Naming Hale’s John Doe
By Rona Sue Dane Sullivan
In March 2010, while preparing a new burial vault at Esmond-Evergreen Cemetery, sexton Tait Shellenbarger made an unexpected discovery in a plot believed to be vacant when he unearthed a human cranium.
Working with law enforcement and the forensic department at Michigan State University, investigators eventually recovered 98 percent of a human skeleton along with several artifacts, including casket hardware, fragments of the original casket, nails, remnants of fabric, two porcelain buttons, and several iron pieces arranged in a cross-like shape near the hands. Once it was determined
the remains were archaeological in nature rather than evidence of foul play, the effort to identify the man began.
In 2011, both femurs were sent to MSU for analysis. Mitochondrial DNA (mDNA) testing determined the remains belonged to a Europeandescended male between 5 feet 4 inches and 5 feet 8 inches tall, estimated to have been 35 to 55 years old at the time of death. Evidence showed signs of arthritis and a life marked by routine, strenuous, repetitive labor. Further study revealed he had suffered a broken nose that had not been properly set, and wear patterns on his teeth suggested he was a pipe smoker.
In October 2012, the cranium and mandible were sent to Louisiana State University, where its Forensic Anthropology and Computer Enhancement Services (FACES) team created a facial reconstruction using computer graphics and 3D printing to estimate his appearance at the time of death. A forensic artist also produced a clay sculpture of his face, which remains on display at the Plainfield Township Historical Commission Museum in Eagle Pointe Plaza. Research into the casket hardware found it had been manufactured by Sargent and Company of New Haven, Connecticut. The hardware
See HALE'S JOHN DOE on back page
Hale’s John Doe
Hale’s outdoor destination
By Kristi Major
HALE
- Local resident
Eric Reilly turned his passion for hunting and fishing into reality with the opening of Reilly Outdoors LLC in February 2025 on M-65, just south of town. With help from his wife Kylie, the shop offers a wide range of hunting, archery, and fishing gear, including bait, feed, and blinds.
Reilly supports local youth in outdoor sports and sponsored the 2025 Perchville Fishing Tournament. The store features a 20–30-yard indoor archery range, leagues, and monthly CPL classes.
A standout feature is the selfserve, after-hours live bait room, stocked daily and open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Behind the store, an 18-acre property includes a milelong trail with 20 3D archery targets. New leagues begin in May.
Reilly said deer season has been his busiest time of year. Currently closed on Mondays, they will be open 7 days a week this fall. Located at 106 M-65, just north of the 55/65 intersection. For info on leagues or CPL certification classes call 989-254-7351.
Lady Eagles Softball
By Erica Bernard (student)
HALE- Spring sports were able to begin practicing in March and many changes occurred over the off-season for the Lady Eagles’ softball team. The team gained a new head coach, Mackenzie Rinn, and many new, young players. Losing a handful of senior players last year has led to many possible improvements for new and returning players. With only six returning players, and a new coach, there
is a lot of change for everyone. Returning players are filling positions they have not played before, and new players are having to learn how to play; it’s a lot for everyone. Having only four upperclassmen, it’s allowed for many underclassmen to be able to step up and play an important role on a varsity level program. The Lady Eagles softball team is hopeful for a good season, and we wish them good luck!
Right: Owners of Reilly Outdoors LLC, Eric and Kylie Reilly.
Back (l-r) Noelle Kellar, Skyler Lauria, Erica Bernard, Abigail Parkinson, Ali Beebe, Aurora Brito, Bella Coutts, Lilly Vliet, and Arianna Koepke.
Front (l-r) Chloe Coutts, Emily Bain, Callie Hicks, Felicity Hicks, Laken Caverly, and Brooke Sheldon.
Fitzgerald event draws a crowd
By Kristi Major
HALE- Over 75 people attended the Edmund Fitzgerald presentation Thursday, April 16 organized by the Plainfield Township Historical Commission (PTHC). The program opened with a performance of Gordan Lightfoots famous song "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald " sung by Jose Lake guitarist Dave Marshall.
Guest speaker Jene Quirin is an experienced diver and photographer and dove extensively on the EF wreck. He was part of the team who recovered the ship's bell. On
display were many of his photographs.
PTHC President Rona Dane Sullivan said, "The reason the Edmund Fitzgerald is so popular is because the [great] lakes are a huge part of Michigan life and history."
The Historical Commission Museum is at the Eagle Point Plaza in Hale; open 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.
For more information or to donate any historical items or photographs contact them at historicalcommission@ plainfieldtwp.mi.com
EASTER BUNNY
VISITS- Despite the rainy weather, the Easter Bunny made his appearance at the American Legion Hale Post 422 for their Easter Party. The children enjoyed treats and an egg hunt outside the post.
More than 75 people attended the Edmund Fitzgerald presentation hosted by the Plainfield Township Historical Commission.
Pictured back: (l-r) PTHC members Jim Kessler, Bill Mortan, Rona Sullivan, Bernie Nuttal, Joan Quirin (wife of Jene Quirin), and guest speaker Jene Quirin. Front (l-r) Bruce and Beth Thayer, and Erin Kelahan.
Right: River and Hudson, children of McKenzie Larson.
Above: Nolan Reilly, son of Kylie Reilly.
Upper-Right: Baby Sailor and brother Nathan, Parents are Chelesia and Nathan Johnson.
Right: Grayson Darts, son of Garrett Darts.
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
Fishing tips with the Captain
HALE - Join the Plainfield Township Library and the Friends of the Library as they welcome Captain Andrew Hendrickson on Saturday, May 16, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Plainfield Resource Center, 220 N. Washington (M-65), Hale. A lifelong angler with more than 35 years of experience, Hendrickson has competed professionally and will share tips and techniques for anglers of all skill levels. The free public event includes refreshments. For information, call 989-728-4086.
News
Where to Find Us in Print!
Alwards Market
118 S. Washington PO Box 442, Hale
Dad’s Place Bakery 3112 M-65, Hale
Hale Creek Manor 3191 M-65, Hale
Main Street Pizza 3150 M-65, Hale
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
SAND LAKE
Lake Breeze
3985 Saginaw St, National City
Nessy’s Marathon 1975 Indian Lake Rd, National City
SOUTH BRANCH
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
Whittemore Fire Department
508 S Bullock St, Whittemore
Whittemore Library
483 S Bullock St, Whittemore
Calvin and Nicole’s Pit Stop
302 S Bullock St, Whittemore
Lauria’s Hardware
220 S Bullock St, 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
Child Care Survey launches
HALE- Develop Iosco (DI) is launching a childcare needs assessment in Plainfield Township to better understand local demand for licensed childcare services and determine if the area can support a new center.
The survey, available throughout May, will be mailed to households in the 48739 and 48761 zip codes and can also be completed online or picked up in hard copy at the Plainfield Township Library and Eagle Point Plaza. Responses are requested by May 31.
The effort is led by the Region 3 Sunrise Side Child Care Coalition, created by DI to address childcare shortages across Northeast Michigan. Similar surveys in nearby communities have already helped identify potential childcare providers interested in opening new facilities.
Results from the Plainfield Township survey will be shared at a public meeting later this summer. Coalition leaders say expanding access to affordable, quality childcare is critical for helping families and supporting
local employers.
Anyone interested in joining the coalition or local work group can contact Gloria Brooks at president@childcarebackoffice. org or 810-429-6727.
Hale's John Doe
Continued from front page
carried a patent date of February 15, 1880, and last appeared in the company catalog in 1905, helping narrow the possible burial period.
Using all available evidence, the Plainfield Township Historical Commission began compiling names of deaths and burials from that era, researching each possibility one by one. Every name examined was eventually ruled out.
In June 2013, John Doe was reinterred at Esmond-Evergreen Cemetery, not far from where he was originally found. Though he remains unidentified, the Plainfield Township Historical Commission continues the search for his name. By working with agencies such as NamUs and DNA Doe Project, they hope renewed DNA testing and database comparisons may someday provide a familial match, and finally restore the identity of Hale’s mystery man.
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH - The Hale Area School would like to congratulate these students for earning the Student of the Month for April. Back (l to r) Anella Barclay (6th), Brooke Badgerow (7th), Savannah Jones (10th), and Rayven Phegley (4th). Front (l to r) Chloe White (K), Brooklyn Owens (3rd), Morgan Beebe (5th), Liam Wolanin (1st), and Aubrey Farrand (2nd).