing dairy leaders from do what we know works. “I worked in Tasmania, water. There are about 1,800 the United States, Mexico We could go off the chart Australia, for two years dairy farms in the state of and Canada together,” Serne and try some different doing reproductive Michigan and they produce said. “I had to apply for it therapeutic things, but it management of cows. There a ton of milk. We produce and be accepted. You go may or may not be the best are a lot of cows there, I more milk in Michigan through everything from thing for the animal.” never would have guessed than we can consume or personality training to Serne described the that. I did synchronization even process. We have speaking. It’s a leadership process through which milk programs, genetics, a lot milk leaving the state of course built around dairy. goes from the cow’s udder of artificial insemination Michigan every single day, We meet in Phoenix, to the grocer’s shelf. of cows, planning for the to go to the southeast states Arizona, in February.” “Milk does not come next year what the farmer like Kentucky, Tennessee Serne said that in a jug and sit on a shelf, dairies, managing them and They would have to pull all wants, what’s worked, what and Florida. It can go organizations like PETA it’s not made in a machine,” managing their people.” the tests for antibiotics and hasn’t and a little bit of vet as far as they can get it. disseminate a lot of Serne said. “It starts at the His family has been in all that stuff, then if they work. For example, I set Michigan is the second most spurious information farm level. You have a calf, the dairy industry for at least give you your approval up hormone programs for agriculturally diverse state in order to further their a baby cow. That animal is three generations, mostly in you empty the milk. While synchronizing, so all the in the US, after California, agenda, including incorrect raised for about two years milk transportation. you’re doing that you’re cows ovulate at the same because of the Great Lakes.” information about animal before it has a calf. When “My grandpa milked washing the truck, then you time. That way when you Farming is an incredibly pharmaceuticals. they have a baby, they cows back before I was head back home. You’re breed them they all get complex endeavor and “Antibiotics are a begin to produce milk. The ever born,” Serne said. home by two or three in the pregnant at the same time farmers are becoming very big issue, there are a lot first four to six milkings “Then he sold his cows afternoon. Check over the and they all have babies rare. of misconceptions about are saved to feed that baby and started hauling milk truck and go back again, at the same time. A lot “Two percent of the antibiotics getting into the because it contains things and so he picked up for seven days a week. Milk of people hear the word people feed the rest,” Serne food chain somehow, some necessary for the calf’s everybody else. That’s flow does not stop. My dad ‘hormones’ and they think said. “Only two percent of way,” Serne said. “We want immune system. Then as where I, as a little guy, got used to tell me they would about the growth hormones the population are farmers. to provide a clean product that clears out of the system my feet wet in the industry. actually spend the night in that they’ve heard about. That window will continue at the end of the day that is and you have just regular My uncles, Jim, Tom, Bill the truck out on the road just There are so many types to shrink.” safe for everybody. There milk, that goes into the milk and Mike Serne and my so that they could get to the of hormones. They’re are some initiatives like stream. Cows are milked dad Pat Serne, all hauled dairy in the morning to pick all naturally occurring milk and my grandpa did. up their milk.” ‘antibiotic-free’ and things two or three times a day.