Parents, sons and daughters, observers, politicians, activists and educators were just some of the people that could be seen Saturday afternoon along West Ludington Avenue, holding signs, clapping, cheering and waving to passersby in the 90-plus-degree heat. In all, Schillachi pulled 16 people out of the waters off Muskegons Pere Marquette beach. She returned on Monday, Oct. 19, again asking for more beach safety measures, and lifeguards, and citing the drownings of three people, including Patterson, as well as unbelievable amount of close calls there this summer. Muskegon was just one of many beach towns that decided to forego lifeguards in the last few decades. The council rescheduled its Committee of the Whole meeting to 6 p.m. April 15, instead of 5 p.m. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Shes kept the city going for a lot of years. When it comes to a drowning, lifeguards likely are their only hope.. Johns many successful years in municipal management will serve the county well.. Football fans have likely seen Shay on the field, while officiating games for the Michigan High School Athletic Association and the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association. In that time, Mike said, theyve fallen in love with the lakeshore and its people. Related: When high water kills: Drownings on Great Lakes soar in 2019. Entering into week three, he's learning many aspects of the community. LUDINGTON, Mich. (AP) A coal-powered passenger steamship on Lake Michigan that's the last of its kind in the U.S. will stop using coal to fuel its historic engines once its operators settle on an alternate power source. This may be done by editing the posted story or posting a new follow-up story. The county waded through 188 applications before selecting Shay for the position. LUDINGTON Mitch Foster has been on the job as city manager since March 18. Reagan, who is from Muskegon, worked in Iron Mountain in 2008 as a Downtown Development Authority director and Main Street manager. It seemed like a calm day and Brusse was out on the water in a small boat when he noticed sirens and flashing lights on a bluff. Shay is currently the vice president of the Michigan Municipal Executives. This is one of those things that most cities the size of Ludington have changed over to appointing the treasurer and clerk, Foster said. It was during perhaps the deadest part of the year as far as city hall is concerned, February to early March, Rotta said. Look closely. In some instances, untrained bystanders risked and at times lost their lives in futile rescue attempts. The Mason County Sports Hall of Fame will remain at Historic White Pine Village instead of moving into the former PNC Bank building in downtown Ludington as previously planned. No one really understands that water, said Jason Brusse, who lives in South Haven and pulled a drowning victim out of Lake Michigan there in June. Shay was named a finalist for Holland Township's vacant manager position in February. City Hall Hours. Republic is recommending changing the recycling container from an 18-gallon bin to a 96-gallon cart, which would cost recycling subscribers an annual rental fee of $15 per cart, in addition to the 2.7723 millage rate Ludington property owners already pay for solid waste services. Other equipment will be replaced as well, including pumps, blowers, valves, pipes and the motor control center. In January, Steckel was appointed to serve as the acting city manager until the new city manager, Mitch Foster, was hired and began work. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Return to Staff Directory. RELATED: Could these lives have been saved by lifeguards along Lake Michigan? We accept the responsibility and the obligation of the liability, he said, later adding, We dont feel a financial liability. Her last day was Aug. 24. Green flags were flying, indicating favorable swimming conditions. Title: City Manager Phone: 231-845-6237 Email. Scottville City Commission will begin with a public hearing at 6 p.m. addressing the brownfield authority and then will hold its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 105 N. Main St. in Scottville. For the years 1988-1997, the United States Lifesaving Association recorded fewer than 100 drownings at mostly ocean but some non-ocean beaches guarded by lifeguards, with more than three-quarters occurring during hours when the beaches were unguarded. That person could then chose to seek election. From Jan. 29 to March 17, Steckels typical work days were 14 to 16 hours, and she had to use her personal vehicle to attend daily meetings for the city, she stated. I am very excited to begin work as Ottawa Countys next Deputy County Administrator and to join a dedicated team of public servants, providing excellent public services in a cost-effective manner, Shay said in a statement. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. I know its one of the topics that the charter revision commission is looking at.. It agreed to take up the case of Estate of Tschirhart v. City of Troy after the state Court of Appeals ruled that a community only is liable if the lifeguard shows substantial lack of concern and directly contributed to an individuals injuries. The Ludington City Council on Monday will vote on approving submitting an application for a $150,000 grant to help finance the proposed splashpad and fishing pier replacement at Copeyon Park. Dr. Perry Marillat lifts up his wife Wendy during their dance routine Saturday night at Lincoln Hills Golf Club. Van Ess has been Tallmadge Township supervisor since 2005. Theyre seen as a necessary function of public safety, said Brian Bailey, director of Berrien County Parks which operates Silver Beach. Chance of rain 100%. Thats going to be a big change but a good one. Such was the message of Ludington painter Mary Case as she gave instructions to participants Thursday evening in the Sable Dunes Chapter of the Audubon Societys See and Sketch Michigan Beautiful nature sketching workshop at Ludington State Park. Follow this reporter on Twitter @SentinelJake. He received a masters degree in public administration along with a bachelors degree in political science and government from the University of Nevado-Reno. Piers can create dangerous currents and, without barriers on most of them, provide an inviting opportunity for a stroll to unsuspecting visitors four of whom were swept off piers into the water and drowned this year. Sonja Blakney of South Haven agrees. Im not saying that to pull at anybodys heartstrings Im just saying thats wrong. For example, they might move swimmers away from a hazardous rip current area. It was with seven simple words that the second and final Rhythm & Dunes concert of the summer got underway Saturday at Waterfront Park. There are some challenges and some pretty cool opportunities. During its meeting Monday, the Ludington City Council approved additional compensation for Jackie Steckel for her time as acting city manager. Jared Sartini, a California lifeguard who grew up in the Holland area, has started an online change.org petition to bring lifeguards back to Holland State Park. New members of the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners, affiliated with far-right group Ottawa Impact, moved to fire Shay during their first meeting Jan. 3 through a last-minute agenda item. The Ludington City Council on Monday will vote on adopting a proposed ordinance that would formally establish and define the duties of the citys four standing committees. OFF SEASON Inquiries should be sent to 400 S. Harrison Ludington MI 49431 Quick Links NOAA Weather Marine Forecast Weather Buoy Water Surface Temps Ludington Charter Fishing View All He said he wants to the citys government to be more open about how it communicates with the residents, much of which will take place with a greater social media presence. Its critical because those communities have an obligation to protect tourists, many of them out-of-towners with no knowledge of the lakes power, he said. Tim Kozal offered job after national search After a nationwide search, the City of Muskegon says, it has found its next Director of Public Safety. Prior to coming to Ludington, he was the director of public safety for the City of Manistee for three years. Cody Morgan Denton, 23, 2630 N. Sherman Road, Ludington, was sentenced in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday to 47 months minimum to a maximum of 15 years in prison on charges of breaking and entering with intent and larceny of firearms, habitual offender second offense. Enter your email address to subscribe to this site and receive notifications of new posts by email. The Marillats won the competition, and the foundation raised roughly $37,000 with the proceeds going toward the Ludington Area Schools' robotics program. After a particularly deadly summer on Lake Michigan, grassroots calls to bring back lifeguards are growing louder. The issue of municipal lifeguard liability is set to be heard by the Michigan Supreme Court. They also helped occupants of a sinking boat, she said. High 57F. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 8,076.. A harbor town on Lake Michigan, Ludington is at the mouth of the Pere Marquette River.Many people come to Ludington year round for recreation, including boating and swimming on Lake Michigan, Hamlin Lake . Ludington also, after about a year of effort, got approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to place a gate on its north breakwall that was installed this year, said Ludington City Manager Mitch Foster. The City of Ludington is requesting contractor bids for the construction of improvements to the area on Ludington Avenue west of Stearns Drive. Wyoming City Council said it hopes to approve an employment agreement by mid-May. Fire Department The Ludington Fire Department is comprised of 21 on-call/part-paid Firefighters. More: Former Ottawa County administrator John Shay a finalist for Wyoming city manager, More: Ottawa County Board abruptly fires administrator, hires former GOP candidate John Gibbs. If you look just down the road, the City of Scottville appoints its clerk and treasurer.. But lifeguards, which city officials said cost $26,000 when they were eliminated in 2010, arent on the table, Peterson said. They do need to put some people on that beach," Blakney said. The public meeting will begin with an update on the search to hire a new Ludington city manager presented by Jeff Mueller, an executive recruiter for the Michigan Municipal League . He then attended University of Nevada-Reno where he received a bachelors degree in political science and government and a masters degree in public administration. He had served as Ludington city manager for 15 years. In April, the position was vacated by Keith Van Beek, who. In April, the position was vacated by Keith Van Beek, who was appointed Holland city manager. Entering into week three, hes learning many aspects of the community. Employee Intranet. Steve Wietrzykowsk has been appointed interim chief. The City Manager serves as Chief Administrative and Executive Officer of the City of Ludington. Jackies not cheating us.. This story is copyrighted 2019, all rights reserved by Media Group 31, LLC, PO Box 21, Scottville, MI 49454. LUDINGTON The City of Ludington is currently in the process of replacing its police chief and treasurer. The MMRMA provides liability insurance to most municipalities in the state. Ludington City Manager Mitch Foster said the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) plans to repave Ludington Avenue and Lakeshore Drive in 2020, but he is recommending a complete reconstruction to solve the underlying road issues. Nine west Michigan bed and breakfasts will host the West Michigan B&B Christmas Cookie Tour Dec. 7-9 and 14-16. Potential for heavy rainfall. At that meeting, the councilors went into closed session to review the top 10 out of 37 candidates under consultation of a representative of the Michigan Municipal League. Public comment is being sought for the meeting of the Ludington Area Small Urban Task Force Committee, which is planning road work projects for the years 2020 through 2023. Sentinel reporter Mitchell Boatman contributed to this report. We feel an emotional liability to both the swimmers and the lifeguards.. There are some similarities between the two towns. Some said later she was last seen clinging to a swim zone buoy, fighting the force of an underwater rip current, he said. The City Manager administers and coordinates various functions of City government as stated in the City Charter and supplemented by policies established by the City Council. Name Title Email Phone Additional Phone Foster, Mitch City Manager: 231-845-6237 Steckel, Jackie . The three candidates were selected last week during a special meeting of the city council. Foster grew up in Scottville, living there from the age of 4 to 16 and attended Mason County Central Schools during that time. He also said he doubted Steckel told the truth about the hours she worked, and said she should have to submit documentation to account for her extra hours. And by the time you can start heading toward shore the storm and the wind is on you.. Ludington, Michigan, are you ready to party? Eric Sage, founder and frontman of country and classic rock tribute band Young Guns, asked as his bandmates stepped onto the Waterfront Park Pavilion stage. Ludington City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. tonight at Ludington Municipal Building, 400 S. Harrison St. in Ludington. Before that, he served as deputy county administrator. Concerns about liability were repeatedly mentioned to MLive by managers of Lake Michigan beach communities. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. For more of this story, pick up a copy of the print edition of The Ludington Daily News or buy our e-edition. LUDINGTON, Mich. (AP) Sprawled like a gigantic swimming pool atop a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan is an asphalt-and-clay pond holding enough water to produce electricity for 1.6 million households. No portion of this story or images may be reproduced in any way, including print or broadcast, without expressed written consent. We all know what kind of worker Jackie is, said Planning Commissioner Kaye Holman. Two apartment complexes are under construction at 225 W. Ludington Ave. and 200 W. Loomis St. in downtown Ludington, but the Loomis Street facility already has four stories built, while the Ludington Avenue building hasnt yet completed its first floor. Agendas and Meeting Minutes; Community Voice; Current Projects; This article is available to paid digital subscribers. Ludington (/ l d t n / LUH-ding-tn) is the largest city and county seat of Mason County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The council approved changing the traffic flow to make one block of North William Street between Ludington Avenue and West Court Street a northbound, one-way street for vehicles. Professional Management The purpose of MME is to foster and encourage the personal and professional development of its members in order that they may better serve their communities and to promote, encourage, and preserve high ethical standards for municipal executives. Ludington City Manager John Shay currently works on a year-to-year contract. Update: Delays have been extended until 11 a.m. or later. Police Department The term expires in 2024, meaning that the city council would appoint a treasurer to serve out the current term. City Manager City of Ludington, Michigan Mar 2019 - Present4 years 2 months Ludington, MI I oversee the day-to-day operations of a full-service city with 65 full-time employees and with. SCOTTVILLE Its all about bringing families and communities together at Family AfFair, and thats exactly what area businesses, nonprofit organizations and government agencies did Saturday at Mason County Central High School. She basically got hauled out of the swim zone so quickly, Brusse said. Sources told WGVU Tuesday that the job is being offered to Tim Kozal, who has been serving as the Chief of Police in Ludington, Michigan since 2020. Enter your email address to subscribe to this site and receive notifications of new posts by email. But she didnt realize the full extent of the workload shed have to do for performing both her job as acting city manager and her regular duties, assisting the city manager and the mayor. The candidates are James Van Ess, Patrick Reagan and Mitchell Foster, said Interim City Manager Steve Brock, who provided to the Daily News the resumes and cover letters of the three interviewees. The council awarded the bid for the citys stump grinding work to the Ludington-based company R. Bogner Tree Farms and Service. Scottville's Lee Schwass was the top overall winner of the half marathon with a time of 1 hour, 21 minutes, 39.85 seconds. At Silver Beach in St. Joseph, lifeguards make sure everyone is out of the water on red flag days, said Bailey, the Berrien County parks director. Click here to sign in or get access. It's not his first time serving in a decision-making role, as he spent 15 years as the Ludington city manager after starting his career as the village manager of Almont in Lapeer County. The city of Ludington is contributing an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act tax abatement for 12 years, estimated to be worth $1,825,802. When high water kills: Drownings on Great Lakes soar in 2019, South Haven residents push for lifeguards after rash of Lake Michigan drownings, Who can close the Lake Michigan piers? Refer to Use Policy for more information. To read the full story, check out the print or E-edition of Tuesdays Ludington Daily News. A lifeguards duty is not to react to an accident, he said. Right now, were going to continue to have discussions on whether lifeguards are needed, she said. Those are questions city officials are pondering as they evaluate a proposed change to Ludingtons zoning, which would allow more short-term rentals renter stays of less than 28 days to be created downtown. Barnett said its important that everyone should be allowed to speak their opinions during public comment, but opinions should be stated in a courteous manner and shouldnt be used to bludgeon people and make allegations of crime without showing evidence. According to a press release from Manistee County Sheriff John OHagen, the accident occurred on U.S. The council approved paying Steckel the remaining 25 percent of the city manager wages $202 per week, or an estimated $1,414 total plus a car allowance for her seven weeks as acting city manager. The names of the candidates will remain confidential for the time being and will be published in the Daily News when they become available. And whats the right balance? His parents, Dave and Jody Foster, owned Fosters Market. West Michigan has its own kind of tempo, he said. Even fewer residents responding to the survey, 42%, supported using existing city funds to pay for a lifeguard program. City Staff View a directory of city staff and retrieve contact information. After the position was vacated, Vanderberg said the county would look internally and externally to fill the position. Jared Litwiller, of Ludington, was sworn into his new role as a part-time employee of the city immediately following city councils regular public meeting at City Hall. He received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Boston College and Master of Public Administration from Oakland University. Warm, overcast and a breezy day greeted the runners in the 38th Annual Ludington Lakestride Saturday afternoon along the shores of Lake Michigan. Johns many successful years in municipal management will serve the County well.. WYOMING The city of Wyoming announced Monday, April 17, that John Shay will be its next city manager, WOOD TV-8 reports. After the store closed, the family moved to Big Rapids, where he graduated from high school. These are just a few of the creatures that make up the acrylic menagerie decorating the walls of the lobby outside the performance hall at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts. Richards did not know how many times the lifeguards entered the water to assist swimmers in New Buffalo this season. The tours will include baking cookies from scratch and holiday lights, sights and sounds in small towns that span the west coast of Michigan from Whitehall, Hart and Pentwater, to Ludington and Bear Lake. Shay will replace former deputy county administrator Keith Van Beek, who became Hollands city manager earlier this year. Our infrastructure needs outweigh the amount of revenue this city brings in, and has for many years. Enter your email address to subscribe to this site and receive notifications of new posts by email. Several other residents and city officials spoke after Rotta, showing their support for Steckel and saying she has stated her work hours accurately. The council approved the dates of two fundraiser events Footsteps for Families on May 25 at Rotary Park and Blessing of the Boats on June 1 at the Ludington Municipal Marina. The West Shore Art Fair marks its 50th anniversary this weekend with two days of fine art in Ludingtons Rotary Park. Staff Directory. All rights reserved (About Us). The West Shore Blades figure skating club hosted its fifth annual Christmas on Ice food drive and skating party at the West Shore Community College Ice Arena Sunday afternoon. Lake Michigan is as dangerous or more dangerous than the ocean because storms come up so quickly, Torregrossa said. groups Facebook page has more than 830 members. Three reasons most often cited for the lack of Lake Michigan lifeguards are costs, liability and trouble recruiting. Ludington is a great community with a lot going for it. Winneconne is located in between Lake Winneconne and Lake Butte des Morts near Oshkosh and Manitowoc in WInnebago County. Departments. The names of the three top candidates for city manager that the Ludington City Council selected to be interviewed were announced during the council meeting Monday night. Its always been in the back of my head that Id really like to support the cause of getting lifeguards in my hometown just all those unnecessary deaths, Sartini said. We have a veteran staff at city hall. For this reason it is the policy and practice of this company to not delete postings. Ludington's form of government is council-manager, meaning the city manager, not the mayor, is the chief executive of the city, appointed by the council. Hiring a headhunter if necessary to find lifeguards is critical for beach communities, said Benjamin of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project.
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