They are great people but there is going to be some significant turnover in the next five or six years as people retire. RELATED: Could these lives have been saved by lifeguards along Lake Michigan? In January, Steckel was appointed to serve as the acting city manager until the new city manager, Mitch Foster, was hired and began work. Treasurer Mary Jo Wittingen accepted a job position with the Mason County Treasurers Office. Look closely. At the north end of the park sits a large stone with a plaque inscribed with the words, These elms were planted by the Auxiliary of Edwin H. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced that beginning Monday Ludington State Park will begin the annual process of lowering Hamlin Lake to its winter water level. John Shay, who currently serves as city manager of Ludington, was named Ottawa Countys new deputy administrator on Thursday. During its meeting Monday, the Ludington City Council approved additional compensation for Jackie Steckel for her time as acting city manager. 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. 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. Other equipment will be replaced as well, including pumps, blowers, valves, pipes and the motor control center. Every year the Mason County Garden Club searches out local businesses that do an outstanding landscaping and civic beautification effort. A lot of times people wont be aware theyre in trouble, Sartini said. 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.. In that time, Mike said, theyve fallen in love with the lakeshore and its people. 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. The citys contract with R. Bogner has an option to renew again for up to three years. LUDINGTON The Ludington City Council has formally announced the names of the top three candidates for city manager. He estimates he has saved 200 people during the five years hes worked as a lifeguard. WEST OLIVE -- Ludington city manager John Shay has been hired by Ottawa County to serve as the lakeshore municipality's deputy administrator. LUDINGTON Mitch Foster has been on the job as city manager since March 18. Alan Wernette, Ludington State Park interpreter led the program with five participants. Previously, Mitchell was the Village Administrator at V Read More Contact Mitchell Foster's Phone Number and Email Last Update 3/19/2023 5:57 PM Email m***@ci.ludington.mi.us Engage via Email Contact Number (231) ***-**** Engage via Phone Mobile Number I am looking forward to getting to know the residents and the community and learning more about how we can work together.. 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. Concerns about liability were repeatedly mentioned to MLive by managers of Lake Michigan beach communities. Beachgoers dont realize the power of a 4- or 5-foot wave, meteorologist Mark Torregrossa explained in MLives documentary video The Deadliest Great Lake., Out on the ocean, you might have 6-foot waves, but theyre spread apart, Torregrossa said. The block of North William Street by House of Flavors will become a one-way street, the Ludington City Council decided Monday. City of Ludington City Manager Jennifer Cleaver Secretary/Treasurer Community Investment Committee Member The Law Office of J. Cleaver, PLLC Brooke Felger Safety Decals Jason Jeffrey West Shore Educational Service District Superintendent Tim Nieboer Community Investment Committee Member House of Flavors The issue of municipal lifeguard liability is set to be heard by the Michigan Supreme Court. I think the lifeguards are the difference between life and death in many drownings that happened this year, said David Benjamin, executive director of public relations and project management for the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project. Thats going to be a big change but a good one. See related story about MCPs claim that the council violated the Michigan Open Meetings Act. Once a swimmer starts struggling, they typically become submerged within a minute, he said. Scottville's Lee Schwass was the top overall winner of the half marathon with a time of 1 hour, 21 minutes, 39.85 seconds. 1:00 John Shay, who currently serves as city manager of Ludington, was named Ottawa County's new deputy administrator on Thursday. Johns many successful years in municipal management will serve the County well.. Enter your email address to subscribe to this site and receive notifications of new posts by email. He had served as Ludington city manager for 15 years. Related: When high water kills: Drownings on Great Lakes soar in 2019. 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. Crowdfunding campaign launched for "From West End to Best End" project Board of Directors United Way of Mason County Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 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. In all, Schillachi pulled 16 people out of the waters off Muskegons Pere Marquette beach. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. But the citizens have demanded them and the risks of not having them are too great. City Council members can, as the entire council, hire the City Manager. Daugherty appeared before the South Haven City Council about a year ago asking it to return lifeguards to the citys North and South beaches. The mayor, instead, helps guide the council and presides over city council, which is comprised of six councilors who each represent one of the six city wards and a councilor-at-large. Cartier Park Campground | Ludington, MI - Official Website High 57F. Sewer Backup | Ludington, MI - Official Website We dont have a clear mandate on what the city should do, South Haven Interim Manager Kate Hosier said. Ludington seeks new police chief, treasurer. The City Manager serves as Chief Administrative and Executive Officer of the City of Ludington. Because the position is an elected position, even an appointed treasurer must be a resident of the city, who has lived in the city for at least one year. And by the time you can start heading toward shore the storm and the wind is on you.. We will be making a succession plan a high priority. Police Department If you look just down the road, the City of Scottville appoints its clerk and treasurer.. Foster said, in addition to the committee, a firm has been hired that will assess the candidates. Instead of lifeguards, Lake Michigan communities have instituted a variety of lifesaving measures primarily the posting of rip current warning signs, making life rings and life jackets available, and using a warning flag system. The City of Ludington is requesting contractor bids for the construction of improvements to the area on Ludington Avenue west of Stearns Drive. Contact 911 immediately upon discovery of an overflow or backup. The City Manager is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of the elected City Council. He received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Boston College and Master of Public Administration from Oakland University. Entering into week three, hes learning many aspects of the community. 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. Even fewer residents responding to the survey, 42%, supported using existing city funds to pay for a lifeguard program. To read the full story, check out the print or E-edition of Tuesdays Ludington Daily News. One of the major issues this town faces is the need to update infrastructure, he said. He started looking, and saw shadowing on the lake floor, dove in and pulled out 19-year-old Jazmyn Patterson. Hosier estimated it would cost between $100,000 and $200,000 to restart a lifeguard program. It was during perhaps the deadest part of the year as far as city hall is concerned, February to early March, Rotta said. Potential for heavy rainfall. Dr. Perry Marillat lifts up his wife Wendy during their dance routine Saturday night at Lincoln Hills Golf Club. 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. We accept the responsibility and the obligation of the liability, he said, later adding, We dont feel a financial liability. West Michigan has its own kind of tempo, he said. Phone messages MLive left with a spokeswoman for the authority seeking comment about lifeguard liability were not returned. Capt. 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. Names of Ludington city manager candidates announced. Former Ottawa County administrator John Shay a finalist for Wyoming city manager, Ottawa County Board abruptly fires administrator, hires former GOP candidate John Gibbs, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Barnett, she said, had requested that all the police personnel become employees of Ludington and that the Ludington Police Department provide patrols in Scottville. For this reason it is the policy and practice of this company to not delete postings. Foster has been village administrator of Winneconne, Wisc. since 2015. The council awarded the bid for the citys stump grinding work to the Ludington-based company R. Bogner Tree Farms and Service. Shay has previously served as city manager in Ludington, village manager in Almont and has worked in local government for 25 years, according to a release from Wyoming. 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. His parents, Dave and Jody Foster, owned Fosters Market. When it comes to a drowning, lifeguards likely are their only hope.. The Ludington City Council will consider changing its charter to allow for the city manager to serve a term of three years at a time. 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. Green flags were flying, indicating favorable swimming conditions. 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. Link: City Manager Page. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. They do need to put some people on that beach," Blakney 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. However the township ultimately chose Steve Bulthuis, former executive director of the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council, as its new manager in late February. Title: City Manager Phone: 231-845-6237 Email. The council, mayor, and staff in the city are all great people and the citizens are wonderful.. MCPs claim that the council violated the Michigan Open Meetings Act. Sentinel reporter Mitchell Boatman contributed to this report. He received a bachelors degree in business administration and management from Ferris State University. The city of Ludington is contributing an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act tax abatement for 12 years, estimated to be worth $1,825,802. Foster said the issue of electing the treasurer and the clerk raises some considerable challenges. Staff Directory Ludington, MI CivicEngage Shay won the. From 2013 to 2015 he was Kingsley, Michigans village manager. The impact of the vehicle caused the pole to snap and lean on top of power lines. The city first narrowed it down to four people before selecting him. 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, said Shay in a press release. Due to the larger container, collection times would also be reduced from once per week to once per month. I watched Jackie Steckel walk out of here, and she was hurt, Barnett said. Shay is in charge of more than 1,200 employees and the day-to-day operations of county government. 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. Due to lightning and approaching thunderstorms, The Ludington Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament has been delayed again, this time until 11 a.m. After eight years of working with the City of Ludington to make it a reality, the Ludington Fire Department saw ground broken Wednesday evening for a new fire station that will be located on Tinkham Avenue behind the Lakeshore Resource Network. City of Ludington 400 S Harrison Street Ludington, MI 49431 Phone: 231-845-6237 info@ci.ludington.mi.us; Helpful Links. They have a duty to protect their patrons.. Ludington mayor candidate profile: Mark Barnett 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. Ludington, MI - Official Website | Official Website Government Services Residents Visitors How Do I. Online Payments Notify Me COVID-19 Information Citizen Requests Weather Open Government Visit Downtown City Calendar Forms Ludington News Calendar of Events Tree Advisory Board Meeting Read on. City Staff View a directory of city staff and retrieve contact information. 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. Have a suggestion for local roads to repair? 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. Ludington city manager Shay appointed to Ottawa County deputy admin job 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. Foster said he would like to have a new police chief in place by the Nov. 14 meeting of the city council. DETROIT (AP) A Michigan city violated the U.S. Constitution by chalking tires to enforce parking limits, but it won't be forced to refund thousands of tickets in the class-action case, a judge said. Also on Monday, the council heard a presentation from Matt Biolette, Republic Services municipal services manager, about the rising costs of recycling. No portion of this story or images may be reproduced in any way, including print or broadcast, without expressed written consent. Shes kept the city going for a lot of years. 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. 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. After four minutes, they will suffer irreversible brain damage and after 10 minutes, they have just a 14 percent survival rate, Benjamin said. We feel an emotional liability to both the swimmers and the lifeguards.. They also helped occupants of a sinking boat, she said. Trees and power lines were knocked down from the City of Ludington to Riverton, Custer, Hamlin and Branch townships. 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. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. City Hall Hours. 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. Chad Rushing kicks off intimate concert series at LACA. 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. You have to have eyes on the water in real time, he said. In some instances, untrained bystanders risked and at times lost their lives in futile rescue attempts. In California, where Sartini said hes chosen lifeguarding as a career, the presence of lifeguards is just expected, he said. Enter your email address to subscribe to this site and receive notifications of new posts by email. But a South Haven Safety Survey, conducted by Western Michigan University between October 2019 through January 2020, received more than 700 responses and found that fewer than half 44% -- of respondents definitely or somewhat supported returning lifeguards to the city. Nine west Michigan bed and breakfasts will host the West Michigan B&B Christmas Cookie Tour Dec. 7-9 and 14-16. Congratulations to John Shay! FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) The northern Arizona city of Flagstaff has been chosen as the site for a new plant for manufacturing parts for electric vehicles, city officials announced Thursday LUDINGTON, Mich. (AP) A coal-fired ferry that carries people and cars across Lake Michigan between Michigan and Wisconsin has been sold A proposed housing development saw its preliminary plans approved by the Ludington City Council Monday night, but not before some of the discussion became heated during the councils regular meeting hosted via the video-conference application Zoom. He received a masters degree in public administration along with a bachelors degree in political science and government from the University of Nevado-Reno. "Its a tourist town and they know thats all people do is go out there to the beach.. Wishing him all the best at his new position. Ultimately, the final decision is up to the city manager. Mitchell Foster is the City Manager at Ludington High School based in Ludington, Michigan. Mayor & City Council | Ludington, MI - Official Website 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. Richards did not know how many times the lifeguards entered the water to assist swimmers in New Buffalo this season. 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. Instead of lifeguards, most Lake Michigan beaches use to varying degrees -- a combination of education about swimming dangers, water condition warning systems, life rings and other stationed rescue and safety equipment. Shay was named a finalist for Holland Township's vacant manager position in February. Brian Keith Petro was sentenced to one year of jail, two years of probation and other punishment by 51st Circuit Court Judge Susan Sniegowski for possession of methamphetamine Tuesday at the Mason County Courthouse. When asked if he thought lifeguards could reduce drownings at his citys beach, Grand Haven City Manager Pat McGinnis told MLive in an email he did not. 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. Shay was selected from a pool of 118 applicants, according to a statement from the county. 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 Manager administers and coordinates various functions of City government as stated in the City Charter and supplemented by policies established by the City Council. The Ludington City Council will consider changing its charter to allow for the city manager to serve a term of three years at a time. Media Group 31, LLC or any of its agents have the right to make any changes to this policy. Ludington city manager ready for challenges, glad to be back in west Michigan. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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. Majestic lions, horses in mid-gallop, massive elephants with piercing dark eyes. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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.. Ludington City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. tonight at Ludington Municipal Building, 400 S. Harrison St. in Ludington. 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. Three ways to help us: Venmo: @MasonCountyPress; Paypal: MasonCountyPress@gmail.com; Mail a check to PO BOX 21, Scottville, MI 49454. Its complicated, and unique in Holland. Foster grew up in Scottville, living there from the age of 4 to 16 and attended Mason County Central Schools during that time. Foster said major projects include the completion of updates at the water treatment plant, the start of updates at the waste water treatment plants, the re-build of the west end of Ludington Avenue and the Copeyon Park splash pad.