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IN THIS ISSUE:
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AgriValley launches free Wi-Fi................................ 2 Uncertainty, pandemic causes firearm and ammo shortages ............................................... 3 Local animal trapper serving community ............... 5 Swarm of bees inspires Unionville business ............7 Unused space gives birth to two Upper Thumb businesses ........................................ 9 New cabins at Port Crescent...................................12 Anchor Fitness reopening ......................................13 Discovering the joy of Michigans mountain bike trails ...............................................15
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2020
Roland’s Paint and More welcomes new owners during pandemic Continuing the long-term businesses legacy a priority PAIGE WITHEY paige.withey@hearstnp.com
BAD AXE — It’s never easy to see a store that has been woven into the fabric of the town’s history be sold, but the new owners of Roland’s Paint and More in Bad Axe hope to continue to legacy that the downtown paint store has acquired through many years of service. Shawn and RaeAnn Roehrig of Bad Axe are the proud new owners of the iconic Roland’s Paint and More and are thankful for all the years of love and dedication that Jim and Debbie Roland have put into the store. Having always wanted to own a small business, Roland’s Paint was the perfect opportunity for the Roehrig’s to make a change and own a piece of Bad Axe history. “We couldn’t be more grateful for Jim and Debbie,” Shawn said. “They were kind enough to agree to work with us in the store for a couple months, to get us up to speed on how the business runs.” “The whole experience
Long-time Bad Axe small business Roland’s Paint and More is operating under new ownership. New owners Shawn and RaeAnn Roehrig plan to keep the store’s legacy alive, continuing its high standard of customer service and fair pricing for the community. (Paige Withey/Huron Daily Tribune)
has been a blessing,” added RaeAnn. “It’s a great opportunity for us and we couldn’t have asked for a better situation.” While the coronavirus pandemic made buying
the business a little more timely, with appointments and paperwork being rescheduled and put on hold, both Shawn and RaeAnn said everything ended up falling into place and they are happy
to have made this change despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the pandemic. “The community has been really welcoming and patient with us during this transition,”
RaeAnn said. “We have had many long-time customers come in to introduce themselves and congratulate us on continuing the business.” “We think Jim and Deb have created a really great thing here, so we plan on keeping many aspects of the business the same as far as prices and content,” Shawn added. “We would hate to see a great small business like this be lost due to it changing hands.” Shawn and RaeAnn plan on keeping custom blinds, custom framing, wallpaper, home decor, and paint available through the store. They are currently in the process of revamping the Roland’s Paint and More Facebook page to keep the community up to date on store progress and local giveaways. In the future, the new owners plan on performing some upgrades to the store including new signage and paint equipment. Roland’s Paint and More is currently open Monday-Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The community is encouraged to find the store on Facebook to stay up to date on upgrades and the continued legacy of Roland’s Paint.
Pigeon park now features free Wi-Fi access Plans are in place to install hotspots across the Thumb PAIGE WITHEY paige.withey@hearstnp.com PIGEON — Visitors to the village of Pigeon’s Recreation Park won’t need to use their mobile data for internet access anymore, as the park now features free public Wi-Fi access. The access point has been provided through a partnership between Agri-Valley Services and CoBank. Pigeon Mayor Michael LePage joined Agri-Valley Communications President and CEO Edwin Eichler and many other company representatives to officially launch the free Wi-Fi location on Sept. 2. Several Laker students and parents were also in attendance to demonstrate how they may use the free service for homeschooling purposes with remote learning. “The current pandemic situation, we believe, will put enough stress on the nation to last for years to come,” said Eichler. “We, as a company, are trying to provide all the resources we can for the community to combat that stress.” “The village of Pigeon is very appreciative to have this service
Pigeon Mayor Michael LePage joined Ed Eichler, president and CEO of Agri-Valley Communications, and Barb Main, manager of Agri-Valley Services, to launch a new free Wi-Fi service in Pigeon’s Recreation Park. (Paige Withey/Huron Daily Tribune) available, especially during these uncertain times,” added LePage. “I believe it will be a valuable resource for the community.” According to a company press release, the park features high quality mesh Wi-Fi equipment and is powered by Agri-Valley Services’ fiber broadband service. CoBank matched Agri-Valley Communications’ donation of $6,400 to cover
the cost of equipment and installation, which totaled $12,800. Agri-Valley Services will be covering the cost of their fiber broadband service to the park. Agri-Valley Communications recognized the need for public Wi-Fi access in the community as it is becoming increasingly important for homeschooling, healthcare, remote working and entertainment. CoBank
has supported the company’s community projects for several years by matching donations through its Shared Success program. In Pigeon’s Recreation Park, the main point for the broadband service is located on the concession stand near the baseball diamonds, with two separate access points at the pavilion and the bandshell. According to Agri-Valley Communication representatives, these locations are crucial in providing uninterrupted access from anywhere in the park. The two companies plan to provide another free Wi-Fi park in Sandusky. Barb Main, manager of Agri-Valley Services, also announced that the company planned to partner with the city of Sandusky to provide a second park location. The company is also actively looking for other locations across the Thumb to provide similar services. “In the future, we would like to see this kind of service available for all homes in the area,” Eichler said. “Locations like this are crucial for members of the community who might not be able to cover the cost of in-home Wi-Fi.” Agri-Valley Communications, Inc. is the parent company of Pigeon Telephone, Thumb Cellular, and Agri-Valley Services.
RESORTER
michigansthumb.com
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2020
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Uncertainty, pandemic cause firearm, ammo shortages SCOTT NUNN scott.nunn@hearstnp.com BAD AXE — The coronavirus pandemic, growing turmoil surrounding racial inequality demonstrations and the impending presidential election have all contributed to a perfect storm resulting in a shortage of firearms, according to Randy Brown of Randy’s Hunting Center. “True hunting equipment isn’t in a shortage, but the ammunition and firearms certainly are,” Brown said. Although Randy’s Hunting Center has a decent inventory currently, Brown said you can’t base your thoughts of the market on his inventory levels, because other companies are struggling. “Everybody’s shelves are bare,” Brown said. Brown said essentially what happened was a perfect storm — the inability for manufacturers to import lead from China because of the coronavirus pandemic, coupled with short supplies of brass and primers. “You call the manufacturers and Hornaday won’t be building any more ammo this year because they are out of
Dozens of pre-sighted in rifles are ready for buyers. (Scott Nunn/Huron Daily Tribune) components,” Brown said. “There’s no primers, there’s no bullets, there’s no brass — all because this huge storm that has developed. Primers that used to be $19 a box are now going for well over $200 a box. The availability is almost zero. Luckily we have always sold more than the normal place, so we are getting more stuff.” A visit to Winchester Ammunition’s website shows a message at the top of the page further delivering what Brown said. “Like many manufacturers
in the shooting sports industry, we are experiencing an extremely high demand for our products,” the website reads. “We are continuing to manufacture and ship our high quality products on a daily basis.” A similar message is found on the Hornady, Federal and CCI’s websites. “No one is really focusing on deer hunting,” Brown said. “There is focus in other places.” People are focused on the election and post-election, they are focused on a grow-
ing trend of unrest in the country, hostility toward law enforcement officials, and the protests, which have sometimes resulted in rioting, looting and death, Brown said. According to Brown, who has been selling firearms for more than 37 years, he was around for the panic surrounding key events, such as Y2K, changes made by the Clinton administration and the current climate in the country is worse than he has ever seen. “Nothing like this has ever
happened in the entire history of firearms,” he said. “It has everybody on edge.” Brown said sales aren’t focused on one particular model or caliber of firearm, but rather anything that could defend home, person and property. “They are also buying a couple handguns, self defense shotguns and an AR before they leave because they can’t find them anywhere else in the country,” he said. “We are lucky because of the volume we have always done, because we are able to still get anything.” Brown said ammunition sales are very high and supplies are depleted. “Ammo sales are stronger than ever,” he said. “There isn’t any ammunition left anywhere in the country. We had a guy call from Colorado the other day to get a box of .270 Winchester shells, because there is nothing between here and Colorado on the shelf. Even regular hunting ammo there has been such a run on it, because anyone that comes in they figures they should See GUNS, Page 4
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2020
GUNS
RESORTER
to grab another 30-30 and some extra ammo. Price is out the window Continued from Page 3 — it doesn’t matter one bit — if you can find it, pick it up.” get a couple extra boxes.” “It is just that wild right now,” Brown said it doesn’t matter what Brown added. caliber, if you are looking for pistol, Brown’s prediction is that the shotgun or rifle ammunition, supmarket will not improve for a while plies are dwindling. regardless of the election’s outBrown said he has wholesaled come. He said if President Trump is products for years to several large re-elected there will likely be riots. retailers and now those retailers’ “They aren’t going to believe it, inventories are depleted and they are they are going to riot and it is going begging for product. to get nuts,” he said. The shortages do carry beyond Even if manufacturers resume profirearms and ammo to firearm comduction full-scale, he doesn’t anticiponents, such as optics, as well. pate supplies meeting the demand for “It is going to be the most differup to two years. ent year ever,” he said. “Everything “Where is steel coming from,” is either out of stock or allocated Brown asked rhetorically. “China.” — meaning everything that is manAccording to Brown, the import ufactured that day is committed to market is nearly impossible, which someone like me that is big enough to results in supply bottlenecks where take everything that day.” production is stalled because of missBrown went through several of his ing components. distributor’s inventory point of sale “They are all in the same boat,” he systems and looked up up 9 mm cali- said. “They can’t get aluminum bilber firearms. let, they can’t get steel, they can’t get “They carry 1,510 9 millimeters,” spring steel and they can’t get parts. he said. “There are three and the One little widget could keep you from reason they are still there is they are building the gun because you can’t $1,800 guns.” get the widget.” Brown said the same thing carries Brown said even if there are no over to other caliber firearms, such as riots, he expects it will still take a the 30-30 hunting rifle for instance. similar timeframe before supply lev“For 30-30s what is in stock is one els are restored. barrel,” he said. “It doesn’t matter the “It isn’t limited to our industry, caliber, the entire world is out of any- but it is how everything played out,” thing with a trigger and ammunition Brown added. “None of the industries is even worse.” were ready for it or they wouldn’t Brown said some of the issue is have run out.” related to manufacturers shutting Prior to the pandemic, Brown said down during the coronavirus, some the firearm industry was rather stagrelated to buying tensions due to the nant, with little buying and selling upcoming elections, but most of all going on, so inventory levels at the he said the problem is the overall cli- distributors were higher than usual mate of the country. and local gun stores were lower than “The violence that is ensuing has usual, because turnover had slowed. everyone on edge,” he said. “Even if “Realistically everyone was lulled you have a 30-30 at home, they want into this almost utopia,” he said.
“Nobody had a reason to get a gun. There were no political problems out there. That is what drives gun sales. For the last three years everybody was making guns but nobody wanted to buy them.” Brown said he had a good inventory position, so he hadn’t been buying. “These guys were at their highest inventory ever because the manufacturers making them cut a deal to put them on their shelf, but I didn’t want to order any because I have 6,000 in the backroom,” Brown said. “Because Trump is in, nobody is scared.” Brown said eventually prices spurred him to go long in the market and he bought a lot of additional inventory. “Everybody was kind of kicked back in vacation mode,” he said. Brown said shortly after he secured his position in the market, everything went to pot with the coronavirus pandemic setting in. He estimates the shop’s current inventory position is 20 percent higher than it usually is, but he said his store is an exception. In addition to selling firearms locally, Randy’s Hunting Center is on an online marketplace that links him with buyers across the country. “We actually topped the United States in June, July and August,” he said. “One hundred plus a day or 150 plus a day, we were to the point where we were getting a gun sale four-perminute, and we would have to go through and see if we had them. We were selling five or six guns every 10 minutes.” Brown said he became the biggest dealer because he was the only one that had an inventory. He said many of his competitors didn’t have an actual inventory, but traded by performing drop-shipments, which didn’t work when the supply chain dried up.
michigansthumb.com In Brown’s nearly four decades in business, he has never seen such a scenario. “We have seen all the big movements throughout that time,” he said. “Every now and then you are out of one particular style or one particular kind.” “It has never been a run on shotguns,” Brown added. “It has never been a run on that type of thing. Now it is anything for home protection. So it is extremely different than what it has ever been before.” As for hunting, Brown said his shop saw the same volume of traffic as it usually does for the youth hunt this past weekend, including a flurry of activity the day before the opener. To circumvent some of the last minute issues, Brown said his store has long sold pre-sighted guns that would be ready to hit the target right away and save his buyers the time and patience required to sight in a gun. “We have a bunch of guns here that we pre-sight in because we know that is going to happen, so basically we can hand them to them with a target on it and know the gun is going to do its job the next morning when it gets light out,” he said. “I think it will be a very, very strong hunting season because everyone has more money and more time than they ever had,” he said. “I think it will be a strong season.” Despite all of the uncertainty in the world today, one thing is certain for Brown, he said his shop is extremely lucky to be in the position its in and he looks forward to better times. “It is a different world this year and I will be really, really happy when it gets back to normal,” Brown said. “I think people need to step back and see how good we got it, and let it go.”
Huron County Nature Center
Sleeper State Park
6573 State Park Road, 989-856-4411. Located five miles west of Caseville, this has more than four miles of maintained trails available to those who wish to hike or ski. The trails also have access to 2,200 acres of the Rush Lake State Game Area.
Sand Point Nature Preserve
Huron County (M-25 north of Dunn Road in Caseville Township). The Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy owns seven nature preserves that are open to the public. They are natural areas in need of protection and management for the ecological benefits they provide to people and the environment. They are open to the public for enjoyment, recreation and education.
Port Crescent State Park
1775 Port Austin Road (M-25), 989-738-8663. It is located five miles southwest of Port Austin on M-25.
Sanilac Petroglyphs
Nature Centers
is located in Michigan’s Thumb, east of Caseville and west of Port Austin just off of M-25. Take Oak Beach Road to Loosemore Road. The center is open 365 days a year, it’s free to the public, and trails are open from dawn to dusk. Workshops and demonstrations take place frequently. Visit huronnaturecenter.org for a list of events.
Are located near Cass City. Take M-53 to Bay City Forestville Road, proceed east to Germania Road and turn south. Travel a half mile to the parking lot located on the west side of Germania Road. Admission is free. It is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday, usually from late May to early September. Call 989-856-4411 to confirm hours and dates. Please allow two hours to tour the Petroglyphs.
Wagener County Park
2671 S. Lakeshore Road, 989-479-9131. This park is five miles south of Harbor Beach.
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michigansthumb.com
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2020
5
Laker gym floor gets a fresh, new look Work done by Star Flooring over the summer ROBERT CREENAN robert.creenan@hearst.com PIGEON — When Laker High School students go back to their classes next week, they will find their gymnasium had some work done. The floor of the high school’s gymnasium underwent a monthlong renovation process over the summer lasting from mid-July to mid-August, now sporting a new logo on center court, gray stains that bring out the new wood colors and other new treatments with color fades along the edges. Laker school district Superintendent Brian Keim said it has been 12 to 15 years since anything was done with the design on the floor. “Typically, the floor is sanded down 30 times over the course of its lifetime where it’s polished and repainted,” Keim said. “It was due for maintenance.” The work was done by Star Flooring, a statewide flooring company that worked in the preferences the school had for the floor. Keim
The Laker High School gymnasium floor got a new paint scheme over the summer. The work was done by Star Flooring. (Robert Creenan/Huron Daily Tribune) said that because of the technology used to create the new floor layout,
the company wants to use the Laker High School gym as part of its
national promotion. “There was no local flooring company that would do this on this level,” Keim said. “We were given the name (of Star Flooring) by other schools they did work for. They came highly recommended.” The gym also received new bleachers, a new sound system, new safety nets and new LED lighting for the 2019-2020 school year. The renovation work cost around $25,000, which Keim said was a good price for the work done. The money came from the school district’s sinking fund, which distributes money for school renovation projects. The school’s basketball and volleyball teams will play on the new gym floor, with the baseball, softball, and track teams moving their indoor practices to the new Laker Legacy Center once that is completed. “That will help keep up the finish better than in years past,” Keim said. The gym is ready for student use in the coming school year, with the Laker school district already hosting a staff event for its teachers earlier this week.
Local animal trapper serving community for 28 years PAIGE WITHEY paige.withey@hearstnp.com UPPER THUMB — After trapping animals as a child, it was no surprise when Chad Seley created a business, Nuisance Animal Control Service, it would be servicing the Upper Thumb with their pesky animal problems. “My parents have pictures of me making traps to catch things,” Seley said. “When a friend from downstate had told me about his nuisance trapping business, I thought that’s definitely something I could do here.” Nuisance Animal Control Service was established in 1992 and according to Seley, the job is mostly a one-man show. Since retiring from being a full-time firefighter in Bay City seven years ago, Seley has been committed to his animal control service full time, providing 24-hour service for his Thumb clients. Although his service was considered essential, during the state shutdown business was slow. “I think the majority of people were unsure of who was available and who wasn’t,” Seley said. “Once things started to relax a bit, I’ve been pretty busy.” Through Nuisance Animal Control Service, Seley handles a wide variety of mammals, birds, and snakes. According to the business’ website, not only is the animal problem taken care of, Seley is also able to cleanup any messes the animals have made. He also offers quality
repair services to fix damage that may have been caused by any unwanted animal guests. This consists mainly of creating barriers, with things like chimney caps and vent covers, to avoid additional problems. According to Seley, local animal issues are fairly predictable and based mainly on the changing seasons. “When we start getting into winter, skunks have just finished breeding, so they tend to be a big problem around that time of year while I see more raccoon problems in the spring when people begin opening up their cottages and realize raccoons have created a home in their attic,” Seley said. “Woodchucks are a pretty big problem in this area. They keep me busy most of the summer, and in July people start having bat problems.” Being a 24-hour service,
Along with his business, Nuisance Animal Control Service, owner and operator Chad Seley also manages Seley Hides, a business in which he buys deer skins during season to be made into leather gloves. (Seley Hides/Courtesy Photo) Seley added that he gets quite a few frantic calls about raccoons or bats making their way in homes. While many of the trapped animals can be released
onto state land, or private land with the land owner’s permission, some need to be exterminated to avoid overpopulation on state land. Along with his animal
control business, Seley also manages Seley Hides. Through this business, he collects deer skins during hunting season to be made into leather gloves. “Another thing I would do when I was young was selling deer skins to make extra money,” said Seley. “Locals who hunt for meat were otherwise throwing the skins in ditches or dumpsters. This way they can be repurposed.” Seley also gets many hides from meat processors who have no use for them. The skins are shipped to a tannery to produce leather gloves, which Seley often trades locally for additional hides. “I think it’s a valuable resource,” Seley said. “Not only is the leather being utilized, but the skins are being taken care of instead of discarded within the community.”
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michigansthumb.com
Huron County Libraries
Bad Axe Area District Library
200 S. Hanselman St., Bad Axe. Call 989-269-8538 or visit www.badaxelibrary.org
Columbia Township Library
6456 Center St., Unionville. Call 989-674-2651or visit www.columbiatwplibrary.org
Deckerville Public Library
3542 N. Main St. in the village of Deckerville. Call 810-376-8015 or visit www.deckerville.lib.mi.us
Harbor Beach Area District Library 105 N. Huron Ave. Call 989-479-3417 or visit www.hbadl.org
Pigeon District Library
7236 Nitz St., Pigeon. Call 989-453-2341 or visit www.pigeondistrictlibrary.com
Port Austin Township Library
114 Railroad St., Port Austin. Call 989-738-7212 or visit www.portaustinlibrary.org
Rawson Memorial Library
6495 Pine St., Cass City. Call 989-872-2856 or visit www.rawson.lib.mi.us
Sandusky District Library
55 E. Sanilac Road. Call 810-648-2644 or visit http://sandusky.lib.mi.us/
Sebewaing Township Library
41 N. Center St., Sebewaing. Call 989-883-3520 or visit www.sebewainglibrary.org
Sleeper Public Library
2236 Main St., Ubly. Call 989-658-8901 or visit www.sleeper.michlibrary.org
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michigansthumb.com
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2020
7
Experiencing swarm of bees inspired Unionville business BY MARY DRIER For the Tribune UNIONVILLE — As Josh and Jodie Kieliszewski watched bees carrying pollen baskets on their legs appearing similar to cargo pants on a person, their interest took flight and so with it launched Bee Lovely Botanicals. In 2007, a wild swarm of bees showed up on the Kieliszewskis’ rural Unionville property and made a home in one of the trees. “Some of the bees would have a lot of pollen on their legs and others would not,” Jodie explained. “It was interesting watching them so that winter we studied up on them. The more we learned about the more interesting they became.” Because of that interest, in the spring the family got their first hives. The bees showed up at an opportune time for the family because they had been talking about starting a business. The more they learned about bees they started to think that would be an interesting business venture. During the 2008 recession, Josh was laid off, and although he found another job, it came with a huge pay cut. Because their children were young, Jodie thought it was important for her to be a stay-at-home mom. “So I started looking for ways to bring extra income into the family,” Jodie said. Bees and honey seemed like a good opportunity; and the more they learned about bees, they discovered other bee-related business ventures. They learned to make soap, lip balm, lotion and other personal care products with beeswax, honey, royal jelly and essential oils, and
Jodie Kieliszewski is smoking the bees out before she checks the hives over. The bees fly away from the smoke so it makes working on the hives easier. (Courtesy Photo) they the branched out to making emulsions and other products. “It was all a learning process,” Jodie said. “We read a lot of books and there was a lot of trial and error — especially when we first started. Making emulsions added another level of chemistry and science.” “Some things measure out and others you develop a feel for what they are supposed to be like,” she added. While they carry an extensive line of products, the best seller is the Royal Jelly Green Tea Vitamin B3 Royal Despite all of the various uses the Kieliszewskis have for honey Regeneration Face Cream. and beeswax in their Bee Lovely Botanicals business, jars of raw “It is really effective honey are popular. (Courtesy Photo) and luxurious,” Jodie said. “When women start using she knows a lot about biology set backs along they way. it, they can really see the and how the human body Two years ago they lost most difference and results. It has works. Josh has degrees in of their bees and had to start all natural ingredient so it chemistry and biology. They over. They did have 40 hives checks all of the boxes.” worked together using what full of bees at one time. Now The Kieliszewskis’ backthey already knew in develthey only have 18 that have grounds came in handy for oping Bee Lovely Botanicals. about 80,000 bees. their business. She is an Although the business “We had to start over,” she athletic trainer by trade so flourished, there were some said. “We are not sure what
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happened. When bees collect pollen, they can pick up pesticides and bring it back to the hive. That might have been what happened. We weren’t sure what was going on so we started totally over. We built new boxes and got new equipment.” A really cold winter can also have an impact on hives. Bees go kind of dormant in winter. “It is not a classic hibernation,” she explained. “In the winter, they will huddle up and vibrate their wings so the inside of the hive stays warm. The queen will be at the center being protected. The the bees on the outside work their way to the inside so they all take turns keeping warm and keeping the hive warm.” Kieliszewski went on to explain bees can recognize shapes and colors and faces. “They are super intelligent for a bug,” she noted. Another observation the beekeepers noticed is not all bee stings are alike. “We have all gotten bitten at one time or another,” she said. “We have noticed that not all sings are alike. You can get stung and hardly notice it happening and there is little reaction to it. Other times a sting really hurts bad and swells up.” “We don’t know if it is because of the age of the bee or a certain pollen they have on them,” Jodie added. Bee Lovely Botanicals is a family owned and operated business. The couples three sons, Jaden 16, Jacob 12, Justin 11, all help in the business. Jaden, took over shipping duties. Because Bee Lovely Botanicals is strictly a mail-order business, all contacts and orders are done online at www.beelovelybotanicals.com.
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RESORTER
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2020
Ubly Dragway ready is to fulfill your need for speed MARK BIRDSALL Mark.birdsall@hearstnp.com UBLY — Nick Janowiak begins work on Mondays to get things ready for weekend races at Ubly Dragway. There are a million things to do, Janowiak said, like paperwork, logistics and countless other tasks, both major and minor. The dragway has two full-time employees, as well as a number of other part-time staffers, who work with Janowiak to maintain the grounds and get the track ready for racing fans and drivers, making the weekend races possible. “We do the leg work, if you will — the hard part,” he said.
Drag racing fans can fulfill their need for speed at Ubly Dragway. (Nick Janowiak/Submitted Photo) Janowiak, along with his whose members like to show parents, Dennis and Linda, off their pride and joy and are the owners of the track. provide an exhibition of just His grandfather, Arthur, built what they’ve got under the and opened the dragway in hood. Janowiak said owners 1962. have raced everything from The drag strip hosts all Lamborghinis to Porsches to kinds racing — funny cars, Maseratis to Corvettes. dragsters and car clubs, This year’s schedule was
shortened due to the coronavirus pandemic, and Nick Janowiak said they check the temperatures of everyone who comes through the gate. Screening for coronavirus symptoms is one small part of the work done to ensure safety at Ubly Dragway. Emergency and fire preparations and equipment are a big part of what they do, and they are a top priority. Janowiak said Ubly Dragway has “rustic” camping available at no charge for race fans and drivers who want to stay for the weekend. General admission is $10 and free for those 10 and younger. Tickets are available at the front gate. For more information, visit www.ublymidragway.com.
Ubly Dragway 2020 schedule Sept. 26: Closed, Team Finals Sept. 27: Closed, Team Finals Oct. 3: Mopars Vs World (Modified, Street, Open Comp, Junior Dragster) Oct. 4: Mopars Vs World (Modified, Street, Open Comp, Junior Dragster) Oct. 10: Lido Alternative Performance/Mustangs R Coming Oct. 11: Mustangs R Coming Rain Day Oct. 17: Halloween Classic Points Race (Modified, Street, Open Comp, Junior Dragster) Oct. 18: Polar Bear Race Points Race (Modified, Street, Open Comp, Junior Dragster)
Silver Bullet Speedway plans renovations in offseason Constructing a new entrance for attendees ROBERT CREENAN robert.creenan@hearst.com OWENDALE — The Silver Bullet Speedway in Owendale could be getting a facelift in the racing offseason. Silver Bullet owner Matt Hoonhout has plans in place for a new 50-by-40-foot front entrance for the race track that would include a new ticket booth, concession
stand, bathrooms, and gift shop in time for the next racing season to start in 2021. Hoonhout, the owner of the raceway for the past eight years, said the old entrance and buildings have been there since before he bought the track and have been deteriorating. The current buildings will be torn down once the new one is completed. “We’ve done everything we could for the existing building,” Hoonhout said. “Its not worth putting money into. It needs to be updated.”
The new entrance would be red, black, and white in order to stand out and have a nice racing theme to the entrance. All of the planned concessions and items in the gift shop are expected to be the same. ClearSpan Construction is contracted to do the construction, which Hoonhout said would take about a week and a half. Building out the interiors would take place during the raceway’s offseason, which lasts from October to April.
Constructing the building would cost about $45,000, with the interior work of adding toilets, appliances, and electrical work costing another $20,000. Since Hoonhout has been the owner of the racetrack, the bleachers have been redone, the roads and signs have been redone, a new pit entrance was installed, and every building has been improved, but there is not much more he can do with those. He also said the main reason this renovation is
moving forward is so that spectators can have a good experience. People would be able to go inside the building to order food and pick up the food instead of standing outside by a window. “We want one of the nicest dirt tracks in the state of Michigan,” Hoonhout said. These plans are all dependent on the Huron County planning commission approving them at its monthly meeting Wednesday evening at the Huron County Expo center.
CHARITY ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE
Lighthouses
Charity Island Lighthouse was established in 1857, and currently is privately owned. It stands in ruins at the northwest tip of Big Charity Island. Visit www.charityisland.net for more information.
HARBOR BEACH LIGHTHOUSE
The Harbor Beach Lighthouse is located at the end of the north breakwater entrance to the harbor of refuge. The Harbor Beach Lighthouse Preservation Society has been working with city officials to preserve the historic landmark.
PORT AUSTIN REEF LIGHT
Port Austin Reef Light is located in Lake Huron, 2 1/2 miles north of the Village of Port Austin. Construction was completed in 1878.
POINTE AUX BARQUES LIGHTHOUSE
The original Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse was constructed of stone taken from the shore of Lake Huron in 1848. The keeper’s house and separate tower were located on a three acre clearing hacked out of the dense wilderness. By 1857, the ravages of shoreline weather and a fire in the interior of the house created the need for a new structure. The new keeper’s house and attached 89-foot tower were built of the finest brick available. The light is still an active aid to navigation, making Pointe aux Barques one of the oldest continuously operating Lights on the Great Lakes. In 1875, a Class A lifesaving station was constructed 300 yards south of the lighthouse. It was the first lifesaving station opened on the Great Lakes. The 62 year history of the station credits over 200 rescues to this station and its brave crews. The Thumb Bottomland Preserve surrounding Pointe aux Barques contains 105 known wrecks, reflecting the danger posed by shoals surrounding Pointe aux Barques. The Pointe aux Barques keeper’s house and tower have been completely restored and contain historical artifacts from a bygone era. The museum is open to the public free of charge and donations are appreciated to help fund the society’s projects. The Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse is located six miles north of Port Hope off M-25 on Lighthouse Road in Lighthouse County Park. Visit www. pointeauxbarqueslighthouse.org or call Bill Bonner at 989-428-3035 for more information.
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2020
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Unused space gives birth to two Upper Thumb businesses BY MARY DRIER For the Tribune SEBEWAING — Having extra space and listening to the needs of the community gave inspiration for the Cutest Button Boutique in Sebewaing. “I heard people talking that the community needed this kind of a store in town because they were tired of driving an hour or more to the cities to shop,” said Amanda Langmaid. “I saw there was a need for this kind of a store.” Although Langmaid bought the building at 8855 Unionville Rd., to operate her insurance company in, there was a lot of extra unused space. “My insurance businesses and the boutique are in the same building,” she said. “The insurance is in back and the boutique is in the front.” Langmaid has been selling insurance for 15 years. She worked for AAA and Farm Bureau before opening her own Farmers Insurance company in Sebewaing three years ago. She sells every aspect of insurance from personal, to commercial insurance, to life, medicare insurance, and more, along with operating two boutiques. The boutique has women’s clothes size zero to 3X, kids clothes from infant to size 12, jewelry, candles, home decor, pillows, holiday items, locally made earrings, hats and gloves, toys like Crazy Aaron’s Putty, and ol’ fashion candy. Some of the ol’ fashion candy includes candy cigarettes and cigars, Maga Dotts, and Astro pops. The cutest Button Boutique, LLC opened Jan. 18 in Sebewaing, and branched out with a second Cutest Button Boutique, LLC in Marlette that opened in July. “I met with the chamber of commerce in Marlette,” she said. “They wanted to get more businesses in town. They did a survey. It showed 39% of the people who did the survey wanted a woman’s clothing and kids store. That was a perfect fit for my type
After Amanda Langmaid opened her Cutest Button Boutique, LLC in Sebewaing in January, she opened a second Cutest Button Boutique in Marlette in July. (Mary Drier/For the Tribune) of business.” Langmaid had the building in Marlette gutted and remodeled. “Each store has the same categories of items,” Langmaid said. “All items are new. It is not a resale shop. Both stores do a good business, but the Marlette store has done very well. With some of the big stores shutting down, there are not a lot of places any more to shop, and there isn’t a lot of time to always drive into the cities to shop.” Prices in both stores are affordable ranging between $12.99 to $18.99 with Kan Can adult jeans selling for $39.99. “Prices are kept reasonable to sell in volume,” she said. “We are a hometown boutique that offers fashion and flare in the latest styles without big city prices.” The Sebewaing boutique has four employees: Langmaid’s daughters, and Nicole Prime who oversees operations, and Langmaid who helps, but her main focus is on her insurance business. Cutest Button Boutique at 3045 Main St., Marlette, is across the street from the farmers market. It has two employees and Langmaid, who splits her time there as well. The Cutest Button Boutique in Sebewaing is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday noon to 3 p.m. The phone number for the store is 989704-3409. The Cutest Button Boutique in Marlette is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday noon to 3 p.m. The phone number for that store is 989635-1124. More information about the two boutiques can be found on the website www. cutestbuttonboutique.com.
THE BEST CHOICE IN EMERGENCY CARE Giving you the care you need, when you need it most, that’s emergency care at McLaren. We are doing what’s best for our patients by offering advanced technology and expert care, 24/7 emergency department, and access to specialists within the McLaren system. So when seconds can make all the difference, McLaren is here for you.
McLAREN THUMB REGION EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT 1100 S. Van Dyke Rd. Bad Axe, MI 48413 (989) 269-9521
McLAREN THUMB REGION CONVENIENT CARE BAD AXE
PORT AUSTIN
1040 S. Van Dyke Rd. Ste. 2 Bad Axe, MI 48413 (989) 269-5152
24 E. Spring St. Port Austin, MI 48467 (989) 738-5222
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Amanda Langmaid operates a Cutest Button Boutique, LLC, at 8855 Unionville Rd., Sebewaing, and one at 3045 Main St., Marlette, besides operating her Farmers Insurance company as well. (Courtesy Photo)
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Plan your travels and enjoy your drive through michigan’s Thumb!
Thumb AreA
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2020
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D&W Salvage getting back to normal PAIGE WITHEY paige.withey@hearstnp.com UPPER THUMB — When Bryan Deering started picking up scrap metal and driving it to processing plants in Detroit, he was still in high school using a trailer he had fabricated himself. Now, 46 years later, D&W Salvage is known across the Thumb as the go-to place for scrap. According to the company’s website, it was 1974 when Deering and Steven Wolschlager saw a need within the community to salvage scrap automobiles and metal. “The need for recycling was long overdue for the community, back when we started,” Deering said. “The war effort throughout the 1940s repurposed scrap metal for war materials, after the war people were left with a mess of discarded material that they could no longer get rid of.” Deering went on to explain how many people, due to a lack of regulations on the material, were left to bury scrap metal and material they couldn’t burn or repurpose. Major highways across the US were dotted with junkyards, and when the government allocated funds to move those junkyards away from major highways, the recycling movement gained momentum. In October 1976, D&W Salvage became an official business, and in November of that same year the business outgrew Deering’s father’s electrical shop. Deering, now fresh out of high school, negotiated the purchase of Les Hazard’s farm, which was a treasure trove of old cars and farm equipment. In February of 1978, Wolschlager sold his equity in the business to Deering, who made the decision to maintain the business name. The business has grown at their Minnick Road location ever since. Recently, the business officially became family owned and operated with the addition of Deering’s daughter, Angie terSteeg. Although terSteeg worked at the salvage yard throughout high school and sporadically in college, she went on to work in the blood bank at the University of Michigan Hospital. “I have the ability to bring in fresh ideas and attention-to-detail, while Bryan has the experience and get-it-done attitude that has made this business great,” terSteeg said. As the business has expanded within the community, they have been able to assist with many large projects across the Thumb. Much of the metal that made up the Harbor Beach Power Plant that was demolished
earlier this year now sits at D&W Salvage, waiting to be repurposed. Much of D&W Salvage’s business comes from their industrial clients, including local factories in need of someone to take care of their scrap metal coming off the production lines. Over the years, Deering has also seen many aspects of the auto industry, including scrapped production lines and seat belts before their mandated installation. “Seat belts were in production long before the government decided to mandate their installation in cars,” Deering said. “We scrapped a lot of seat belts and metal dies that were being manufactured locally before the government decided to hold off on their installation.” With D&W Salvage’s reopening after the pandemic closure, they were able to unveil their new office building and make changes to their salvage yard, including paving many of the public drop off locations. “This building has been in the works for about five years,” terSteeg said. “It’s nice to be able to provide our clients with this new space, it’s a big change from the old office.” Since reopening, Deering said old lawnmowers have been a trending item coming into the salvage yard. “A lot of people worked on home renovations and dedicated time to their yards during quarantine,” Bryan said. “We see a lot of old appliances and aluminum siding coming across the scale.” “One of the most interesting aspects of the job is seeing how people get their scrap here,” he added.
“We’ve seen everything from lawnmowers strapped to the tops of cars to a combine where the roof of a Ford van should be.” Due to the coronavirus pandemic, D&W Salvage was forced to stop accepting scrap on April 1. When it was finally able to reopen, it faced the challenge of being able to take in scrap but not being able to ship it out due to the big processing mills remaining closed. The business was able to open to industrial, businesses, and farm clients on June 1 and open to the public on June 8. “We’re slowly seeing things get back to normal on our end, we’re able to start shipping out our scrap like we should be,” terSteeg said. “A lot of people were waiting as patiently as possible for us to reopen.”
Bryan Deering’s salvage empire will continue on with his daughter, Angie terSteeg. (Paige Withey/Huron Daily Tribune)
Since reopening after mandated state closures due to the coronavirus pandemic, D&W Salvage has moved their office into its new building and made many upgrades to their salvage yard. (Paige Withey/Huron Daily Tribune)
Huron County Residents Do You Need A Ride??? • Need to see a Doctor? • Dentist? • Go to Work? • Go Shopping? “Our Friendly, Personable, and Courteous Drivers will get you to your destination in a safe and timely manner!”
Hours of Operation: Mon.-Fri. 5am-10pm • Sat. 8am-6:30pm • Sun. Closed
Huron Transit Corporation THUMB AREA TRANSIT
Serving the thumb AreA Since 1914! We have been proud to serve the Thumb area as the oldest member-owned cooperative elevator in the state. We offer a full selection of crop protection products, custom fertilizer, seed, lumber, fuel and oil, hardware, livestock nutrition products, and much more. Stop in and let us know how we can serve you better. Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Saturday 8am-Noon (Except Dec-March)
1513 Bad Axe Rd. • Bad Axe, MI 48413 800-322-1125 • 989-269-2121
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338 Main Street • P.O. Box 246 • Kinde, Michigan 48445
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Caseville’s Holly Berry Fair canceled for 2020 First time in 52-year history event won’t occur ROBERT CREENAN robert.creenan@hearst.com CASEVILLE — The annual Caseville Holly Berry Fair has been canceled for the first time in its 52-year history due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, according to organizers. The fair, where people can get their start on Christmas shopping, is normally held on the first Saturday of November at the Caseville Public School. Organizers felt the school either would not be safe or would not allow the event to be held there. Bonnie Dunstan, the chairperson for the fair, said that since vendors do come from different parts of the state to take part, it would not be appropriate to go on. “We’re sorry about canceling, but we don’t feel it’s safe to have people
Shoppers look over different craft goods at the Holly Berry Fair last year. This year’s iteration of the fair has been canceled due to coronavirus concerns. (Tribune File Photo) coming here,” Dunstan said. “All the exhibitors are cooperative and were
not surprised. They were just waiting for their contact to get to them.”
Last year, the fair had 120 different vendors selling crafts like wood products, cutting boards, ornaments, quilts, mittens, birdhouses, and knitted crafts. Dunstan said that the vendors could either get their money back they put in for a booth or use it for 2021, which most of them have done. She also noted the town looks forward to the event as well, as the vendors and people coming into the area bring in business to area motels and shops. “People that come from far away have to stay here on Friday night,” Dunstan said. “The participants coming from far away have to set up their booths, some on Friday night.” The Caseville Library Club, the main fair sponsor, also uses the fair to distribute money to different Huron County charities, as this is their main money source for the year. That will also not be happening this year.
Port Crescent State Park getting new cabins
New lodgings will include two geodesic domes
ROBERT CREENAN robert.creenan@hearst.com
PORT AUSTIN — Before the camping season draws to a close, Port Crescent State Park is hoping alternative lodging provides opportunity for those looking to embrace the outdoors but lack access to a camper or tent.. Five two-room cabins, one full amenity cabin, and two geodesic domes are being built as new lodging options. Brian Dunn, the park supervisor, said that the state Department of Natural Resources has identified the need to have alternative options for people who want to camp. Because of the high cost of building these new cabins, the DNR worked with Recreation Resource Management, which designed and is building the cabins. “The first five cabins we hope are ready in the next two to three weeks,” Dunn said. “The domes and the full amenity cabin will not be ready until next year.” The five regular cabins will have bunkbeds, a queen-size bed, and a futon, with enough space for a family of five to six people. The interiors will also include art made by Huron County artists. The full amenity cabin will have the same bed options and is called full amenity because it will have running water. The domes will only have a queen-size bed. “We wanted to offer something that was new and out of the ordinary,” Dunn said. He added that the domes are considered a greener option to stay in due to the small environmental footprint and because the walls are part of the roof. The cabins are located near an existing cabin in the campgrounds and the domes will be next to a wall separat-
Two of the new cabins at Port Crescent State Park. Five new cabins are expected to be open to rent before the end of the month, with a full amenity cabin and two geodesic domes to be completed for the next camping season. (Robert Creenan/Huron Daily Tribune) ing the camping area from sand dunes near the lake. The DNR is installing new cabins at other state parks as well, with Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area in Oakland County getting five new cabins and William C. Sterling State Park in Monroe County getting 10 new cabins. ‘We’re excited to get this new opportunity for cabins,” Dunn said. “We’ve been getting interest from people without campers who want the camping experience.” Reservations for these lodging options can be made up to 12 months in advance, with the five regular cabins costing $110 a night with a two-night minimum and the full-amenity cabin costing $160 a night with a two-night minimum. Rates for staying in the geodesic domes have not been set yet.
Some of the interior furnishings of Port Crescent’s new cabins. They also include a bunk bed, a queensize bed, and a futon.
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2020
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Anchor Fitness ready to take off ‘pandemic pounds’ as it reopens Closed since March due to executive orders ROBERT CREENAN robert.creenan@hearst.com HURON COUNTY—Gyms and exercise centers are officially allowed to reopen, including Anchor Fitness in Port Austin, after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a series of orders earlier this month. Under the new executive order, all gyms that reopen must follow safety measures, including requiring mask wearing at all times, configuring workout stations or implement protocols to allow six feet of distance between persons exercising, reducing class sizes, and provide equipment-cleaning products throughout the gym. “I urge everyone who plans to hit the gym after these orders go into effect to take these precautions seriously and do everything in their power to protect themselves and their families,” Whitmer said in a statement. Lou Schillinger, of Schillinger & Schillinger Insurance in Port Austin, owns 24-hour Anchor Fitness, which had been closed since March due to the governor’s executive order and
Anchor Fitness in Port Austin. The gym reopened this week after being closed since March due to Governor Whitmer’s executive orders. (Robert Creenan/Huron Daily Tribune) had opened back up to clients this past week. Schillinger said the equipment had to be rearranged or removed if it was not used as much and no more than two people are allowed to be in a room at once, though if there is only one person using any of the workout equipment, they do not have to wear a mask.
There is also more hand sanitizer throughout the gym and the equipment is cleaned every night, though Schillinger added they may be cleaned during the day in the future. “It’s not usually busy during the day,” Schillinger said. “People usually come in before work or up to 10 or 11 at night.” People that come to Anchor Fit-
ness must sign-in, take their temperatures, answer a questionnaire, and mark the times they entered and left. Schillinger said the gym has been on the edge of closing during the pandemic, with it barely being a year old and the place just breaking even in January, having about 50 members. He added it would take about a year to recover from this. “It was gaining traction among the local residents since they didn’t have to drive to Bad Axe,” Schillinger said, adding that seniors have been using the gym as part of their rehab programs. He will reach out to the gym’s former members to get a sense of which ones will come back and give others a chance to use it for free for the next month. Although Anchor Fitness just reopened this past week due to the changes in Whitmer’s executive orders, other gyms in Huron County have been reopened for a few months since that announcement was made. Schillinger said they were able to keep the gym closed because the investment put into it was rather low compared to other gyms in the area. “We did allow people to use it one at a time for private use, though that was rare,” Schillinger said.
Bad Axe artist’s work featured on mugs Can be purchased at Emma’s Coffee House
PAIGE WITHEY paige.withey@hearstnp.com BAD AXE — Jessi Severance is not only one of the owners of Emma’s Coffee House, her artwork can now be found on its mugs. The mug series, entitled “Squirrels in History,” can be purchased at the coffee house she owns with her husband, Brad Severance. Jessi, who went to college for art and design, was inspired by America’s humorous history involving squirrels. Two mug designs, out of nine, can be found at Emma’s. The mugs themselves are hand thrown in Wisconsin at Sunset Hill Stoneware. According to Jessi, the coffee shop has used the company in the past and felt it would work perfectly for her artwork. “We started with just the two designs, I would like to see all nine made,” Jessi said. “If people are interested, and find similar humor in them, then we will most definitely feature them all.” Jessi explained that, in early American history, the gray squirrel was brought to the newfound American colonies, where people kept them as pets. For a young child, taking good care of a pet squirrel reflected good character and morals. Soon, squirrels became a symbol of high-class families. This trend continued
Artist and co-owner of Emma’s Coffee House, Jessi Severance, has released a new series of mugs depicting a humorous line of “Squirrels in History.” (Paige Withey/Huron Daily Tribune) for quite some time, and research shows that squirrels’ presence in large urban
areas is in fact from their intentional release due to their willingness to trust
humans. While people don’t commonly keep squirrels as pets today, Jessi found humor in the concept and wondered how squirrels would have presented through history if the trend had continued. Thus, the “Squirrels in History” artwork was born. “Its been a fun project for me,” Jessi said. “I’ve made a few prints of the squirrels, which was one of the concepts I studied in school.” The first two mugs of the series, The Knight and The Lady, depict squirrels in two separate times in history. The Knight shows a squirrel dressed in a medieval style chain-mail garment and The Lady focuses on a squir-
rel in a Marilyn Monroe style dress and pose. These humorous designs reimagine what household squirrels may have looked like in the Renaissance Era and 1950’s. Jessi hopes to continue the series as well as create other original pieces for the community that will also be sold through Emma’s Coffee House. Emma’s Coffee House is open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. They are also open Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and are closed on Sunday. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, customers are required to wear a mask when inside the coffee shop and follow social distancing guidelines.
Grocery
134 S. Huron Ave Harbor Beach
Old Fashion Meat Dept. • Produce • Bakery 8856 Unionville Rd. • Sebewaing
989-883-3630
JAMES HIRN D.D.S., P.C.
Family Dentistry
227 N. Fourth St • Harbor Beach
989-479-3257
Farms, Homes , Commercial Property Investment Opportunities
Cass City: 989-872-2248 Caro 989-673-2555
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Cass City
Port Austin
Bad Axe City Park: 210 S. Hanselman Street 989-269-6479 www.cityofbadaxe.com Wilcox Community Park: 650 Whitelam Street 989-269-6479 www.cityofbadaxe.com
Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park: 4 miles east of M-53 on Bay City-Forestville Rd. & 1 mile south on Germania Rd. Evergreen Park: 4731 Van Dyke (picnic, hiking, fishing, pavilion & camping) 989-872-6600
Bird Creek County Park: just east of Port Austin Harbor. 989-269-6404 huroncountyparks.com Gallup Park: M-25 in the village Jenks Park: state highway rest area, about 4 miles southwest of Port Austin on M-25 McGraw Park: along M-25 between Oak Beach & Port Austin. 989-269-6404 huroncountyparks.com Port Crescent State Park: day use, 2 miles west on M-25 south of Port Austin
Bay Port B. C. McLeish Memorial Park: Promenade Street Brown Park: M-25, state highway rest area, 2 miles south of Bay Port
Huron County
RESORTER
Bad Axe
Parks
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Caseville Philip County Park: M-25, between Caseville & Oak Beach. 989-269-6404 huroncountyparks.com Sleeper State Park: day use area, M-25 east of Caseville Caseville County Park: village north edge, open Apr. 15 -Oct. 31. 989-269-6404 huroncountyparks.com
Deckerville Delaware Park: 6301 N. Lakeshore Road (19 rustic sites, nature trails, swimming beach, fishing and hiking) 810-622-8715
Harbor Beach Bathing Beach Park: east end of Trescott Street Davidson Park: off Court Street, east of M-25 Waterworks Park: adjacent to Harbor Beach Municipal Marina White Rock Park: “Scenic Turnout,” with viewing platform & access to beach (facilities, walking trail)
Camper’s Haven: 2326 S. Van Dyke Road 989-269-7989 www.campershavenonline.com
Caseville
Oak Beach County Park: M-25 between Port Austin & Caseville. 989-856-2344 huroncountyparks.com
Caseville County Park: north edge of village 989-856-2080 huroncountyparks.com Sleeper State Park: M-25 east of Caseville 989-856-4411 Lakeshore Pines RV Park: 3193 Port Austin Road on M-25, between Port Austin & Caseville
Duggan’s Campground: 2941 Port Austin Road, between Port Austin & Caseville. 989-738-5160 Port Crescent State Park: M-25, approximately 5 miles southwest of Port Austin. 800-447-2757
Cass City Evergreen Park: 9 miles north of M-46 along M-53 989-872-6600
Grindstone City Whalen’s Grindstone Shores: 3373 Pointe aux Barques, 5 miles east of Port Austin 989-738-7664 whalensgrindstoneshores.com
Harbor Beach North Park: 1 mile north of Harbor Beach on Huron Avenue. 989-479-9554H Off Shore Marina: 5 Lytle Street. 989-479-6064 Wagener County Park: M-25, 5 miles south of Harbor Beach. 989-479-9131 huroncountyparks.com
Port Austin
Port Hope Lighthouse County Park: 9 miles east of Port Austin 989-428-4749 huroncountyparks.com Stafford County Park: Port Hope 989-428-4213 huroncountyparks.com
Sand Point Beadle Bay Marina & Campground: 4375 Lone Eagle Trail off Crescent Beach Road. 989-856-4911
Sebewaing Sebewaing County Park: northwest side of the village limits.
Campgrounds
Oak Beach
Sebewaing County Park: 759 Union Street 989-269-6404 huroncountyparks.com Bay Shore Camp: just north of Sebewaing, northeast side of Saginaw Bay. 989-883-2501
Huron County
Bad Axe
Sebewaing
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2020
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Discovering joy of state’s mountain bike trails BRAD PARSONS Michigan Department of Natural Resources Michigan’s nonmotorized trails system has more than 3,000 miles dedicated to paved, gravel and off-road single-track trails for bicyclists to enjoy 365 days a year. These public trails are situated in every region of Michigan at state parks, recreation areas, pathways, forests and rail trails. Michigan’s natural terrain, along with varied seasons and access to public trails, provides a unique experience for all cyclists. As a Michigan Department of Natural Resources videographer, I have the privilege to help document and promote this recreation activity across the state. What I’ve learned is that nonmotorized bicycle trails can dramatically influence personal connection to the outdoors, build communities and strengthen local economies. About a year ago, in August 2019, I was assigned to film a promotional action video of the Waterloo State Recreation Area’s DTE Energy Foundation mountain bike trail system in Chelsea, Michigan. At that time, my knowledge of mountain biking was minimal. I didn’t even own a bicycle. So, what is mountain biking? It’s best described as riding a bicycle off-road, on trails specifically designed for bicycle use, over varied terrain. Two common types of mountain bike trails are flow and cross-country (or backcountry). The DTE trail is classified as a flow trail – built with a special machine that carved berms, hills and unique features into the pre-existing natural terrain on public land. Backcountry mountain bike trails feature existing natural terrain, including roots, rocks and other obstacles found in the forest. These trails can sometimes be more technically challenging. Both types of trails are available on Michigan public land. While I was capturing
Mountain bikers set out along a Michigan backcountry trail. (MI DNR/Courtesy Photo) video clips of mountain bikers at the DTE trail, one rider decided to stop and introduce himself. It was Jason Aric Jones, creator of the trail. My encounter with Jason was inspiring. He encouraged me to bring a bicycle with me next time I visited the trail. In response to this experience, I went to my local bike shop three days later and purchased my first mountain bike. I then found myself back at the DTE trail for a follow-up video assignment, recording the trail with a 360-degree video camera mounted to my bike helmet. Long story short, I discovered the joy of mountain biking through a work assignment and inspiration from the amazing community of Michigan bicyclists. The bicycle has transformed my life and given me a new appreciation for Michigan trails and the mountain biking community. Mountain biking in Michigan became an accepted recreation activity in the late 1980s. A few of Michigan’s top destinations for mountain biking include Copper Harbor and Marquette in the Upper Peninsula, the Chelsea/Pinckney area near Detroit, Augusta and Rockford in the western Lower Peninsula and the Traverse City region in the northern Lower Peninsula. Each of these destinations provides a unique type of terrain and challenges, and they welcome all mountain bikers, regardless of skill level. That is the best part about trails in Michigan – they are approachable for novice or less-experienced riders.
And when the snow arrives in Michigan, recent production of fat-tire bicycles enables enthusiasts to experience groomed trails yearround. A lot of progress has been made in popularizing the sport during the past 40 years with the help of mountain biking advocacy groups, volunteers and the holding of special events. Advocacy groups help influence policies and rules and create or introduce new trail systems in partnership with the DNR. The Michigan Mountain Biking Association, the state’s largest organization dedicated to the pastime, coordinates local and regional groups like the Potawatomi Mountain Biking Association in southeastern Michigan. Members of these groups provide financial support and volunteer their time to maintain mountain bike trails. Development, management and maintenance of mountain biking trails on state land is often a partnership between the DNR and mountain biking organiza-
tions. The DNR, as the land manager, works to balance use and preservation of public natural resources, while allowing for great trail opportunities. Local mountain bike groups perform the majority of on the ground trail work and maintenance of the trails with the help of many dedicated volunteers. In addition to managing the land, the DNR also works with local groups to permit special events hosted at state parks and recreation areas. These events are vital to communities and to introducing the activity to new users. Mountain biking events also strengthen local economies, especially via increased patronage of bike shops and restaurants. In my personal experience, local bike shops are the heart of every bicycle community. Not only have I purchased all my bikes through a local shop, I’ve learned about maintenance and other important information, like biking safety and etiquette, from friendly staff. If I have a question about anything related to the bicycle, I call my local shop for help. Bike shops also provide jobs and maintenance service to the community by repairing old bikes that have been in storage for years or with monthly tune-ups for avid cyclists. In my opinion, bike shops provide a product, service and knowledge necessary for mountain biking to flourish in every community in Michigan. I would encourage all bicy-
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clists to get involved with their local biking community via a trail organization, biking events and bike shops, or to participate in volunteer trail maintenance workdays. Riders should be good trail stewards and not ride when trails are wet after rains or during muddy spring conditions after the ground thaws. “Riders should ride safely and respectfully when using trails during the COVID19 restrictions, including spreading out to observe social distancing and being patient with other riders,” said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. Although Michigan is not known for mountainous terrain like the western United States, there is a tremendous wealth of fun to explore while riding a mountain bike in “The Trails State.” Sept. 20-27 is Michigan Trails Week, a great time to get out and enjoy all of Michigan’s 13,000 miles of state-designated trails. Be sure to participate in the virtual Trails Week Challenge and get entered to win cool outdoor gear and Michigan-branded prizes. For more information, visit Michigan. gov/TrailsWeek. To learn more about how to get involved and discover mountain biking, visit Michigan.gov/DNRTrails. Check out previous Showcasing the DNR stories in our archive at Michigan.gov/ DNRStories. To subscribe to upcoming Showcasing articles, sign up for free email delivery at Michigan.gov/ DNR.
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