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Vol. 1, Issue 1
Read us online at UpNorthVoice.com!
January 2026
A new voice for the community Good things happen when neighbors stay connected. That’s the idea behind The Hale Paper. We’re proud to launch this new monthly publication serving Hale, Long Lake, South Branch, Whittemore and Sand Lake. These communities are full of stories worth sharing — from local events and schools to outdoor life, small businesses and the people who make this area feel like home. From the traditions of the Iosco County Fair, and the Sand Lake Festival, to snowmobile races on the ice, to Friday night games, classroom achievements and youth activities in Hale schools, these moments help define who we are as a
community. The Hale Paper will also highlight seasonal events that bring neighbors together, including winter festival activities, summer celebrations, fundraisers and community gatherings throughout the year. Our goal is to reflect everyday life here — the wins, the work and the ways people show up for one another. The Hale Paper is planned as a free, monthly publication of four to eight tabloid pages, made possible by the support of local businesses. When businesses choose to advertise locally, they help keep community news ▪ See A NEW VOICE on the next page
SPREADING CHRISTMAS CHEER- Heaven's Angels performed Christmas classics for the annual Christmas Caroling Singalong event at Hale Creek Manor in December. Terry Bovee accompanied them on piano. Residents, friends, and family sang along using provided song sheets. ~ Photo by Kristi Major
Heaven's Angels
HALE- Hale violin group Heaven's Angels entertained residents at several assisted living centers before the holidays. Organizer Lynn Barclay offers free violin lessons for students every Thursday throughout the school year. Playing at the centers gives the students the experience of performing in public and helps build their confidence.
First year student Anna Aviles of Hale bravely plays a solo at the Iosco Medical Care Facility in Tawas City at one of Heaven's Angels holiday recitals for area seniors.
~ Photos by Kristi Major Top -Right: Young violinists perform for residents of the Iosco Medical Care Facility in Tawas City.
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Bottom-Right: Adult Mentors (l to r) Terry Ekkens, Johnny Guy and Eldon Barclay support the young violinists on harmonica, guitar, and cello.
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A new voice Continued from the previous page
close to home and accessible to everyone. Their support allows this paper to remain a shared resource for families, seniors, students and visitors alike. We will also share the news on the website at UpNorthVoice. com, and to social media groups across the area. If you’re interested in supporting the paper or promoting a business, we should
January 2026
note that ad deadlines are the 15th of each month. We also welcome story ideas, photos and community announcements from our readers. This paper is strongest when it reflects the voices and experiences of the people who live here. If you have any questions, please reach out to mconstance@ upnorthvoice.com or 989-9809781. Thank you Mark and Tracy Constance
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Hale hoops revisited By Ben Katterman
The 35th edition of Hale Varsity Boys Basketball was returning the majority of the roster from the previous season. But sixth year head man Dale Purkey’s 1976-77 squad was coming off a season when they won just one game and lost their final eighteen in a row. The season began with a 54-66 loss against the rival WhittemorePrescott Cardinals. The league slate didn’t begin much better: Hale was blown out at Fairview, 46-70. Despite junior Rick Weaver’s season high 18 points, Hale slipped to 0-3 against Standish-Sterling, falling 44-65. The Eagles’ 21 game losing streak was stopped at AuGres, 56-37, with junior Terry Allen leading the way with 17 points. They made it two in a row three nights later against Arenac Eastern, 51-39, to hike their league record to 2-1.
The good times weren’t meant to last, however: visiting Posen (4359) and Mio (51-64) dropped Hale back under .500 in league play. Allen netted a season best 26 points in a 78-52 win at Atlanta to move the Eagles to 3-5 overall, but injuries soon took their toll on Hale. Weaver was lost to a nose injury after the Atlanta game and ended up missing ten games. Senior Mike Brown missed losses at Hillman and Standish-Sterling with strep throat, but Hale rebounded with a second win against AuGres, 59-48, as Allen scored 17 points. Senior Brian Denstedt tallied 12 in that win, but then missed the next four games with a finger injury from a shop class accident. Junior Bryon Bernard made his season debut (broken arm) at Arenac Eastern, a tight 54-58 loss, despite senior Tom Bush’s 19 points. Hale was felled in their next three games as well, tripping to 4-12
overall. The Eagles bagged Atlanta at home, 63-48, as Bush netted a career high 22 points, but lost their last two regular season games to finish 5-14 overall and 5-9 in the North Star, good for a distant 5th of eight teams. District play at Mio saw Hale complete the season sweep over AuGres in the semifinal, 57-45. Allen carded 20 while Bush scored 14 and Weaver added 10. The district final saw Hale face off with the hosting
Thunderbolts. The Eagles kept the game competitive in the first half, but an 18-8 3rd quarter put the game out of reach, with Hale ultimately falling 42-65. Allen scored 16 in the loss. Bush was a second Team AllConference pick in the North Star League, while Allen was an Honorable Mention selection. For more information on Hale hoops visit Hale Boys Basketball Historian on Facebook
Go Eagles!
Volunteer and A.L. member Jean Meno serves Hale resident Edwin Goossens a hot Thanksgiving dinner.
Jan 5: JV & Varsity Boys Basketball @ Oscoda Jan 6: JV & Varsity Girls Basketball hosts Oscoda Jan 8: JV Boys, Varsity Girls, Varsity Boys Basketball host AuGres-Sims Jan 12: JV & Varsity Girls Basketball @ Oscoda Jan 14: Girls Varsity & Boys Varsity Basketball host Whittemore-Prescott Jan 16: Varsity Girls & Boys Basketball host Atlanta Jan 19: JV & Varsity Girls Basketball hosts Hillman
Jan 20: JV & Varsity Boys Basketball @ Hillman Jan 22: JV & Varsity Girls Basketball hosts Posen Jan 23: JV & Varsity Boys Basketball @ Posen Jan 26: JV & Varsity Girls Basketball hosts Fairview Jan 27: JV & Varsity Boys Basketball @ Fairview Jan 29: Varsity Girls Basketball @ Mio-AuSable Jan 30: Varsity Boys Basketball hosts Mio-AuSable
COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING- Over 70 people enjoyed a hot Thanksgiving meal at the American Legion Post #422 in Hale and 34 meals were prepared for delivery to area residents. ~ Photos by Kristi Major The Collins family - Tim, daughter Esther and wife Susan, from Hale enjoyed their Thanksgiving dinner at the American Legion. The Legion provided the meals at no charge to the community.
HALE STUDENTS OF THE MONTH- Congratulations to the December Students of the Month! This month these students were picked based on their character and academic performance. Pictured: (back l-r) Heidi Ahearne, Wyatt Jaremba, Vada Cloum, Blake Chrivia, Ellie Bernard, and Colton Hurd, (middle l-r) Anakin Durbin, Gage Fulco, Liberty Hainley, Trenton Hewitt, and Jocelyn Chrivia, (front l-r) Gracyn Zabel, Dawson Finnell, Anna Timlick, and Ellie Brown.
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January 2026
Hale News HALE Corky’s Party Store 4997 E Main St, Long Lake J & M County Fair Store 415 W Main St, Hale Forward’s (Shell) 103 N Washington St, Hale Forward’s (Marathon) 101 W Main St, Hale Big Bob’s Restaurant & Pizzeria 306 S Washington St, Hale Hale Flower Shop 201 North Washington , Hale Rogers 3195 M-65, Hale Bear Store 6787 M-65, Hale Plainfield Twp Library M-65, Hale
Where to Find Us in Print! Or online at www.UpNorthVoice.com
Alwards Market 118 S. Washington PO Box 442, Hale Dad’s Place Bakery 3112 M-65, Hale
SAND LAKE Lake Breeze 3985 Saginaw St, National City
Whittemore Fire Department 508 S Bullock St, Whittemore Whittemore Library 483 S Bullock St, Whittemore
Hale Creek Manor 3191 M-65, Hale
Nessy’s Marathon 1975 Indian Lake Rd, National City
Calvin and Nicole’s Pit Stop 302 S Bullock St, Whittemore
Main Street Pizza 3150 M-65, Hale
SOUTH BRANCH
Lauria’s Hardware 220 S Bullock St, Whittemore
Scofield Real Estate 102 E Main St, Hale Main Street Taco Express 118 E Main St, Hale Mikey’s Pizza 221 N Washington St, Hale Bob’s Auto 3590 N M-65, Hale Eagle’s Club 5971 M-65, Hale
Jose Lake Store & Resort 7065 Jose Lake Rd, South Branch South Branch General Store 6330 E County Line Rd, South Branch
WHITTEMORE Crossroads Citgo 30 M-65, Whittemore
Sportsman’s Lounge 200 S Bullock St, Whittemore Whittemore Chamber 405 E Sherman St, Whittemore Farm & Pet Veterinary Care 1240 M-65, Whittemore Sherrie’s Candies 35 M-65, Whittemore Reilly Outdoors 106 M-65, Whittemore
Hale holiday cheer
By Kristi Major HALE- The Hale Light Parade welcomed one and all to celebrate Christmas spirit on Sat., Dec. 13. “What crazies come out when it’s this cold? The Hale Community THAT’S who!" Said Plainfield Township Clerk Sue Pat Reilly." Our second annual light parade was a great success again!" Bitter cold didn't keep people away from lining M-65 to watch the Plainfield Townships parade. Afterwards, neighbors enjoyed the warmth and festivities inside including a chili & soup contest, hotdogs provided by the Plainfield Historical Commission, music by the Hale High School Band and an appearance by Mr. & Mrs. Claus. Congrats to Melissa Beebe for her winning soup entry!
Above: Dressed for the holiday, cousins Hayden and Madison Reilly handed out goodie bags to each child who visited Mr. & Mrs. Claus. Right: The Hale High School Band led the parade, bravely marching in 10-degree cold! Alice Prince, enjoying the warmth of the Fire Station afterwards, shows off her baritone that she decorated for the Parade.
Above: The Hales family from Saginaw, who also have a cabin on Londo Lake, decorated their truck and drove up just to be in the Parade. Afterwards, Molly Hales got a chance to visit Mr. & Mrs. Claus. Below: Local business owner Michael Reilly was awarded Best Parade Float. Trophy provided by Michigan Mud Jam.
The Grinch was in true hum-bug character; dragging a little pathetic Christmas tree behind him!
Calling All Writers! The Hale News is looking for freelance writers. If you have interest in local events, interviews with community members, and have a passion for writing, we want to talk to you! Please email alicia@upnorthvoice.com for more information.
January 2026
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