ROSCOMMON
COUNTY –Michigan’s longest running winter festival is back for another year of family and fun Jan. 21, 22 and 28. From sled races and the famous “ice slide”, to the “Polar Bear Dip” and the over 21 beverage tent, people of all ages can enjoy the outdoor amusement. Check out this year’s schedule of events.
January 20
• 6-10 p.m. Beverage tent 21 and over, featuring "All My Friends Band"
ROSCOMMON – Local emergency responders assess a situation and try to bring calm to chaos. For over thirty years, emergency services worker Kathy Pardo-Carlson has tried to be that calm.
Pardo has served the community not only as EMS/EMT, but also as American Heart Instructor, International Trauma Life Support Instructor, Hazardous Materials Operations, Firefighter, Fire Instructor I, certified Fire Officer III, and Roscommon County Medical Examiner Investigator; employed by both Higgins Township Fire
for twenty-one years and the past twenty-two years as Medic with Gerrish Fire Department.
Having lived in northern Michigan most of her life, Pardo said she is from “everywhere,” because as a child, her family moved quite often. Kathy was one of five children born of the union of Joseph and Marguerite Pardo.
Kathy’s parents divorced when Pardo was twelve. Her dad moved to California to become a masseuse and a few months later, they learned he had been killed in a plane crash. It was around that time that Pardo began to assess her life and what course she might take to support herself in the future. She considered
many options to ascertain which careers paid well, and felt nursing to be her goal.
At age fifteen, Pardo became homeless, living on city streets downstate. Drugs and other vices were not a big issue within the homeless community at the time however, she was often scared, cold, hungry, and keeping clothes clean was a problem. Even homeless, she worked diligently to go to school and get her education. Eventually, Pardo was able to get live in babysitting jobs when she was sixteen, “finally having a roof over her head.”
She married at seventeen. During that year, she began to put ads in
Match on Main 4
Trapping is life 5
Volley mommas 8 Co-op hockey 11
Shop with a hero 16
4H banquet 21
Men's basketball 22
COOR Christmas 23
CRAWFORD COUNTY: Grayling, Frederic, Lovells
January
Crawford County Extras
Tues- Bible Study – 10am Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center
Tues- Euchre – 1-4pm Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center
Wed- Mahjong – 1-3pm Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center
Wed - Bike Night, at 7 p.m., Gallagher's Sports Bar & Grill, 3997 E. M-72
Thurs- Craft & Chat – 10am
Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center
Thurs- Penny Bingo – 1-3pm. Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center
Fri- Pantry Bingo – 1-3pm
Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center
Fri. - Trivia, at 7:30 p.m., MI
Brew
Tues- Diamond Dancers – 6pm Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center
Mon & Wed- Pickleball 9-11am; Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center
Mon & Wed- SilverSneakers – 10-11am, Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center
Tues & Thurs – Pickleball, 10am-12pm Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center
Tues & Thurs- Zumba Gold – 10-11am, Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center
Fri. - Trivia, at 7:30 p.m., MI Brew
1st Sun. - American Legion Breakfast Buffet, at 9 a.m., American Legion Post 106
2nd Mon. - Post meeting, at 7 p.m., American Legion Post 106
2nd Tues - Grayling American Legion Aux Post meeting, at 5:30 p.m., Grayling
2nd Thurs- Veterans Coffee hour, at 10 a.m., Grayling American Legion
2nd Thurs - Families against Narcotics, at 6:30 p.m., St. Francis Episcopal Church
2nd Sat. - Euchre Tournament, at 6 p.m., American Legion
ROSCOMMON COUNTY: Roscommon, Higgins Lake, Prudenville, Houghton Lake, St. Helen January 26- Community Dinner, 5-6:30
pm, Good Shepard UMC, 149 W. Robinson Lake Rd. Roscommon Roscommon County Extras: Mon - Reserve tech Help, Houghton Lake Public Library
Tues – Ski Club 4H, Starting Jan 7, 330-530pm Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Rd, Roscommon. 5-19 30 student limit, must be registered, more info 989275-5043 $15
Thurs - Sit & Get Fit, at 2:30 p.m., Roscommon Area District Library
Fri - Story-time Fridays, at 10:30 a.m., Houghton Lake Public Library 2nd Sun. – VFW Country Breakfast, at 8 a.m., VFW Post 4159 2nd Thurs. – B2B Breakfast, at 8 a.m., Village of Roscommon 3rd Wed. – Michigan Fireman’s Memorial Festival Meet, at 6:30 p.m.
IOSCO COUNTY: Hale, Whittemore, Tawas January
8- Iosco County 4H Gitty Goat Club- Whittemore Fire Hall12pm ages 5-19- sign up http:// v2.4honline./#/user/signin or call 989-362-3449 for more info
8- Iosco County Small Animal 4H Club- Whittemore Fire Hall6pm ages 5-19- sign up http:// v2.4honline./#/user/signin or call 989-362-3449 for more info
15- Iosco County 4H MOB Lamb Club- Eagle Point Plaza, Hale ages 5-19- sign up http://
v2.4honline./#/user/signin or call 989-362-3449 for more info
Iosco County Extras: Mon - BINGO, at 6:30 p.m., Whittemore Chamber of Commerce 3rd Tues. - Whittemore Chamber Meeting, at 7 p.m., 405 E. Sherman Street
2nd Sat. - Vintage Market, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Brugger Plaza, 324 W. Lake Street, Tawas City
MSU Extention Classes for the month:
Mindfulness for Wellbeing
Thursdays, January 5 - February 23, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. ET https:// events.anr.msu.edu/mwjan23/ Mondays, January 30 - March 20, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. ET https://events. anr.msu.edu/mwj23/
Stress Less with Mindfulness
Monday-Friday, January 9 - 13, 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. ET https://events.anr. msu.edu/slmj23/
Mondays, January 23 - February
A Division of AuSable Media, LLC
A veteran-owned business located at 709 Lake Street, PO Box 113, Roscommon MI 48653
“Friend, guide and companion of all good people”
Up North Voice is published monthly and distributed in Roscommon, St. Helen, Houghton Lake, Higgins Lake, Grayling, Lovells, Waters, Gaylord, Johannesburg, Lewiston, Comins, Atlanta, Mio, Fairview, McKinley, Rose City, Luzerne, Lupton, West Branch, Skidway Lake, Hale, Glennie, Curran, Tawas City, East Tawas, National City, Whittemore, Prescott, AuSable and Oscoda.
It is available at newsstands or annually for $40.
Stories, advertisements and photos are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the publisher.
UpNorthVoice.com is updated daily with breaking news and photos.
989-275-1170
Continued from page 2
20, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET https:// events.anr.msu.edu/slmjw23/ Brief Practices in Mindfulness
Monday, January 23, 10:0011:00 a.m. ET https://events.anr.msu. edu/bpm1/ Tuesday, January 24, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. ET https://events.anr.msu.edu/ bpm2/
SLEEP
Mondays, January 9 - February 13, 12:00 - 12:30 p.m. ET https:// events.anr.msu.edu/SLEEPJAN23/
ACEs: Adverse Childhood Experiences January 24, 12 - 1 p.m. ET https://events.anr.msu.edu/ ACESOnlineJan23ANJ/
RELAX: Alternatives to Anger Tuesdays, January 10 - 31, 10:0011:00 a.m. ET https://events.anr.msu. edu/rlxj23/ Tuesday - Friday, January 17 - 20, 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. ET https://events.anr. msu.edu/rlxjd23/
OGEMAW COUNTY: West Branch, Rose City, Lupton
Ogemaw County Extras: Tues. – Kiwanis Club of West Branch, at Noon, Buccilli’s of West Branch Weds. – BINGO, Early Birds at 6:30 p.m., Regular at 7:45 p.m., Knights of Columbus off M-30 Weds. – AL-ANON meeting, at 8 p.m., 12 Step-Up Club, 236 First Street Weds. – Culvers Cruise In, at 68 p.m., Culvers West Branch Thurs. – Optimist Club, at 7 a.m., Loggers Depot, 314 Houghton Avenue
1st Sun. – Adult Children of Alcoholics, at 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 2490 State Road
1st & 2nd Mon. – City Council meeting, at 6 p.m., West Branch City Hall, 121 N. Fourth Street
1st & 3rd Tues. – Rose City Council meeting, at 6 p.m., Council Chambers, 310 N. Williams Street
1st Tues. – West Branch Retail Merchants meeting, at 6 p.m., City Police Station, 130 Page Street
1st Wed. – Let’s Discuss Juniors Book Club, at 4 p.m., West Branch District Library, 119 N. Fourth Street
1st & 3rd Thurs. - Newborn Parent Support Group, at 6 p.m., MyMichigan Health West Branch in the Executive Dining Room
1st Thurs. – Ogemaw County Fair Board meeting, at 7 p.m., meets in main building
2nd Mon. - Kiwanis Young Professional Club, at 6 p.m., Highway Brewing Company
2nd Tues – Parkinson's Disease Support Group, 3:30 p.m., MyMichigan Medical Center West Branch Executive Dining Room
2nd Wed. – Aktion Club, at 9:30 a.m., United Methodist Church 2nd Wed. - Business Professional Women’s group, at 5 p.m.
2nd Wed. - Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia Support Group, at 2- 3:30 p.m. MyMichigan Medical Center West Branch Executive Dining Room
2nd & 4th Thurs. - Healing Together – Compasus Hospice, at 10 a.m., Ogemaw Commission on Aging, 1508 M-33
3rd Mon. - Disabled American
Veterans & Auxiliary meeting, at 5 p.m., VFW Post 3775
3rd Tues.- OCGHS General Membership Board meeting, at 2:30 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, 100 E. Houghton Avenue
3rd Thurs. – Vet2Vet Peer Support Group at 6 p.m., First United Methodist Churc corner of Fairview and State Road, For more info call 989-873-6088
3rd Thurs. - Ogemaw Area Swim Boosters at 6 p.m., Ogemaw Heights High School Room 210
2nd Sat. - Ogemaw Hills Snowmobile club meeting, at 9 a.m., Club House
Every Thursday-Bingo- 6 p.m., Luzerne American Legion
1st Friday- Fish Fry Dinner, Luzerne American Legion, 4:30-7 p.m.
2nd & 4th Sundays – Live Music Open Mic Productions, 2-4 p.m., Seymore Avenue at First Street, Comins . For more info call 989390-6977
LANSING – Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced thirty-five communities around Michigan have been awarded a total of $807,673 in grants.
The grants are to support small, local businesses. The hope is to create resiliency and strengthen downtowns under the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Match on Main grant program.
“Michigan’s small businesses and traditional downtowns are the heart of our communities, and with today’s Match on Main grants, we are helping small businesses in both peninsulas grow while further developing unique and inviting places that attract talent and new investment,” said Governor Whitmer. “These grants will help our vibrant downtowns continue to thrive in all corners of the state.”
The grants are expected to create or retain 296 full-time jobs, and the projects are expected to generate a total private investment of more than $2.7 million. Of the 35 grant recipients, 26 are existing and nine are new business.
In Clare, the Middle Michigan Development Corporation is awarding a $25,000 grant to McEwan Street Fudge and Ice Cream Shop, who will use the funds to purchase
display and fudge/gelato making equipment. Adding an iconic northern Michigan staple like freshly made fudge will be another welcome addition to travelers’ destination spots and will further strengthen the overall brand of downtown Clare, according to Middle Michigan Development Corporation Director of Business Services and Economic Development for Clare County Sarah Adkins.
“MMDC feels that McEwan Street Fudge and Ice Cream will exceptionally complement the offerings and atmosphere of downtown Clare,” Adkins said. “This business adds something novel to the downtown, caters to both locals and visitors, and expands on the ‘made-in-Clare’ entrepreneurialism represented by other downtown businesses like Four Leaf Brewing and Cops & Doughnuts.”
Some of the December 2022 Match on Main grant winners: City of Cadillac: Charming North LLC - $25,000
Grayling Main Street: Hidden Nook Booksellers LLC - $25,000
Village of Roscommon: Jack & Jill Investments, LLC - $25,000
Clare, MI: McEwan Street Fudge & Ice Cream Shop, LLC - $25,000
Harrison, MI: Hardy Insurance Agency, Inc. - $23,231
In 1969, at the age of 12, Dale Thorne was given four muskrat traps from a family friend named Ellston Robinson. He wasn’t given any directions as to how to trap other than, “figure it out”! said Robinson. Dale has been figuring it out for over fifty years now with 2,000 plus beavers to his credit.
Dale does dry land trapping as well but outsmarting the “flat tails” as he calls them is his greatest passion.
Dale has been trapping alone his whole life, enjoying the solitude of nature. He does say having a partner with you helps when the dangers of trapping arise. This can include falling through the ice or mistakenly catching a bobcat and releasing it.
Taking pride in his passion is something Dale takes seriously. As a teen, Dale and his brother Fred (an excellent muskrat trapper) went through some difficult times. Not always having a lot of money, they lived off the beavers and muskrats they caught.
The pelts and hides are then shipped onto to buyers who auction them off to various companies and create garments.
Dale’s greatest memory was catching a mink and a muskrat at the same time, in the same trap! You never know what you are going to catch while trapping and that’s what keeps Dale on his toes and coming back for more.
Over the years, Dale has taught students his trade as well and some have gone on to trap as adults.
Trapping is not for everyone; it is a dedicated sport that you choose to pursue every day.
Dale even says you can find an abundance of information on Google or even YouTube on trapping tips. Although these tools were not around when Dale was growing up, he learned all he knows in the school of life.
Spending countless days and hours honoring his craft has led his fur handling skills to win many awards over the years including the “Top Lot Trapper” award.
Dale’s passion is also admired greatly by his loving wife, Lori. It makes her heart happy to see him do what he truly loves to do.
According to Dale, “trapping is the best journey I have ever taken. I wouldn’t change a thing about it. Whether it’s the solitude of rowing a canoe down the river, to the great friends I have made in the trapping community, it has all been a blessing. If you want to learn how to trap, remember that the animals are the best teachers.”
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major newspapers in California and New York, inquiring if anyone had information regarding her dad. She wanted to know what his life was like from when he left to the time of the plane crash. Eventually, a man contacted her with a phone number in New York. With hesitation, she called the number. Imagine her shock when Joseph was on the other end of the phone. Her dad was equally surprised, explained he had searched for his children, but their mom had moved too much. He'd missed that fateful flight years before. Their reconnecting was the beginning of a long and rewarding relationship.
A year after her daughter Chellle was born, Pardo was single again. She worked and began putting herself through nursing school. With the end of her marriage and the loss of her grandmother around the same time she felt her life spiraling. One Christmas, she went to a tree lot, and gave the man a quarter for a Christmas tree. Dragging it home, she set it up for her two-year-old daughter and told her the story of Christ’s birth.
Pardo's faith has always been strong, even as a child she went to church every Sunday. She took her daughter to mass that Christmas. Everyone was singing, her daughter joining in as well. When the music stopped, Chelle, standing on the pew, shouted “SING! Everybody sing!”
Kathy realized then, that “God was there with her.”
Pardo eventually remarried and had her son Jay. Through trips to the emergency room with her own children, she realized that she “may be too radical for a career in nursing,” and began to work towards certification as a licensed ambulance attendant. Attending Northern Michigan Community College, she got her EMT license plus worked for the Commission on Aging and ran a day care from her home. Pardo always felt her children to be her priority, many times dropping them off or needing to pick up her children from school in an ambulance. Pardo credits former bosses with their support in allowing her to work and care for her children.
It was on one of her ambulance runs when she contacted the doctor of a deceased patient and he was unable to respond. Dr. Gosling asked Kathy if she would do the investigative work for him. That was her initial introduction to being a Medical Examiner.
During her work for North Flight, she suffered an injury causing her to be unable to walk. Doctors offered little hope. Determination and a strong will helped her to regain her strength and ability to walk again. During this period, her marriage dissolved.
In 2007, Kathy married Jesse
WINNERS! – Fairview Hardware held its annual $500 gift giveaway Dec.
2. The winners were Tracy Constance and Jeremy Linsley.
Right: Tracy Constance is pictured with owner Marika Christenson.
Below: Jeremy Linsley is pictured with owner Marika Christenson.
Continued from page 6
Carlson. He passed away March 2019 after a battle with cancer.
After being kept awake for several nights by a feral cat crying outside her home, Kathy erroneously thought she could take care of the problem with a dish of chicken. The next night he brought back friends. Realizing the village had a serious feral cat problem, she spoke to the village council requesting help with spay and neuter costs of those she could catch.
The village council provided $1500 to One Love towards those efforts.
Pardo currently pays for
food, litter, spay and neuter, immunizations, as well as vet bills. Most expenses are covered by her personally. To date, she has rescued and adopted out a total of 211 cats within the village of Roscommon. She can care for and feed as many as thirty cats at a time, and works with all the local rescues. Kathy is always in need of bedding, food, litter, cat carriers, and any other aids to help with this effort. Anyone wishing to help with donations may call or text her at 989-889-5776.
Whether human or feline, Kathy Pardo-Carlson provides aid to many in distress, calming the chaos.
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• 10 a.m. Parade
• Noon Grand opening ceremonies with the mayor, marshal, and queen
• The village opens
• Carnival rides
• Games On Stage
• “I'D Brapp That” side x side races
• Wood carving demo
• Family fun tent with live music, a magician, face painting, games & more
• Merchants tent with TUT Clothing
• Lyman's fishing contest
• Fishing casting contest for children
• Pony rides
• Petting zoo
The first round saw #4 Loney Chiropractic knock off #5 see McNeill
• Ice slide
• Vendors
• Beverage Tent 21 and over, Noon – 6 p.m. "All My Friends Band"
• Guinness Book of World Records attempt in the East Bay
• Free parking and transportation at the High School 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• 4 p.m. Village closes for the day January 22
• Village reopens - Kids Day!
• All of Saturday's rides, slides, and entertainment, plus a bull riding rodeo!
• 2 p.m. Fishing contest results
• 4 p.m. Village closes for the weekend January 27
• Beverage tent opens 6-10 p.m.
• Noon: All of our rides, slides, and exhibits of Jan 21 plus our annual polar bear dip!
• Beverage tent 12-6 p.m. with “Atomic Sound" band
• 4 p.m. Our village will close for the year, we want to thank all our volunteers vendors, exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees. See you again next year for Tip-Up Town 2024 Jan. 20,21 and 27. This will be year 74!
Thank you to our sponsors: Spicer's Boat City, Fick & Sons, 92.1 The Twister WTWS, Home Depot, Walmart and 98.5 UPS.
mean?”
“I realize that getting more exercise is your resolution for the new year, but a man your age … you need to pace yourself a little, that’s all. Don’t try to get in shape all at once.”
Doc was just getting up to leave the philosophy counter as Herb walked in. Herb was grinning and flexing muscles and had the look of eagles in his eyes. We stared.
“Herb,” said Doc. “You know, you can overdo a good thing.”
“Why Doc … whatever do you
“Why Doc, I’ve never felt better in my life. Hey, you were so right to get me on this exercise kick. I’ve been meaning to thank you. It’s just what I’ve been needing. What would you think about my playing some football in the spring? I mean, it’s just touch football, but I miss the ol’ razz-matazz, you know?”
Doc shook his head sadly and walked out. Herb started laughing and sat down with us and flipped his cup over for his morning eye opener.
“What was that all about, Herb?” Dud asked.
“A little joke I’m playing on Doc, that’s all,” Herb said. “You remember how Doc has been on my case to get more exercise and slim down some? Well, there was only one way to shut him up, so I started running. I bought a sweat suit and started running. I run past his house each morning. Then, about an hour later, I run past his house the other direction, huffing and puffing and looking at my watch.”
“An hour? You run for an hour each morning?”
“Of course not,” Herb said, laughing. “I run past Doc’s house then walk the block to the library. An hour later, I run past Doc’s house and then walk two blocks home.”
We stared at him.
“What?” he said. “You know Doc’s going to worry about me one way or the other. I just thought I’d change it up a bit.”
Brought to you by Saddle Up: A Cowboy Guide to Writing by Slim Randles. Now available as a Kindle book on Amazon.com.
ROSOMMON- High School thespians brought the characters to life in Mama Mia productions. The performance of the entire cast and crew was well done from acting,
singing, choreography as well as the costumes and staging. Director Trish Jackson offered her thanks to all who took part in the production as well as those who helped sponsor the event.
CRAWFORD COUNTY – Guest
Author Visit! Keith Gave will be the guest author Thursday, January 12th from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Devereaux Memorial Library. Keith is a local author who wrote best sellers like, ‘The Russian Five’, and “A Miracle of Their Own”. Keith was the sports reporter for the Detroit Free Press in 1989 and helped two Russian hockey player’s defect.
January’s Book Club read will be “The History of Mr. Polly, by
H.G. Wells” This book is available on our e-readers. Ask clerks at the circulation desk for more details.
The meeting will take place on Wed. Jan. 25 at 1 p.m. If you have any questions, call (989)348-9214.
Pick up a calendar at one of the Crawford County Library’s branches. You can also go to our website or Facebook account to see the most recent calendar of events with ▪ See CRAWFORD LIBRARY on page 13
By Sean Bernard, student
The Tawas Area High School and Hale Area High Schools are co-oping for the first time. The two schools are co-oping for varsity hockey. There is one person playing hockey in Tawas now for the Braves and that is Sean Bernard. The team is 2-4 right now, defeating Southgate Anderson and Bishop Foley United. The boys mercied Southgate Anderson 13-5. The team is off to a rocky start, but hopes are high after the big win over Southgate. The Braves goal this year is to end the season with a winning record and win regionals to go on to states. During January and February, the home games are January 25, February 3rd, 4th, and 8th.
Screaming Eagle Tattoo Sponsored Coed Volleyball team defended its regular season championship on Wednesday Evening, Dec 21 at The Northern
Center in Houghton Lake. A new league will begin Jan. 11, and more information can be found at www.coachvick.net.
programs and guest authors!
Need to utilize our conference rooms? Stop at the desk and check-in using our Sign-in Notebooks! You can also find a link to our Conference Room Request Form on our library website under “Services”; if you need a meeting space or study area.
Do you shop on Amazon? The library has its very own wish-list! Items will be labeled with the name of the purchaser/donator. Inquire within for more details.
We are now FINE FREE! If you
return one of our books/DVDs late, no worries! There are exceptions.
Hotspots, e-readers, board games, and interlibrary loans will still have late fees. If items are returned damaged, there will be a fee as well.
Stop in the Devereaux Memorial Library and see the current Patron Review by Marti Reichelderfer.
Please put your name in the basket by the circulation desk to be drawn for the next patron review.
Our New Website! http://www. crawfordcolibrary.org/ It’s still a work in progress, things will be updated regularly!
HALE
beer,
By Warren "Toad" Stutesman
Hello my friends, it has been a while since we have met here. I must apologize for my absence, I just let life get in the way.
Sleigh bells are fading into the past along with Christmas. The chimes of the New Year’s bells are still ringing in our ears, I want to wish you all a Happy New Year.
My wishes and prayers go out to each of you for a happy and prosperous year.
My first thoughts as always are my feathered friends which are visiting quite regularly this year. I don't hand feed but the other day I was out filling the feeders and had a Chickadee land on my fingers. That was a nice experience.
I was blessed last year with the ability to add several tools to my workshop. This has made it so that I can now make gifts for my family that they may actually use. I do love being out in the shop puttering around and keeping busy.
A topic that bothers me is inconsiderate and careless drivers. I understand that we all make mistakes, but it is the driver that thinks only of themselves that is putting others in harm’s way.
I bring this up because recently I had a car go flying by me that could have caused a serious accident. This was on M-33 going north of Zimowske road.
A man driving a Silver Audi Quattro Q7 passed me going up the hill on the double yellow. Now I was going about 57 at the time, so was not impeding his progress. Apparently, he was important and had somewhere to be.
I would have left it alone except that when I got to Mio, I could see him turn a corner and I thought he was headed to the courthouse. When I got there, I asked him are you a judge or a lawyer and he stated that “yes”, he was a lawyer. I told him that he was no better than anyone else and needed to abide by the same rules we all follow. I ask you how can someone that breaks the laws represent or prosecute justly.
This past deer season was great for one hunter that I know. Opening day with a spike horn and later a very nice eight point. I cannot say huge because I don't want his head getting as big as that rack. Then to top it off a doe to finish filling the freezer.
Lately, we have been seeing an increase in the amount of trash along the highways. Please do not throw your trash out of the window, every gas station and fast-food establishment has bins available for free. This is our world, let’s please try and keep it clean.
For you birders out there, a Southern Lapwing has been spending time in Oscoda at the old Wurtsmith Airport then moving to the AuSable River or to Cedar Lake. I have not been able to travel over to see it, but I hope that some of you did.
That is all for another month so, may God bless you and keep you safe until next we meet.
HOUGHTON LAKE – Members of fifteen departments and organizations met at the Houghton Lake Walmart to help children do their Christmas shopping. Those assisting the children included members of the Michigan State Police, Sheriff's Department, and several local agencies.
MSP Sargent Scott Bates, of the Houghton Lake Post, first orchestrated this event in 2003 to help children who otherwise may not have a good Christmas. He organizes the event each year, contacts parents, Walmart, solicits donations, and
contacts various organizations to help.
Monies donated for the event allowed each child to purchase $125 in gifts for themselves and their family members. Each child is paired with a “Hero” who helps them shop. Once purchases were complete, and taken to the wrapping station, youngsters were treated to an individual pizza.
Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand to hear the Christmas wishes of the children and for photographs. For more information or to make donations for 2023, contact Trooper Koboldt at 989-422-5103.
The Woodworkers Shoppe
Fairview Eagles/Comins Eagles
Comins Market
BP/Deli
Pines Golf Course
Club House
Mr. Bill’s Market
The Family Bookshelf
Fairview Food Market
Fairview Hardware
Fairview Family Restaurant Asia Cactus
Beacon & Bridge
Frederic Inn
A Better Place Bakery
Two River Deli
7-Eleven
Blarney Castle-EZ-Mart
Forward Shell
The Medicine SHOPPE
Old Lumberyard Shoppe
Goodale’s Bakery mi brew/Michigan Brew Grayling Rest.
Artisan Village/Coffee by Steph Bears Den Pizzeria
Tip’n the Mitten & Flowers by Josie Charlies Corner Super 8
Admiral Gas Station
Family Fare
Crawford County Library
Walgreens
Grayling Eagles
Camp AuSable Natures Nest
Old Dam Party Store
Grayling Greenhouse
Camp Grayling Military Base
Munson Hospital
Crawford Co. Coun. Aging
Skip’s Sporting Good LaFontaine Dealership
Corky’s Party Store
J & M County Fair Store
Forward’s (Shell)
Forward’s (Marathon)
Big Bob’s Restaurant & Pizzeria
Hale Flower Shop Rogers Bear Store
Plainfield Twp Library
Alwards Market
Country Corner Party Store
West Higgins Hardware
Higgins Lake Market & Storage Silver Dollar
Evergreen Party Store
Bird and the bear
East Higgins Lake Hardware
Town & Country Supermarket Sports Barn
EZ-Mart
Family Fare
Becky’s Best Sewing
Joe’s Coney Island
Houghton Lake Library
Pop-A-Top
Houghton Lake Activity Center
Lyman’s Store
Wilds True Value
Citgo (Fast Stop)
The Northern Center/Fox Den Packy’s Pets
Nesters of Houghton Lake Union Gallery
Tourism Bureau
M.Mich. Med. Health Park
Houghton Lake Travel Park Best Choice
Best Choice Two
H.L. Lakeside Resort
Angelo’s Randy’s Rest.
Northshore Hardware Country Peddler
Parkview Acres Sunoco Sunrise Cafe’
Lowell’s Corner Store
Luzerne Hardware
Luzerne Express
MIO
Radisovich Farms
Oscoda Co Council on Aging
Highland Lumber Yard
Blue Jay Valley Greenhouse & Nursery
Shady Lane Footwear & Oakwood Furntire
AuSable River Restaurant
Family Fare ARO Shell Marathon Mio Pizza
Oscoda County Courthouse
Oscoda Co. Chamber Com
AuSable River Tobacco Ace Hardware Ellie’s 12 Tables
Serenity Day Lodge
Duke’s
Kronner Pharmacy
Kiss Me Coffee
Houghton Lake Chamber
Lake House Meats
Walmart
Fred’s of Roscommon
Rite Aid
Family Fare
Beechwood Rest
Smokum Hopps Shell Marathon BP Station B C Pizza
Fifth Street Market
Up North Voice Office
Up North Coffee Shop
The Butchers Wife
Bob’s Butcher Shop
Roscommon Activity Center
The Brook Retirement Center
Uncommonly Goods
Matt’s Lake Street Grill
Mid Mich Medical Hart Ford Roscommon Library
Munson Waiting Room Nester of Roscommon
ROSE CITY
Rose City Greenhouse
Bergs Trading Post
Family Fare
Rose City Drugs
Rose City Ace Hardware
Rose City Cafe’
Fernelius Dealership
Rose Valley Winery
Terrys Gun Shop
Rose City Library Faull Inn
Lake Breeze
Marathon
Indian Lake Trading Post
Jose Lake Store & Resort
South Branch General Store
Angry Oven
Shell Station
Horizon Senior Living St. Helen Activity Center
Hen House Restaurant Chamber of Commerce
Marathon Suds Laundry
Richfield Library
Richfield Township Building
Charleton Heston Academy
Louie’s Fresh Market
RZR Razor Rentals
The Minnow Bucket Fire House
Green Ace Hardware
Gildner Harley Davidson
Team Hodges Auto
Fowlers Barber Shop
West Branch Collision
MidMichigan Medical McClaren Medical Center
West Branch Chamber
West Branch Eyecare Dean Arbour Hart Buick Mac’s Place
Country Feed Supply
Paddle Inn
Tom’s Mug and Jug
JB Enterprise
Pioneer General Store
The Farm Kitchen/ Creamery
Country Corners Bulk Food
Echo Ridge Fabrics
Klimmek Sales & Service, across from WoodHaven
AuSable Valley Motel/Inn
Gillroys of Roscommon Shell Bird and the Bear Lear Corp.
Steuernol/McLaren Fun. Home Willards Equipment Checker Flag
I was waking up from a welldeserved nap in my "Comfy Chair," and I heard Christmas music playing. While I love watching the widescreen, I enjoy my radio, especially at this time of year! The variety of Christmas music is vast and moves thru so many genres. I love the Beauty of the Christmas Hymns & Responsorial songs. I sing in the choir at church, and they elicit so many beautiful emotions. "Silent Night," "O Come O Come Emanuel," "Today Is Born Our Savior," "What Child is This," "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear," "Angels We Have Heard On High," "We Three Kings Of Orient Are." All church music indeed touches my heart all year long; it is especially true at Christmas and Easter.
Pop Venues are often so heartwarming, "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas," "White Christmas," I'll Be Home For Christmas," "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," "Little Drummer Boy." Then there are the humorist songs, "A Holly Jolly Christmas," "Baby It's Cold Outside," "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer," "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch," "All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth," "I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas," 'The Chipmunks Song," So much Christmas holiday spirit.
I Love the Christmas Movies. "White Christmas," "The Grinch," "Scrooge," "Home Alone," "Miracle On 34th Street," "It's A Wonderful Life," "A Christmas Story," "Elf," "Holiday Inn," "The Santa Claus," "National Lampoons Christmas Vacation," "Scrooged," "The Christmas Chronicles," "The Polar Express."
Christmas television shows, "Frosty The Snowman," "Rudolf The Red-Nosed Reindeer," "A Charley Brown Christmas," "How The Grinch Stole Christmas," "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town," "The Little Drummer Boy," "The Year Without Santa Claus," "Winnie the Pooh And Christmas Too," I need to mention all the regular television shows that would put on a Christmas themed show in December.
Many "Stars" would also host a variety show, "Andy Williams," "Dolly Parton," "Mariah Carey," "Perry Como," "Bob Hope," "John Denver," "Judy Garland," "Bing Crosby,"
What a wonderful season Christmas is. The decorations, the food, family & friends. The Magic of watching little children looking at the gifts under the Christmas Trees. The love of Christmas is everywhere, in music, movies, television, at church, and in our homes. I wish the Christmas season and how people treat each other would stay with us every day, all year long, and That our Churches would fill up every Sunday like they do on Christmas. We have been shown the way; we just need to walk the way! Merry Christmas Everyone!
© Joel M. Vernier 12/25/2022
Author of: "The Guinea Pig In The Freezer." joelmvernier@aol.com
Leo Thomas Valko
Leo Thomas Valko, 82, Roscommon, passed Dec 4
Carol Louise Wahl
Carol Louise Wahl, 93, Keno, passed Dec 8
Scott Lewis Reynolds
Scott Lewis Reynolds, 71, Houghton Lake, passed Dec 8
Betty Louise Rau
Betty Louise Rau, 80,West Branch, passed Dec 7
Jeanette Prudence Grove
Jeanette Prudence Grove, 91, Atlanta, passed Dec 9
Richard 'Dick' Bonsole
Richard 'Dick' Bonsole, 86, Oscoda passed Dec 6
Randall John Robare, “RJ”, passed away Tuesday, November 1, 2022. He was 74. He died peacefully at home, with his only son (aka the Golden child) by his side. RJ spent his final days how he liked to live — flirting with his nurses and yelling at the Chicago Bears on TV.
Per usual, the Bears suffered another Sunday night loss and he decided to throw in his towel. Some call it ironic, his children call it fate... but RJ decided to finally say "F**k cancer " on the SAME day as the Chicago Bears 'Hall of Fame running back, Walter " Sweetness” Payton did in 1999.
RJ had a passionate love affair with Chicago sports, many years of bar stool hopping (before his sobriety), sitting in the sunshine and being the silly jokester in his apartment community. He was a supportive, hilarious, and generous father to his four children.
RJ spent his later years in life, making sure that those around him felt his immense love and gratitude for them. He made amends where he could and lived out his life happily, in constant pursuit of a laugh.
He is survived by his ex-saintly wife, Kathy (Cherven) Hall of Roscommon, MI. As well as his 3 children, Randi Taylor, of Macomb, MI, Ashley (Josh) Leline of Austin, TX and Robert Robare of Truckee, CA, his two beloved grandchildren, Chloe Leline, of Fort Collins, CO, and Jake “JT” Taylor of Macomb, MI, and his 3 amazing sisters, Sandy, Stacy, and Tammy.
RJ was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Jenni Mulvihill of Austin, TX, two beautiful older sisters, Debbie and Sherry as well as a few, always flatulent, spoiled rotten dogs.
In honor of RJ's wishes, no services will be held. His children will be spreading his ashes in the spring and will be sharing those details in the near future.
He requests that if you're inclined to donate in his memory, that you donate your time to support Da Bears, in some of his final words, "Cuz they sure need some help."
Rest Easy Pops
Brian Earl Ferguson
Brian Earl Ferguson, 54 Mio, passed Dec 6
Brenda Lee Morris
Brenda Lee Morris, 64, Grayling, passed Dec 5
Harold 'Butch' David Adams
Harold 'Butch' David Adams, 74, Grayling, passed Dec 7
Brandon Sean Antaya
Brandon Sean Antaya, 35, Tawas, passed Nov 13
Sandra Wilson
Sandra Wilson, 73, Alger, passed Nov12
Bonnajean Bonham
Bonnajean Bonham, 92, Gladwin, passed Nov 15
Bryan Culver Heath
Bryan Culver Heath, 47, Prescott, passed Nov 20
Larry Ronald Vliet
Larry Ronald Vliet, 55, Hale, passed Nov 20
Diane Lynn Morgan
Diane Lynn Morgan, 76, Oscoda, passed Nov 21
Herman Leo Bratfish
Herman Leo Bratfish, 89, Roscommon, passed Nov 25
Charles 'Chuck' Roy Gates
Charles 'Chuck' Roy Gates, 95, Twining, passed Nov 23
Ezra John Bradd
Ezra John Bradd, 77, Standish, passed Nov 25
Leatrice Joy Place
Leatrice Joy Place, 94, passed Dec 1
Marian Ester Krevinghaus
Marian Ester Krevinghaus, 88, Rhodes, passed Dec 3
Benjamin Stanley Sheldon
Benjamin Stanley Sheldon, 87, Au Gres, passed Dec 2
Patricia 'Trisha' Marie Craig (Coronado)
Patricia 'Trisha' Marie Craig (Coronado), 29, Standish, passed December 3
Steven Leslie Spohn
Steven Leslie Spohn, 67, Prescott, passed Dec 3
Leona Elsie Shoksnyder
Leona Elsie Shoksnyder, 99, Hale, passed Dec 5
Pauline Mary Inman
Pauline Mary Inman, 82, Millington formerly of Glennie, passed Dec 5
Bridget Belden
Bridget Belden, 85, Tawas City, passed Dec 6
Kay Louise Butler
Kay Louise Butler, 72, Luzerne, passed Dec 4
Anthony Jurewicz
Anthony Jurewicz, 75, Houghton Lake, passed , Dec 4
Jonathan Carl Bean
Jonathan Carl Bean, Houghton Lake, passed Dec 4
Katie C. Troyer
Katie C. Troyer, 90, Goshen, formerly of Fairview, passed Oct 14
Joyce Elizabeth Kissau
Joyce Elizabeth Kissau, 89, Hubbard Lake passed Nov 16
Mary Elizabeth Walker
Mary Elizabeth Walker, 84, of Roscommon, passed Nov 18
Christopher John Reid
Christopher John Reid, 50, Traverse City, formerly of Lupton and Rose City, passed Nov 19
Robert Lee Seveney
Robert Lee Seveney, 81, West Branch, passed Nov 19
Lucille Nancy Dunlap-Malcolm
Lucille Nancy Dunlap-Malcolm, 78, Comins, passed Nov 19
Delores Jean (Villeneuve) Sharp Clayton
Delores Jean (Villeneuve) Sharp Clayton, 76, Mikado, passed Nov 16
Michelle Kay Spicer
Michelle Kay Spicer, 61, Grayling passed Nov 14
Matthew Carter Lewis
Matthew Carter Lewis, 40, Las Vegas formerly Grayling, passed Nov 13
Dolores L. Bojda
Dolores L. Bojda, 93, West Branch, passed Nov 23
John Frances R. Mitchell
John Frances R. Mitchell, 41, Mio, passed Nov 25
Richard Harry Dew
Richard Harry Dew, 88, Fairview, passed Nov 25
Robert Thomas Bryant
Robert Thomas Bryant, 89, Rose City, passed Dec 1
Diane Rosena Blevins
Diane Rosena Blevins, 77, Hale, passed Nov 29
Arnold Albert Barnum
Arnold Albert Barnum, 73, Sterling, passed Dec 1
Shirley Lynn Loper
Shirley Lynn Loper, 82, Bentley, passed Dec 2
Joseph Jerry Loibl
Joseph Jerry Loibl, 88, Graying, passed Nov 18
Jaylene Ann Marks
Jaylene Ann Marks, 84, Johnstown, Colorado, formerly Prudenville Michigan, passed Nov 28
Judy Ella Korody
Judy Ella Korody, 80, Lupton, passed Dec 3
Jimmie Allen Nelson
Jimmie Allen Nelson, 70, Hale, passed Dec 1
Joseph Danna. Bair
Joseph Danna. Bair, 79, Houghton Lake, passed Dec 3
Norma K. 'Kathy' Gusler
Norma K. 'Kathy' Gusler, 84, Mio, passed Dec 6
Barbara Lee Clark
Barbara Lee Clark, 84, Roscommon, passed Dec 8
Joseph Alan Keesaer
Joseph Alan Keesaer, 86, Higgins Lake, passed Dec 10
Robert James Huiskens
Robert James Huiskens, 57, Alger, passed Dec 9
Jeanette Prudence Grove
Jeanette Prudence Grove, 91, Atlanta, passed Dec 9
James Troy McKinney
James Troy McKinney, 51, Rose City, passed Dec 12
Kenneth LeRoy Soper
Kenneth LeRoy Soper, 53, South Branch, MI, passed Dec 9
Clair 'Ducky' Arden Nash
Clair 'Ducky' Arden Nash, 97, East Tawas, passed Dec 8
Max R. Wurn
Max R. Wurn, 88, National City, passed Dec 10
Kathy Lawayne Williams
Kathy Lawayne Williams, 59, Hale, passed Dec 10
How does a North Pole carpenter fix something broken? Igloos it together
Why did Dad stop using his loyalty card to scrape ice from his windshield?
He only got 10% off
"Knock, knock!" "Who's there?" "Freeze." "Freeze who?"
"Freeze a jolly good fellow, freeze a jolly good fellow..."
“It Was So Cold That…” -lawyers have their hands in their own pockets.
-you might have to chop up the piano for firewood (although you’ll only get two chords).
A truck driver is driving during an intense winter storm.
The truck driver comes to a stop and the woman in the car behind him gets out of her car and knocks on the truck driver’s window:
“Excuse me sir, you are losing your load!”
The truck driver is confused and continues his path until the next stop. The woman knocks on his window again:
Animals: Winter is here, we need a plan to survive. Goose: Wanna hear migrate idea?
My son asked me, “Daddy, why do bees stay in the hive in the winter?”
I smiled and answered… “Swarm.”
Wife texts husband on a cold winter’s morning: “Windows frozen, won’t open.”
Husband texts back: “Gently pour some lukewarm water over it and gently tap edges with a hammer.”
Wife texts back 5 minutes later: “Computer really messed up now.”
“Excuse me sir, you are losing your load!”
The truck driver is even more confused and continues to drive. At the next stop, the woman comes to knock again on his window:
“Excuse me sir, you are losing your load!”
The truck driver gets angry and says:
“Would you please shut up! I’m putting salt on the road!”
HALE – The Iosco County 4-H program recently held its annual 4-H Awards and Recognition program to mark the end of another successful 4-H year. This year marked the 74th anniversary of the Awards Banquet and 4-H members, families, volunteers, and supporters gathered at the Plainfield Township Hall to celebrate the occasion.
The theme of this year’s banquet
was “Celebrating our Harvest.”
The afternoon provided an opportunity to showcase the many accomplishments of Iosco County 4-H’s youth participants, recognize the dedicated adult volunteers, and express appreciation for the many individuals, organizations, and businesses that offer support to the 4-H program and its youth.
Congrats to Team RE-Cor (McBain) for knocking off regular season champions Schmidt Happens by a score of 51-47 in the Tournament Finals on Sunday, December 18, 2022. A ton of fun and action happened this fall, with two sessions of Men's Basketball leagues each Sunday Night at The Northern Center in Houghton Lake.
In a tightly contested game in
the first round, The Dudes knocked off Team Charles 48-46, to advance to play Coldwell Schmidt Happens, where the #1 seed held their position with a 54-41 victory. Re-Cor defeated Team Drew (Sponsored by Boals Construction) 54-50 in the other semi-final game.
New League will be starting Jan 8. Visit www.coachvick.net for more information.
Santa Claus, smiling faces, and happy children help make the season of Christmas merry and bright. For the past sixteen years, MFMFC has been bringing gifts to the two youngest classes of COOR.
Santa and his helpers arrived at COOR on the hill aboard the MFMFC Trolley. Santa made his way through the halls, greeting other students and staff along the way. Santa was able to visit three other classrooms and wish all those students and staff a very Merry
Christmas as well.
Each child in Miss Emily and Miss Meranda's class received a Santa hat with a coloring book, crayons, and toy. Teachers let the committee know what teaching, tactile/sensory and visual, aids they needed for their classrooms. MFMFC provides as many of those items as they are able. LEGO items, building blocks, PlayDoh, and other sensory toys were some of the teaching aids provided this year.
Funds for this event are raised
Thomas Paul Collins
Thomas Paul Collins, 66, Bay City, passed Dec 14
Barbara 'Barb' Ann Brinkman
through items donated and auctioned at the beginning of the MFMFC Gold Badge Auction event during the festival, as well as through cash donations.
The MFMFC COOR Christmas committee is comprised of Ed and Donna Thoma, and Calvin (Spoon) Witherspoon (Santa Claus). To donate auction items or for more information, call or text Donna Thoma at 989-858-1440.
Dennis Russell Springer
Dennis Russell Springer, 75, Grayling, passed Dec 15
Julie Marie Doremire
Julie Marie Doremire, 62, Grayling, passed Dec 10
Terry M. (Young) Stevens
Terry M. (Young) Stevens, 65, Rhodes, passed Dec 10
Charlotte A. Wanless
Charlotte A. Wanless, 85, Standish, passed Dec 11
Mary Odean Martin
Mary Odean Martin , 82, Luzerne, passed Dec 13
Arthur Osiborski
Arthur Osiborski, 95, Prudenville, passed Dec 9
Thomas 'Tom' Brushaber
Thomas 'Tom' Brushaber, 79, Houghton Lake, passed Dec 11
Don Morgenstern
Don Morgenstern, 99, Holt, passed Dec 19
Todd Jeffery Friday
Todd Jeffery Friday, 47, St. Helen, passed Dec 8
Barbara 'Barb' Ann Brinkman, 90, Oscoda, passed Dec 10
Holly Ellen Godau
Holly Ellen Godau, Age 62, Oscoda formerly Pinckney, passed Dec 11
Gerald 'Jerry' James Killewald, Sr.
Gerald 'Jerry' James Killewald, Sr., 81, Oscoda, MI, formerly of Lapeer and Troy, passed Dec 14
Mitchell William Scherzer
Mitchell William Scherzer, 58, Luzerne, passed Dec 8
Donna Jane Proulx
Donna Jane Proulx, 89, AuGres, passed Dec 15
Steven Christopher Broughton
Steven Christopher Broughton, 49, Iosco County, passed Dec 15
Dale Gillespie
Dale Gillespie, 84, Bay City, passed Dec 15
Maryanne Steelman
Maryanne Steelman, age 80, West Branch, passed Dec 16
Helen Elizabeth (Frey) Jarboe
Helen Elizabeth (Frey) Jarboe, 94, Luptin, passed Dec 18
Andrew Joseph Higgins Andrew Joseph Higgins, 35, Hale, passed Dec 15
Retired Major William Emmett Ellis
Retired Major William Emmett Ellis, 76, Oscoda, passed Dec 16
Sandra Kaye Ross
Sandra Kaye Ross, 77, Oscoda, passed Dec 17
Daniel Manuel Schanck
Daniel Manuel Schanck, 65, Mio, passed Dec 18
Kathleen Ann Hughes
Kathleen Ann Hughes, 78, Grayling, passed Dec 17
