Page 2 —Our Town Oscoda County Spring 2014
Index of businesses Abbe’s Backlot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 ARC Outdoor Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Business Card Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Bortz Health Care of Rose City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Cooper Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Country Cuts Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Fairview BP/Subway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Fairview Dollar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Fairview Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Habitat for Humanity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Highland Lumber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Kirtland Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Life Salon & Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Luzerne Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Miller Brothers Maple Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Mio Auto Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Northern Power Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Oak Hill Furniture & Fabrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Oscoda County Charitable Organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Oscoda County Herald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Pioneer General Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Sensenig’s Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Whitehouse Disposal Service LLC & Dougs Disposal . . . . .4 Woodworkers Shoppe & Comins Lumber . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Fairview Hardware –– Do It Best 1509 N. Abbe Rd., Fairview • 989-848-2700 • www.fairviewhardware.com Fairview Hardware –– Do It Best was originally owned by Bo-Ton Industries (Bob Handrich, Clayton Miller, Doug Winton and Ray Swartzendruber), with Miller operating the hardware portion. In February 1976, Swartzendruber purchased Fairview Hardware, and his son-inlaw, Paul Ressler, moved his family from Harrisonburg, Va., to manage the hardware store and gradually purchase it from Swartzendruber. At that time the Fairview Food Market and the hardware store both occupied the building that is currently Fairview Food Market on the northeast corner of M-33 and M-72. The sales floor was 2,600 square feet. In 1978, Ressler purchased a feed store owned by Clayton Miller and operated by Ron Handrich, and converted it into an annex for the hardware store. Handrich became the assistant manager in charge of the hardware annex. This allowed them to expand the lawn and garden, stove and major appliance departments, and add small engine repair. Marika Christensen, current manager at Fairview Hardware, said they have very strong ties with the community and are supportive of different events going on, especially in the schools. “We participate in project graduations, yearbook, we donate to the Eagle
Spirit auction, and are included in the sports programs,” she said. “We try to stay involved with all different types of organizations in the community, even if it’s posting event information on our Facebook page to help spread the word.” Christensen said Fairview Hardware –– Do It Best currently has four fulltime employees and 12 part-time. One thing that sets Fairview Hardware –– Do It Best apart from its competitors, according to Christensen, is that the money spent at the hardware goes back to supporting people in the community through jobs. “We like to support our neighbors, so we will stock things that they need even if it means that there might only be one on the shelf,” she said. “There may not be a ton of profit available, but we want to have the solutions they need to solve their problems. That’s why we have been in the heating business for over 30 years and the rental equipment business for 16 years.” Fairview Hardware is currently located at 1509 N. Abbe Rd. in Fairview. Its hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 989-848- The friendly faces of, back row, from right, Ray Poellet, Mike Haren and Rick Monk. Front 2700, or visit the web at fairviewhard- row from left, Marika Christenson, Gail Singler and Carol Stadelmayer are ready to help at Fairview Hardware. ware.com.
Oak Hill Furniture & Fabric 1734 Galbraith Rd., Mio • 989-826-1913 After recognizing a need in Oscoda County, Melvin and Betty Byler decided to purchase an existing furniture company and add to it in January 2013. Byler said he decided to go into business because he used to build furniture and still does some, but it is something he enjoys. “We had an opportunity to purchase a business that was selling handmade furniture so we bought it, and we decided to sell other people’s furniture too,” he said. Oak Hill Furniture & Fabrics offers not only furniture but fabrics as well. “I take care of the furniture and my wife takes care of the fabrics end,” he said. “We offer quilting supplies, notions and yarn, crocheting and knitting and then we also have gift items.” Byler said they take special orders and have a lot of different selections. “If someone wants a piece of
furniture in a different stain or wood, we can order it in,” he said. “We also have a lot of fabric selections to choose from and can order pieces in different fabrics if they want that.” “We saw a need in the community to continue offering fabrics,” Byler added. “The fabric part was an existing business called Shady Lane Footwear and they decided to expand their footwear line and get rid of their fabric part of it. So we took it over and combined the two businesses into one,” he said. “I think the quality and price sets us apart from other businesses,” he said. Oak Hill Furniture & Fabrics is family owned and operated with Byler’s daughters and sons helping out occasionally. Oak Hill Furniture & Fabrics is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed Wednesday and Sunday. For more information call 989-826-1913.
Our Town Oscoda County Spring 2014 — Page 3
Oscoda County Charitable Organizations His Love Family Resources 2035 Morenci St., Mio • 989-826-5817 His Love Family Resources, a faith-based organization located in Mio, assists individuals and families with unplanned pregnancies and those with limited resources, according to Director Ruth Ressler. “We opened our doors in 2004 in a little house on Shepard Street,” she said. “It was the result of a group of ladies who just had a vision to reach out to those with unplanned pregnancies.” In 2011, the organization moved to its current location on Morenci Street and has been serving families ever since, according to Ressler. “This past year we served about 150 different families in a year’s time in one way or another,” she said. “We give out free pregnancy tests, and we have a baby pantry that provides clothing, diapers and lots of other resources. We do individualized parenting classes and we also have a parenting program and a parent group that meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m.” Ressler said the money to run the organization comes from area churches and the community. Anyone who would like to utilize the services or provide a donation can contact the
organization by calling 989-826-5817 or by going to hislovemio.org. Love in the Name of Christ (Love INC) of Oscoda County 2051 E. Miller Rd., Fairview • 989-8482020 Love in the Name of Christ (Love INC) of Oscoda County is one of 157 U.S. affiliates of Love in the Name of Christ National, founded in Holland, Mich., in 1977. According to director Laurie Diller, the organization’s focus is to see Christian churches united in purpose and fully engaged in actively living out their faith by lovingly serving people in need in their communities. The organization networks local churches, church volunteers and community organizations together to help people in need. Diller said Love INC of Oscoda County currently has nine partner churches and welcomes more. Partner churches are: Comins and Fairview Mennonite churches, Praxis, New Hope Assembly of God, St. Mary’s, Mio United Methodist, Mio Church of God, AuSable Bible Church and Mio Baptist. Do you feel you’re “up a creek without a paddle?” Anyone in Oscoda County is welcome to call the Love INC Clearinghouse at
989-848-2020 with any kind of need. A comprehensive phone interview is done to be able to gain the bigger picture of what’s happening in the person’s life and to determine the best “paddle” resources to help. Examples: transportation, clothes for an interview, household items, job support, meal planning, help with an addiction, firewood, financial counseling and much more. People can volunteer in many ways. Call Love INC at 848-2020 if you can drive persons to appointments or deliver things, listen and record calls for help, pray, share easy recipes, gather firewood, serve as financial counselors, donate and fix bicycles, do yardwork or minor car and home repair, or help with fundraisers. Also needed: Artists to help decorate a paddle for Riverfest, August 23! Lydia’s Gate 115 Deyarmond St., Mio • 989-217-0973 Lydia’s Gate is Oscoda County’s only homeless and emergency shelter. Established in 2012, the shelter has helped hundreds in need. The shelter, located at 115 Deyarmond St. in Mio, opened its doors in 2012, after one of the original organizers, Anita Bills, talked to individuals who felt there was a need for a home-
less shelter in the community The shelter’s mission statement says, “In accordance with Christ’s teachings, Lydia’s Gate, a faith based emergency shelter, provides housing for adults and families who are temporarily without a place to stay.” To go along with that statement, the shelter provides emergency shelter to homeless individuals and families who are homeless and have no other resources. They also direct those individuals and families to appropriate community resources to address their homeless situation and provide care management. They also offer to help give individuals a chance to correct their current situation and rectify their lives through Christian counseling. “We provide guidance in life skills and help with future planning, finding employment, housing and rehabilitation if needed, as stated on the group’s website. We also aid in the rebuilding of broken relationships to the best of our ability.” More information about the shelter can be found by visiting www.lydiasgate.com or by calling 989-217-0973 Our Town’s Oscoda County Charitable Organizations section was provided by the NuStar Insurance Agency of Mio.
Cooper Standard 526 E. Miller Rd., Fairview • 989-848-2272 • www.cooperstandard.com Cooper Standard Automotive, an OEM manufacturer, conducts business with the Detroit “big three,” Ford, General Motors and Chrysler, along with many low-volume aftermarket/service customers. Located in Fairview for more than 40 years, Cooper’s headquarters are located in Novi. The company currently has 94 facilities worldwide in 21 countries with 5 locations in Michigan (Fairview, Oscoda, East Tawas, Leonard and Gaylord); the Fairview plant employs 227 from Oscoda County and the surrounding area. Currently Ford Motor Company is the facility’s leading customer with 85 percent of their products shipping to many of their destinations. Cooper Standard Fairview’s major product line, is TOC (transmission oil cooler) lines, which are assembled on the following vehicles: F-150, Focus, Mustang, Shelby Mustang, Edge, Explorer and Taurus Police versions. The company also has a joint venture between Cooper and Ford with Navistar
on larger truck versions. The business also has ties with Chrysler with products that are assembled on the Ram, Viper and Fiat, along with spark plug tubes manufactured for General Motors, which covers a majority of their product lines. In 2013 they completed a 12,000square-foot addition to their Fairview plant, which has quickly turned the plant into a total space of 60,000 square feet, including offices and a cafeteria to be completed the summer of 2014. The current plan is to have the building occupied and fully operational by mid-to-late summer. The company also stays active within the community by supporting both Mio AuSable and Fairview schools with sports advertising, Project Graduation and yearbook, just to name a few activities. The company also participates in the Adopt-a-Highway program through the Michigan Department of Transportation. More information about Cooper Standard can be found by visiting its website at www.cooperstandard.com.
Above is a picture of Cooper Standard from the front, and on the right is the addition that was built in 2013.
Kirtland Agency 401 S. Morenci Ave., Mio • 989-826-3494 • www.kirtlandagency.com For the past 81 years, Kirtland Agency has served the Mio area as an independent insurance agency, selling insurance for home, auto, life and commercial needs. In 2006 it expanded its operations to encompass a second location in Lewiston. The current owner, Chris McKenzie, took over the agency in 2008 from Tom and Priscilla Siegler, with whom he opened the Lewiston location. “Tom and I thought there was a need in Montmorency County for an agency, and the independent companies wanted a presence within the community, so we thought Lewiston would be a good fit to open a second office,” he said. McKenzie said Kirtland Agency is a family-owned business. He purchased it with his wife and has three wonderful employees who work for
him: Kathy Stange, who has been with the agency for 27 years; Diane Stevens, who has been with the agency since 2007, but has 25 years’ worth of insurance experience; and Jamie DeGrammont, who has been with the agency close to 19 years. “These employees are the lifeblood of the agency,” he said. “They are all licensed agents and provide great customer service. We are a small-town agency and focus on small-town values, and our goal is to provide great customer service for clients,” McKenzie said. The agency is located at 401 S. Morenci Ave., Mio, and 4625 Salling Ave. in Lewiston. It can be reached at 989-826-3494 in Mio and 989-786-7350 in Lewiston. The business is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pictured in front of Kirtland Agency are Kathy Stange, Jamie DeGrammont and Chris McKenzie.
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Bortz Health Care of Rose City 517 W. Page St., Rose City • 989-685-2442 • www.bortz.org Bortz Health Care Facilities was founded by Donald J. Bortz in 1959. He purchased Bortz Health Care of Rose City in 1984, from Dr. William Williams. The nursing facility prides itself on all the different types of care it offers, including short-term care for rehabilitation, respite care and long-term accommodations. The nursing facility offers physical, occupational and speech therapy as well as IV therapy and wound care. Now that hospital stays are getting shorter, the skilled nursing setting often provides the short term additional help that many seniors need. The nursing facility also features distinct memory care units, which have been in place since 2006. In an ongoing effort to ensure the appropriate accommodations and care levels for our memory-challenged populations, Bortz Health Care of Rose City is proud to be a
leader in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. The staff on our memory care units has all received specialized training to enable them to provide the quality care that we are so proud of. Each of the 22 private rooms has been designed and individually decorated to provide soothing muted colors and to increase room recognition. The home-like atmosphere helps to decrease mood and behavior difficulties that are often seen with this disease. Bortz Health Care of Rose City is proud to offer The Country Rose Café, which is the main dining area at the home. The dining hall offers a variety of meals in a restaurant style where residents can chose the entrees from a menu. The café also has a salad and dessert bar. Residents unable to visit the dining hall are still able to have the same selection of fresh meals. Along with accepting all types of
insurances, Bortz Health Care of Rose City is proud to be a Veteran’s Contract home, and is one of the few homes in the area that has the ability to serve veterans with the care they deserve and so desperately need. The staff at our home believes it is important for other to know, that most residents of a skilled nursing facility are able to leave the facility to shop, go to lunch or spend time with family as they desire. The nursing facility offers a variety of activities for all residents, church services and special seasonal festivities. The goal of the home is to provide quality care to all residents, in a home-like welcoming atmosphere. Bortz Health Care of Rose City resident Alice Rau receives therapy assistance from rehabilitation aid Dawn Meske.
Whitehouse Disposal Service LLC/Dougs Disposal Service LLC 84 W. Cherry Creek Rd., Mio • 989-826-3538 Whitehouse Disposal Service and Doug’s Disposal Service are owned and operated by Doug Wellman, who worked as a youth with his father, Harold Wellman, who obtained the business 34 years ago. According to Wellman, the service was originally created after county townships eliminated their dump areas and trash had to be hauled out of the county. He said the original operation was started by Mr. Hawley, who then sold the business to Steve Whitehouse. Harold Wellman’s brotherin-law, Uncle Steve, obtained the business and it was sold to Harold in the late. Harold Wellman operated the trash service, working as a one-man operation, until Doug got out of school for the day, when he would then come and assist his father. Doug currently runs the business with his wife, LuAnn, in the office, and four other employees, Stan Juengel, Doug Sebert, Tucker Ellis, Andy Lawrence and “Second Shift” John. Wellman said the company operates throughout Oscoda County, providing service to Mio, Luzerne and Fairview; areas of Alcona County in Curran; northern Ogemaw County; and in southern Montmorency County in Lewiston.
Abbe’s Backlot 4301 W. 1st St., Comins • 989-848-2414 Jean Abbe has owned and operated Abbe’s Backlot in Comins since 1998, offering a variety of plants and flowers for customers during the spring and summer months. Abbe said when she was younger her parents had a tree nursery that she worked at. “I fell in love with it, so I got a little greenhouse and started from there and built up,” she said. “We just have a wide variety of perennials and vegetables. We do containers to sell for people who want to come in. Every year, it keeps growing more.” Abbe said she started out with a 10- by-14 foot greenhouse in 1998, and had to rebuild the business after a tornado wiped out the Comins area in 1999. The greenhouse has grown to three buildings — a perennial tent, a veggie shed and the main building, which houses all the annuals, hanging baskets, wall bags and containers. According to Abbe, the shop opens during the third week of April each year, and by mid-July they are
sold out of flowers. “We’re always on the lookout for new flowers,” Abbe said. “I go down to Lansing. The companies I order from have garden tours. We find what’s new that we can bring to customers. It’s a working vacation but it’s fun.” Abbe’s Backlot has an all-volunteer staff who gladly accepts flowers in exchange for their assistance. Jean is constantly looking for the “new” while keeping some of the old favorites, and is always open to suggestions from friends who are looking for a special kind of tomato, etc. Abbe said Abbe’s Backlot is a family-owned and -operated business. “It’s mainly my husband and I, but my daughter and sister-in-law help out as well,” she said. Abbe’s Backlot is located at 4301 First St. in Comins. It is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. For more information, call 989848-2414.
At Whitehouse Disposal, Wellman said service is their specialty and they offer a wide variety of services to the public. “We have recycling here at the yard, leaves and other yard debris drop-off. We also have backdoor pickup, special pickups, stuff like that,” Wellman said. They also do pickups of large household items, like old couches, beds, mattresses and other types of large furniture. Another specialty is setting up dumpsters for yard cleanups. Wellman said they have roll-off dumpers in 10-, 20- and 30-yard sizes, as well as four- and six-yard trash collection containers. They also accept metal items free of charge, according to Wellman. In addition to their trash pickup, they have drop-off service at their yard, located at 84 W. Cherry Creek Rd., with pricing by the bag or by bulk. For more information about the wide variety of trash collection services, call Whitehouse Disposal Service at 989-826-3538 or Doug’s Disposal Service at 989-826-5084. Business hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. “Service is our specialty,” Doug said.
Our Town Oscoda County Spring 2014 — Page 5
Habitat for Humanity P.O. Box 68, Fairview • 989-848-2200 Habitat for Humanity of Oscoda County is an organization that “gives a hand up, not a handout,” according to Family Support Coordinator Kathy Hodge. The not-for-profit organization, which has affiliates all over the state, began its branch in Oscoda County in 2003, Hodge said. “It was the dream of volunteers and supporters to get it off the ground,” she said. “They built the first home in 2004 and now we are on our 11th home.” The area affiliate also has its Habitat Re-Store located at 1558 N. Abbe Rd., Fairview, which sells discounted building materials and other items to raise money for the nonprofit. Hodge explained that a common misconception is that Habitat for Humanity gives houses away to needy individuals. She said that is not true. Partner families must help build the house, volunteer for community services, take financial classes and save for a down payment, all to complete the required “sweat equity” hours. In the end they are given a no-interest loan for 20 years. One requirement is the person needs to either live or work in Oscoda County. The applications are reviewed by a selection committee, a recommendation is given to the
board and it is voted on. From the start to the completion of the home is normally two years. “A lot of the larger affiliates in the state have paid staff, but we don’t, it’s all volunteers,” she said. “We are constantly looking for volunteers to serve on the board, work on committees and fundraisers, along with working on the homes.” “Each year we receive generous donations from private individuals, churches and local businesses. We also try to have fundraisers. Another misnomer is that we get everything to build the house free –– not true. Many businesses give us a discount, which helps keeps the cost of the house down, but we have to purchase everything it takes to build a home. Although we have gotten land donated to us,” Hodge said. Hodge said there will be a fundraiser yard sale at the ReStore on May 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting. She said they are also taking applications for a habitat home that will be available in the Comins area, and the affiliate is looking for applicants. More information can be found by calling the ReStore, Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “You can’t qualify unless you apply,” said Hodge.
ARC Outdoor Gear 339 E. Miller Rd., Mio • 989-350-3332 • www.arcoutdoorgear.com What started as a jury-rigged saw used to replace a keyhole saw during a drywall job 15 years ago has morphed into a patented invention for hunting, camping and other applications for Mio native Chad Yost, who owns ARC Outdoor Gear with his brother Tim Yost. The brothers are new selling their Kutz-All saw designs and other hunting and camping products worldwide. Chad said the original design came after he and his father needed to rig up a saw for a construction job. Although the pair was just looking for a solution to a construction problem, they recognized that they could use it for hunting applications, Yost said. “At that point it was just a useful tool for construction and was used as such, but it was never going to be a hardware tool,” he said. “We loved the outdoors and we loved to hunt, and we thought it would make a good limb saw for archery.” The product is manufactured at the Mio plant by Chad, who handcrafts every saw that is shipped out. The tool is essentially a multi-bladed, portable saw with different blades that can be stored inside the handle. According to Chad, the product — which is manufactured from mostly parts from the United States
Chad Yost, who invented the Kutz-All tool with his father, Tom Yost, packages a freshly made tool in their shop in Fairview.
Chad Yost shows off the Kutz-All product.
and Michigan — is designed for bow hunters and backpackers, but can be used for many different uses. Chad explained that as an outdoors man he enjoyed taking trips out west to hunt wild game. He said in those hunting situations everything had to be backpacked in, making it necessary to carry large amounts of items, like saws. So Chad said a few years ago he started building the family of tools that would eventually become the tool. With the exception of a few parts, most of the materials that go into the saw product, as well as other products, are made in the United States. Much of the injection molded plastic comes from Grayling. Other parts of the unit are machined in Michigan. Chad assembles the saws at his shop in Fairview, one of the many businesses that have taken up residence in the Essential Service Group plaza constructed by Joel Yoder more than a year ago. Yost hopes to expand his business and grow factory space in the county eventually. More information on the tool can be found by visiting www.arcoutdoorgear.com or by calling Yost at 989-350-3332. The saws can be found at various businesses, including Highland Lumber and the Fairview Hardware.
Page 6 —Our Town Oscoda County Spring 2014
Country Cuts Inc 1790 N. Abbe Rd., Fairview • 989-848-2166 Country Cuts Inc has been serving the community for 22 years, since it first opened in Fairview on June 2, 1992. Robin Winton and Alesia Genow are business partners and run the business together. “We worked together at another salon and knew we worked well together, so we decided to go into business on our own,” said Alesia. They stay active in the community by participating in activities such as career day at the Fairview School as well as donating to the Eagle Spirit auction and other organizations. They are also both active in the education of new stylists by serving on the advisory board at Kirtland Community College for the cosmetology program. Alesia and Robin both have much knowledge and experience, with each having worked in the industry for 30 years. Alesia stated, “The field is ever changing and advanced education is always a must. We make it a point to attend educational classes whenever possible.” Currently the salon has three employees, Emily Cline, Haley Bills and Sandy Bills. The salon is a family-friendly, full-service facility and has expanded from just hair styling services to having spa services such as facials, pedicures, manicures and waxing. Country Cuts Inc is located on 1790 Abbe Rd. in Fairview. It is open Tuesday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information call 989-848-2166.
Co-owner Alesia Genow, Co-owner Robin Winton and stylist Hailey Bills stand by the Country Cuts Inc sign in Fairview.
Oscoda County Herald 109 E. 10th St., Mio • 989-826-5047 • www.oscodaherald.com The Oscoda County Herald is one of three newspapers that make up Sunrise Printing & Publishing Inc, a familyowned newspaper group that serves Oscoda, Ogemaw and Arenac counties. The staff, including Office Manager Jennifer Cronkright, has strong ties to the community. In addition to being born and raised in the county and raising her children and grandchildren, she also has extensive volunteer work with many area festivals and community organizations, including 4-H, the Oscoda County Fair and Kirtland Community College Foundation just to name a few. Although she lived out of the county for several years, Cronkright said she had to come back to the place where her forefathers had helped found the county. “This is where I was born and raised,” she said. “I know everybody here, and I missed the places I was used to and the people. Working for the newspaper got me more involved in community events.” Media representative Anthony Kachiros loved being in Oscoda County so much,
he lived in Mio and commuted to Kawkawlin for many years before finally settling in the community. He said the commute, before he became the newspaper’s media representative, was well worth it. “I live here because it is a beautiful place to live and the people are nice,” he said. “I don’t know, I just love it up here; I love the outdoor recreation and it’s serene. I get to get away and enjoy my time and my peace and quiet.” Kachiros is currently working on a bachelor’s degree in marketing, which he will complete in the coming months. News Editor Jay Ogden is an eight-year veteran of the newspaper business and transferred to the company in October. One of the reasons he likes working for a small community newspaper is the impact it can have on area readers. “I like that moment after work when you’re going to the local store to get a loaf of bread or a head of lettuce and someone mentions a story to you, or how they thought something you had in the
The staff at the Oscoda County Herald includes, Anthony Kachiros, Jenny Cronkright, and Jay Ogden. paper was really interesting,” he said. “I talked to an older woman the other night who said they couldn’t live without the paper. I am sure she would live without it,
but I think maybe her life wouldn’t be as enriched as it is now without our paper.” We enjoy serving the communities in Oscoda county. Publisher, Liz Gorske and Office Manager, Jenny Cronkright represent the Oscoda County Herald in the First Dam Canoe fun run.
Above, Ken Troyer, of the Kirtland Warbler Audubon Society, sells a bluebird house to Rick and Leas Patanis of Lewiston at the Grow Show. Right, Oscoda County Chamber President Ann Galbraith prepares cheese and grapes at the wine tasting event.
Santa and Mrs. Claus wave to the camera during the annual Holiday Light parade in Mio.
Our Town Oscoda County Spring 2014 — Page 7
The Woodworkers Shoppe 3308 N. Abbe Rd., Comins • 866-512-9971 • www.woodworkersshoppe.com
The Woodworkers Shoppe of Comins sells everything from custom wood bar stools to tissues boxes, log siding and knotty pine paneling, and many things in between, either manufactured on-site or a few miles away at the Comins Lumber Sales Inc sawmill. According to Manager Gary Gee, the business has been going since 1995, to sell the products manufactured at the mill, which was started in the late 1970s. “We do custom kitchens, wood doors, stairways and railings and a lot of other various custom wood products,” Gee said. The business uses local wood — some even coming from Oscoda County — to produce the products, and everything is manufactured right in the county. “Our products are produced locally,”
he said. “We do not have run-of-the-mill products. We are very hands-on, qualityoriented. You couldn’t buy this stuff at a Home Depot.” Not only do area residents and businesses use the products, but Gee said the materials are shipped around the country and even to Europe. A new and unique product they are producing is their new barn wood paneling, which resembles aged barn wood that can be used to finish out a room. According to Gee, other woodworking businesses are trying to emulate their barn wood process now that they’ve seen its success over the last year. Between local work and shipping to other parts of the country, the Woodworkers Shoppe stays busy yearround. Gee said the business is also very
involved in supporting community projects and events, including the Comins Fourth of July fireworks, the Nor-East’r Music and Art Festival, and the Fairview and Mio AuSable school districts. They’ve also supported the MiFair Achieves program, which teaches high school students the woodworking process so they can have future careers in woodworking. “We support both schools,” he said. “We support the sports teams and we sponsor their trips. One of our guys went over to Fairview to speak at Career Day. It seems like every couple of weeks someone is coming through our door asking for our support. We are happy to do it. Our kids are our futures — not just for the Woodworkers Shoppe, but the community.”
Comins Lumber Sales 5612 N. Abbe Rd., Comins • 989-848-5408 Comins Lumber Sales Inc was founded in 1978 and evolved from selling products to the general public to being the provider of custom wood supplies and products for the Woodworkers Shoppe, located nearby, according to shop Manager Gary Gee. Gee said the mill itself, however, is managed by Mike Ladensack. The mill specializes in finished lumber, including siding products like their new barn wood, which is milled and treated in a proprietary process to make the new wood product resemble aged barn wood. “All of the products they make are sold through the Woodworkers Shoppe,” he said. “They make
made-to-order special-cut lumber. They produce everything lumberwise the Woodworkers Shoppe sells.” Gee said the sawmill produces specially crafted products to suit the needs of their customers. “They make treated landscaping timbers,” he said. “They also make service on four-sides products like 4x4s and 6x6s. They kiln-dry the lumber right here.” Gee said the sawmill shares The Woodworkers Shoppe’s philanthropic approach to the community. “That side of the business contributes to the same causes we do over here,” he said. “We all understand how important it is.”
Page 8 —Our Town Oscoda County Spring 2014
Highland Lumber and Hardware 693 E. Kittle Rd., Mio • 989-848-8000 Highland Lumber and Hardware in Mio offers a wide variety of hardware and wood products from hand tools, wood boilers, flooring, stoves, interior and exterior paints, power tools and hundreds of other items. Over the last year, owners Paul Yoder, Robert Byler, Olan Yoder and David Weaver Jr. have expanded their business. According to Weaver, they have one of the widest selections of power tools in the region, featuring Makita, DeWalt, Hitachi and others. They also have expanded wood and coal stove sales over the past winter. “Our line of DS Stoves are made in eastern Pennsylvania,” he said. “Dave Stoolzfus started building the stoves in the 1970s in his local community and then expended to have local dealers. We are the only place around with these stoves.” According to Weaver, coal stoves burn longer, have less environmental regulations and can also be used with wood. The store also stocks Norwegian Jotul brand cast-iron wood stoves. The stoves, invented in the 1800s, were developed to be extremely efficient in burning wood.
Weaver said they have the best-selling stove model in the world. Weaver said the hardware store also has a wide variety of paints, featuring their line of Valspar products. “Valspar is the global leader in coatings. They have been producing paints since the 1800s. We can mix hundreds of colors,” he said. “You bring in a color from a different retailer and I can match the color.” Weaver also said Valspar is known for its workability, durability, coverage and hide. “Instead of putting in three or four coats — depending on what you’re painting over — you can use one coat and the old paint won’t bleed through,” Weaver said. “The company also offers a color match guarantee; if you have a color you don’t like, you bring in the unused portion, and you can get up to two gallons of new paint free. It’s also very easily cleaned and doesn’t stain from everything from kerosene lamp soot to your kid’s spaghetti.” As far as history, Paul Yoder said the business began in 2008 with the goal of meeting local demand for a lumberyard. “We already owned the piece of proper-
ty,” he said. “We just decided to stay right here instead of relocating. Our customer base has been very faithful.” The word on Highland’s quality products and service spread quickly. The company now serves a wide range of areas, going the extra mile — literally — to help their customers. The store offers friendly service and competitive prices compared to big-box stores. Highland lumber and Hardware is open
Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 5p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and is closed on Sundays.
Sensenig’s Repair 432 E. Kittle Rd., Mio • 989-848-8346 Sensenig’s Repair is a small engine repair business that specializes in repairing anything from chain saws to lawnmowers. Dennis Sensenig took over the business in the last five years, but has been part-owner since 2000. The business was started after Dennis and family moved to the area from Pennsylvania. According to Dennis, the family saw that their repair skills could fit into the community, so they started the idea for the repair business. According to Dennis, there was also his joy in working with small engines. “I enjoy working with chain saws and lawn and garden equipment, and there is a definite need in the community for it,” he said. “To me it is just an opportunity to do a good service for the community. We have sources that we can get good prices for customers and do a fair job for them and help people out that way.” Dennis said two of his sons, Duane and Andrew, work in the business with him, as well as Wayne Gerber. According to Dennis, the company’s inventory is valuable to its customers who need specialty items. “You can’t have everything but we do have an extensive inventory which is important for loggers in the area, who need things right now because their business depends on it,” Dennis said. “We also have a lot of arborist equipment, including climbing gear. A lot of people just don’t have that kind of stuff in stock for customers.” One new feature of the business is their new industrial canopy, in which the company plans to display some of their new wares, including an inventory of new products such as Dixon zero-turn lawn tractors, commercial mowers and other items.
Life Salon & Spa 200 Deyarmond St., Mio • 989-826-3239 Ashley Morse will celebrate her seventh year in business at Life Salon & Spa in Mio this May. Morse went into cosmetology while still in high school, studying at Kirtland Community College. “There wasn’t a specific thing that inspired me to open my own business,” Morse said. “I love doing hair and I always wanted to open my own salon. The right opportunity came about so I did.” Morse said Life Salon offers several services, such as haircuts, color, perms, updos, waxing and tanning. Morse said she doesn’t like to compare her salon to others in the area because they are all unique. “I feel that each hairdresser has their own talents because it’s each person’s talents that make a salon,” she added. Life Salon & Spa stays
involved in the community by offering tours to different groups, giving donations to different events and helping out the local youth. “We like to help out wherever we can,” she said. “Whether it’s through donations or helping out with girls groups, I do what I can to help.” Morse said Life Salon & Spa is a family-owned and -operated business and there are six employees in total at the salon. “We are a fun-loving bunch of ladies that like to make our clients feel great while they are with us and even when they leave,” she said. “I hope we put a smile on each of their faces for at least a while.” “We have had several clients tell us they like to come in just to see and talk to us even if they don’t have appointments because we are easy-going and people The girls at Life Salon & Spa are waiting for your appointment. From left to right, are Courtney like to be here,” she said. Barnett, Karen Scherzer, Ashley Morse and Amy Beek.
Our Town Oscoda County Spring 2014 — Page 9
Fairview Dollar 2041 E. Miller Rd., Fairview • 989-848-5839 The last five years have been a positive experience for Ted and Mary Handrich since opening Fairview Dollar. Originally, Fairview Dollar was located in Bo-Ton Plaza but moved to the empty Fairview Lumber building nearly three years ago to accommodate the expanding product lines. The store is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, offering a vast array of goods and services, of which 70 percent are just a dollar. Fairview Dollar offers a variety of party supplies, including themed and solid color paper goods, décor items, piñatas, helium balloons, and party favors. If you are planning a party and they don’t have your theme in store, they will try to order it for you. The store has a nice selection of greeting cards for fifty cents apiece, a selection of gift bags including all-occasion, birthday, wedding, and baby gift bags. They also have toys for the kids, some new flip-flops and clogs, socks and baby items. The craft section is quite varied. They have beads and jewelry-making supplies;
scrapbooking papers, stickers, embellishments and albums; kids’ craft items; sewing supplies; yarn, knitting needles and crochet hooks; paints, brushes and canvases and will soon have ceramic bisque. Fairview Dollar offers some foods and snacks as well as locally made honey and maple syrup. Kitchen supplies include many everyday items and some of those hard-to-find specialty gadgets. New products are continually being added. As part of the ever-changing face of business, they now have a wide variety of consignment goods, both new and used. Mary has always loved sewing. She has a work area in the back of the store where she does alterations, mending and custom sewing—anything from jeans to bridal gowns and even reupholstering. If it has anything to do with needle and thread, chances are Mary can do it. The back warehouses and fenced-in area are now being rented for individual storage of boats, campers, motor homes, etc. For more information on anything about Fairview Dollar, call 989-848-5839.
Miller Brothers Maple Products 707 N. Gerber Rd., Mio • 989-826-5073 Founded in 1987 by their father and uncle, Miller Brothers Maple Products in Elmer Township is run by Daniel and Paul Miller, who tap local maple trees to provide Oscoda County residents with locally sourced syrup. Daniel Miller said their syrup can be purchased at Country Corners Bulk Foods, Pioneer General Store, AuSable River Restaurant and Ray’s Mug and Jug, as well as at the Miller home at 707 N. Gerber Rd. “We welcome people to stop at our home, if they can so we can meet them personally,” he said. “Our hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or any time after that if we are home. We
are closed on Sundays.” Miller said the company utilized more than 2,500 taps to produce 1,100 gallons of syrup from 45,000 gallons of sap this spring. “On average, it takes 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup,” he said. “Maple syrup is the most nutritious sweetener there is.” Miller said the company uses tubing to collect the sap from the taps and route it to the condenser, speeding up the process considerably. The sap is heated to boil off excess water and concentrate the sugar to make syrup. For more information, contact Miller at 989826-5073.
Fairview BP & Subway 421 E. Miller, Fairview • 989-848-2403 The Fairview BP, Subway and Perky’s Pizza store on M-33 is open seven days a week to provide people with a wide variety of services and goods to passers-by and those in need. Manager Audrey Bugg said the business was started June 16, 1994, by Dave Dilks and Gerald Held, who also used to own the BP station in Curran. “I started working for Dave in 1992 when he opened the store in Curran,” she said. “When they opened this store, I moved over here to manage this store.” Bugg said the Fairview store used to feature a mounted elk among the myriad items available for purchase, but now features two more menacing creatures. “Those are two Alaskan brown bears Dave and his brother Jeff shot while on a hunting trip,” she said. “They used to have them over in Curran because of the Black Bear Festival, but when they sold that store, they brought them here and moved the elk to their hunting lodge.” Bugg said the store’s variety has
helped keep them in business through the last 20 years and varying economic situations. “Other than the winter months, we stay pretty busy,” she said. “Obviously, we have stayed busy enough to stay afloat all of these years. We have just about anything you could possibly imagine. Some people call us the mini Walmart.” Bugg said the store is easily accessible from M-33, which makes stopping at the building for food, sundries or gasoline very convenient. “We have a very large parking area,” she said. “It is easy to get in and out and there is a lot of space to turn vehicles of any size around in the parking lot.” Bugg said the store works to support the community it resides in as a way to give back to those who support it. “Locally, we try to get in on anything,” she said. “From the Nor-East’r to anyone else who needs our help. We also employ a lot of high school seniors.”
Page 10 —Our Town Oscoda County Spring 2014
Luzerne Hardware & Sporting Goods, Inc. 2244 Deeter Rd., Luzerne • 989-826-8050 In 1935 Dick DeWitt found a need for hardware services in Luzerne, so he built a small log building next to the post office and filled it with hardware and sporting goods. Seventynine years later the log store still exists as Luzerne Hardware & Sporting Goods. According to owners Dave and Marlene Kaminski, DeWitt raised his family at the store, and his granddaughters still have property in Luzerne to this day. Dave and Marlene, along with their son, Tony, and faithful lab, Sandy, purchased the store in 1997. In 2000 the Kaminskis found a need to expand, and so they more than doubled the store with a modern, updated addition. The hardware offers full-line plumbing, electrical and paint departments along with a lawn and garden department, which includes soils and bedding plants that fill their greenhouse in the spring. Other popular departments include bird feed and feeders, Learnin’ Tree cards, river tubes, pool and spa supplies and RV accessories. The store also has a full line of sporting goods, and customers will find hunting and fishing licenses, hunting and fishing supplies, ammo, live
bait, camping equipment and convenience lumber. According to Dave and Marlene, their goal is to carry supplies people want. “You have to listen to your customers and carry what they want to buy. If our customers need something on a regular basis, why send
them out of town?” Dave said. “If we can get it, we will carry it. We have access to more than 66,000 items and place orders every week.” Dave and Marlene believe customers should not have to spend fuel to drive out of Luzerne to another town to get supplies.
“Our customers are more like our friends and we enjoy the relationships we’ve built within the last seventeen years,” Marlene said. “This is why Luzerne hardware is ‘more than just a hardware store!’” The store is open seven days a week and can be reached at 826-8050.
Pioneer General Store 432 N. Mount Tom Rd., Mio • 989-826-3580 The Pioneer General Store in Mio continues to search for ways to expand its services and provide Oscoda County residents with products from homemade jams, to bird houses, to propane tank filling to a wide variety of other products one might need in the north woods. Owner Reuben Bontrager said he tries to vary the store’s stocks according to the season. “In the spring, we sell a lot of lawnmower blades,” he said. “Household and kitchen items are always really good in the summer. In the fall, we sell a lot of chain saw chains and bars. In the winter, we still sell a lot of chain saw accessories.” Bontrager said the store started filling propane tanks a year ago and the business has been booming. “Propane is an ongoing thing that has been good for us,” he said. “We are going to try and expand on that soon. I am looking to buy a bigger storage tank so I can buy in larger volumes and bring the cost down. I
Mio Auto Value 508 S. Morenci Ave., Mio • 989-826-3800 With three generations having worked to make sure Oscoda County residents have local access to auto parts, Mio Auto Value can definitely be defined as a familyrun operation. Store Manager Cliff Morse said the store was started by his father, Dennis Morse, in 1987 when he was only 5 years old and he hopes to keep the tradition strong. “Well, Grandpa worked here, but he just did the books for us, but we all have done something,” he said. “Most places are not mom and pop stores anymore. You don’t have places carried on by the next generation. The kids in this county grow up and move away and there is nothing to keep them here. I think that is sad and it hurts the community.” Morse said the store sees very little turnover in its sales staff, and that helps provide the best service to the community. “We have been here for what
seems like forever,” he said. “Experience-wise, between five people, we have 86 years of experience.” Morse said all of that experience gives the staff the ability to deal with customers in a knowledgeable, friendly way. “We treat everyone who comes in here the same,” he said. “It’s like coming to the coffee table. We have weekenders who come up who buy their parts here instead of down state because of the service.” Morse said the store supports as many different local organizations as it can because of its belief in the community. “We donate to every single local thing there is,” he said. “We give donations to every single group that comes in as long as they are local.” Morse said the family’s philosophy helps keep it rooted in the community.
am constantly looking for bargains.” Bontrager said he tries to carry a lot of products to entice customers, including things other area stores do not have. “I try to listen to what the customers ask for,” he said. “If there is an item we do not stock and enough people ask for it, we will try and get it. We also put in a lot of effort to have bargain prices.” Bontrager said after owning the store for two years, he feels business has been good and the store is in it for the long haul. “We really appreciate the local business,” he said. “We are to the point now where we feel like we owe the community for all of their business.” The Pioneer General Store is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is closed Sunday. The store is located at 432 N. Mount Tom Rd. in Mio. For more information, call 989-826-3580.
Our Town Oscoda County Spring 2014 — Page 11
COUNTRY FEED SUPPLY 389 W. KITTLE RD., MIO, MI 48647 3 MILES NORTH & 3/4 MILE WEST OF 33 989-826-2305 • Mon. - Fri. 8 am - 5 pm; Sat. 8 am - 3 pm
GMO-Free Grains Available
• Pet & Animal Supplies
• Huge Selection of Hard-to-Find Birdfeeders
• Lawn & Garden Supplies
MORSE Concrete & Excavating
989-826-3975 Basements - Septic Systems - Septic Tanks Sand - Gravel - Fill Bulldozing - Back Hoe - Ponds Dug
ROBERTSON & CARPENTER CPA S, P.C.
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS Providing Quality Services to the Area for over 30 years. Rodney C. Robertson
Robert J. Carpenter
Certified Public Accountant
Certified Public Accountant
103 E. Main St. Rose City, MI
109 E. Tenth St. Mio, MI
989-685-2411
989-826-5442
BLAIR’S SERVICE 24-Hour Towing Now Stocking Rec 90 Fuel Minor & Major Auto Repairs 210 S. M-33, 1 mile north of Mio
P.O. Box 518 106 Vine St., Mio, MI 48647
989-826-5033 • 989-826-1278
Auto - Home - Commercial - Health - Life
56 Richard Drive, Mio, MI 48647
989-826-6607
www.NuStarInsurance.net
Kevin Peters Associate Broker
Karefree Ranch RIDING STABLE
Preparing America’s Taxes Since 1955
Cell: 989-619-8035
One mile east of Fairview on M-72 and follow the signs
Daniel L. Blamer,
Reservations Required At All Times
EA
Guided Rides on Wooded Trails
Master Tax Advisor Franchisee
HORSE LOVERS’ VACATIONS
989-848-5771
2899 Kurtz Road • Fairview
www.karefreeranch.com
CANNONBALL HNP
1260 South Morenci • P.O. Box 726 • Mio, MI 48647 Toll Free 877-700-8055 • Office 989-826-6550 Fax 989-826-3521 • E-mail: kplandman@hotmail.com
620 S. Morenci Mio, MI 48647
989-826-6521
dblamer@hrblock.com
AuSable Chiropractic Clinic, PLLC Kimberly S. Hunter, D.C., K.T.P.
METAL SUPPLY , LLC 748 N. Gerber Rd., Mio, MI • 989-826-5752 Mon.-Fri. 7 am - 4 pm; Sat. 8-11 am Specializing in Pole Barn Supplies and Custom Trim Residential Metal Roofing & Siding • Doors/Windows/Accessories
Amish Country Natural Products
Roxanne Striggow 1454 N. Owner 989-390-5915
Mt. Tom Road Mio, MI 48647
amishcountrynaturalprdcts@gmail.com
Like us on Facebook
Pizza Delicious Pizza
Uncle PePe’s Family Recipe Pizza Open 4-9 pm Tues.-Sat.
989-826-5590 Mio Pine Acres Cabins & Campground On M-72 Across from the High School www.miopineacres.com
989-826-3333
Tuesday & Thursday
OPEN Monday: 9:00 - 5:00 Tuesday: 9:00 - 5:00 Wednesday: CLOSED Thursday: 9:00 - 6:00 Friday: 9:00 - 3:00
Conveniently located behind Family Fare 200 N. Deyarmond, Ste. C Mio, MI 48647
MIO FLEA MARKET
“If you have an itch – stop in and scratch around!”
317 S. Mt. Tom Road One mile N. of Mio on M-33 Free Parking • No Admission
Fri. Noon-5pm Sat. 9am-5pm Sun. 10am-4pm
989-826-8822
also visit Oldies Café
GENEVIEVE’S Flowers & Gifts Serving the community since 1974 FRESH FLOWERS • PLANTS SILKS, GIFTS, TUXEDO RENTAL AND MORE!
“WE DELIVER”
On M-33 across from the golf course
989-848-2994
Collision Repair and Refinishing Custom Work Available Evan Gusler Free Estimates 2474 Ryno Road (Corner of M-72 & Mapes Rd.) Luzerne, MI 48636
989-826-1986
Detrich Real Estate Michael Thomson Associate Broker
Email: mikeinmio@yahoo.com
607 Morenci, Mio MI 48647
Ph. 989-826-6100 Fax 989-826-6114
Cell 989-370-1955
‘
MAPLE RIDGE
Massage Therapy Available
Amandas
Crafts, Candles & Collectibles
989-657-0091 117 M-72, Mio across from Dairy Ace
Page 12 —Our Town Oscoda County Spring 2014
Northern Power Sports 30 E. Kneeland Rd., Mio • 989-826-3388 Northern Power Sports of Mio, Inc. is a family-owned business that was founded in 1997 after the business was purchased from Nancy and Bob Emerson. Steve and Doug Brucher run the day-to-day operations, although at one time almost every family member has contributed to the company’s continuing success. Currently they sell Yamaha, Odes, Massimo, DRR and numerous other niche brands. “I had started a recreational repair business out of my garage in Toledo, Ohio, that was growing rapidly, and my parents were looking at some retirement opportunities in the area when we heard that Emerson’s was for sale,” says Steve Brucher. “One thing led to another and it just made sense for our family. We grew up riding everything from motorcycles to snowmobiles and everything in between and enjoy the lifestyle.” As the business has grown and endured the ups and downs over the years, one thing that has always been a priority for the business has been to give back to the community through donations to various fundraisers or community events or just even helping out some of the local kids. “We are lucky to live in a close-knit community that has supported us over the years and we appreciate it,” Steve said. One of the core values that Northern Power Sports promotes is value. “We strive to find products that fit our customers’ needs while providing a lot of bang for the buck. Another is training the staff. We are proud of the fact that we have four factory-trained technicians and invest regularly in training and tools. All of our employees are actively involved in riding, racing and other forms of motorized recreation,” said Steve. Northern Power Sports can be reached at 989-826-3388.
Northern Power Sports of Mio features, from left, Owner Doug Brucher, Justin Wood, Owner Steve Brucher, Jarrett Brucher, Chris Pierce, Jed Mier and Paul Stauder.
Paul Stauder, a certified repair technician at Northern Power Sports in Mio, works on an engine at the company’s repair facility.