As you can see from our cover, we did something different for this issue of Everything Men by dedicating it to Deputy Sheriff William “Bill” Butler whom we lost last June. Besides the related articles, the advertising proceeds from this issue will be donated to his wife Sarah and their three minor children.
We also have three spotlights for you: Dragons Den Combat Sports, Irish Hills Firearm Outfitters, and Lucas McGraw, Farm Bureau agent. We hope you will use these articles to acquaint yourself with three area entrepreneurs and learn about their businesses.
Chad French shares his love of classic cars and his approach to restoring them, we have the “bragging rights” photos showcasing some hunting and fishing trophies of people in our four-county coverage area, and some great recipes for the end of the grilling season.
Please check out the ads along with the articles, because our advertisers are the ones who make it possible to keep publishing this magazine! Support local commerce to keep it alive in our communities.
EVERYTHING MEN STAFF
EDITOR
Melissa McCance
SALES
Hannah Sayles
Sherry Sheffer
Cyndi Young
Kristal Johnson
FOR INFORMATION on how to submit story ideas, concerns, or information on how to advertise, please contact Marlanea McGraw at (517)320-9235 or email sales@simplyhers.net. Everything Men Magazine makes every effort to provide accurate information in advertising and editorial content, however, does not make any claims as to accuracy of information provided by advertisers or editorial contributors and accepts no responsibility or liability for inaccurate infor mation.
The staff of McGraw Publishing changed the focus of Everything Men from the usual general interest format to dedicate this fall issue to Deputy Sheriff William “Bill” Butler who was killed in the line of duty last June. To that end, we have included an article sharing what Deputy Butler was like as a person as well as an article devoted to coping with grief and loss. Proceeds from advertising in this issue will be donated to his wife Sarah and their children.
We wish to extend our deepest condolences to Deputy Butler’s family on this stunning loss. In addition to Sarah and their children Teagan, Trigg, and Tatum, he is survived by his children Devon Butler and Kylee (James) Mallison and grandchildren Sage and Allie Mallison. His parents, Bill and Cindy Butler, and sister Christy (Josh Wainscott) Butler also survive.
Local, because it matters.
Whether you prefer to stay indoors or outdoors, we have the right products and expertise to get your project done right. DECKING
Every child in foster care deserves to have a CASA volunteer to advocate for them.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we run completely off of grants and donations. We do not charge for our services. You can help us in this quest by providing
Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers are needed now more than ever. For more information please contact Heather Upton by calling (517)797-6020 or email director@hillsdalecasa.org
#changeachildsstory
STRONG, KIND, & CARING
Photo Credit: Mikeal Wagner
Who Was Bill Butler?
Story by Melissa McCance
Our area was shocked and saddened last June as word spread that Deputy Sheriff Bill Butler had died in the execution of his duty. There was an enormous outpouring of concern and support for his wife Sarah and for his children. Although many facts about Deputy Butler‘s life have been shared in news stories and in his obituary, we wanted to present what he was like as a person. An interview with Sarah has given us a picture of Bill Butler, the man.
“I have a hard time coming up with the appropriate things to make him sound as great as he was.”
This was the statement Sarah gave at the beginning of the interview, and that on its own says a great deal.
Bill spent 26 years in active-duty Army service including a tour overseas during Operation Iraqi Freedom and working as a recruiter for the National Guard. According to Sarah, he said that military service was his duty, but law enforcement was his passion. He entered the police academy and completed his training in December 2022 just before turning 50. Bill became a full-time road deputy which was what he most wanted to do.
The couple met at the jail back in 2009, during the time when Sarah was working as the jail nurse for the inmates and Bill was working corrections. Her first arrival at the jail—swooping up on her motorcycle—was a memorable one, and the relationship grew from that first meeting.
Law enforcement fit Bill like a perfectly-tailored suit. “He loved it—he absolutely loved it. Everything about it, the work, the uniform, being part of it,” explains Sarah. “He had to have the black handcuffs so they’d match the clips on his belt. And he had the special earpiece so he could hear whenever things were going on.”
Sarah gave another example: “We had just gotten back from a family vacation to Kentucky the week before he died, and when we got back, there was a package at the house and it was stuff for his belt and his vest. It was special things that kept the clips in place. I asked, ‘What is all that for?’”
Bill replied that these attachments would keep everything secured so if he were in foot pursuit after somebody, nothing would shake loose from his belt and he wouldn’t have to go hunting for this equipment afterward. Also, he could run more quietly. Sarah’s response was that there was NOTHING quiet about him running!
fun one. He’d buy tickets to things or plan a getaway. Every holiday, the kids would get things like heart cookies for Valentine’s Day or flowers for something else. He’d bring them doughnuts on Saturday just because. He spoiled us all!”
Sarah shared that Bill was especially good with their three children: daughter Teagan (11 in October) and sons Trigg (9) and Tatum (7). If Sarah and Teagan got into one of those escalated times that most moms know happen with pre-teen daughters, Bill would call Teagan into another room and spend some quiet time with her, bringing things back to a calm state.
His passion for and commitment to his work meant he didn’t really embrace the idea of a “day off.” When he wasn’t on duty, he would still be found at the sheriff’s office, finishing reports, staying on top of what had happened recently, talking with the other officers . . . whatever he felt was important to do. He desired always to give his best, to do the job to his utmost.
One
of Bill’s outstanding qualities was kindness—caring
for and taking care of other people
. His time in the military gave him a connection that enabled him to secure hard-to-get tickets or special passes, and he generously shared them with others who didn’t have the opportunity to enjoy that kind of inside access. Sarah’s mother no longer drives much, and when Bill had extra time in the middle of the day, he’d visit her and take a treat along or invite her out to lunch.
“I was always the structure and the routine and the discipline,” Sarah says, “and Bill was always calm but also the spontaneous,
Bill loved to buy gifts for the children or do things to please Sarah or them. He surprised Sarah by having the Simply Hers cover article about her framed for her to keep. Bill adored his family and was very proud of them. “He was always the one to post things on social media about what we did or what the kids did. Not to brag, but just because he was so proud of them. Bill did things for people not to show off or get attention but because he wanted to make people happy.”
As a community, we are grateful for having had this strong, kind, caring man in a position of protecting and helping us. We grieve his loss, but we also celebrate his life.
Hillsdale Hospital:
DR. LOGANATHAN
Story by Elyse Apel
Since he was a small child, Dr. Amritraj Loganathan knew he wanted to be a neurosurgeon. “I was actually interested in medicine, specifically neurosurgery, from a young age. When I was four years old, somebody got me a book called the Charlie Brown Encyclopedia of the Human Body and there was a page on the brain,” Dr. Loganathan explains. “My whole life after that when people asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up, I said that I wanted to be a neurosurgeon.”
Now, Amritraj lives out that dream with his own private practice called Jackson Spine, while also providing neurosurgery services to the Hillsdale community through Hillsdale Hospital.
A graduate of The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Amritraj completed his residency at Wake Forest University in North Carolina.
He has now been practicing neurosurgery for 11 years, serving as vice chief of surgery at Henry Ford Hospital in Jackson for a number of years.
Amritraj says that a few years ago he realized he wanted a change.
“I’d always been an employee for somebody else, so I started my own practice,” he says. “At that point, I realized I also didn’t want to work for a big hospital where I had to be on call for trauma or things like that anymore, and so Hillsdale was a perfect fit.”
Amritraj started at Hillsdale Hospital in December 2023. There, he does both patient consultations and surgeries. Now, he specializes in outpatient spine surgery, which includes minimally-invasive spine surgeries, spine fracture treatments, treatment for cervical and lumbar herniated discs, disc replacements, and more.
“Being in an environment in a small community has allowed me to really provide more direct and better care to my patients,” he explains. Amritraj says he finds it satisfying to be in a specialty where he is able to provide patients with such dramatic improvement.
“Back pain is the number one reason people see a doctor in the world, so being able to treat spine conditions, whether it is somebody’s back or neck, is satisfying,” he says. “That’s especially true when it’s something that I can treat with surgery.”
He adds that it is frustrating how common back pain is and how sometimes the treatment that worked for one patient, might not work for another patient.
“Back pain is a really common problem that up to 40% of people experience at some point in their lives,” he explains. “Because back pain and spine problems are so common, only a small subset of those people can be treated with surgery. It’s so frustrating when sometimes we can’t help people.”
Amritraj says that, because of that, it is critical to have good communication with patients.
“One of the most important values to me in my practice is having close, direct communication with my patients,” he says.
Being at a smaller hospital has especially allowed that.
In his free time, which is limited, Amritraj tries to spend as much time with his family as possible.
“Lack of direct communication was one of the frustrating things in other employment situations I was at in the past,” Amritraj says. “When I worked for a big hospital system and there were a bunch of other people involved, a lot of times you just get told what to do.”
Now, he can spend as much time with patients as needed.
“Now that I’m my own boss, I’m able to really focus on directly dealing with patients. I see all of my patients in the office each time, every time,” he explains. “My office manager is my wife,
“I work with my wife, but I also have pretty small children. Now that I have more control over my schedule, I try to spend as much time with them as possible,” he says. “I also like to stay active and work out, but also just relax.”
Dr. Loganathan is one of our visiting specialists, meaning he has an independent practice, but he chooses to perform his surgeries in our operating room here at Hillsdale Hospital,” Chief Communications Officer Rachel Lott said. “The excellent care he provides locally is a great example of fulfilling our mission to be
For more information about neurosurgery at Hillsdale Hospital, visit hillsdalehospital.com. To learn more about Amritraj and his practice, visit jacksonspine.org. You can also call (517) 314-2990 for more information or to book an appointment at Amritraj’s Hillsdale office.
FATHERHOOD CLASS
• Dinner Provided
• Earn free items for your child
The first graduates of the Helping Hands PRC Fatherhood Class
Helping Hands is a Christ-centered ministry that has been serving Hillsdale County with free and confidential services since 1986. If you are interested in the fatherhood class or any of their other pregnancy and parenting services, call or text 517-437-7020 or visit them inperson at 46 S Howell St in Hillsdale
“an absolutely awesome experience” and “great for someone like me.” The class “left me wanting to learn more” and featured “great conversations, great topics, and great advice.” FROM OUR GRADUATES:
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Thursday Evenings 6pm-7:30pm FOR MORE
During difficult times, many people try to find some ways to alleviate their stress, manage their emotions, and simply feel better about everything that’s going on in their world. From creative outlets and therapies to connecting with friends and family and focusing on fitness, there are a number of ways to boost your mood and make your days happier. However, during times when it may be harder to connect with family and friends, find creative outlets, or even get outside to enjoy the surrounding area and all there is to do, you may need to get a little more creative. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to boost your mood through fitness and exercise!
“We all know how good it feels when we get up, get active and get our bodies moving,” says Pamela Klapproth, CEO at Kendal on Hudson. “In a basic sense, this is because exercise often creates a sense of well-being, is a wonderful form of self-care and has an array of positive effects on mental health and wellness. Scientifically, though, it’s much more than that. According to an article from Harvard University, exercise reduces levels of adrenaline and cortisol, better known as the body’s stress hormones. Instead, it stimulates the body’s production of endorphins, whose chemicals help to provide you with natural painkillers, mood elevators and more. This is why we encourage seniors to not only exercise right now, but also every day they can!”
How Exercise Can Help to Boost Your Mood
The benefits of exercise are far-reaching. If you’re looking for a way to boost your mood or begin living a healthier lifestyle, consider some of the following benefits of exercise that Harvard Health Publishing shares.
• It provides a feeling of optimism and calm. Exercise can help to clear the mind, occupy your thoughts and provide an outlet for stress. This helps you dwell less on
what’s going on around you and more on how you can improve yourself, your situation and your life. Not only does this help to calm racing thoughts, but it can help you feel more of a sense of control, peace, relaxation and optimism.
• Self-image becomes improved. The more active we are, the better we feel about ourselves. From increased self-confidence and strength to getting in better shape, losing some fat and gaining stamina, it’s easy to feel more pride, self-worth and have a better body image when we exercise.
• Energy and vigor will increase. The more in shape we are, the more energetic and disciplined we become. This can help us with achieving lifestyle goals, succeeding in a number of tasks, increasing activity levels, boosting happiness and so much more.
• It decreases anxiety and depression. Because of this release of endorphins, many people find that exercise can improve your mood by decreasing anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.
Exercise Your Way to Boosted Happiness
There is an array of ways to get active and experience all the benefits that exercise can provide. Try some of the following ideas and enjoy the next steps to better health!
• Go for a walk, jog or run outside.
• Try a workout video on a streaming service such as YouTube.
• If you like lifting weights but don’t have any, try using household items like cans of soup, water bottles, bags of potatoes or anything else you can find.
• Take up yoga or tai chi to enjoy an array of benefits from increased strength, flexibility and a clearer mind.
Recently a friend told me that he and his family were going camping at Portage Lake in the Waterloo recreation area where they had never been. I told him about the trail that starts near the boat dock in the parking lot and winds 34 miles to Pinckney. I learned of it years ago when I began working in the area. I became familiar with the trail as I began walking it during my lunch hours and then sometimes on the weekend. Quickly a story came to mind. One of many, yet one I seemed encouraged to share.
I told of how I discovered the trail and first picked it up from a parking area at the base of Sackrider hill on Mt Hope Rd. The trail headed west from there and right away leads up a rather challenging large hill. When I reached the top my first time up, I was somewhat surprised at a large white cross placed right beside the trail. “Interesting” I thought and passed it by shortly after enjoying the amazing distance viewed from this spot.
I would gaze at the distance and pass the cross by countless times over the years, growing more endeared by the mysteries and appeal of the trail. However, as life would have it, other mysteries crept into my mind that begged resolution far inside a physical journey, and yet along the way, so to speak.
Long story short, my pursuit for answers to life’s “unforeseens” led me to Christ by means unmistakable. But NOW that cross, placed on a hill overlooking so much to be seen where a path ventures by, is an understanding for greater than what this location and symbol represents.
I no longer passed it by but stopped and gave thanks for what it expressed. A living God who desires to get our attention and show us the way. He sees it all!
One day as I was walking this path, I noticed a women standing off the path. Not moving, but looking around her. Being
familiar with the trail, I knew she was near a section of the trail that had recently been washed out by heavy rain and blocked by downed trees.
So, I looked her way and asked her if she was OK? She said, “Oh, yes, I walk the entire trail (34 miles) once a year.” “That’s amazing” I said. “Which way are you going?” “To Pinckney,” she replied. “You’re going the wrong way” I told her. “I think you got turned around here by the mess a recent storm made. Follow me. I’m headed in that direction.”
I knew, as we headed back, I had one of my first opportunities to share my faith in the cross as a scenario that couldn’t be any clearer played out.
The cross was on the way now in the right direction. When we got to it, I told her, “I stop here and give thanks nowadays. Would like to join me?”
“No, thanks” she said. I was sad she refused, yet grateful I asked. I couldn’t help realizing how many times I passed it by as well.
Clearly not my will, but His that I’m here now. I prayed that God would impress upon her heart by this brief yet very real encounter as she continued to walk towards her destiny that she too was being pursued.
This wondrous cross can do that. The one on Sackrider Hill has been moved. Apparently not allowed on state land. That interesting venture can still be explored on the internet “Where did the cross on Sackrider Hill end up?” (Jackson, County Michigan)
According to the Word of God explored, you can remove a cross from a hill but not from a heart once placed. At any time along the way, we can stop, draw near, give thanks, ask directions, and by faith move on.
A second-grade student shuffled to my desk, shoulders dropped low, head hanging, carrying his family portrait sketch assignment. It’s wadded up. “Mrs. Loveberry, everyone else draws their dad in their family. I don’t got a dad.” Tears brim full, edging to fall down his cheeks.
I take a deep breath, flattening the paper.
“Oh my. This is hard,” I say, grabbing a crayon, “So God gives single moms double big hearts for their kids.” I draw a huge red heart on his sketch of his mom and himself holding hands. I rarely draw on student’s work. Today, I make an exception. I color in a red heart on his mom’s shirt, adding other hearts all around.
He stands up taller, cocking his head to the side, studying the hearts. I am not supposed to initiate conversations referencing God in the public school, but my sentence flowed out. The need to encourage his broken heart blurted. And it worked.
My student smiled broadly, picking up his paper, holding it close to his heart. He squeezed me a spontaneous hug and bounded back to his seat to finish his family portrait, smiling at his paper the entire way.
I grinned from my teacher’s desk, looking at him swinging his feet under his chair and adding more
hearts with a content smile and tongue licking the corner of his mouth.
Was my theology completely accurate? Perhaps the metaphor was.
As I reflect on this moment from years ago, I realize my student has probably become a father by now. If he happens to read Everything Men magazine, I hope he knows I prayed for him today. I did. He is etched into my heart. If he stood before me, I would tell him how much I enjoyed his delightful personality and tenderheartedness.
Today, I would share the following Bible verses, hoping to encourage his fatherhood. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds,” (Psalm 147:3 ESV). “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord,” (Romans 8:38-39 ESV). “The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD endures forever,” (Psalm 138:8a ESV). “. . .for you have one Father, who is in heaven,” (Matt. 23:9a ESV). “In . . .the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge,” (Prov. 14:26 ESV).
If we have an absent dad. . .we hold access to an everpresent God, the Father.
DRAGONS DEN COMBAT SPORTS: BUILDING A MARTIAL ARTS COMMUNITY
By Elyse Apel
DragonsDen Combat Sports, located in Jonesville, is helping build a martial arts community where everyone feels welcomed and valued.
“We wanted a place where you can shut your brain off and just focus on some new challenges,” says Paul Shemwell, owner and coach at Dragons Den.
It offers training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, and MMA to anyone over the age of five. All experience levels are welcome.
Paul explains that he became passionate about martial arts training after retiring from the United States Air Force. “The biggest thing for me is that combat sports really helps build up self-discipline, community, and even mental and physical health,” he says.
Sylvester “Wes” Wesson is also an owner and coach. He agrees with Paul about the deep value of martial arts, both for children and adults. “My vision is to change how people look at martial arts,” Sylvester says. “We want it to be an outlet not only for building community but also for people that are troubled.”
This is his passion because he was once that troubled kid, he explains.
“I tell my students all the time that when I was growing up, I was a knucklehead. I was running the streets,” he says. “Growing up it was a free for all. Walking into a jiu jitsu gym changed my life. It saved my life. It disciplined me and made me confident.”
Sylvester and Paul said this is what they want to share with the community.
“To be able to pull into that parking lot every day and see the Dragons Den Combat Sports sign and to have students come in there every day is the biggest blessing in the world and the biggest accomplishment that I have,” says Sylvester.
Since opening in the spring, Paul says that the community has helped to revamp the studio.
“We had a good core of people who believed in what we were doing and our mission.”
One of the problems Dragons Den hopes to address is bullying. “We have a self-defense and anti-bullying seminar coming up at our gym in October, and I’m really just trying to spread awareness,” Sylvester says.
In the long term, Sylvester says they also hope to eventually take those seminars and teach them directly within the schools. “I’m doing everything I can to keep a positive movement going and steadily influence the community for the better,” he adds.
Welcoming everyone from all backgrounds, including financial, is a critical value for Dragons Den.
“I want this gym to be open for everybody and anybody,” Sylvester says. “As a parent, I know how it is to pay for your kids and for yourself to have something. Because of that, we work individually with some of our students to help them out. This is not a get-rich-quick scheme, this is us fulfilling a dream and creating a healthy environment where everyone in the community is welcome.”
Dragons Den Combat Sports is located at 107 Olds Street, Suite 1, Jonesville, Michigan, 49250. Call (517) 3986-727 for more information or to register for classes.“We are open to the public, and everybody is welcome.”
IRISH HILLS FIREARMS: COMMITTED TO HIS CUSTOMERS
By Elyse Apel
With the opening of Irish Hills Firearm Outfitters in Jonesville, the Hillsdale County community now has a local brick and mortar gun store. Mark Stuart is the founder, manager, and co-owner at the store. Mark moved to Hillsdale from Ohio a few years ago.
Mark explains he has always been into hunting “After a couple of years of living in the area, I noticed there was no gun store in Jonesville or Hillsdale, so decided to just start that process and make one happen,” Mark says.
That was in November of 2023 when he started the process, forming the LLC in December. “We opened the doors in April in a soft opening,” Mark says.
He says his commitment to his customers is to keep prices as low as possible.
“Our goal here is to provide everything as inexpensively as we possibly can, especially ammo,” he explains. To help keep prices low, the store is also starting another business to manufacture its own ammunition.
“This will help subsidize the ammunition on our own shelves,” Mark says. “That’ll be starting here in the next month and we’ll be able to have our own brand of ammo on the shelf.” That business should be off the ground by October.
While the community has come together to support the store, Mark explains that he wants to get the word out about his services to more people.
“A lot of people like seeing a firearm shop in town,” he says. “It’s been 20 to 25 years since there’s been one in town and, while there are other firearm stores around, we wanted to provide one that’s very easily accessible and fairly priced.”
Because Mark is the store’s only employee, he said he can provide a very unique customer service experience. “When you come in, there are chairs where customers can sit down and talk, even if it’s just to hang out at the store,” he says.
While the store offers all the common caliber of firearms, it can also special order custom firearms as needed.
“We sell everything from bags, cleaning supplies, headphones, and accessories. We try to cover all the basic bases,” Mark explains. “We do a lot of special orders as well. So, if anyone’s looking for a firearm and they already know what they want, we can normally get it here in three to four business days. Sometimes even quicker than that.”
Mark says that education is critical to how he is able to help clients. That’s also his favorite part of being involved in the firearms industry.
“I like it because it’s just ever-expanding,” Mark says. “It’s constantly changing.”
The store often provides their own classes and information on how to get a Concealed Pistol License (CPL).
“We put all the local CPL classes in the area on the site, which is updated monthly,” he says. “Eventually, I’d also like to do a hunter safety course, just to provide even more resources for people.”
For more information about the cen ter and its hours, visit shoFor more information about classes or other resources, visit www.irishhillsfire arms.com or call (517) 826-5081. Irish Hills Firearm Outfitters is located at 107 Olds St., Suite #2, Jonesville, MI 49250.
COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL
LUCAS MCGRAW, FARM BUREAU INSURANCE: PUTTING THE RELATIONSHIP FIRST!
By Melissa McCance
Insurance. We all need it, but most of us don’t want to think about it or talk about it. We have to be covered, but it can be confusing— and expensive. Lucas McGraw is a licensed, multi-line insurance agent with Farm Bureau Insurance, and he understands how people feel about this part of life.
“The biggest thing for me is creating and fostering relationships with people,” McGraw explains. “It’s not so much about selling the product. Everyone has to have insurance so if you’re going to have it, you might as well have it with me because it’s more relationship-based. If I can help you financially by saving you money, that’s great, but I want to be the person you can rely on when something bad happens. For example, if you have life insurance through me and you lose a loved one, I want you to be able to grieve that loss and not be worrying about how you’re going to pay the mortgage.”
Lucas graduated from Pittsford High School in 2019 and then graduated from Kalamazoo College in 2023 with a major in business. During his junior and senior years, he did an internship with Northwestern Mutual focusing on life insurance. He contracted with Farm Bureau in
January 2024, completed two months of training, and opened his office in March.
Property and casualty insurance is intended to protect us from loss when we face situations like damage to or loss of a house from things like storms or fire as well as dealing with car accidents that may require repairs to or replacement of the vehicle. This is where dealing with an agent like McGraw can make the difference. Because he will sit down with a prospective client and take as much time as necessary to get a clear picture of how much and what kind of coverage is needed, you can feel assured that your insurance will meet your requirements.
“I want to be confident that I’ve done my due diligence and know that you’re covered properly and protected if the need arises,” says McGraw. “If you aren’t in the business, you can’t even imagine how many details go into insurance and how much most people don’t know. That’s why I feel it’s essential to build the relationship first and establish trust between the client and myself.”
Although McGraw is currently living and working in the suburbs north of Detroit, he is planning to return to this area down the road. “I’m where I am because of a mix of family and business. My brother lives there with his wife and two children, and there are more business opportunities for what I do where it’s more populated. But I love the country and this is where I’d eventually like to be,” he says.
McGraw’s main office is located in Troy, but his commitment to personalized service means his availability isn’t limited to that area. Contact him for an in-person insurance consultation at your home where you can get all your questions answered in a comfortable setting. McGraw is open to meeting with anyone who would like to see if it’s possible to have solid coverage at a lower premium or just to ensure that the individual is fully protected.
For those who might be hesitant to work with someone of McGraw’s age for something as important as insurance, he offers this consideration: “I’ll be around for a long time. I’m someone you can get to know, work with, and be confident that the same person will be handling your insurance needs for many years. It’ll be a person you know, a voice you know on the phone. I think that has real value.”
Lucas McGraw’s office is located at 1301 W. Long Lake Rd., Ste 100, Troy, MI 48098-6348. You can reach him at the office number (248) 816-2065 or on his cell (517) 610-0409.
SkyBridge Michigan at Boyne Mountain ResortPhoto Courtesy of Pure Michigan
EXPERIENCE MICHIGAN from Great Heights
From iconic lighthouses to oft-photographed bridges, Michigan’s highest points deliver beautiful points of view.
Lighthouses
With more than 3,200 miles of freshwater shoreline and nearly 130 lighthouses lining its shores, visiting Michigan’s lighthouses is a local tradition.
Snap photographs of the black-and-white Big Sable Point Lighthouse that watches over Lake Michigan. Standing more than 100 feet high in Ludington State Park, this landmark is among the tallest in the state. Get in a full workout as you hike 1.8 miles from the parking lot and climb 130 steps to catch sprawling lake views from the top of the tower. Or keep it easy in the original keeper’s quarters where you can browse the quaint gift shop.
Overlooking Lake Huron, Fort Gratiot Lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Michigan and the second oldest in the Great Lakes. Built in 1829 to replace a tower destroyed by a storm, this 86-foot-tall lighthouse gleams white and is backed by the red keeper’s house. Climb up a flight of 94 iron stairs to reach the top of the lighthouse for sweeping views.
Explore more noteworthy lighthouses that proudly protect the miles of freshwater shorelines throughout Michigan.
Bridges
Known fondly as the Big Mac or the Mighty Mac, the graceful Mackinac Bridge is one of Michigan’s great treasures. Stretching between the Upper and Lower
Fort Gratiot Lighthouse-
Photo Courtesy of Pure Michigan
Peninsulas, the five-mile-long suspension bridge is the fifth-longest in the world. It’s a true engineering feat, designed to withstand high winds and other extreme conditions over the Straits of Mackinac. Insider tip: Join throngs of locals on Labor Day morning for the annual Bridge Walk, crossing from St. Ignace to Mackinaw City.
The only bridge of its kind in Michigan, the Portage Lake Lift Bridge connects Hancock and Houghton across Portage Lake on the Keweenaw Peninsula. The double-deck, verticallift bridge spans 1,310 feet, and, when it was built in 1959, it was designed for vehicles on the upper deck and trains on the lower deck. These days, the bridge no longer accommodates trains, but in winter it lowers so that snowmobiles and skiers can pass through.
Though not exactly high in the sky, the last of Michigan’s covered bridges offer a nostalgic look into the past. Soak up the charm of these 19th-century structures that were once scattered around the state crossing streams, rivers and creeks.
The Fallasburg Covered Bridge spans 100 feet and is one of the few in the state that is open to vehicle traffic. A nearby one-room schoolhouse and museum give a snapshot of life in the olden days. Crossing 282 feet over the St. Joseph River in West Michigan, the Langley Covered Bridge is the longest of its kind in the state and one of the longest in the country.
Take a walk among the treetops at SkyBridge Michigan, the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge. You’ll begin your adventure on the Hemlock Scenic Chairlift to the top of Boyne Mountain and reach the 1,200-foot-long bridge that connects the peaks of McLouth and Disciples Ridge. At 118 feet high, this perspective delivers beautiful views of the valley below and curated light displays.
Mountains
Mount Arvon and Mount Curwood are not officially mountains by geologist standards (1,979 feet and 1,978 feet above sea level, respectively). But, they are the two highest points in Michigan and worthy of a climb. Hike to the summits amid quiet wooded trails to join the legions of people who have ventured to reach Michigan’s highest elevations. For a less challenging and quicker hike (which
includes stairs in steep areas), trek up Sugarloaf Mountain just outside Marquette. When you reach the top, take in the spectacular 360° views around you from a spacious viewing deck. In one direction you can watch the sunset over the rolling, forested landscape of the Upper Peninsula. In the other, take in the calming views of the seemingly endless Lake Superior.
At any elevation, experience Michigan from different points of view, and your best souvenirs will be frameworthy photographs and a heart full of memories.
Mackinac BridgePhoto Courtesy of Pure Michigan
The Fallasburg Covered Bridge -Photo Courtesy of Pure Michigan
Sugarloaf MountainPhoto Courtesy of Pure Michigan
GIFTS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED
The best gifts & gadgets for men are captivating, purposeful, and unique! If you’re after a special new toy, the following selection of interesting gadgets is for you. We’ve chosen highlypractical gadgets for everyday use, those for fun and entertainment, and even some quirky and intriguing items you never knew existed!
Instant Canopy Organizer - perfect for Camping, Beach & Sports - Keep your Phones, Drinks, Valuables in Reach and Safe
Fishing Themed Wood Burned Spoon Set
Picnic Table Organizer
SCAN QR CODES
with smartphone camera to view online
A Classic Collection in progress...
RIDE WITH CHAD FRENCH
By Elyse Apel
“I always had maybe one or two cars, like an old Camaro or something, that I would mess around with or tinker on. Now, that’s just snowballed a little bit,” explains Chad French.
Currently the proud owner of seven cars, Chad’s love for cars has been a huge part of his life since he first started working on them with his dad and grandpa.
“I’ve pretty much always been into cars, even when I was a little kid,” Chad says. “So, I’ve always had at
family helped cultivate that love, especially in his teenage years.
“A lot of it probably came from my grandpa,” he says. “The first one I really worked on with my grandpa was a ‘59 Oldsmobile. He had it sitting in his back field when we dug it out to work on it. I didn’t really get very far on it, being that I was 13 years old, but it was something to do.” They eventually decided to sell the Oldsmobile, but Chad says he hopes to one day own another.
Decades later that time with his grandpa inspired both his profession and his hobby. A mechanic of 30 years, Chad currently still works in the profession. “Everything I do all day long is fix cars,” he says.
Chad also works on his own cars. Currently, his ‘78 Camaro and ‘73 Buick are a few of his most prized cars. The Camaro he bought in 2008.
“My favorite car I own is probably my ‘78 Camaro Z28. That one I worked on with my dad a lot and it’s probably the nicest one of all of them,” Chad explains. “It’s just such a cool car. It’s bright yellow and hard to
During the 1970s there were a lot of strict regulations on cars that went into effect, which meant the later models of Camaros had half the power of what the ones in the 1960s had.
A Chevrolet, the ‘78 Camaro Z28 has rear wheel drive, a front mounted engine, and a two-door coupé body style. The power is produced by a naturally aspirated engine with 185 horsepower.
Chad says that, while many car enthusiasts are focused on modifications, he wants to stay true to the original design of the cars.
“When I was younger, it was all about hot rodding with the cars. But now, because they are getting pretty hard to find, I try to make sure that even if I make them faster, they still look like they should,” he says. “I want them to look how they should look when they are new, even when I make them faster.”
liters. This was especially impressive in 1989.
Chad says that he continues to have a lot of fun with his cars. While he enjoys fixing them up, he says that it is also satisfying to get to share them with the community.
He is always trying to improve and restore the car, though.
“I try to do something to make it nicer every year. It’s a constant project,” says Chad. “It’s a pretty rare car, especially with the color of it, but they are getting pretty rare anyway.”
Chad also owns a 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais International Series, which has an especially unique history.
“That’s a super rare car,” Chad explains. “This one was actually owned by Billy Vukovich III, who was an IndyCar driver. How he ended up getting the car was he did a commercial for General Motors and the car that he drove in the commercial is the one that I have. He got to keep it at the end of the commercial for payment.” The International Series came standard with
“It’s just nice to get out and drive it on a weekend or
READY TO RIDE
New models. New features. Same passion.
BEST RECREATION-UTILITY SIDE-BY-SIDE UV:
YAMAHA WOLVERINE RMAX 2 1000
Yamaha blew the lid off of the rec-ute segment when it introduced the Wolverine RMAX 2 1000 in 2021. While the Polaris General XP 1000 and Can-Am Commander both offer plenty of do-it-all for the dollar, the RMAX remains our favorite of the bunch. Even two years on, the rig remains a bright spot, offering an excellent suspension and some of the best articulation of any machine we’ve tested, rec-ute or not. Yamaha is also the only manufacturer to offer up a 10-year CVT belt warranty. While that would be impressive on a sport machine, it’s mind-boggling on a vehicle with a 2,000-pound towing capacity. While competitors outside of the segment have stepped up their interior to match or surpass the RMAX’s cabin, the Yamaha still delivers best-in-class fit, finish, and materials. Comfortable seats, plenty of room, and quality switch gear make it seem nicer than its $26,699 base price.
The RMAX also benefits from a rarity in the rec-ute space: a genuine locking front differential. Engage the system and both front wheels pull with equal fury, helping the Yamaha billy-goat its way up otherwise impossible climbs. While other manufacturers rely on clutch-type or, worse, brake-based traction systems, the RMAX gets the power down without hesitation. If that’s not worth a spot on this list, we don’t know what is.
CAN-AM OUTLANDER: PRICEY, BUT WORTH IT
The Can-Am Outlander 850 is a powerhouse with highlights including its Rotax V-Twin engine and impressive torque.
Its technical specifications ensure high performance and reliability, while user experiences reflect satisfaction with its speed and strength. This model is perfect for those who need both power and precision.
Go with the Can-Am Outlander 850 if you’re looking for the best combination of standard features and price. The high price tag may intimidate some, but we think the Outlander is still a top contender.
POLARIS 650 INDY XCR
No sled delivers more smiles-per-mile for our funloving flatland test riders than the 650 Indy XCR. It combines a quick-reacting 650 Patriot twin with a lightweight Matryx chassis, which provides superb ergonomics and premium handling. With the short (by modern standards) 129-inch track, the XCR pivots on a dime in the twisties. A quick stab on the surprisingly quick Hayes brake and a shift of your body position will send you in full control toward the next turn. Yet it tracks straight and true when bounding through a series of huge powerline moguls. Suspension and chassis reinforcements let you ride it like you stole it, with a guilty grin. This much fun probably shouldn’t be legal.
WILDLIFE
Processing Grief Hospice of Hillsdale County
By Kayla Miller
When losing a loved one, we grieve. Whether that be for days, weeks, months, or even a period of years. Grief is inevitable and moves in and out of our lives in stages. Should it be an anticipated or sudden death, we often feel stranded in the middle of a road that’s been swallowed up by an immeasurable amount of overwhelming and painful emotion.
In the occurrence of a sudden death, the measure of confusion and shock is heightened and feels to be a situation that will never resolve. The volume of shock that is felt can hinder our ability to understand and/ or cope with what has happened. It’s an experience that truly feels seemingly impossible to accept.
Because it is so painful to endure, we tend to push ourselves to overcome grief far before we are really ready. Some of us may even struggle with finding the courage to grieve in the first place. You may have stumbled upon what are considered to be the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance—but should also consider
the physical and emotional stages you may experience as well.
Maybe you’re noticing a lack of energy, headaches, and/or an upset stomach. Or, possibly you’re having memory lapses, confusion, irritability. Maybe you’re beginning to strengthen (or question) your faith. These feelings and experiences are normal and should be embraced as you continue through this journey.
Seeing yourself through grief, though your light may be dim at first, can help lead to a sense of acceptance and healing when you are ready. There are many resources available to help aid in this including grief support groups, talking to licensed therapists, spiritual connection, reading books centered around grief, and more. If you aren’t sure where to start in seeking resources, we welcome you to contact us at Hospice of Hillsdale County for assistance. While the road may feel isolating and ever-ending, you are not alone and we are wrapping our loving arms around anyone who may be processing grief.
“We are here when you need us.”
- HENRY DAVID THOREAU
Zane Sayles
Tyler Nye Parker Winston
John R Castellese
Emmet Slagter
Kay Castellese
Zach Miles Concord MI
Maryann Hannigan
Jean Spindler Derica
Melissa Warner-Fish
Drew and Kevin Bradley
Gavin Snyder
Kenyon
John M Castellese
FREESNOWMOBILE
WEEKEND
Ignite (or reignite) your love of winter trail riding every February with a full weekend of free snowmobiling! Each year, you legally can ride without the requirement of a snowmobile registration or trail permit.
Residents and out-of-state visitors legally can ride more than 6,000 miles of DNR-designated snowmobile trails, public roads and public lands (where authorized). The snowmobile trail permit and registration requirement is waived.
All other snowmobile rules and regulations still apply.
The Recreation Passport is required where applicable.
The Michigan Legislature approved bills to create an opportunity for experienced riders to bring along friends new to the sport who may get hooked on the experience for a lifetime.
Michigan also offers Free ORV and Free Fishing weekends each year. 2025 dates TBA. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr for more information.
You may think you’re supposed to pack away the grill post-Labor Day, but we beg to differ. The cooler months are prime time for cooking outdoors: it’s not as hot (or buggy!) as summer, fall is still warm enough to hang in the yard and lots of new, delicious produce is hitting the farmer’s market. (We’re looking at you, sweet pota toes). Here are a few grilling recipes worth firing up the
Photo of Deputy Bill Butler Grilling
Grilled Autumn Vegetables with Grilled Autumn Vegetables with Sage Brown Butter Bean Dip Sage Brown Butter Bean Dip
INGREDIENTS
VEGETABLES
1 butternut squash, sliced and seeds removed
1 acorn squash, sliced and seeds removed
1 delicata squash, sliced and seeds removed
1 eggplant, sliced into rounds
1 zucchini, cut into wedges
1 sweet potato, cut into wedges
1 red onion, quartered
1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
1 bell pepper or a handful of mini sweet peppers
Olive oil for brushing, or olive oil spray
Kosher sea salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
Freshly grated nutmeg
Pepitas for garnish
SAGE BROWN BUTTER BEAN DIP
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 to 12 sage leaves
2 (15 ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
DIRECTIONS
GRILLED AUTUMN VEGETABLES
1. When chopping and slicing the veggies, I like to make sure the rounds are all about the same thickness and that the wedges are similar in size. This helps everything to grill more easily!
As a note, you can obviously choose as many or as few autumn vegetables that you’d like! I also like to keep the rind on my squash, especially while grilling. It helps it to stay together on the grill in the case that you over-grill (oops!) and some of the thinner skins (delicata!) are actually chewy and delicious. If you don’t like the skin, the squash easily pulls away from it when eating!
2. Heat your grill to medium-high heat for 10 to 15 minutes. You want the temperature to be 400 degrees for grilling vegetables - I find that to be the perfect heat for my Weber Genesis II E315 grill.
4.
3. Brush or drizzle or spray all of your vegetables with the olive oil. Sprinkle them liberally with salt, pepper and a few grates of fresh nutmeg over top.
5.
Once the grill has reached 400 degrees, add your vegetables! Start with the starchier, firmer veggies, like butternut squash and sweet potatoes. Those will need more time on the grill that your peppers and cauliflower. I like to start with veggies that need the longest time, then move on to the ones that require less time.
SAGE BROWN BUTTER BEAN DIP
2.
Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add the butter. Immediately begin whisking. Stir as it bubbles and drop in the sage leaves. After 2 to 3 minutes or so you should see brown bits appear on the bottom of the pan. Remove the pan from heat immediately and remove the sage leaves with kitchen tongs, placing them on a paper towel. Set the butter aside for a moment.
2 tablespoons ice water PUREWOW.COM
1. Place the beans in a food processor and blend until pureed and creamy. Add in the garlic powder, salt and pepper, then continue to blend while streaming in 2 to 3 tablespoons of the brown butter. Stream in the ice water and blend. The dip should be smooth and creamy. Add in the sage leaves, reserving 1 for the top for garnish. Spoon the dip into a bowl. Drizzle with the remaining brown butter right before serving. Top with the reserved sage leaf.
Lamb Chops Lamb Chops
INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil
2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 garlic clove
¾ teaspoon dry mustard
Twelve 3-ounce lamb chops
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup chopped fresh mint
DIRECTIONS
Heat your grill or grill pan over high heat.
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, pomegranate molasses and maple syrup. Grate the garlic into the mixture and add the dry mustard; whisk to combine.
2. Season the lamb chops with salt and pepper. Generously brush both sides of each lamb chop with the glaze and reserve any extra glaze. Working in batches, grill the lamb chops until well charred, flipping once and brushing with the reserved glaze, about 4 minutes per side.
4.
3. Garnish the lamb chops with the chopped mint and serve.
PUREWOW.COM
Honey-Mustard Honey-Mustard
Grilled Chicken Grilled Chicken
INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons lemon juice, divided
3 garlic cloves, minced Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Prepare a grill or grill pan for medium heat. In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, honey and garlic. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
2.
Pat the chicken thighs dry and season with salt. Brush on both sides with some of the honey mustard.
3.
Arrange the chicken thighs skin side down on the grill and cook, undisturbed, until the skin is deeply browned. Flip and continue to cook, turning occasionally and basting with more of the honey mustard, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F on a meat thermometer.
PUREWOW.COM
Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Dilly Dip Dilly Dip
INGREDIENTS
2 large or 3 small sweet potatoes, scrubbed and sliced into wedges
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
½ cup fresh dill
½ cup fresh basil
3 tablespoons chopped chives
Juice of ½ lemon
DIRECTIONS
Prepare a grill or grill pan for medium-high heat.
1. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potatoes with the olive oil and 1 teaspoon salt.
2. Arrange the potatoes cut side down on the grill, and cook until tender, 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. To make the dip, in a blender or food processor, blend the yogurt, dill, basil, chives, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5.
4. To serve, arrange the potatoes on a platter and drizzle with the dip, or serve the dip on the side.
