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Voice Vol. 17, Issue 1
'Snow' much to do!
REGION- When the holidays are over, many of us face those winter blues. Check out some fun activities in your area this January. HOUGHTON LAKE- Join Michigan’s biggest winter festival January 24-25 and 31, for ice fishing contests, parades, carnival rides, and more. Details will be updated on the Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce website and Facebook page. WEST BRANCH- Get your laugh on at the Clear Lake Bar on Fri., Jan 9 featuring nationally touring headliner Mike Ball. Doors open at 7 p.m. ROSCOMMON- Dust off your lederhosen and hit the HQ trails at the Bavarian Ski Festival on Jan. 24 at the Cross Country Ski Headquarter ▪ See 'SNOW' MUCH TO DO on page 2
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January 2026
IN THIS ISSUE: Fairview Eagle Voice – 3 Out & About – 4 TUT – 6, 20 Tree auction – 7 Rosco fishing contest – 9 Santa Train – 10 Laughing Buck – 11 Toad’s Stool – 12 Fairview Tree Lighting – 14 Faces of the Future – 15 Grayling rings the bell – 16 FAIRVIEW LIGHTS UP FOR THE HOLIDAY - Julie Bishop with Adrima and Amara Younk holding a candle while singing Christmas carols during the Fairview Tree Lighting. See more on pg. 14.
Obits – 9 St. Helen crafters – 20
Equipped for tomorrow Upgrades for Oscoda County law enforcement
By Sarah Novak sarah.upnorthv@gmail.com OSCODA COUNTY- The Oscoda County Sheriff’s Department began 2025 in a freshly constructed police station and welcomed new SheriffTaylor Kann. Through the past 12 months several advancements were also made within the sheriff’s office, furthering their progress and ability to serve the community. In June, the office purchased a new patrol vehicle with Oscoda County’s first in car computer. This technology allows for officers to instantly print E-citations while streamlining their abilities on the road. New body armor, uniforms, and body worn cameras for every road patrol officer were also obtained. The
cameras are proving to be impactful tools that aide officers in reflecting and reviewing evidence when writing incident reports. At the end of October, a brandnew side by side was purchased with help from a State of Michigan grant. Funds from this grant also provided wages to allow for additional patrol along the ORV trail systems in Oscoda County, increasing emergency response capabilities in areas normally inaccessible by regular vehicles. Along with new equipment, a four-legged officer joined the county’s law enforcement this October, a Belgium Malinois named Draco. Three new deputies were also hired on, making the office fully
Sheriff Taylor Kann with the new patrol vehicle with Oscoda County's first in car computer.
staffed. Having a full patrol crew ensured a deputy to be assigned to the STING undercover narcotics team for a majority of 2025. “My focus this past year was to be prepared and equipped to help
our community when and where it’s needed,” said Sheriff Kann. “We are always working to improve, I think everyone in the department is proud ▪ See EQUIPPED FOR TOMORROW on page 7