Up North Voice - March 2024

IN THIS ISSUE:

Out & About Page 4

Fairview Eagle Voice

Page 3 & 5

Hale students Page 7 & 19

Winter sports pics

Page 10-11

Hale Ice Jam Page 15

Mio Girl Scouts Page 16

Higgins Lake Winterfest

Page 19

Easter egg events near you!

REGION- If you’re looking to beat those winter blues, don’t miss these Easter activities for the whole family.

Join the Houghton Lake Wesleyan Church, Sat., Mar. 30 at 11:30 a.m. for their 2nd annual Easter Egg Hunt. The whole community is invited to this free family event searching for over 10,000 eggs! All ages welcome.

The Richfield Township Park in St. Helen will be hosting an Egg Hunt Sat., March 30 at 2 p.m. for children up to 12 years old. The Easter Bunny will be riding in style to the event on a fire truck to join in the festivities.

▪ See EASTER EVENTS on page 8

The commitment of a lifetime

By Nicole Migrant’s

Sitting down at Bill and Sherry Haag’s dining room table carries a sense of reverence. A warm feeling of the generations of family gathering here, a meeting place they would connect with each night.

A walk around the Haag’s home is like a museum of their life, a hat from Sherry’s dad hung by the fireplace. “It makes think of him and brings me joy” she says, “My brother and I send that hat back and forth to each other every so often. We have things from all our family all around here.”

“When we take a Christmas

Alicia Noragon Copy Editor Alicia@UpNorthVoice.com

Tracy Constance Tracy@UpNorthVoice.com M: 419.236.0359

Mark Constance MConstance@ UpNorthVoice.com

Nicole Mygrants Reporter thegiftwellnesscommunity @gmail.com

Warren Stutesman Reporter wstutesman@gmail.com

Donna Thoma Writer donnathoma0@ gmail.com

Axel Jacobs Roscommon Distribution

DODGEBALL SHOWDOWN

IN ROSCOMMON- An insane night of energy, fun, and laughter took place at Roscommon High School Feb. 23 to raise money for Project Graduation. Teams included the RHS Staff, RHS Alumni, Roscommon Law Enforcement and Roscommon First Responders. The Law Dogs were the champions of the night!

~Photo by Donna Thoma

Letter to the Editor

'Where does the water go' response

I’m responding to the recent Letter to the Editor, “Where Does the Water Go.” I share the author’s commitment to the health of Higgins Lake and thank him for helping to raise awareness of current health threats.

Matthew Barnes Grayling Distribution

Cody Jackson Mio Distribution

Jeremy Short Houghton Lake Distribution

Micheala Wade Distribution

Although failing septic systems are not the only threat to the health of the Lake, they are certainly one of the most serious. Far from an “amateur claim,” as the author suggests, this is the conclusion by multiple professionals and experts — from university research scientists to state health and fisheries officials. We encourage anyone interested to read the studies themselves (see, e.g., https://lyontwp-higginsmi.gov/ sewer/).

Among the more disturbing findings is that an estimated 68% of septic systems are failing. Also, in addition to excessive levels of nutrients (studies show septic contributes 79.2% of Nutrient loading into Higgins Lake) septic systems are leeching harmful

VETS TEE OFF – Area veterans are invited for a morning of free golf at Tee Box in Houghton Lake the second Monday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon. Owner Gerald Dixon set up the event in coordination with “Got Your Six,” oversees by Tim Kotulak, who donates pizza and drinks for the vets. Tee Box is located at 3535 West Houghton Lake Drive in Houghton Lake. For info call 989-202-2894.

chemicals and pathogens into our lake and drinking water, including E. coli, viruses, and PFAS. It is increasing clear that we cannot rely on the Lake’s “resilience.” As one fisheries official said, without a public sewer system, “Goodbye cold-water fish. Hello massive algae blooms.”

Fortunately, there is an affordable solution. After studying all alternatives, engineers have identified the STEP sewer system as the best solution - one that will cost millions less than alternatives with minimal environmental impact. Now with approval of the Special Assessment District by property owners, this affordable STEP sewer

can go forward.

The STEP sewer is supported by the Central Michigan Health Department, Muskegon River Watershed Assembly, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Lakes and Streams, Huron Pines, Higgins Lake Foundation and Higgins Lake Property Owners Association. We look forward to working with these organizations and the entire community to make this important investment in the health, safety, and welfare of our area.

David Hall Member at Large

Gerrish-Lyon Utility Authority

Letter to the editor policy:

AuSable Media encourages all readers with a connection to the community to submit letters to the editor for possible publication. Please limit letters to 300 words. Author must include a daytime contact number. Letters are the individual opinion of the author and do not reflect the opinions of the staff, advertisers or contributors to the Voice. The Voice reserves the right to accept or reject any letter.

To submit a letter email it to: Alicia@UpNorthVoice.com, mail to P.O. Box 113, Roscommon, MI 48653, or stop by the office at 709 Lake Street in Roscommon.

Out & About - March 2024

CRAWFORD COUNTY:

Grayling, Frederic, Lovells

14- “Eat it Fresh!” Cooking

Class- 12- 1:30 p.m., Free, Send an email to register: cas@misda,org, 2590 Camp Au Sable Rd, Grayling MI 49738

20- Job & Career Fair- 1-3 p.m. for students, 3-4 p.m. open to public, Grayling High School, contact: Emily Causley 989-348-2921

Crawford County Extras

Mon-Fri- Council on Aging

Lunch- 11a.m.-12 p.m.

Mon-Fri- Council on Aging

Dinner- 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Tues- Bible Study – 10 a.m.

Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Tues- Euchre – 1-4 p.m.

Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Tues- Diamond Dancers – 6 p.m.

Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Wed- “Experiencing the Crucifixion”- Free, 12-6 p.m. Eagle Lodge at Camp AuSable, Grayling, free gift, hot soup and fresh bread for small fee, For more info text/call Bob Benson at: 517-896-7842

Wed- Mahjong – 1-3 p.m.

Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Wed - Bike Night, at 7 p.m., Gallagher's Sports Bar & Grill, 3997 E. M-72

Thurs- Craft & Chat – 10 a.m.

Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Thurs- Penny Bingo – 1-3 p.m.

Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Fri- Pantry Bingo – 1-3 p.m.

Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Tues- Diamond Dancers – 6 p.m.

Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Mon & Wed- Pickleball 9-11 a.m.

Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Mon & Wed- SilverSneakers – 10-11 a.m. Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Tues & Thurs – Pickleball, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Tues & Thurs- Zumba Gold – 10-11 a.m., Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

Tues & Thurs- Walk off the Winter Blues- Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior

Center

1st Sun. - American Legion Breakfast Buffet, at 9 a.m., American Legion Post 106

1st Tue.- Friends of a Feather- 9 a.m. Crawford County Commission on Aging

2nd Mon. - Post meeting, 7 p.m., American Legion Post 106

2nd Tues - Grayling American Legion Aux Post meeting, at 5:30 p.m., Grayling

2nd Thurs- Veterans Coffee hour, 10 a.m., Grayling American Legion

2nd Thurs - Families against Narcotics, 6:30 p.m., St. Francis Episcopal Church

2nd Sat. - Euchre Tournament, 6 p.m., American Legion

ROSCOMMON COUNTY:

Roscommon, Higgins Lake, Prudenville, Houghton Lake, St. Helen

2, 9 - Free Beginner XC Ski Lessons- 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., *Snow Permitting*, Limited to 25 people, Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd, Roscommon

30- Easter Egg Hunt- 2 p.m., Richfield Township Park in St. Helen, toddlers-12 years of age, Easter Bunny arrives at 1:30 p.m.

31-Easter Dinner- 1-3 p.m., free, located at the VFW#5680 1914 Lake St, St. Helen

Roscommon County Extras

Mon - Reserve Tech HelpHoughton Lake Public Library

Mon- Zumba Class- 4:45- 5:45 p.m.

Mon, Thurs, Fri- St. Helen Baptist Church Food Closet, 12-3 p.m.

Mon, Thurs, Fri- AA Meeting, St Helen Baptist Church, 10-11a.m.

Tues – Ski Club 4H, Starting

Jan 7, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd, Roscommon. 5-19 30 student limit, must be registered, more info 989275-5043 $15

Tues – AA Meeting, St Helen Baptist Church 7-8p.m.

Weds- Make Shop at Made Up North- Craft workshops during the day- call for more information 989281-1250

Thurs – Roscommon Ukes

Strum and Sing, 1 p.m., Roscommon Area District Library

Thurs - Sit & Get Fit, 2:30 p.m., Roscommon Area District Library

Fri - Story-time Fridays, 10:30 a.m., Houghton Lake Public Library

Fri- C.A.I.R (Christians

Associated in Recovery), 7 p.m. St Helen Baptist Church

Sat- Zumba Class- 10-11 a.m.

CRAF Center $20

1st Thurs- Veteran's Coffee

Out & About

Continued from page 4

Hour- 9 a.m., Blogett Airport Houghton Lake

2nd Sun. – VFW Country Breakfast, 8 a.m., VFW Post 4159

2nd Thurs. – B2B Breakfast, 8 a.m., Village of Roscommon 3rd Wed. – Michigan Fireman’s Memorial Festival Meeting 6:30 p.m.

Check the MSU Extension Webpage for their list of upcoming classes at http://bit.ly/MSUEevents or call 989-275-5043

IOSCO COUNTY:

Hale, Whittemore, Tawas

2-Winter Market, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m., Sand Lake Community Center, vendors can reserve space by emailing diwintermarket@gmail.com

23-Apple Tree Restoration, Free, 3 miles NW of East Tawas, outdoor workshop, dress for cold weather, call or text Russell: 989-310-6408 or email Russell. williams@macd.org

Iosco County Extras

Mon - BINGO, 6:30 p.m., Whittemore Chamber of Commerce

3rd Tues. - Whittemore Chamber Meeting, 7 p.m., 405 E. Sherman Street

3rd Thurs- Veteran's Coffee Hour- 9 a.m. American Legion Post 211 900 E. Lincoln, East Tawas

OGEMAW COUNTY:

West Branch, Rose City, Lupton

3- Dart TournamentRegistration 12:00p.m., darts fly at 1:00p.m. Entry $5, steel tip darts only, Clear Lake Bar, Call Devon 989-345-1155

7- Slow Flow Yoga- 4:30-5:30 p.m., free, Safe Haven Doula, 322 W Houghton Ave, West Branch

9- Pelvic Floor Workshop & Workout- 10 a.m., free, any woman welcome, Safe Haven Doula, 322 W Houghton Ave, West Branch

16- Camel Race- 5:30 p.m. at Columbus Hall in West Branch, $20 per person tickets available @ Culligan & Morse Clark Furniture, call Chuck 989-942-6608

Ogemaw County Extra

Tues. – Kiwanis Club of West Branch, at Noon, Buccilli’s of West

Branch

Weds. – BINGO, Early Birds at 6:30 p.m., Regular 7:45 p.m., Knights of Columbus off M-30

Weds. – AL-ANON meeting, 8 p.m., 12 Step-Up Club, 236 First Street

Weds. – Culvers Cruise In, 6 – 8 p.m., Culvers West Branch

Thurs- Line Dancing Classes, 1-2:30 p.m., fee of $5, Ogemaw Township, corner of S. Gray Rd & M55 in West Branch, Contact

Gaylynn: 989-305-2959

Thurs. – Optimist Club, 7 a.m., Loggers Depot, 314 Houghton Avenue

1st Sun. – Adult Children of Alcoholics, 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 2490 State Road

1st & 2nd Mon. – City Council meeting, 6 p.m., West Branch City Hall, 121 N. Fourth Street

1st & 3rd Tues. – Rose City Council meeting, 6 p.m., Council Chambers, 310 N. Williams Street

1st Tues. – West Branch Retail Merchants meeting, 6 p.m., City Police Station, 130 Page Street

1st Wed.- Ogemaw County Veterans Coffee Hour- 9-10 a.m.

1st & 3rd Thurs. - Newborn Parent Support Group, 6 p.m., MyMichigan Health West Branch in the Executive Dining Room

1st Thurs. – Ogemaw County Fair Board meeting, 7 p.m., meets in main building

2nd Mon. - Kiwanis Young Professional Club, 6 p.m., Highway Brewing Company

2nd Tues – Parkinson's Disease Support Group, 2:00 p.m., MyMichigan Medical Center West Branch Executive Dining Room

2nd, 3rd, & 4th Wed- Slow Flow Yoga- 10- 10:30 a.m., free, Safe Haven Doula, 322 W Houghton Ave, West Branch

2nd, 3rd, & 4th Wed- My Grown Up and Me Yoga- 10:45-11:15, free, adult and child welcome, Safe Haven Doula, 322 W Houghton Ave, West Branch

2nd Wed. – Aktion Club, 9:30 a.m., United Methodist Church

2nd Wed. - Business Professional Women’s group, 5 p.m. 2nd Wed. - Alzheimer's Disease

▪ See Out & About on page 7

Out & About

Continued from page 6

and Related Dementia Support Group, 2- 3:30 p.m. MyMichigan Medical Center West Branch Executive Dining Room

2nd & 4th Thurs. - Healing Together – Compasus Hospice, 10 a.m., Ogemaw Commission on Aging, 1508 M-33

3rd Mon. - Disabled American Veterans & Auxiliary meeting, 5 p.m., VFW Post 3775

3rd Tues.- OCGHS General

Membership Board meeting, 2:30 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, 100 E. Houghton Avenue

3rd Thurs. – Vet2Vet Peer Support Group 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church corner of Fairview and State Road, for more info call 989-873-6088

3rd Thurs. - Ogemaw Area Swim Boosters 6 p.m., Ogemaw Heights

High School Room 210

2nd Sat. - Ogemaw Hills

Snowmobile club meeting, 9 a.m., Club House

OTHER REGIONS:

8- Community Dinner- doors open 5:30 p.m., Mio Community Center, 305 E 9th St., free, RSVP by March 1 to jacksonmusicprogram@ gmail.com

15- Irish Band: Blackthorn7-8:30 p.m., free, cash bar, Art in the Loft- Alpena, reservations required call 989-356-6678

2nd and 4th Fri- Clothes Closet

for Adults- 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.- Comins Community Church- 4263 W. First St. Comins

4th Weds- Cheboygan Co Veteran's Coffee Hour- 9 a.m. -Cheboygan VFW

3rd Thurs- Craft Day- 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.- TriPoint Church of God- 831 W. Miller, Mio

4th Thurs- Alpena Veteran's Coffee Hour- 9 a.m. Art in the Loft

Every Mon- Bible Study- 10 a.m. & 7 p. m. - Living Water Lutheran Church behind Dollar General, Mio

Every Tues- Women's Group6:30 p.m.- TriPoint Church of God- 831 W. Miller, Mio- for more info call Deb 989-390-2708

Every Tues- Pickleball- 1 p.m.TriPoint Church of God for more info call Pastor Jody 989-390-9150

Every Tues 5/2- 5/30- Grief Share Support Group- 2-4 p.m.Mio UMC- for more info call Barb Butler 989-390-6617

Every Weds- Men's Fellowship10 a.m.- Living Water Lutheran Church

Every Weds- Women's Bible Study- 10 a.m. Living Water's Lutheran Church

Every Weds- Burgers Grilled on the Patio- 4:30-7pm - Luzerne American Legion

Every Thurs- Men's Group- 7 p.m.-TriPoint Church of God- for more info call Gene 989-350-0638

Every Sun- Pickleball- 3 p.m.TriPoint Church of God for more info

HALE FEBRUARY STUDENTS OF THE MONTH- Pictured: Back (l-r) Antonio Jimenez, Adrain Walton, Eli Chrivia, Rayven Phegley, and Reece Ready. Front (l-r) Ashlynn Hewitt, Everett Kesler,

Brayden Farrand, and Ella Link.

Soaring into spring

Lions playoffs at the Eagles

By Mark Constance, Across County Lines

I was at the Secord Lake Eagles recently with my friend Jeff Kimball and 75 other people gathered for the same reason: To watch the Detroit Lions beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

It was an electric atmosphere. The Eagles Club, like every other place in Michigan where Lions fans came together, was probably just a smaller version of Ford Field: Happy, loud and proud.

When we intercepted the ball to end the game, I yelled louder and longer than I ever have in my adult life. I could barely hear myself because everyone else was doing the same.

As Jared Goff took a knee to end the game, it was like a spiritual moment. Jeff brought up his brother, Ron, who recently passed away and was a big Lions fan.

All I could think of was how I

would have loved to talk with Sean about this. He would have been so stoked about this year’s team.

Even when we disagreed on life, as all fathers and sons are prone to do, we would always be able to talk about the Lions and Tigers. That was our common ground.

Of course, if he were here, he would have been talking smack in his adopted town of Sarasota to anyone who would listen. And even to those who didn’t. “DeeTroit,” as they called him.

Sean was a Lions fan since the day he was born. It was his destiny.

And he was there with us in spirit, happy to be part of this winning team.

Toad's Stool

Warren "Toad" Stutesman

Welcome my friends to the mysterious month of March. Why mysterious? Well, we just never know what to expect from this month of change. Will it snow, be sunny, or rain? It’s just a mystery. Sometimes it does them all in the same day and at other times all at once.

There is a saying about March that goes something like this, “in like a lion out like a lamb” or it may be “in like a lamb out like a lion”. This is in reference to the fact that usually, however March starts it will end the opposite way.

Spring is the time of change and this year it will begin on Tues., March 19 at 11:06 p.m. I am hoping that this year some of those changes will bring us all great garden blessings.

One of my friends, Shellie Barnes, has taken advantage of a springtime change and is harvesting the bounty from her Maple trees putting by a few gallons of syrup.

My bird friends have been enjoying the buffet served here daily. The three hen turkeys are still regular visitors, and I am hoping that they will be raising their broods close by. Of course, a tom will have to make an appearance for that to happen or so I have been told.

We have a lot of woodpeckers and to help them out I have been building birdhouses in a few different sizes. They seem to appreciate the suet so maybe they will be content with new housing.

Speaking of suet, with the cost of feed going up this past year I was very happy to find a source of excellent suet for a considerably more affordable price in Rose City at ACE hardware.

Shop Local!

I was fortunate to witness two Eagles once again in their courtship spiral plummeting down with their talons locked. This was just north of Waters close to Otsego Lake.

The first time that I witnessed this was in my back yard and they were flying way high overhead and chattering to each other. I was just enjoying the fact of their soaring when they suddenly locked talons and spun careening toward the ground only to break apart at the last moment and then soar back up and start over again.

Another bird that I was fortunate to watch its mating flight is the American Woodcock. They have a dance on the ground and an awesome spiraling and fluttering flight while singing. Truly amazing to see.

I would like to take this time to share this with you. The church that I belong to, the Mio Seventh Day Adventist, has a community center on twelfth street in Mio. My wife is the administrator and other people help wash, fold, and distribute clothing and other household items.

This past year we have given out over sixteen thousand items of clothing and have received many thanks for which we are ever grateful, however it is you, our community, that deserves the thanks. It is only by your continued donations to our center that we can reach so many people in need so I Thank You.

Our community service center is open on Wednesdays from 8 a.m.3:30 p.m. and donations may be left by that back door at any time. Everything we have is free of charge so if anyone has a need please come by and for emergency situations please call Kim at 989-826-3871.

Well, that's going to be all for this month. Please help keep our woods and waters clean.

Easter events

Continued from page 1

Don’t miss the Easter Egg Eggstravaganza at Hanson Hills in Grayling on Sat., March 30, starting at 10 a.m. This event is for kids ages 10 and under. Bring your cameras for your photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny!

Mark Constance and Jeff Kimball

Commitment of a lifetime

Continued from page 1

noting “we grew from four, but it was always still us, with room for more.”

Things started off simple.

Bill, a self-professed “got into trouble” kid, met Sherry at the Granada Theatre in South Bend Indiana where they both worked in high school.

Sherry, the Candy girl; Bill, the Chief of Service. Together in a time when the ushers wore tuxedo jackets. They enjoyed their time working together and eventually a friendship blossomed into attraction.

“I would give her rides home from work. She didn’t have a car then, and we could go to the movies and eat popcorn whenever we wanted. A perk from the job” Bill shares.

Vying for Sherry’s attention from the beginning, Bill and another usher laid a trail of popcorn from outside the movie theatre to the concession stand where she worked and held the door open. It ended up being a flock of pigeons that they claim officially introduced them, and Bill and the usher then had to get the birds back outside.

“I got fired and rehired many times at that job” Bill softly smiles.

Sherry laughs “no one expected it to last. Yet here we still are, balancing each other out and giving each other space to be who we each are and coming back together, as we have all along. It works really well, it has worked really well.”

“Opposites attract. We complement each other” adds Bill.

The Haags married June 29, 1963, and will celebrate their 61st anniversary this year.

As Bill found himself planning how to take care of his now pregnant wife without his high school diploma, he realized job options were few. The Army became the plan: Bill enlisted in November 1963.

“At the time, it was a stable way to support a family. It came with insurance, an … community of others who understood how you were living. The income was substantial back then.” Sherry said.

Over the next 21 years, the family found themselves living in

Missouri, Korea, Texas, Panama, Japan, Illinois, Kentucky and Arkansas before settling in Grayling.

Bill, mostly the quiet one while Sherry is the talker, adds with appreciation

“Every re-enlistment, she stood right next to me,” Bill said. “I recognize that it took a lot for her to raise a family when I was apart from them, especially overseas for longer periods of time.”

In response, Sherry simply says “It was our circle of four. We made sure we made it work. Sometimes I would move home with my mom until Bill was back. We did whatever we had to do. I … remind the kids their upbringing wasn’t typical of other children. Not everyone got to do all the things they did or travel to the places we got to live.”

Toward the end of his career, Bill was stationed in Grayling to update the National Guard base and act as an advisor, which he did for three years. After a year and half in Germany the couple retired to Grayling in 1985.

Once dreaming of moving to Alabama for retirement, the Haags found themselves feeling anchored to Grayling.

“This is our home. Our family was close to here. It is where we will both live and will die and we love it here. We’re not going anywhere,” Sherry said.

After all that time and travel, you have to ask them, “How do you do it?”

“You just do. It’s not always going to be easy, but when you make a commitment and stay with it, it works in a way you don’t experience any other way.

“We grew up together and were dependent on each other with family far away often, we took care of each other in that,” Sherry said.

Bill added: “It’s WE not ME. If you remember that, it is WE, not ME, things are easier.”

Two were joined that would form a circle of four and the Haag’s have made that math add up to 61 so far, an incredible collection of memories and years that will last their lifetime and well beyond in the legacy they’ve created.

Winter sports challengers

REGION- High School sports programs in our area can be vital to happy, healthy, and well-adjusted teens. While our outside weather lately has been wavering and unpredictable, it’s great to see the young men and women in our communities coming together for sportsmanship and camaraderie.

Mio’s Alexis Hurst was victorious in her #120 match against Jaycob Clark of St. Helen

Hale High School Junior Seth Gibson faces off against Fairview Junior Tanner Major

The Mio girls varsity team is having an outstanding season so far. They are currently ranked #18 in the Division 4 rankings. Pictured (l-r) are Serenity Shattuck, Angie Burden, Lilly Strach, Mia McGregor, Hayden Henderson, Ella Strach, Caitlyn Goodman, and Coach Kristi McGregor

Roscommon’s Aubrey Bunn (12) shoots over Houghton Lake defenders Myla Dankert (11) and Alexi Tift (12) in junior varsity action Feb. 1.

Roscommon High School held its senior night after the varsity basketball who is retiring at the end of the season, was honored by the crowd, his team, years. Ewald is pictured on the floor in front of the group.

The Ogemaw Heights wrestling team had a tremendous season in 2023-24.

The Roscommon High School wrestling team won a district title in February. Pictured (kneeling, Brian Hadd, Tyler Kane, Ben Collins, Steven Alyas, Steven Koch, (standing, l-r) Coach Gabe Kaylee Steel, Brett Vanacker, Walker Borchers, Mike Stickel, Daltyn Curtis, Blake Baker, Carter Baker, Michael Jensen, Lorenzo Bellin, Matthue Kitolski, Crew Tyler, Nolan Gray, Savage, Ryan McCourt, Titouan Castet, Coach Mark Jernigan, Coach Drake Lewandowki,

Heston Academy sophomore Owen Romancky (157) won match in Mio Feb. 2

challengers and champions

Below:

basketball game Feb. 13. After the event was concluded, Coach MJ Ewald, team, as well as many of the young men he coached over the past 25

Above: Tyler and Maision of the Houghton Lake Bobcat Bowlers, placed 18 and 31 out of 118 at their tournament late January.

Above: Tristan Demlow, Grayling’s Point Guard, taking his shot! Photo by Jessica Hartman

Working concessions at Roscommon High School are (l-r) Jack Patchin, Kenda Denlinger, Kathleen Patchin, Angie Griffis and Kim Cherven.

(kneeling, l-r) Eric Moore, Gabe Stern, Zane Spencer, Symon Morris, Melvin Near, Gray, Mason Hodnett, Coach Ryan Lewandowki, Coach Ed Stern.

Fairview High School Sophomore James Gilbert drive up past Hale Senior Aidan Egresics.

Houghton Lake’s Alexis Tift drives past Roscommon’s Payton Jonroe in junior varsity action Feb. 1

Grayling’s Molly Wright is victorious in her wrestling match.

won his

Honored scrappers

GERRISH TOWNSHIP – At the Feb. 13 meeting of the Gerrish Township Board, two volunteers were honored with certificates for their work on the ACT NOW scrap metal project.

For the past 16 years, Stanley Baysdell and Dave Blazejewski donated a large part of their summers to sort, load, and haul scrap metal to the recycling center. Proceeds from their efforts were used to fund a variety of township projects.

The scrap metal project runs April 15-Oct. 15. Items can be dropped off in the trailer behind the Gerrish

Township Police Department. The project has generated more than $31,000 since its inception in 2008.

Carlos Jean-Francois has agreed to head the effort going forward.

Pictured (l-r) are Bob Barber (ACT NOW treasurer), Ralph Rowland (ACT NOW board member), Dave Blazejewski (Volunteer scrapper awardee), Stanley Baysdell (ACT NOW board member and volunteer scrapper awardee) and John Ellis (ACT NOW chair).

~ Photo by Mark Constance

The Castle

By Kristi Major

Growing up on Long Lake included occasional trips to the IGA (now Family Fare) in Rose City. They had such delicious doughnuts!

One such trip around 1967, my mom spotted something way back off the road, a steeple with a carved wooden spire on top. She drove back into the field to find this most unusual house.

The main part looked normal; it was made of wood but attached was a most unusual turret of fieldstone with a sloped shingled roof. Sitting in a field of weeds, it was clearly abandoned, and the inside charred by fire. We asked about it in town but got little information.

A few days later Mom took me back with my sketchbook and brownie camera in hand. A couple weeks later, we went back to get more photos and were shocked to find it completely gone! Where the mysterious building once was, it was now nothing but bare ground.

Arizona in 2000 where it hung in the spare bedroom.

In 2018 I moved back to Michigan and had it shipped there. It now hangs on the wall of my Long Lake cabin, directly across the lake from our old family cabin!

Just recently, with the help of the Rose City Library and Grace Dooley, I contacted the Rose City Historical Society.

I put a post on their fb page and got tons of responses!

My junior year of high school, I shared my story and sketches with my Art teacher who assigned a series of projects. First, a copper plate dry point etching, then colored ball point pen sketches. He then said "now you're going to paint it" handing me a 4' x 4' stretched canvas. I started it that year and finished it at home that summer. We called it, “The Castle”.

It hung in our Flint family home until my parents retired and moved to

Comments and history from numerous people including Heidi Sammons Goulette, whose father Keith Sammons and his brothers completed it for the owner Mr. Ferguson, in the '40s. It was located at the south end of Grant Street. So now, 50+ years after I painted it, it has come full circle.

My mom passed away just weeks before I moved into the cabin, and she never got to see “The Castle” hung there. I wish she could have shared this final chapter with me, but our memories of “The Castle” will always remain close to my heart.

Spring field trips coming soon

By Kalsa Parker Browning, Education DirectorMarguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve

ROSCOMMON- The Gahagan Nature Preserve is offering environmental education field trips to Elementary and Middle School

students this spring.

Outdoor experiences are tailored to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for grades K-7. A given field trip can cover a variety of subjects and issues, including pond studies, plant and animal defense strategies, migration, hibernation, habitat needs, camouflage, food webs, physical science, watersheds, and other topics. Instruction and subject matter are focused on teacher request or appropriate grade level science objectives.

Field trips offer a guided interaction with nature that is just not possible within school grounds. As classrooms become more technology oriented, the opportunity for students to interact with the outdoors is limited. Field trips allow for hands-on educational experiences for students, engaging their senses while nurturing their social, physical, and emotional well-being.

For more information or to schedule a field trip for your classroom or group, contact info@ gahagannature.org. Schedule your trip today!

The Gahagan Nature Preserve is located at 209 W Maplehurst, Roscommon.

Bull riding at home New programs at the Frederic Library

Home Country

By Slim Randles

That thick old hide shifted beneath me as I got my handhold in the bull rope. I watched his horns. Looking straight ahead in the chute. So far, so good. You know, just like the jumper said as he passed the 26th floor.

And then you find yourself asking the big question: if I take a little more time here in the chute to get set on him, will he start chute fighting?. Men have been killed by bulls who fight in the chute.

The guys who have had this bull before say he behaves himself pretty well. He’s known to spin to the right about one full jump out of the chute, but I think I can handle that all right.

Okay, I’m as set as I’m going to be, so I nod my head and I hear the hinges of the gate squeak as they swing open and I’m climbing. Going up, and when I get up about as high as I should, I follow this horned monster down. Down to the right as he starts his spin. I loosened just a bit on that first spin, but I hooked that left spur and tried to make it back to where a bull rider belongs.

He just spun faster on the next jump and I tasted dirt without even having the knowledge I’d been bucked off. The bull fighters had him busy with them and it gave me time to get up and limp to the gate.

Let the next guy do it. Bull riding the way I do it works out pretty well. I’m safe here in my recliner at home watching the television. Have my dog in my lap and a cold one sitting on the stand next to me. My shirt isn’t even dirty. I’ve done it the other way, a long time ago, and this is much better. And the best part is, my dog doesn’t even know I bucked off.

GRAYLING - In addition to weekly Radiant Child on Wednesdays, there is also Tales2- Tails Therapy Dog Sessions, puzzles, and study time at 4 p.m. on Thursdays at the Frederic Library.

Join Radiant Child Music and Movement, which is now weekly and is offered at both branches. Devereaux dates are every Tues., at 3:30 p.m., and the Frederic dates are every Wed. at 4 p.m. Enjoy a relaxing yoga session which includes music, stretching, stories, movement, and meditation.

Bring your littles to Storytime! Every Wed. at 11 a.m. come enjoy stories, themed crafts, and snacks! Additionally, they have Stories with Sue out at the Frederic Branch Library on March 5 at 11 a.m.

Flower Arrangements with Nancy is fun for all ages! Nancy coaches patrons as they put together their own arrangements two days a week. The adult group meets Saturdays at 10 a.m., and the kids’ group is every Wednesday after school.

Wednesdays at 4 p.m. come read to Monte, the wonder dog!

Dungeons and Dragons Sessions are held on Thursdays at 4 p.m. Visit the Facebook page for more information. Space is limited, sign up at the Devereaux Memorial Library today!

Check out some of the long-time

running programs; Genealogy every Mon. from 9 a.m. to noon, Let's Get Fit every Tues., and Thurs. at 1 p.m., and Sit-N-Knit every Thurs. at 10 a.m.

Participate in the Winter Pay-itForward system. Spread kindness and joy this season by prepaying for another person's cup of coffee or warm beverage. Tickets are available at the Circulation Desk. Ask a clerk for more details!

Let one of the tech advisors help you one-on-one with your laptop, e-reader, or phone! Call 989-3489214 to make an appointment. Requests for 3D printing now available.

The Board Meeting for this month is Thurs., March 14, at 8:30 a.m.

The next Friends of the Library (FOL) meeting will be Tues., March 19 at 10 a.m.

March's Book Club selection will be: “This Time Tomorrow”, by: Emma Straub. This book will be available on e-readers. Ask a circulation clerk for more details. This meeting will take place on Wed., March 27, at 1 p.m. If you have any questions, call 989-348-9214.

The library will be CLOSED Frid., March 29, for Good Friday as well as, Mon., April 1, in observance of Easter. The library WILL open the Saturday between (March 30).

Long Lake Ice Jam

HALE – Long Lake in Hale held its annual Long Lake Ice Jam Feb. 17. There was some concern the event would be downsized this year due to a lack of ice, but a week-long cold snap froze the lake enough to allow the festivities to move forward.

The days events included a Polar Bear dip, raffles, ice hockey, sled races and much more. The events were held largely on the ice behind the Long Lake Bar.

About a dozen people participated in the Polar Bear Jump. Air temps at the time were about 20 degrees.

The Plainfield Township Fire Department conducted ice rescue training at the DNR launch. Department personnel on scene included (l-r): Cody Hodges, Rich Sidam, Ed Lauria, Josh Gibson, Kristopher Franklin, Kelly Campbell, Jake Kirinovic, AL Backus, Robert View, Jaxson Houchen, Jack Backus, Dawn View, Nick Klus, Sandi Bradley and Steve Bradley.

Above: Volunteers were able to develop a smooth skating area for ice hockey.

Right: Kaitlin and Jayden Meirndorf won the sled races.

~ Photos by Mark Constance

Sharon Sue Moore, 76, Grayling, passed Jan 19

Shirley Jean Keeler, 97, Roscommon, passed Jan 21

Joyce M Keyes, age 82, St. Helen, passed Jan 20

Charles R Keyes, 84, St. Helen, passed Jan 21

Wilbert M. Hines Jr., 92, Houghton Lake, passed Jan. 23

Evelyn Theresa Rau, 93, West Branch, passed Jan 23

Nancy V. Gingerich, 73, East Tawas, passed Jan 18,

Larry “Bubby” Steinley, 56, Hale, passed Jan 19

Judy Ann Blair, 75, Oscoda formerly of Livonia, passed Jan 21

Lewis Albert “Al” Beesley, 90, Hale, passed Jan 21

Leona Delores Morrison, 93 Turner, passed Jan 22

MaryLou Nadon, 89, Hale, passed Jan 23

Rosemary “Rosie” Theresa Smith, 90, AuGres, passed Jan 19

George Vincent Dubey, 76, Omer formerly of Bay City, passed Jan 20

Joan Marie Fous, 77, St. Helen, passed Jan 23

Jill Ann Teeter, 86, Higgins Lake, passed Jan 24

Barbara Jean Rigling, 88, Prudenville, passed Jan 25

Donna Dee Yeager, 86, Prudenville, passed Jan 26

Carol Louise Card, 75, West Branch, passed Jan 23

Janet Miller, 84, Lupton, passed Jan 25

Donald "Don" Richard Cobley, 85, Oscoda, passed Jan 25

Janet Mae Boyd, 90, Roscommon, passed Jan 26

Lynda Jean Endres, 79, Roscommon, passed Jan 26

Sharon Kaye Patchin, 76, Roscommon, passed Jan 27

Lorraine Kay Ekhardt, 61, St. Helen, passed Jan 25

MIO GIRLS SCOUTS

TRAVEL TO ROSCO – Mio Girl

Scout Troop #8845 was excited to attend Roscommon's Gahagan Nature Preserve Snow Glow Scavenger

Hunt. Pictured: Back (l-r) Lailah Boright, Izzy Rookus, Aubrey Stoner, Marley Poff, Maelynn Lentz, Nova Chevalier, Violet Terpening, Jaelyn Stagg, and Harmony Soler.

Obituaries & Death Notices

Lenore Pastula, 89, Houghton Lake, passed Jan 26

Wayne Leroy Southworth, 98, Prudenville passed Jan 28

Richard Paradise, 81, East Tawas, passed Jan 25

Laurence "Butch" Temple, 82, Hale, passed Jan 26

Thomas "Tom" Harold LeClair, 82, Tawas City, passed Jan 26

Janet Marie Miller, 84, Lupton, passed Jan 25

Marian Jean Parkinson, 86, Grayling, passed Jan 24

Cynthia Jean Rose, 64, Grayling, passed Jan 27

Charles Norman Rau, 85, West Branch, passed Jan 29

Kelly P. Dillon, 66, Tawas City, passed Jan 27

Richard Stoll Jr., 57, Tawas City, passed Jan 27

Dale Edward Begley, 75, Oscoda, passed Jan 30

Alfred Paul De Chene, Jr., 91, Oscoda, passed Jan 30

Brian L. Stuhr, 60, Tawas City, passed Jan 12

Barbara Ann Luberda, 61, Au Gres, passed Jan 28

Robert F. Marsh, 94, Comins, passed Jan 30

Savannah M. Borntrager, 87, Mio, passed Jan 30

Arla Jean Bullard, 87, Roscommon formerly Berkley, passed Jan 29

Karl Ivan Gawne Sr., 93, St. Helen, passed Jan 31

Casmeir Pelak, 73, West Branch, passed Jan 31

Cathy Ann Freitag, 66, Tawas City, passed Jan 30

Norma Jean Vida, 94, Roscommon, passed Feb 6

Sharon Huffman, 84, Roscommon, passed Feb 6

James Earl Walsh, 86, Higgins Lake, passed Feb 5

Jane (Ruedisueli) Morningstar, 82, Oscoda, passed Feb 2

Angela Craig, 43, Tawas City, passed Feb 3

Ronda Wilcox, 66, Tawas City formerly Lapeer, passed Feb 5

Dean Crandell, 88, Hale, passed Feb 7

Grace Colburn (Atkinson), 83, East Tawas, passed Feb 8

Ginger Sue Knapp, 68, Roscommon, passed Feb 7

Dianne Coffman, 71, East Tawas, passed Feb 10

Dustin Richard, 52, Sterling, passed Feb 11

Barbara Joanne Sartor, 85, Houghton Lake, passed Feb 8

Patricia Marie Pilto, 77, Roscommon, passed Feb 9

Colleen Mae Bryce, 67, Houghton Lake, passed Feb 10

Tisha Lee Wright, 44, Roscommon, passed Feb 14

Tony Lee Harvey, 61, St. Helen, passed Feb 12

Sharon L. Berry, 82, Oscoda, passed Feb 13

Mark Lee Helman, 62, Comins, passed Feb 13

Tracy Lee Clark, 58, Mio, passed Jan 30

Marilyn Bea Root, 86, Grayling, passed Feb 1

Cora Oosterhof, 97, Roscommon, passed Feb 2

Kenneth Luark, 72, St. Helen, Michigan, passed Feb 2

Matthew Costello, 65, Houghton Lake, passed Feb 2

Robert Coleman, 86, Standish, passed Feb 3

Richard Russell, 76, Standish, passed Feb 4

Helen Mary Copeland, 90, St. Helen, passed Feb 18

Mary (Webb) Stuck, 96, Houghton Lake, passed Feb 16

Kenneth Lee Williams, 73, Tawas City formerly Flint, passed Feb 14

Carl Huebner Jr., 91, Tawas City, passed Feb 16

Patrick J. Couture, 81, Tawas City, passed Feb 14

Ricky Birtles, 75, Mio, passed Feb 15

BOWL-A-THON winners

ROSCOMMON- Sixteen teams competed in the Roscommon County Sheriff's Auxiliary Wild Wild West Bowl-a-thon. The event was held at Hi-Skore Lanes in West Branch on February 17.

First Place Team prize went to West Branch Walmart/ Bradneubeckers. Second place prize to CHAMPS/Carmine Polisei and

Front (l-r) Miles Boright, Melody Lentz, Everly Stoner, Isabella Laurence, Kenzington Fritz, Hazel Lewis, and Alyson Vicars. Photo by Bryana Fortier.

third Place to Iron Saddle Strikers/ Shelly Burns.

The Best Team Costume prize went to Iron Saddle Strikers with Shelly Burns of that team also winning first place for Best Costume. Funds raised from the event help support Auxiliary activities for the good of the community and Sheriff Department endeavors.

Right: Best Team Costume winners, the Iron Saddle Strikers.

Nap time

View From the Comfy Chair

By Joel Vernier

I was taking my morning afterbreakfast nap, thinking about lunch and then my after-lunch nap, and dinner then my after-dinner nap. Napping is observed in many parts of the world! Americans and Japanese tend to nap the most. While Mexico, Spain, and many Mediterranean, Middle East, Southern Europe, and China are famous for their siesta, Americans and Japanese are the clear winners!

The Japanese have even invented the napping station, a creative tube sleeping nook that might be mistaken for an MRI machine. Some companies house a room full of them, and you can find them in the communities. The napper in need of a rest can walk up, put their credit card in the machine, climb in, and take a nap. When they awake, the unit calculates the charge and applies it to your credit card. It reminds me of traveling with my parents when I was a child; we would stay in a motel where every bed was outfitted with a unit called "Magic Fingers!" The device was invented by John Houghtaling in 1958; it is attached to the bed, and for a quarter, the bed would vibrate and relax you for 15 minutes! As a child, I remember that it worked! In the movie National Lampoons Vacation, there is a hilarious scene where the "Magic Fingers" get out of control, and Clark and Ellen Griswold end up sleeping on the floor! Today, you can buy

massage pads for your bed! You may still find them for sale on eBay!

Why focus on naps? Short naps increase productivity and creativity. My average nap is 20 minutes long, but I feel a difference even with a 10-minute nap. They call short naps "Power Naps!"

Instead of trying to pump up with an energy drink, coffee, or other stimulants, a short nap can work wonders! The United States Military permits soldiers to nap when circumstances allow, especially during continuous operations.

Who naps the most? Ages 55 and over. It seems the government is talking about raising the Social Security age to 75 years old; based on the data, it should be lowered to 55 years old; the 55 group naps an average of 135 days a year, and the 25-34 group naps only 84.8 days a year!

Famous people who took naps are Aristotle, Leonardo Da Vinci, Thomas Edison, Winston Churchill, and Albert Einstein. Einstein used to hold a spoon in his hand to take a nap; when the spoon hit the desk, he would wake up! More recently, John F. Kennedy, Mark Cuban, Kanye West, and many more!

My dogs take naps regularly. The koala is the king napper in the animal world; they can nap up to 22 hours a day! This is followed by the sloth, which sleeps 10-20 hours daily. Snails can take a nap for 3 years, wow! Even the tiny hydra takes naps.

After writing my column, I feel a nap coming on!

"Remember, every day is a gift! Some are just a little more fun to open than others. – © Joel M. Vernier 2/12/2024 Author of: "The Guinea Pig In The Freezer." joelmvernier@ aol.com

Did you hear Ireland is the fastest-growing country in Europe?

Its population is always Dublin.

A cat is making a declaration of love to his beloved. "I'd die for you!" he tells her. She looks back at him skeptically and replies, "Oh yeah? How many times?"

Sudoku Answer

Puzzle can be found on page 8

Knock, knock.

Who's there?

Potto.

Potto who?

Potto gold

Ann: I heard that you are a hypochondriac.

Stan: Well, my doctor says I’m not, but I spent 3 days reading about it on the internet and I have all the symptoms.

Why can't you borrow a leprechaun's money?

They're always a little too short.

Q: What do you call someone who can't stick with a diet?

A: A desserter.

What has ten letters and starts with gas?

Answer: Automobile.

Slaves to the screens

Seated and surrounded by family in a restaurant, the child sat engrossed and fixated with agile fingers roaming the keyboard at lightning speed. This occurred for a large portion of time spent at the meal with the only exception occurring while the child was eating and even then, still working the phone’s screen. During that time, little or no conversation was emitted.

The above scenario is demonstrated every day throughout our nation. The screen is not a problem, but the amount of time that is used on it is the major concern. The time many children and young adults spend on it robs them of opportunities to learn and enhance their skills in communication. To learn and understand facial expressions, body language, and vocal inflections, is paramount in human communication.

The first teacher of these communication skills rests solely on the shoulders of parents. As parents, we are entrusted to guide, mentor, and establish boundaries for appropriate behavior. Additionally, as adults, we must also model appropriate actions and behaviors as these are constantly observed and evaluated by our children.

Along these lines, the following are a few suggestions to explore if you wish to take action on your child’s use of screen time:

1. Example – Model the reduction of your own exposure to technology as this will send a subtle message to your child.

2. Limitations – Establish firm limitations of children’s use of technology. For example: Cell phones must be placed in a container at certain times, such as meals, etc.

3. Monitor - Control the amount of screen time by monitoring where and when they are on the screen.

4. Collaborate – Converse with the parents of your children’s friends. Sometimes children (including teens) are less resistant to restrictions if they know their friends have the same or similar restrictions.

5. Dialogue – Create an open conversation and honest communication with your child about their usage of technology and its dangers.

6. Consistent – Be very consistent about the follow-through and enforcement of the boundaries of technology usage.

7. Technology Off Nights – Have one or two nights per week where the family has a fun night. During this time, games, outside activities, and working on arts and crafts are some possible suggestions. Another option would be to have an open discussion on faith and values.

The screen is here, and how we as parents deal with our children’s exposure to it is vital. Hopefully, these suggestions may help.

SOS mobile unit coming to Roscommon County

By Donna Thoma

The Michigan Secretary of State Office has received a grant to provide mobile SOS offices in rural areas. Roscommon County Council On Aging locations will be hosting the mobile unit in March. The SOS unit will be at St. Helen RCCOA March 22. Houghton Lake RCCOA hosts March 25, and Roscommon RCCOA March 26.

The primary focus is toward seniors and residents without adequate internet service in rural Michigan. The units will be available to all residents in that community.

Currently the state has four Dodge Ram vans servicing Southeast Michigan, Mid-Michigan, Great Lakes area and West Michigan.

The mobile offices are equivalent to the brick-and-mortar branch offices and will provide all services as normal. The mobile offices bring in-person SOS services to places with limited mobility or internet access.

As with a normal branch location, anyone intending to utilize this service should be able to provide the necessary identification, and paperwork needed for your needs. The mobile unit staff will be able to provide Voter Registrations, State IDs, drivers licenses, vehicle transactions, disability parking tags, and any other SOS service.

To schedule an appointment in advance or for more information, contact Amy Whittington at 989-3662025

HALE JANUARY STUDENTS OF THE MONTH- Pictured: Back (l-r) Ellery Coleman, RB Stevens, Steven Chinchak, Carter Fournier, Lakelynne Dodridge, and Aleese Kimmerer. Front (l-r) Braylee Prescott, Emerick Culton, Abel Mullen, Ashtyn Bassi, and Grayson Marks. Not Pictured: Kolton Blake

Furry friends and tasty treats at Winterfest

Although the Fishing Derby

and Sled Races were canceled, the festival still had a great turnout. The dog parade was a new addition this year as well as the cornhole tournament. Of course, the annual chili cookoff did not disappoint!

ROSCOMMON- Despite the lack of snow and inconsistent ice conditions, Winterfest still happened the weekend of Feb. 17 at the Lyons Township Park.

Mckayla from Roscommon selling Girl Scout Cookies and trying to stay warm during the Winterfest activities.

Jessica with her dog Peach at the Dog Parade hosted by Happy Dog Acres at Winterfest.

Ron and Pearl won “best trick” for Pearl’s adorable “praying hands” trick.

Laurie Harteau of Roscommon was the Winterfest Chili Cook-off First Place winner! Harteau has been the cook at the Roscommon Senior Center for over two years, and thoroughly enjoys providing daily meals there.

Youth Pastor Kristy Mills and her son Tyler dancing and getting the party started at the Winterfest pavilion.