Letter from the Publisher
Welcome to Total Local Grand Ledge: Spring/Summer 2025 Issue!
We’re excited to bring you the third issue of Total Local Grand Ledge, your community magazine dedicated to celebrating local life and supporting small businesses. Formerly known as CRG Directories, we’ve been publishing the business directory (also known as the “phone book”), a Grand Ledge staple since 1993. After decades as an annual directory, transitioning to a quarterly magazine has been a significant shift, and we truly appreciate your continued support throughout the process.
In this issue, we highlight the many service clubs contributing to our community, celebrate the Grand Ledge High School Class of 2025, and offer practical home maintenance tips to help you plan ahead. We continue to include Kids Scoop, games, and the popular hidden object give away, which encourage reader engagement.
Looking forward, our next edition will feature the annual Grand Ledge Business Directory. If you’re a new business or need to update your listing, now is the perfect time to reach out. Our publications are delivered through Every Door Direct Mail and offer a more affordable advertising option than creating your own mailing. Plus, people often keep the directory issue and refer to it all year long.
We’ve heard from community members that print publications continue to serve a vital role in communities like Grand Ledge. For older residents, new movers, and households without consistent internet access, receiving community updates in print ensures no one is left out of the loop.
We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed creating it. Our goal is to spark local pride, encourage neighborly engagement, and help residents discover the people, places, and businesses that make Grand Ledge unique.
Stay Connected
Visit us at TotalLocal.com/GrandLedge or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/TotalLocalGrandLedge. If you have a recipe, photo, or story idea to share, email info@totallocal.com or call 517-663-2405. We’d love to hear from you.
Thank you for being part of the Total Local Grand Ledge community.
Teresa Miller President • Publisher
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Signature: Date:
Riley Goodkin
Benjamin Spegel
Prajeet Boinapally
Spencer Ries
Ellery Curtis
Katelyn Roberts
Penelope Wernet
Kylie Goodman
Margaret Rodriguez
Michelle Odiase
Benjamin Elder
Kieran Ganga
Karis Filipiak
Elijah Hutchinson
Violet House
Alyssa Leisnering
Emma Anderson
Aiden Wear
Delayne Hangesbach
John Miller
Jackson Myott
Abrielle Fountain
Emily Szczepanek
Benjamin Snook
Keegan Dougherty
Naomi Fitton
Gurleen Kaur
Aubrie Parish
Teresa Miller President • Publisher 734-845-2421 tmiller@totallocal.com
David Edmonds Vice President of Creative Services & Production dedmonds@totallocal.com
Jenny Black Senior Writer & Social Media Manager jblack@totallocal.com
Icarus Caine Office Coordinator & Content Manager icaine@totallocal.com
Jaspreet Singh Senior Developer jaspreet@totallocal.com
one doesn’t count! There are 3 others hidden in the magazine.
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CONGRATULATIONS GRAND LEDGE HIGH SCHOOL TOP SCHOLARS OF 2025
Emma Anderson plans to attend the University of Michigan to study human biology
Ellery Curtis plans to attend Michigan State University to study chemical engineering
Prajeet Boinapally plans to attend the University of Michigan to study movement science
Keegan Duke Dougherty plans to attend the University of Michigan to study biochemistry
Benjamin Darwin Elder plans to attend Michigan Technical University to study electrical engineering
Karis Filipiak plans to attend the University of Michigan to study neuroscience
Naomi Fitton plans to attend Western Michigan University to study social work
Kieran
attend the University of Michigan to study applied exercise science to pursue a career in physical therapy
Abrielle Fountain plans to attend Michigan State University to study business management
Ganga plans to
Riley Goodkin plans to attend Michigan State University to study physics
Violet Elizabeth House plans to attend the University of Michigan-Dearborn to study mathematics and secondary education
Elijah Hutchinson plans to attend Saginaw Valley State University to run and to study either statistics, biochemistry, or sports medicine
Kylie Goodman plans to attend Northwood University to play for the volleyball team and to study data analytics
Delayne Hengesbach plans to attend the Boston Conservatory at Berklee to study musical theatre
CONGRATULATIONS GRAND LEDGE HIGH SCHOOL TOP SCHOLARS OF 2025
Gurleen Kaur plans to attend Michigan State University to study finance and pursue a career as a corporate lawyer
John Miller plans to attend Michigan Technical University to study civil and geospatial engineering
Alyssa Leisenring plans to attend Michigan State University to study chemical engineering
Jackson Myott plans to attend Michigan State University to study engineering
Michelle Odiase plans to attend the University of Michigan to study biochemistry and pursue a career as a molecular biologist
Spencer Ries plans to attend Michigan Technical University to study aerospace and mechanical engineering
Aubrie Parish plans to attend Michigan State University to study human biology on the pre-dental track
Benjamin
Katelyn Roberts plans to attend the University of Olivet as a soccer commit and to study biology and math
Margaret Rodriguez plans to attend Michigan State University
Snook plans to attend Lansing Community College to run and then transfer to Michigan State University to study medicine
Aiden Wear plans to attend Michigan Technical University to study mechanical engineering with a focus on electromechanical engineering
Penelope Wernet plans to attend Michigan State University to study plant biology and flute performance
Benjamin Spegel plans to attend the University of Michigan to study chemical engineering
Emily Szczepanek plans to attend Davenport University to study business management
August 18, 2025 Kindergarten Launch – 3:00 - 5:00 PM
August 19, 2025 Kindergarten Launch – 9:00 - 11:00 AM
August 20, 2025 Open House for Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) – 5:00 - 6:30 PM
August 21, 2025 Open Houses
Kindergarten (K) – 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Elementary (1-4) – 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Intermediate (5-6) – 4:30 - 6:00 PM
Middle School (7-8) – 6:30 - 8:00 PM
August 25, 2025 Open House for Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) – 5:00 - 6:30 PM
August 26, 2025 Students Begin School – Regular Start Time, Dismissed 60 Minutes Early Aug. 29 - Sep. 1, 2025 No Students – Labor Day Weekend
September 30, 2025 High School Conferences, in-person 4:30 - 7:30 PM
October 1, 2025 STUDENT COUNT DAY
October 2, 2025 High School Conferences, in-person 4:30 - 7:30 PM
October 3, 2025 No Students – Staff Professional Development High School Conferences, virtual 1:45 - 3:45 PM
October 17, 2025 Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Parent Meetings
November 7, 2025 No Students – Staff Professional Development
November 10, 2025 Intermediate (5-6) & Middle School (7-8) Conferences, in-person 4:00 - 7:00 PM
November 11, 2025 Elementary (K-4) & ECSE Conferences, in-person 5:00 - 8:00 PM
November 12, 2025 Intermediate (5-6) Conferences, virtual 4:00-5:00 PM & in-person 5:00-7:00 PM
Middle School (7-8) Conferences, virtual 4:00-6:00 PM & in-person 6:00-7:00 PM
November 13, 2025 Elementary (K-4) & ECSE Conferences, in-person 5:00 - 8:00 PM
November 14, 2025 1⁄2 Day for Students / End First Trimester (K-12) Intermediate (5-6) & Middle School (7-8) Conferences, virtual 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Elementary (K-4) & ECSE Conferences, virtual 1:00 - 3:00 PM
November 17, 2025 Begin Second Trimester (K-12)
November 26-28, 2025 No Students – Thanksgiving Break
December 1, 2025 No Students – Staff Professional Development
December 17, 2025 Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Parent Meetings
Dec. 22, 2025 - Jan. 2, 2026 No Students – Winter Break
January 5, 2026 No Students – Staff Professional Development
High School Conferences, virtual 1:45 - 3:45 PM
January 6, 2026 Classes Resume
High School (9-12) Conferences, virtual 4:30 - 7:30 PM
January 8, 2026 High School (9-12) Conferences, virtual 4:30 - 7:30 PM
January 19, 2026 No Students – MLK Day - preserved as a day of service & reflection
February 11, 2026 STUDENT COUNT DAY
February 13, 2026 No Students – Staff Professional Development
February 16, 2026 No Students – Presidents’ Day
February 27, 2026 Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Parent Meetings
March 2, 2026 Intermediate (5-6) & Middle School (7-8) Conferences, in-person 4:00 - 7:00 PM
March 3, 2026 Elementary (K-4) & ECSE Conferences, in-person 5:00 - 8:00 PM
March 4, 2026 Intermediate (5-6) Conferences, virtual 4:00-5:00 PM & in-person 5:00-7:00 PM
Middle School (7-8) Conferences, virtual 4:00-6:00 PM & in-person 6:00-7:00 PM
March 5, 2026 Elementary (K-4) & ECSE Conferences, in-person 5:00 - 8:00 PM
March 6, 2026 1⁄2 Day for Students / End Second Trimester (K-12)
Intermediate (5-6) & Middle School (7-8) Conferences, virtual 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Elementary (K-4) & ECSE Conferences, virtual 1:00 - 3:00 PM
March 9, 2026 Begin Third Trimester (K-12)
March 27 - April 3, 2026 No Students – Spring Break
April 6, 2026 No Students – Staff Professional Development
April 7, 2026 Classes Resume
April 15, 2026 Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Parent Meetings
May 21, 2026 Seniors (Class of 2026) Last Day; other students continue to June 5, 2026
May 22, 2026 No Students – Staff Professional Development
May 25, 2026 No Students - Memorial Day
June 5, 2026 1⁄2 Day for Students / Last Student Day / End of Third Trimester (K-12)
GLHS Class of 2026 Graduation @ MSU Breslin Center (7:00 PM)
Finding Belonging Close to Home: Local Service Clubs Help Us Thrive
by: Doug Klein and Teresa Miller
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook just how important it is to feel truly connected to others. We rush through busy schedules, manage multiple responsibilities, and interact more through screens than in person. Nonetheless, people are increasingly expressing a desire for belonging, meaning, and authentic community.
Research confirms what many instinctively know: human connection is essential to both emotional and physical health. The U.S. Surgeon General has identified loneliness and isolation as urgent public health concerns, linked to higher rates of heart disease, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
A Harvard University decades-long study on adult development found that meaningful relationships are the strongest predictor of lifelong happiness and well-being. Their findings reinforce a powerful truth: we are healthiest and happiest when we feel part of something larger than ourselves.
Across the country, more people are rediscovering that sense of connection in local community groups, especially service clubs. These organizations create opportunities not only to volunteer but to build lasting friendships and support networks. In towns like Grand Ledge and nearby Delta Township and Lansing, long-standing chapters of Lions, Rotary, Kiwanis, and Optimists continue to play a vital role in bringing people together.
In Grand Ledge, the commitment to service shows up in lasting, hands-on efforts that make a real difference. It’s the kind of steady, behind-the-scenes work that not only helps meet local needs, but also creates a rhythm of service and camaraderie among members.
“Grand Ledge Lions Club has been serving the community since 1944 and volunteers at several local events such as Music in the Park, Ledges Classic Car Show, and the Blue Oval
Blast Car Show,” said Brandi Bauer, a longtime member of the club. ”We run concessions with the continued support of A&W. We couldn’t do it without them.”
Proceeds from the concession stand help to fund many of the different projects the Grand Ledge Lions Club supports. Service clubs in Grand Ledge, Delta Township, and Greater Lansing raise funds to give money back to nonprofits, student school programs, shelters, food banks, and other nonprofits. In Grand Ledge, projects include Adopt-A-Highway clean ups, high school scholarship programs, Blessings in a Backpack, and Music in the Park. In fact, the Rotary of Grand Ledge provided $90,000 in matching funds for the Jaycee Park Rotary Club Stage that was completed in 2020.
Yet these clubs are more than their fundraisers, meetings or projects. They offer a place where neighbors become friends, where ideas are shared and put into action, and where members work side by side to strengthen the community. From coordinating food drives to organizing youth programs or local beautification efforts, service clubs give people the chance to make a difference and feel connected in the process.
Sociologist Robert Putnam, in his widely cited book Bowling Alone, documented the steady decline in civic engagement over the past several decades. He warned that when people stop participating in group activities, trust and cooperation begin to fade. Fortunately, this decline is not irreversible. Communities that invest in connection can become stronger, more resilient, and more vibrant.
For anyone feeling isolated or searching for a way to get more involved, attending a local service club meeting can be a simple but powerful first step. These gatherings are welcoming spaces where all are invited to contribute, learn, and belong.
By joining or supporting local service clubs, we don’t just give back, we reconnect. We build friendships, deepen our roots, and remind ourselves that we’re not alone. At a time when so many people are quietly searching for a deeper connection, local service clubs offer a path forward.
“The Grand Ledge Rotary Club truly exemplifies how service organizations form the backbone of our communities,” said Ariel Backus, Grand Ledge Rotary Club president. “Through their quiet yet consistent dedication, they weave a vital tapestry of support, compassion, and progress that touches lives across Grand Ledge.”
If you, a family member, or a friend is looking for more purpose, connection, or a fresh start, a local service club can be a meaningful place to begin. What starts as a simple step often leads to lasting relationships, a renewed sense of purpose, and the feeling of truly being at home. And, it’s not just a nice feeling, research shows that people who feel connected to others tend to be healthier, more resilient, and more satisfied with life.
When we build community, we also build strength — emotional, physical, and collective. Service clubs offer more than fellowship by helping people and communities thrive and by reminding us that connection isn’t just good for the soul, it’s vital for our well-being.
The Grand Ledge Lions club serves concessions at Music in the Park with support from A&W
Grand Ledge’s Service Clubs.
Grand Ledge Rotary provided $90,000 in matching funds, along with the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, to build the performance shelter that now hosts Music in the Park.
MEET LOCAL SERVICE CLUBS
A look at four major organizations serving our community and the world.
Each of these clubs contributes to the well-being of Grand Ledge, Delta Township, or the greater Lansing area and invests in its future through a variety of community service projects, by hosting family-friendly events, and by awarding scholarships to area high school students each year.
KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL
Kiwanis has been serving children and communities since 1915. With 537,000 members worldwide across 85 countries, Kiwanis clubs contribute more than 18.5 million hours of service annually. Kiwanis clubs focus on improving the lives of children through service, education, and leadership development. Their projects range from sponsoring reading programs and school supplies to supporting food pantries and youth sports. Visit kiwanis.org.
Delta Township Kiwanis meet every Thursday at noon at Franks Press Box on West Saginaw
LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL
Founded in 1917, Lions Clubs are dedicated to serving others through a wide range of causes, with a historic emphasis on vision health. More than 1.4 million members in 48,000 clubs worldwide serve their communities through hands-on projects and humanitarian initiatives. In recent years, their mission has expanded
to include support for diabetes awareness, hunger relief, childhood cancer, disaster response, and environmental efforts. Visit lionsclubs.org.
Grand Ledge Lions meet September–May on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 6:30pm in the Community Room at Dart Bank
OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL
Since 1919, Optimist International has been committed to improving the lives of young people through service, mentorship, and opportunity. With nearly 70,000 members in 2,500 clubs, Optimists create positive change in their communities and reach more than six million youth each year. Their creed, “Bringing Out the Best in Youth, in Our Communities, and in Ourselves,” guides every effort to uplift and empower the next generation. Visit optimist.org
Greater Lansing Optimists meet the 3rd Tuesday at 12pm at Ele’s Place in Lansing
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
Founded in 1905, Rotary brings together neighbors, business owners, and community leaders to take action on pressing local and global challenges. With 1.2 million members in over 36,000 clubs, Rotary embodies the spirit of service with the motto, “Service Above Self”. Their work includes building schools, providing clean water, supporting maternal health, promoting peace, and leading efforts to end polio worldwide. Visit rotary.org.
Grand Ledge Rotary meets Thursdays at noon at the Opera House
Grand Ledge Lions Club at the Ledges Classic Car Show
Support Your Community Magazine: Join Our Mission to Keep
Our Community Connected
Community magazines like Total Local Grand Ledge play an essential role in bringing together local businesses, organizations, and residents, fostering a sense of connection and pride. A standout feature of Total Local Grand Ledge is the annual Business Directory issue, a go-to resource for local services, businesses, and organizations. In addition, our quarterly issues focus on topics such as Grand Ledge schools, local events, community updates, health and wellness, and holiday happenings. Total Local Grand Ledge is freely distributed through Every Door Direct Mail and made available at local businesses and retailers, but we rely on the support of the community to continue delivering this valuable resource.
Here’s how you can help keep this valuable resource alive:
1. Advertise with Us
Local businesses are the heart of Total Local Grand Ledge. By advertising, you not only reach thousands of local households, but also demonstrate your commitment to the community. Advertisers help us cover production costs and ensure our magazine remains a free resource. Your ad makes a difference!
2. Submit Content
We welcome article ideas, event announcements, photos, and recipes from residents and organizations. Sharing your news and experiences enhances the value of Total Local Grand Ledge and keeps it relevant to those we serve. Your voice helps shape the narrative of our community.
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The businesses featured in our magazine contribute directly to keeping it free for the community. When you patronize these local businesses, you’re not only supporting them, but you’re also ensuring that Total Local Grand Ledge continues to be published and distributed to your doorstep.
4. Join our Local Media Community Builder Program!
While Total Local Grand Ledge is free, rising production costs make it ever challenging to maintain. You can contribute by purchasing an annual voluntary subscription or by becoming a sponsor. Your contribution will directly support the production and distribution of the magazine and you’ll receive an extra copy of each publication to share with friends and family.
By joining in our mission, you help preserve a platform that celebrates local stories, events, and businesses. Together, we can keep our community strong and vibrant.
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The Well-Maintained Home: Stay
Ahead of Repairs for Added Comfort, Safety, and Savings
by: Teresa Miller
Buying a home is a major milestone and caring for your home is a long-term commitment. Beyond the monthly to-do lists and seasonal upkeep, every home has an ongoing cycle of maintenance. These bigger tasks don’t come around every year, but when they do, they matter.
If you’ve recently purchased a home in Mid-Michigan, or if you’re settling into one you’ve owned for years, it helps to understand the bigger picture of home maintenance. With some forethought and a little planning, you can stay ahead of wear and tear, protect your investment, and enjoy a home that’s comfortable and dependable for decades to come.
Keep in mind that Michigan’s climate plays a role in your home’s ongoing maintenance requirements. Freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snowfall, and humidity all affect the lifespan of materials. What holds up in a dry southern climate may wear more quickly in Mid-Michigan.
USE YOUR HOME INSPECTION AS A STARTING POINT
When you bought your home, you likely received a professional home inspection. Many people set this report aside after the closing process, but it’s actually one of the most useful tools you have. That report tells a story about your home’s condition at the time of purchase. It includes the estimated age of major systems like your roof, furnace, and water heater, and often points out areas to watch.
Instead of treating it as a checklist for immediate repairs, think of your inspection report as a long-range maintenance guide. Look for notes like “monitor,” “showing signs of wear,” or “near the end of its lifespan.” Those clues help you plan what needs attention in the next five to ten years, and what might come up further down the road.
THINK IN TIMEFRAMES, NOT JUST TASKS
Some home projects are monthly or seasonal, but others show up on a longer cycle. By understanding when certain components of your home typically need replacement, you can avoid being caught off guard. You can also budget ahead for the bigger expenses that come with the aging of your home. While not exhaustive, the list below includes many of the larger maintenance items that arise over the long term. Be sure to check with your home inspection report or with local home services professionals for advice unique to your home.
Every 3 to 5 Years
• Refresh mulch beds and amend compacted garden soil
• Trim or reshape mature trees to prevent storm damage and maintain structure
• Reseal decks and porches, especially wood surfaces
• Touch up exterior paint on trim, doors, and other exposed areas
• Inspect and touch up garage doors and thresholds
Every 5 to 10 Years
• Reseal asphalt driveways
• Repaint or restain wood siding and trim
• Replace water heater
• Refresh weather stripping and caulking
• Refinish hardwood floors
• Replace aging shrubs or perennials that have outgrown their space or lost vigor
• Regrade yard or lawn areas where settling, erosion, or poor drainage develops
• Remove invasive or dying trees that pose a risk to the home or utility lines
Every 10 to 20 Years
• Replace roof shingles
• Upgrade furnaces and air conditioners
• Replace older windows
• Repair or replace gutters
• Replace major appliances
Within 20 to 30 Years or More
• Replace original siding
• Update plumbing or electrical systems in an older home
• Address foundation or structural issues if needed
• Replace or repair septic systems
• Invest in major hardscaping updates such as patios, retaining walls, or walkways
DON’T OVERLOOK TREE MAINTENANCE
Landscaping often gets attention in the first few years of homeownership, but mature trees deserve special consideration as part of your long-term maintenance plan. Especially in Mid-Michigan, where storms, wet soil, and rapid tree growth are common, regular tree evaluations should be a part of your home maintenance schedule.
“Tree care isn’t just about reacting after damage is done — it’s about planning ahead,” said Justin Brummette, owner of Big Kid Tree Worx. “A tree that’s too close to a structure, showing signs of decay, or suffering from poor drainage can become a costly hazard. In Michigan’s fast-growing conditions, trimming every few years is essential.”
Brummette also notes that removing one tree can change the wind dynamics on your property. “Removing a tree might expose others to winds they’ve never faced before, so smart removal and maintenance matters. And if a tree does fall on your roof, insurance won’t step in until it’s gone and the roof is visible. So, act quickly, remove the tree, and get the roof tarped before more damage is done.”
It’s smart to schedule professional inspections and not delay when a tree is showing signs of distress. Proactive maintenance is always more affordable, and less stressful, than emergency removal after a storm.
BUDGETING AND PLANNING AHEAD
Experts often recommend that homeowners set aside one to three percent of their home’s value each year for maintenance. One percent may be sufficient for newer homes or those in excellent condition, while older homes
“... act quickly, remove the tree, and get the roof tarped before more damage is done.”
– Justin Brummette, owner Big Kid Tree Worx
or those with deferred maintenance may require more than three percent.
Having a long-term maintenance fund can help you handle big expenses like a new furnace or roof without added stress. It also allows you to take care of things on your own timeline rather than waiting until something breaks.
USE THE RIGHT MATERIALS AND METHODS
Proper maintenance isn’t just about keeping things clean or in working order. It’s also about using the right materials and following recommended care instructions. These choices can make future remodeling projects smoother and help you avoid costly surprises later.
“I highly recommend people to not use Murphy’s Oil Soap to clean their hardwood floors. Stick to the properly formulated wood floor cleaners,” said Nik Morehouse, owner of Morehouse Improvements LLC. “Contaminants from using the wrong cleaners can wreak havoc on the results when you have them refinished.”
Using the wrong products — like interior paint on exterior trim or construction adhesive in place of proper caulk — may
seem minor, but they can cause long-term issues. Over time, these materials may peel, crack, or fail to hold up under changing conditions. Choosing the right products from the start helps protect your home and can save time, frustration, and money when it’s time to remodel.
PRIDE IN A HOME WELL CARED FOR
A well-maintained home is more than a financial asset. It’s a place that feels safe, grounded, and comfortable. Planning ahead for long-term maintenance helps protect that feeling, while also preserving the structure and systems that keep your home running smoothly.
This approach is about being thoughtful, prepared, and proud of the way you care for your space. That includes using the right materials for the job, following proper guidelines, and making choices that support your home’s long-term health. You don’t need to tackle everything at once. Focus on what matters most right now, use your inspection report as a guide, and check in with your plan each year. The care you invest today helps your home remain strong, efficient, and inviting for many years to come.
Use properly formulated wood cleaners on hardwood floors for the best refinishing results. (Photo courtesy of Morehouse Improvements, LLC)
Justin & Tobi Brummette with Big Kid Tree Worx
Nik Morehouse with Morehouse Improvements, LLC
Flower Frenzy GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY!
Join our exciting flower hunt! We’ve hidden three flowers throughout this issue (see image to the right), and they could be anywhere, so be sure to check each page carefully! To enter our gift card giveaway, find all three flowers, note the location (page number), and describe where they are on the page. You could win a gift card valued up to $150 from Tap House Boutique!
A winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries and notified by email or phone, so don’t forget your contact information! We’ll publish the winner’s name online and in our next issue. Email your entry to info@totallocal.com or mail it to Total Local, 118 W Oak St Ste 202, Mason MI 48854. Make sure to include your name, address, and phone number. No purchase necessary, must be 18 years or older to enter, and only one entry per person. Entries must be received by 5:00pm on September 30, 2025. Have fun and good luck!
FLOWER FRENZY! ENTRY FORM - Total Local Grand Ledge CONTACT INFORMATION:
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Please ensure all information is filled out accurately to be eligible for the gift card giveaway. Email the information above to Total Local at info@totallocal.com or mail your form to Total Local, 118 W Oak St Ste 202, Mason MI 48854. Entries must be received by September 30, 2025. Good luck! 1 2 3
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WORD LIST WORD LIST
BEANS
BLOOM
BUD
COMPOST CORN
FERTILIZER
GLOVES
HOE
IRRIGATION
MARIGOLD
MULCH
PEAS
PLANTING
POLLINATE
RAKE
ROOTS ROSES
SEEDLING
SEED PACKET
SHOVEL
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Maximize Savings on Your Insurance:
Making educated decisions can help you save where it matters most to you
by: Brianna Schneider
Our insurance rates in mid-Michigan have seen significant increases these past few years with various factors driving rates up. We all have probably noticed an increase in weather events bringing the damaging hail and winds to our commercial buildings, homes and farms. However, these events affect auto insurance as well, in addition to the burdening cost of no-fault and Personal Injury Protection fees collected for the state by insurance carriers. Other components driving rates up include the increase of soft fraud that companies battle against from individuals inflating their claims. Add in the rising cost of repairs due to material costs and labor shortages and you probably can understand why companies have to raise their rates. Beyond the cost to repair the physical damage is the increased potential for a lawsuit. The Michigan Supreme Court overturned the open and obvious doctrine in 2023 which had previously protected business and homeowners from many potential frivolous suits.
There are always options to reduce premiums though some are more standard than others; a few to think about are included here.
1. Review your insurance policies with your insurance agent. Clients commonly forget to tell us when they’ve paid off their mortgage, installed a back-up generator or added a whole home security system. All of these items can provide savings potentially.
2. Increase your deductibles or take on more of the risk with educated decisions. You could consider reducing your water back up coverage for example after purchasing water sensors to place near a sump which would alert you of water backing up into your basement.
3. Prevent claims by proactively looking to complete home maintenance particularly trimming back overhanging trees, updating old electrical panels or plugs as needed.
4. Work with an insurance agent who can look at different options on your behalf. Independent
agents work with multiple carriers and can weigh the pros and cons of each carrier for you.
5. Utilize discounts various carriers offer including multi policy discounts, discounts for having your commercial insurance and personal insurance with the same carrier or a discount for being part of an employment group such as a state employee or a teacher.
Above all, make educated decisions; only opt for a higher deductible if it is within your budget for example. While price is an important factor, you want to make sure you maintain your insurance with a quality carrier and more importantly work with an agency that values your business, provides excellent turnaround time and claim service when you need it. As I always say, all we sell are promises as insurance agents so we work hard to make sure even our small promises are delivered upon.
For more information about maximizing your insurance savings for your business, farm, home or auto contact the Culp Insurance Team at 517-627-8441 or info@culpagency.com.
Brianna Schneider, Principal Agent & Owner, Harry O. Culp Insurance Agency, Grand Ledge
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CHESS COACHING Teaching chess to beginner to advanced players; openings, middlegame ideas, and theoretical endgames. Will help you flourish your chess and make you love the game more and more. (Grand Ledge, Lansing, Detroit, Flint) Call Tyler: 910-800-0880
KATAHDIN SHEEP FOR SALE
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PUZZLE SOLUTION
Calling GRAND LEDGE Writers & Community Voices!
Total Local Grand Ledge is seeking guest contributors! We’re inviting local residents, students, and professionals to write about community events, local sports, school news, local government, and Grand Ledge history. Articles should be 500-800 words and include at least one photo. Published submissions will appear in our print magazine, digital edition, website, and across our social media pages — helping you share your voice with the entire community.
Pitch your idea or send your article to: tmiller@totallocal.com*
*Please
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