A year after he left, Muskegon eliminated its lifeguard program, citing finances as the reason. Green flags were flying, indicating favorable swimming conditions. In New Buffalo, the city council is aware of the liabilities, but listened to the community when it wanted lifeguards after they were eliminated for one season a couple years ago due to budget concerns, said Richards, the city manager there. But the citizens have demanded them and the risks of not having them are too great. Shay was selected from a pool of 118 applicants, according to a statement from the county. MCSO ACTIVITY REPORT FOR THE WEEKEND OF 07/20/2018 thru 07/22/2018: 07/20 @ 6:45 AM Car/Deer crash, no injury, US10 west of Tuttle (Custer Township), 07/20 @ 7:10 AM Car/Deer crash, no injury, US31 north of Chauvez (Pere Marquette Township), West Shore Art Fair returns for golden anniversary Saturday at Rotary Park. The block of North William Street by House of Flavors will become a one-way street, the Ludington City Council decided Monday. She had been at the lake with a 4-year-old she managed to get to a sand bar before disappearing about 75 feet outside of the marked swim zone, he said. The Ludington Senior Center hosted a week-long open house ahead of Christmas last week as a way to show the community not only what is available, but what could be, too. Its time we have some serious, frank, and open discussions with the public on what we need to do. They need to protect their visitors, Benjamin said. That person could then chose to seek election. "The city of Ludington is excited and appreciative of the MEDC's decision to provide matching funds under the Public Spaces Community Places program for the city's From West End to Best End project," said Ludington City Manager John Shay. 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. City Manager Mitch Foster said the city has posted the position on multiple sources with an application deadline of Sept. 20. ArtPrize 2018 is in full swing in Grand Rapids through Oct. 7 and several Ludington natives are showcasing their own unique pieces of art for the festival. Dr. Perry Marillat lifts up his wife Wendy during their dance routine Saturday night at Lincoln Hills Golf Club. Shay won the position among 48 candidates. Sonja Blakney of South Haven agrees. Winneconne is located in between Lake Winneconne and Lake Butte des Morts near Oshkosh and Manitowoc in WInnebago County. 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. Mason County Press and Oceana County Press are available for free thanks to the generous support of our advertisers and individuals. He received a bachelors degree in business administration and management from Ferris State University. Ludington is receiving a $17 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for upgrades and expansions to aeration, filtration and storage systems at the wastewater treatment facility. High lake levels have made walking on such breakwalls and pierheads extremely risky at times, but few have anything other than warning signs to keep people off the structures that are mostly controlled by the Corps of Engineers. 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. Theyre seen as a necessary function of public safety, said Brian Bailey, director of Berrien County Parks which operates Silver Beach. Lifeguards at Silver Beach entered the water for a swimmer rescue/assistance once during 2020, Jill Adams, environmental property manager for the county parks department told MLive. Fiscal responsibility, civic engagement, economic development and infrastructure were some of the issues discussed by primary candidates Tuesday evening during a public forum for primary candidates at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts. Shay is currently the vice president of the Michigan Municipal Executives. Shay also served as village manager of Almont for five years. 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. He also worked at city as interim city manager and Downtown Development Authority director in Portland. The resolution before the city council Monday would allow for the city manager to be appointed for three-year terms, with the contract subject to be renewal by the city council. That proposal, estimated to cost $70,000, eventually was scrapped for lack of funding and concerns of neighbors. After the store closed, the family moved to Big Rapids, where he graduated from high school. A public meet and greet event is also planned for the public to meet the finalists. 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? Liability concerns were the reason lifeguards were removed from state park beaches, which havent had them since 1993, according to Ron Olson, chief of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division. Follow this reporter on Twitter @SentinelJake. See related story about MCPs claim that the council violated the Michigan Open Meetings Act. 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. For more of this story, pick up a copy of the print edition of The Ludington Daily News or buy our e-edition. The mayor serves a four-year term, and Miller will take office once the term expires on Dec. A memorial to the fallen and remembered soldiers of World War I was revitalized Thursday at Stearns Park beach in Ludington. While Ludington has beach officers who patrol the beach, the lack of available lifeguards and training for them as well as liability concerns expressed by the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority has prevented a lifeguard program from being pushed forward, Foster said. In some ways, Lake Michigan can be even more dangerous to swimmers than larger oceans where lifeguards are common. 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. The Ludington City Council on Monday authorized the city to publish its intent to borrow up to $5 million in additional federal bonds to pay for improvements to the citys sewage disposal system, including the waste water treatment plant on Sixth Street and the main pump station at Rath Avenue. Shay was named a finalist for Holland Township's vacant manager position in February. Community Development Employee Intranet. City Staff View a directory of city staff and retrieve contact information. Enter your email address to subscribe to this site and receive notifications of new posts by email. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Drowning victim Jazmyn Patterson was her daughter, and Blakney believes leaders in South Haven need to do more to protect both residents and visitors. Police Chief Timothy Kozals official last day is Sept. 2. You have to have eyes on the water in real time, he said. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news, By RILEY KELLEY | Daily News Staff Writer, By Riley Kelley | Daily News Staff Writer, Colton Mokofsky | Daily News Staff Writer colton@ludingtondailynews.com, By COLTON MOKOFSKY | Daily News Staff Writer | colton@ludingtondailynews.com. He started looking, and saw shadowing on the lake floor, dove in and pulled out 19-year-old Jazmyn Patterson. City Manager Frank Peterson said hed like to resurrect a proposal for a beach warning system floated several years ago that used flashing lights, audible alarms and broadcast messages on two 30-foot towers to warn beach-goers of hazardous water conditions. And by the time you can start heading toward shore the storm and the wind is on you.. These safety measures vary greatly, with some such as the sprawling Pere Marquette beach in Muskegon having very few visible life-saving items to Ludingtons smaller Stearns Park where life rings and information graphics are placed on numbered posts and a very visible emergency call box is at the waters edge. The City Manager is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of the elected City Council. He was responsible for budgeting and finance, personnel and community partnerships, as well as communication with the media and public. 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. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Johns many successful years in municipal management will serve the County well.. Steve Miller was elected Tuesday to become the new mayor of the City of Ludington, receiving 2,411 votes compared to 723 votes for the opposing candidate, William Dustman. 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. She doesnt ask how many hours she has to work she just does it Whatever she said she did, she did it. 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. LUDINGTON The Ludington City Council has formally announced the names of the top three candidates for city manager. In that time, Mike said, theyve fallen in love with the lakeshore and its people. They also helped occupants of a sinking boat, she said. 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. City Council members can, as the entire council, hire the City Manager. I think well be able to demonstrate this time that its still more important to educate people about what the conditions are, Peterson said. The Mason County Promize Zone Authority Board touted its inaugural class of students taking advantage of the program during the fall 2018 semester at West Shore Community College. Concerns about liability were repeatedly mentioned to MLive by managers of Lake Michigan beach communities. Employee Intranet. Ludington, MI 49431 Phone: (231) 845-1522 cartierpark.ludington@gmail.com Park Managers: Russell Soper Cartier Park is owned and operated by the City of Ludington. Several other residents and city officials spoke after Rotta, showing their support for Steckel and saying she has stated her work hours accurately. Trees and power lines were knocked down from the City of Ludington to Riverton, Custer, Hamlin and Branch townships. RELATED: Could these lives have been saved by lifeguards along Lake Michigan? Are there enough short-term and long-term rentals in downtown Ludington? The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Recruitment and training remain the toughest hurdle for keeping guards on the beach in New Buffalo. While the police chief is an appointed position, the city treasurer is an elected position. In April, the position was vacated by Keith Van Beek, who. Related: When high water kills: Drownings on Great Lakes soar in 2019. 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. Theyre really part of the first-responder culture, Sartini said. Its to prevent an accident., Bailey said Silver Beach has not had a drowning for I cant remember how many years.. The candidate names were apparently not released to the councilors during that closed session. 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. Because the city must amend its charter to reflect the change, the resolution also includes language for a ballot proposal that will be on the Aug. 7 primary ballot. More than 14,000 people have since signed the petition, and the effort calling itself the South Haven Lifeguards in Full Effect or L.I.F.E. In April, the position was vacated by Keith Van Beek, who was appointed Holland city manager. City Manager Amy Williams said she recently met with Police Chief Mark Barnett and Ludington City Manager John Shay. To read the full story, check out the print or E-edition of Tuesdays Ludington Daily News. Its not easy to keep lifeguards there, officials say. Daugherty appeared before the South Haven City Council about a year ago asking it to return lifeguards to the citys North and South beaches. She basically got hauled out of the swim zone so quickly, Brusse said. Study shapes, shadows, lighting. City Council members have the authority and are responsible for passing municipal ordinances and budgets Qualifications City Council members must be a citizen of the United States and at least 18-years of age. Once a swimmer starts struggling, they typically become submerged within a minute, he said. 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. Foster said there are several items he knows he will be facing in the near future. All three of the top candidates for the position of Ludington city manager have agreed to be interviewed by the city council on Jan. 24, said Interim City Manager Steve Brock. The impact of the vehicle caused the pole to snap and lean on top of power lines. They are great people but there is going to be some significant turnover in the next five or six years as people retire. Title: City Manager Phone: 231-845-6237 Email. groups Facebook page has more than 830 members. Link: City Manager Page. 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. The grant would be from the Michigan Natural Resources Recreation Passport program, and it must be submitted by April 1 to meet the deadline for the funds to be awarded in 2020. This article is available to paid digital subscribers. Potential for heavy rainfall. DETROIT (AP) Lawyers who argued that a Michigan city violated the U.S. Constitution by chalking tires have successfully turned the case into a class action potentially affecting thousands of parking tickets. The city of Ludington is contributing an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act tax abatement for 12 years, estimated to be worth $1,825,802. 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 I am looking forward to getting to know the residents and the community and learning more about how we can work together.. Although Steckel was offered to be paid her regular salary as assistant to the city manager plus the difference between her salary and the city managers wages, she chose instead to be paid her salary and just 75 percent of the difference in wages. Her last day was Aug. 24. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Were competing with McDonalds thats paying $15 an hour, said New Buffalo City Manager David Richards. Ludington seeks new police chief, treasurer. Other equipment will be replaced as well, including pumps, blowers, valves, pipes and the motor control center. Barnett, she said, had requested that all the police personnel become employees of Ludington and that the Ludington Police Department provide patrols in Scottville. Even though the lifeguards are trained to an acceptable level, theyre still young and the lake is formidable, Richards said. High 57F. WEST OLIVE Ludington city manager John Shay has been hired by Ottawa County to serve as the lakeshore municipalitys deputy administrator. LUDINGTON The City of Ludington is currently in the process of replacing its police chief and treasurer. On Lake Michigan, theyre pounding you one right after the other real close together.. He received a masters degree in public administration along with a bachelors degree in political science and government from the University of Nevado-Reno. The 2018 Ludington Gus Macker 3-on-3 Charity Basketball Tournament has extended the registration deadline to June 3, 2018. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. He has served as a special projects intern for the City of Evart, management intern at Washoe County, Nev., manager of the Village of Kingsley, and most recently, administrator of the Village of Winneconne, Wis. Ludingtons year-round population is about three times more than Winneconne, and even larger during the summer tourist season. The candidates include: James Van Ess, supervisor of Tallmadge Charter Township in Ottawa County, Patrick Reagan, city manager of Crystal Falls, and Mitchell Foster, village administrator of Winneconne, Wisc. Also on Monday, the council heard a presentation from Matt Biolette, Republic Services municipal services manager, about the rising costs of recycling. 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. We dont have a clear mandate on what the city should do, South Haven Interim Manager Kate Hosier said. This story is copyrighted 2019, all rights reserved by Media Group 31, LLC, PO Box 21, Scottville, MI 49454. The wind was ripping out of the north pretty hard, but the lake wasnt rough yet, Brusse said. We have a veteran staff at city hall. The three candidates were selected last week during a special meeting of the city council. The Ludington City Council will hold a special meeting at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at city hall to choose which candidates for city manager to interview at a later time. City of Ludington 400 S Harrison Street Ludington, MI 49431 Phone: 231-845-6237 info@ci.ludington.mi.us; Helpful Links. 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. We all know what kind of worker Jackie is, said Planning Commissioner Kaye Holman. We accept the responsibility and the obligation of the liability, he said, later adding, We dont feel a financial liability. Then he saw people frantically trying to swim out into the lake yelling that a girl was missing in the lake, Brusse said. 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. In some instances, untrained bystanders risked and at times lost their lives in futile rescue attempts. More than 300 people came to the event, each of them donating canned or other non-perishable food, which was given to the Ludington Area Schools Resource Center. Reagan, who is from Muskegon, worked in Iron Mountain in 2008 as a Downtown Development Authority director and Main Street manager. As lakeshore residents brace for the impending arrival of fall, the Ludington Area Center for the Arts (LACA) is adding a new and intimate performance series to its roster of events to accompany the change of season. This may be done by editing the posted story or posting a new follow-up story. That case involves a swimming pool lifeguard and the drowning death of a man with a disability. 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. At some point in the recent past, our insurance carrier has helped us understand that theyre more of a liability than they are a help, he said. 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. Steckel stated in a memo to the council that she picked that wage percentage because thats what other city employees have been paid when holding the place of their superintendent. City Treasurer The City of Ludington Treasurer's Office is responsible for the accounting and collection of all money due to the City including property taxes, water bills, special assessments, invoices and permits. Shay was selected from a pool of 118 applicants, according to a statement from the county. One of the major issues this town faces is the need to update infrastructure, he said. Departments. Join Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the North Country Trail Association on Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 10 a.m. for a hike on the trail starting near the Vince Smith Bridge. Janet Macunovich has been gardening, writing about gardening and teaching gardening for more than 30 years. We will be making a succession plan a high priority. DuBois, PA (15801) Today. We will be setting the next generation up for success.. No portion of this story or images may be reproduced in any way, including print or broadcast, without expressed written consent. Our infrastructure needs outweigh the amount of revenue this city brings in, and has for many years. Anyone wishing to be considered for the police chief position can learn more here. 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. Im 100 percent confident if we had a guard on the beach that day, shed still be here today.. 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, who has been finding and screening applicants for the job. We are thrilled to have John Shay join the Ottawa County Team, stated Al Vanderberg, Ottawa County administrator. Related: Who can close the Lake Michigan piers? 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. Shay oversaw day-to-day operations while serving as Ludington city manager with 65 full-time employees and 14 departments. But more than enter the waters to save a life, Sartini said lifeguards also save them with warnings and education. The West Shore Art Fair marks its 50th anniversary this weekend with two days of fine art in Ludingtons Rotary Park. Chad Rushing kicks off intimate concert series at LACA. 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. When the lifeguards are called upon to help, were worried that theyre young enough that they dont understand the risk involved in risking their lives.. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The county waded through 188 applications before selecting Shay for the position. During the worst of the nine summers that Marcus Schillachi worked as a beach lifeguard, he pulled 10 struggling swimmers from Lake Michigan. The term expires in 2024, meaning that the city council would appoint a treasurer to serve out the current term. A lifeguards duty is not to react to an accident, he said. "Its a tourist town and they know thats all people do is go out there to the beach.. Ludington City Manager John Shay currently works on a year-to-year contract. Fire Department The Ludington Fire Department is comprised of 21 on-call/part-paid Firefighters. City Hall Hours. He said the councils decision was a misuse of taxpayer money. 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. However the township ultimately chose Steve Bulthuis, former executive director of the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council, as its new manager in late February. The presentation was in connection with a proposed amendment to the citys recycling contract with Republic, which is expected to be addressed at the next council meeting, Biolette said. BY MiBiz Staff Friday, June 08, 2018 01:37pm. Foster said, in addition to the committee, a firm has been hired that will assess the candidates. As the services of Media Group 31, LLC are news services, the information posted within the sites are archivable for public record and historical posterity. 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. Prior to coming to Ludington, he was the director of public safety for the City of Manistee for three years. A search committee will narrow down the candidates. However, Kozal is currently using up paid time off and was sworn in Monday, Aug. 29, as the City of Muskegons director of public safety. Capt. Specific Duties & Responsibilities HAMLIN TWP. 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. No, they cannot be out in the water when red flag conditions persist, and by the time they are alerted and respond, it is too late, McGinnis said. 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. Majestic lions, horses in mid-gallop, massive elephants with piercing dark eyes. Two communities still have lifeguards on Lake Michigan Silver Beach in St. Joseph and New Buffalo Beach. Chance of rain 100%. In January, Steckel was appointed to serve as the acting city manager until the new city manager, Mitch Foster, was hired and began work. About 1,000 people descended the on downtown Ludington area during the weekend to participate in the annual Octoberfest celebration, which peaked with a craft beer, wine and music festival in James Street Plaza Saturday afternoon. 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. Name Title Email Phone Additional Phone Foster, Mitch City Manager: 231-845-6237 Steckel, Jackie . Hiring a headhunter if necessary to find lifeguards is critical for beach communities, said Benjamin of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project. Were they life and death? He received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Boston College and Master of Public Administration from Oakland University. 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. The state of Michigan, which operates a dozen state parks with beaches along the lakeshore, had pulled all its lifeguards by 1993. Return to Staff Directory. 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. The city removed lifeguards about 15 years ago, after spending a year studying the safety, liability and logistics of keeping them, she said. 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. I have a hard time believing that she would need to consistently put in 14- to 16-hour days to manage Ludington during that time.. DuBOIS A City of DuBois resident asked the DuBois City Council, at its meeting on Monday night, if the city has paid a significant amount of money for the private defense of Manager John . Among those who provided comments on the survey were 25 percent who expressed concern about lifeguard efficacy, 21 percent who referenced individual responsibility and 16 percent who were concerned about liability concerns. Ludington Police Chief Mark Barnett also insisted on speaking not as the chief but as a resident of the city. Johns many successful years in municipal management will serve the county well.. It is the editors discretion to update or edit a story when/if new information becomes available. Foster said modern government operations require qualified personnel to handle treasurer and clerk duties. The council awarded the bid for the citys stump grinding work to the Ludington-based company R. Bogner Tree Farms and Service. Ultimately, the final decision is up to the city manager. Im not saying that to pull at anybodys heartstrings Im just saying thats wrong. The decision to place the PNC building for sale was made at the nonprofit organizations most recent board of directors meeting in late October, said Vic Burwell, president and co-founder of the Mason County Sports Hall of Fame.
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