The Higgins Lake-Roscommon Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Winterfest the second Saturday of February. Events included a fishing contest. chili cookoff, kids games, a silent auction and much more. Pictured (l-r) are Izzy Valentino, Tony Valentino and one of the winners ~ Photo courtesy of Traci Smith from the fishing contest.
Fairview Eagle Voice B 6-7 New Grayling 'Relay' forms B-8 Toad's Stool B-11 Laughing Buck B-14 Out & About A 2-5 Roscommon rec plan A 10-11
What's in this issue:
Strengthening the communities of Northeast Michigan Vol. 11, Issue 3
Voice
March 2020
Free Up North
Don’t forget Lovells By Jim Smith LOVELLS - Lovells can quote its origin as 1889. That was when the Michigan Central Railroad established a station at that particular location on the North Branch of the AuSable River. The Michigan Central spur line, (Jackson, Saginaw & Lansing Railroad), ran from Grayling to Lewiston and serviced a host of logging communities along the way. Kneeland, Bucks Siding and Judge came and went with the tall trees. Against all odds Lovells still exists. Much of Lovells success can be traced back to the foresight of Thomas E. Douglas. Douglas moved from Saginaw to Grayling in 1893 to work for R. Hanson as a bookkeeper in the Hanson Lumber Company. In 1898 Douglas built a sawmill and general store in Lovells. In 1902 fire destroyed the store. Douglas rebuilt the store in 1903. By 1903 the logging industry started to wind down. Douglas realized that the Lovells area had more to offer than just logs. The North Branch of the AuSable River, offering car loads of the fish identified as the Grayling and Brook Trout, ran through the center of the settlement and just to the east a bit were the small waters at the head of the Big Creek watershed, another premier although lesser known, trout stream. The new growth, covering the logged over areas, provided excellent cover for deer and other small game and the spring fed rivers ran clear and
cold. Recognizing the areas potential attraction to hunters, fisherman and tourists, Douglas built the Douglas House in 1916. The hotel offered fare and lodging to sportsmen and visitors from all over the United States. At first the railroads brought in visitors by the train load. Private railroad cars and huge refrigerator cars were parked on the siding waiting to be filled with deer and trout. Seeing the growing success of the hotel, Douglas formed the North Branch Outing Club in 1916 and housed it in the hotel. The hotel attracted such famous people as Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone and Charles Nash. Guests of the hotel also included Detroit’s Mayor Marx and Thomas Edison. Henry Ford was one of the originators of the famous AuSable Trout and Game Club. Douglas’s daughter Margaret, according to one source, reported her mother frying as many as 500 trout in one night in addition to baking 12 to 14 pies per day to feed the guests. In 1913 automobiles began to arrive following the old logging trail to Lovells. In 1925 the railroad tracks were removed, thus signaling the close of one era and the opening of another. Lovells is more than a town. It’s a township created by a petition in 1911 that split Maple Forest Township into two pieces, one of See LOVELLS on page 9
Built by Ed Kellogg and a Mr. Ernst in 1913, the school was officially the Lone Pine School but called the Kellogg School since there was almost always a member of the Kellogg family in attendance. (Mr. Ernst was the great, great grandfather of Sheryl Biggs who generously provided resource material for this story).
In continuous operation since 1916, the Douglas Hotel still caters to fisherman and hunters as it has for more than one hundred years.
Out & About ALCONA COUNTY Recurring Alcona County Veterans Coffee and Donuts. 9 a.m. at the Westminster Presbyterian Church. 201 N 2nd St. Harrisville First and Third Thursday each month Alcona Authors - 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month at 1 p.m. Friendly, encouraging group open to writers of all levels of experience and goals for writing. Contact Will St. John 989-736-3000. Sponsored by Inspiration Alcona and the Alcona County Library. Classic Movie Night - 3rd Friday of each month at 5:45 p.m. The movie, popcorn and soda are all free. Shows are on the big screen at the Harrisville Library, 312 W. Main St. Contact Will St. John 989-736-3000. State Park Programs - The Explorer Guide Program offers fun and entertaining talks, hikes, and other outdoor learning experiences. Programs vary from hiking out trails, listening for certain birds, or looking for rare plants. Events are free, but a current Recreation Passport is required to enter the park. Contact Eric Ostrander – 989-724-5126 Recycle Alcona, Inc. - 2nd Saturday of each month 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Lincoln ARA Site. Household type recycling paper, tin, glass, cardboard, plastic (1-7). Contact Bill Thompson 989-724-5077
Page 2 March 2020
CRAWFORD COUNTY March 1- Mike Wieland Tribute Ski Race Fundraiser at 11:30 a.m. Grayling Middle School Ski Team. Hanson Hills Recreation Area 7601 Old Lake Rd – Grayling. Registration opens at 11:30 a.m., Races start at 1:30 p.m. 7- Snowshoe Hike - Meet at Hartwick Pines State Park Contact Station. Snowshoe fitting begins at 7:30 p.m. Hike begins at 8 p.m., approximately 2-mile hike through unbroken snow. Snowshoes available to borrow. For more information call 989-348-2537. 21- New Moon Hike and Winter Getaway, Meet at the Hartwick Pines State Park Visitor Center. Hike anytime between 6:30-8:30pm, approximately 1.25 mi hike around the lantern-lit, Old Growth Trail. Warming fire along the trail at the Logging Museum. Snowshoes available to borrow. Hike subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. Call the Visitor Center with questions. 989-348-2537. Recurring Crawford County Veterans Coffee Hour. 9 a.m. American Legion Post106 in Grayling. Thursdays Tea and Tech Time- Every Monday through Friday Enjoy a hot beverage and let the library help you one-on-one with your laptop, tablet, e Reader, or phone questions. Call 989-
348-9214 to make an appointment. Appointments are also available for 3D printer demonstrations. Genealogy Group- Monday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Bring your ancestry research and collaborate with others sharing similar goals. At Devereaux Memorial Library Let’s Get Fit- Every Tuesday and Thursday at 1 p.m. Adult exercise program designed with seniors in mind. Easy chair exercises, stretching, and simple yoga moves improve mind and body. Wear comfortable clothing. At Devereaux Memorial Library Story Hour- Every Wednesday at 11:15 a.m. Birth to preschool children can come to enjoy stories, songs, crafts, snacks and activities. No sign up required. At Devereaux Memorial Library Sit And Knit- Join area fiber fanatics to share ideas in the techniques of knitting, crochet, felting, embroidery, etc. Bring your projects. Every first Thursday at 10 a.m. and third Tuesday at 5 p.m. At Devereaux Memorial Library Dinner Is Served- Monday nights FREE community dinner at Michelson Memorial United Methodist Church. 5 p.m. Free fly tying Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Gates AuSable Lodge, 471 Stephan Bridge Road. We have limited space, first come first served. Open Skeet and Trap every See OUT & ABOUT on page 3
UpNorthVoice.com
Up North Voice A Division of AuSable Media Group, 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
Out & About Continued from page 2
Sunday and Wednesday (excluding holidays) at 11a.m. Grayling Sportsman’s Club, 6990 Old Lake Road Grayling Pistol Shooting every Tuesday (excluding holidays) at 1 p.m. at Grayling Sportsman’s Club, 6990 Old Lake Road Grayling. AuSable Valley Animal Shelter Pet Food Pantry 10 a.m.-12 p.m. AuSable Valley Animal Shelter, 5786 Fairground Lane Grayling. Dry dog and cat food available at the shelter barn on Wednesdays. Registration required. For more information call 989-348-4117 Crawford County Baby 2 Toddler Closet 1st & 3rd Thursday of month from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (last client at 5:30 p.m.) Servicing all children and families in Crawford County between birth to 3T. Located at the basement of Michelson Memorial United Methodist Church. For more information contact Rose Mary Nelson, 989-348-2985. IOSCO COUNTY March 14- Cardinal Club Dinner 5 p.m.-Midnight Dinner, raffles and door prizes. Contact Russ Wilson 989-239-7366, Jessica Spencer 989-915-9098, Karen Horn 989-2548810, Dawn Wynkoop 989-915-7030. Whittemore Chamber Hall, 405 East Sherman, Whittemore. 15- Iosco County 4-H Spring Auction 3 p.m. at the Plainfield Township Hall in Hale. For questions, to volunteer or donate please call Sandy Lieber at 989-2544254 Recurring Iosco County Veterans Coffee Hour 9:30-10:30 a.m. American Legion Post 211, 900 E. Lincoln St. East Tawas Fourth Thursdays (Oct.April) MONTMORENCY COUNTY Recurring Veterans Coffee Hour, 9 a.m. Atlanta VFW Hall First Tuesday of each month Music at the Mill– Brush Creek Mill, Every third Friday of the month. Open “mic.” Sign-up to play or sing. Music starts at 7
p.m.. Concession stand open. Free admission. Spinners & Knitters Group, Brush Creek Mill, informal get together. No charge. Share conversation and ideas. Saturdays Scrap booking– Brush Creek Mill, Third Saturday of the month, October through May. No charge. Help for beginners. If you would like to get started, all are welcome to join. Hillman Area Historical and Genealogy Society – Third Thursdays at 1pm Brush Creek Mill Iyangar Yoga-Mondays and Fridays-9 a.m. Brush Creek Mill Getting Fit with Vickie Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. beginning May 7, free to Brush Creek Mill members. OGEMAW COUNTY March 3 - Wander the West Branch Trails System Meeting. Griffin Beverage Company in the meeting room,1901 Dam Road West Branch 10 - West Branch Rising Tide Meeting 10 -11 a.m. West Branch City Hall 989-345-0500 16 - Disabled American Veterans and Auxiliary Meeting 5 p.m. VFW Post 3775 South M-30 West Branch 17- St. Patrick's Day Celebration at Clear Lake Bar. 2212 Clear Lake Road in West Branch 19- Vet2Vet Peer Support Group. Certified peer support specialist. 6-7 p.m. All veterans welcome. First United Methodist Church (Corner of Fairview and State Road) in West Branch. For more details please contact 989-873-6088 29- Dart Tournament at Clear Lake Bar, 2212 Clear Lake Road in West Branch 989-345-1155 Recurring West Branch Creative Arts Association 124 N. Fourth Street, First Tuesday every month at 7 pm For information call Linda 989-7090928 Wednesday with Walleye 6-9 p.m. a not so open mic night every Wednesday at The Highway Brewing Co with Dan “Walleye” Smith and guests! Free admittance. Books for Lunch, 12 – 1 p.m. Come listen or share in discussion as library friends review new and
fascinating books during lunch hour. West Branch District Library the First Tuesday of each month Call 989-345-2235 for information. Meditation at Living Well Nutrition 6:30 a.m. www.getherbal. net Join for a Free Meditation Class offered by Living Well Nutrition Mondays- Wednesdays and Fridays Charity Bike Nights 6 -8 p.m. at Loggers Depot Mondays. Iron Bandogs Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club Proceeds to Ogemaw County Charity Foundations. Door prizes and 50/50 raffles. Healthy Relationships Group offered by the Riverhouse Shelter. All women are welcome. 3 - 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Michigan Works. Kiwanis Club of West Branch meets at the China Inn Tuesdays at 12 p.m. A Matter of Balance 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Fridays Designed to reduce the fear of falling & increase activity levels among older adults. Sponsored by the Ogemaw County Commission on Aging. Market - Saturday's – 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. in downtown West Branch, S. 3rd St. Discover locally grown fresh produce & a wide variety of other treasures. OSCODA COUNTY March 3, 10, 17- Prime Time Family Reading Program at the Oscoda County Library in Mio. Families with kids ages 5-10 years. Six-week
UpNorthVoice.com
program beginning Feb. 4 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. Meal and door prize each week and free transportation if needed. To register call 989-8263613 3, 5, 17- Depression Seminar at the Mio Seventh-Day Adventist Church. 7 p.m. An ongoing seminar that started in February. 989214-4569 to register or for more information. Recurring Oscoda County Veterans Coffee and Donuts 9 a.m. at Ellie's 12 Tables in Mio 3rd Tuesday each month. OTSEGO COUNTY March 14- Sit'n Sign with Michigan author Dawn Newton 11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. Free, and open to the public. In Winded, Dawn Newton describes her life with terminal disease. The final lessons she imparts may not be about resilience, but about illuminating vulnerability and embracing the imperfect. Meet Dawn and discuss her remarkable journey. Saturn Booksellers 127 W. Main St. Gaylord. 989-732-8899 Recurring Otsego County Veterans Coffee Hour. 9 a.m. at the Gaylord Regional Airport. First Wednesday each month Lung disease support Wednesdays- 3 -4 p.m. If you, or someone you know is living with a chronic lung disease like COPD, lung cancer, Pulmonary fibrosis, See OUT & ABOUT on page 5
March 2020 Page 3
Voice Staff
FOR SALE!
Mark Constance Publisher
TREES & PLANTS
mconstance@ UpNorthVoice.com
Jan Wilkerson Marketing
jan@upnorthvoice.com
Tracy Constance Marketing
tracy@UpNorthVoice.com
Lindy Peterson Reporter
lindythemermaid@yahoo. com
Jim Smith Reporter
jackpinetech@i2k.net
Warren Stutesman Reporter warren@upnorthvoice.com
William Broadnax Distribution Manager williambroadnax2015@ gmail.com
Send your photos, announcements and club events to: info@UpNorthVoice. com
Northeast Michigan Trades Education Coalition seeks local support
Dear Editor For over a half-century, Kirtland Community College has served our communities from its Roscommon main campus with support from the taxpayers. When built, this location was at the geographic center of the college’s original four-county taxing district. In the November 2014 election, voters approved Kirtland’s bonding proposal to fund “… constructing, remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, equipping and reequipping building additions and facilities at the college’s Roscommon campus…” Kirtland’s 2018 decision to instead close and relocate its Roscommon main campus to new facilities that it is building near Grayling contradicts Kirtland’s own published “2013-2019 Strategic & Action Plan,” which assured voters: “There are no plans to discontinue education offerings at the Roscommon location, but Kirtland must use it wisely and refurbish it for new uses.” Only one-third of the high school students in northern Michigan will continue their education at a fouryear university or a community college. Of those, approximately twenty percent will drop out without a college degree or certificate, and instead, they will join the other two-thirds who are searching for job opportunities. However, many northern Michigan employers need employees with specific trade skills. So, individual employers have been forced to develop and implement their own “on-the-job” training programs to meet their workforce requirements in jobs such as government public works, timbering, construction and road work. In recent months, volunteers
representing various organizations and businesses have met with local school officials, regional and state elected officials and staff, business leaders, labor union representatives, and private individuals, and have formed a Coalition to address the documented yet unmet trades education and job training needs in our region. The new Coalition believes that Kirtland’s Roscommon campus should not be closed. Instead, it offers a rare and unique opportunity with its convenientbut-rural location, to create a new regional Trades Academy that can provide job training and career direction for area students who seek skilled trades careers. Prospective employers have shown a desire to invest time, resources and apprenticeship commitments to ensure the Academy’s success. The announced future shuttering of Kirtland’s Roscommon campus is of grave concern because the longer it sits empty and unused, the more it will cost to sell or repurpose. The Coalition is seeking assistance and letters of support from organizations and individuals to help develop our vision for a Northeast Michigan Trades Academy at Kirtland’s Roscommon Campus, and to bring it to reality. For more information, to provide assistance or express support, contact: Northeast Michigan Trades Education Coalition P.O. Box 535 Roscommon, Michigan 48653 Tim O’Rourke John Rosczyk Elizabeth Gorske Cheryl O’Rourke Edward Bergeron Robert Schneider Mark Constance
Apple, Cedar, Fir, Pine, Spruce & Tamarack; hardwoods & wildlife shrubs; native wildflower bulbs; and asparagus, raspberry & blueberry cuttings. Pre-order at Conservation District in Roscommon County Building; (989) 275-3163 or ‘crawford-roscommoncd. weebly.com’ or ‘roscommoncounty.net’.
For advertising information call: 989-275-1170
Baby to toddler closet seeks donations GRAYLING - Baby to Toddler Closet desperately needs nearly new clean toddler clothes, boys and girls 2T,3T,4T and 5. Please if you have outgrown items of your children or grandchildren, please contact Rose Mary Nelson at 989-348-2985 or drop them off at the Michelson United Church Grayling any time. Please call first to ensure someone is there. Hours of operation are the first and third Thursdays of the month. Rents are first and third Thursday of the month from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the basement on Spruce Stead. Volunteers can be available at most times to accept donations.
Letter to the editor policy: AuSable Media Group encourages all readers with a connection to the community to submit letters to the editor for possible publication. Please limit letters to 300 words. Author must include a daytime contact number. Letters are the individual opinion of the author and do not reflect the opinions of the staff, advertisers or contributors to the Voice. The Voice reserves the right to accept or reject any letter. To submit a letter email it to : info@UpNorthVoice. com, mail to P.O. Box 113, Roscommon, MI 48653, or stop by the office at 709 Lake Street in Roscommon.
Page 4 March 2020
UpNorthVoice.com
Out & About Continued from page 3
or emphysema, join us on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at MediLodge of Gaylord, 508 Random Lane. Call 989-732-3508 to register. Veterans Lunch 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Second Wednesdays at Gaylord Bowling Center NMVC Board Meeting 9:30 a.m. at the Chemical Bank 521 W Main St. Gaylord, Second Mondays Veterans Lunch. 12 p.m. Third Wednesdays at Gaylord Elks ROSCOMMON COUNTY March 8- Michigan Cup Relays at XC Ski HQ. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m.; race starts at 11 a.m. After the Relays, stick around for the Michigan Cup awards ceremony, and enjoy a hearty post-race meal, included with your registration fee. Each racer receives a commemorative pint glass! 14- Roscommon County Council on Aging Meals On Wheels Soup Fundraiser. St. Helen Center 10493 East Airport Road in St. Helen from 1-5 p.m. Soup, Bread, Desert and Drink. Choose from Creamy Reuben, Turkey and Dumplings or Potato. 6-15- Macon Marine Center’s 5th Annual Boat Show in beautiful Houghton Lake. 1551 W. Houghton Lake Dr. Prudenville. There will be multiple brands of pontoons and outboards on display. 6, 13, 20, 27- Knights of Columbus Fish Fry at Knights of
Columbus Home Hall M-55 east of Prudenville. Take outs available. 16- Kirtland Garden Club March meeting 1 p.m. at the Houghton Lake Public Library. Speaker Julie Crick, Michigan State Extension, Topic: Vernal Pools, what they are and why they are important. For information call 732-684-5497 21-22- The Snowshoe Workshop Weekend at Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center Build your own set of snowshoes, take a snowshoe hike and enjoy a night at the RAM Center. For reservations or more details call 989-821-6200. Please Note: Dates occasionally change and events may be canceled due to inclement weather and other reasons. Please confirm dates/times prior to your arrival. 21- Murder Mystery Dinner 5:30 p.m., VFW Post 5680 1914 Lake St. Saint Helen. Dinner, door prizes, raffles, and more. All proceeds go to the St. Helen We Care Shop. Recurring events Free Beginner Ski Lesson at XC Ski Headquarters Saturdays until March 14 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Learn classic (traditional) style or skate skiing, as well as hill climbing and descending, and turning. Ski rentals available, sign in at the rental desk no later than 10:15 a.m. Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N. Cut Road Roscommon Roscommon County Veterans Coffee Hour 1st Thursday of each
month. 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. at Blodgett Airport, Houghton Lake VFW Country Breakfast 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Second Sunday of each month.. VFW Post 4159, located across from the Roscommon Post Office. Tech Hour - Every Friday at 2 p.m. at Roscommon Library. Come in if you have any computer questions, or need assistance with technology. Story Time - Every Thursday at 10:30am at Roscommon Library Sit and Get Fit - Every Thursday at 2:30 p.m. Light exercises at the Roscommon Library. Adult Trivia - Third Wednesday of every month at 4:30 p.m. at Roscommon Library. Answer questions, meet new people, and see if you are smarter than a librarian. Genealogy Interest Group - Last Wednesday each month at 1 p.m. Come and join the discussion. The Roscommon Area Historical Society (RAHS) meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Gallimore Boarding House, 404 Lake St., Roscommon. Visitors always welcome. For information call Sharon Boushelle 989-387-2489 Business to Business Breakfast. Second Thursday each month from 8-9 a.m. in the Village of Roscommon Offices. Chamber Members are welcome; For information call the Chamber.
UpNorthVoice.com
March 2020 Page 5
Obituaries & Death Notices Sean Patrick Constance Sean Patrick Constance, 37, of Sarasota, Florida, passed away Feb. 6, 2020. Sean was complicated. He loved dogs but not cats. He loved fishing but hated jellyfish. But mostly, he loved his family and his lady, Brianna. Sean is survived by two daughters, Eva Constance of Richmond, Michigan and Kennady Lawrence of Howell, Michigan; the love of his life, Brianna Tripoli of Sarasota, Florida; his father, Mark (Tracy) Constance of Roscommon, Michigan; sister, Autumn (Rixy) Rodriguez-Constance of Hazel Park, Michigan; Aunts Kathi (Brent) Sockow of Sarasota, Florida and Michelle Sockow of Red Bud, Illinois; Uncles Terry (Christine) Constance of Wolverine Lake, Michigan and Terry Metcalf of Waterloo, IL,; Grandmother Patti Mendler of Wolverine Lake, Michigan; Great-Uncle Michael (Anita) Holland of East Tawas; Cousins Brandon (Tonya) Carter, Jason Haigh, Thomas Sockow, Cami Sockow, Nick Carter, Jeffree Shooter, Justin Haigh, Chelsea (Dominic) Constance, Courtney (Shivam) Tapiawala, Tesia Sockow, Harmony Sockow, Zach Sockow, Jenna (Jon) Dade, Mikayla Sockow, Jared Constance, Ian Metcalf, and Brianna Jamison. Sean was preceded in death by both of his grandfathers, Gordon Constance and David Mendler; and Aunt, Kelley Metcalf. A celebration of life will be held near the AuSable River this summer. The family requests that donations be made on behalf of Sean’s daughters, which will be used to create a college scholarship fund. Please make checks payable to Mark Constance / Eva and Kennady scholarship fund, P.O. 113, Roscommon, MI 48653.
June Elizabeth Derocher June Elizabeth Derocher, age 88, of Roscommon, died on Wednesday, February 19, 2019, at home in the presence and comfort of her family in White Cloud, Michigan. The family prefers memorial contributions be made in June’s name
to Harbor Hospice of Muskegon and St. Michael Catholic Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner and Walsh Funeral Directors, Roscommon
Donald M. Yarrington
Donald M. Yarrington, 94, of Roscommon, MI and formerly of Midland, MI died on February 20, 2020, at home. Memorial contributions may be made in Don’s name to the First Congregational Church, Roscommon (food pantry); the Roscommon County Commission on Aging; or to a local humane society. Arrangements entrusted to Wagner and Walsh Funeral Directors, Roscommon, Michigan.
Shirley Henry Shirley Henry, 86, of Grayling, Michigan, died on Friday, February 14, 2020, in Grayling. Donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to the Grayling Baptist Church, 705 Madsen St, Grayling, MI 49738. Arrangements were entrusted to Wagner and Walsh Funeral Directors, Roscommon, Michigan.
Dianne L. Barnes Dianne L. Barnes, age 73, of Roscommon, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 30, 2020, in Bay City in the presence and comfort of her family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner and Walsh Funeral Directors, Roscommon.
Barakel, P.O. Box 159, Fairview, MI 48621.
Penny Ann Alexander, age 61, of Roscommon, died on Monday, February 4, 2020 in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner and Walsh Funeral Directors, Roscommon.
John Harrison Hartman, age 71, of Roscommon, died on Wednesday, January 29, 2020, at home in the presence and comfort of his family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner and Walsh Funeral Directors, Roscommon.
Richard "Dick" L. Handrich
Charles Lawrence Ott
Susan Marie (Venus) Mahoney
Judith Fay Wineman Judith Fay Wineman, age 70, of Roscommon, died on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 in Roscommon. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner and Walsh Funeral Directors, Roscommon.
Penny Ann Alexander
Charles Lawrence Ott, age 76, of Roscommon, died on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at home in the presence and comfort of his family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner and Walsh Funeral Directors, Roscommon
Beulah V. Bradley Beulah V. Bradley, age 94, of Roscommon, died on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 in Roscommon The family prefers memorial contributions be made in Beulah’s name to the First Congregational Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner and Walsh Funeral Directors, Roscommon.
John Harrison Hartman
Susan Marie (Venus) Mahoney, age 82, of Roscommon, died in Grayling on Tuesday, January 28, 2020. The family prefers memorial contributions be made in Sue’s name to the James Mahoney Memorial Trust Fund. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner and Walsh Funeral Directors, Roscommon.
John Michael Tripp John Michael Tripp, 65, passed away suddenly on February 24, 2020. Richard Dwain Wells Richard Dwain Wells, age 86, of Fairview passed away Monday February 17, 2020
Lyle Dean Troyer
It is with great sadness that the family of Lyle Dean Troyer announces his sudden passing on Thursday, February 13, 2020. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Lyles's memory to: Camp
Page 6 March 2020
UpNorthVoice.com
Debra L. Jones Debra L. Jones, age 53 of Luzerne, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 Memorial donations may be made to Tri-Point Church of God in Mio, MI.
Richard "Dick" L. Handrich, age 94, of Fairview, MI, passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at his home. Memorials may be made to: The Fairview Mennonite Relief Sale, C/O The Fairview Mennonite Church, PO Box 100, Fairview, MI 48621.
Ronald E. Knott Ronald E. Knott, age 73 of Mio, Michigan, entered Heaven on Wednesday, February 5, 2020, to spend eternity with Our Lord and Savior.
Robert James Davis Robert James Davis, age 88, of Fairview, MI, passed away Monday, February 3, 2020.
Anthony Barajas Anthony Barajas of Comins passed away Feb. 1, 2020.
Find us on the web: UpNorthVoice.com and on Twitter: UpNorthVoice1
Derrick Carroll, public information officer for the MSP Seventh District (right) and Amy Wieland, Executive Director of the Charlevoix County Commission on Aging with a placemat delivered to Meals on Wheels recipients.
Partnership to protect seniors from scams
REGION - The Michigan State Police (MSP) Seventh District has partnered with the Commission on Aging “Meals on Wheels” program to help protect senior citizens from the latest scams targeting them. “We were looking for a way to reach the senior population we usually don’t have access to,” said Lt. Derrick Carroll, the public information officer for the MSP Seventh District. “We know the best way to fight criminals targeting our seniors is through education and prevention. That’s when we decided to develop a placemat with the most common scams targeting seniors. We reached out to the local Commissions on Aging in the 19 counties our district serves and was overwhelmed by the support. The plan included the MSP printing up placemats for delivery to homebound seniors participating in the Meals on Wheels program. The Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver the placemats we printed along with the meal. It’s a perfect match for what we wanted to accomplish.” So far, the MSP has delivered almost 6,000 placemats for distribution throughout northern Michigan. If you would like to know more about this program or would like the MSP to do a presentation on scams targeting our senior citizens, you may contact Lt. Carroll at 989-619-5423.
UpNorthVoice.com
March 2020 Page 7
Roscommon Area Recreation plans new direction
ROSCOMMON - It has been 50 years since Roscommon formed the Roscommon Metropolitan Recreation Authority (RMRA). RMRA was formed in 1969 under the auspices of Higgins Township and the Village of Roscommon. RMRA is a governmental entity and not a 501c3, “Not for Profit Organization.” Its initial holding was an eight-acre parcel two blocks from the county court house. The property soon became Metro Park, adding ice rinks, basketball courts and ball diamonds. Metro Park now contains three baseball diamonds, a pavilion and restrooms. In 2014 extensive park renovations and upgrades were made with plans for future additions. Over time, additional property holdings were added to RMRA’s responsibility. The CRAF (Community Recreation and Fitness) Center was created and added in 1993. The Marguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve was established and deeded to RMRA in 1997 and the AuSable River Center was included in 1998. In 2013 a land maintenance agreement with the mDNR was signed for RMRA to maintain and groom the trails at Tisdale Triangle for hiking, biking and cross country skiing. In 2016 RMRA was awarded the mParks Community Service Award from the State of Michigan. The CRAF Center was a former middle school building which has been comprehensively repurposed. It
Page 8 March 2020
contains a full sized gymnasium for basketball, volleyball, and special events, a small court gym utilized for pickleball, two fitness rooms and aerobics room. Numerous classes including cardio-drumming, pound, kick start, astro-durance, clogging, karate and yoga are regularly scheduled. Over the past four years the center has been totally renovated. New plumbing, locker rooms, flooring, paint, fitness equipment, computerized 24-hour entry system and security improvements have increased membership from 149 per month in 2015 to 786 in Feb., 2020. It is the center of activity for numerous annual community events and hosts the Summer Concerts Series. Additionally, long-term leases are available for private and public rental. The Marguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve is a sixty-acre natural area which includes an interpretive cabin, a handicapped accessible informational trail, a towering growth of pine forest, the headwaters for Tank Creek, a pond, and a well-marked foot trail network. Gahagan is well utilized by visitors and school classes as it serves to educate everyone about the value of conservation. It provides
a quiet area close to downtown and schools for reflection and nature study. There is a naturalist on staff, offering year-round environmental education programs for area students and communities. The Preserve is run by a volunteer board and funded through community grants, donations by the public and an endowment left by Marguerite Gahagan. The AuSable River Center was the former DNR Headquarters built by the C.C.C. (Civilian Conservation Corps) and was relocated within the Village. The 2300 sq. ft. building was renovated to accommodate displays of river history, river craft, artifacts and other educational material. The mission statement reads: “To educate the public about the heritage, artifacts, wildlife and environment of the great AuSable River. To provide a forum for those interested in keeping the river as a viable entity for its natural and recreational opportunities.” In the summer it is home of the Roscommon Farmer’s Market held on Saturdays from May to October. For several years RMRA has lacked structure and funding to continue to support, let alone further recreation within the community.
UpNorthVoice.com
Typically, in a community, Parks and Recreation are managed by the cities, townships or villages. We strategically have some barriers fitting with this standard. We are community bordering two counties, located in Higgins Township with eighty percent of the population and the majority of the recreation assets sit within the Village or close proximity. Indeed, there are many assets and opportunities in the Roscommon area, but an unfunded volunteer board cannot efficiently manage it all. Since recreation is one of the community’s largest impacts for economic growth and tourism, key members from the Township, Village, Recreation Authority, DNR and community met routinely in 2018 to assess barriers and move forward with a functional plan containing direction and funding for the future. The group next analyzed at the assets, infrastructure and funding within the Township, Village and RMRA. With that knowledge four outcomes were evaluated. Presentations were provided for the Township Board and Village Council and with a general consensus the Recreation Authority could move ahead with a new plan: • Rewrite Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws to be suitable for current function • Each entity functions with their See RECREATION on page 11
Lovells Continued from page 1
which became Lovells Township. The Post Office was originally established in the town of Judge in 1892 and was moved to Lovells in 1909. The Post Office operated in Lovells until 1936 when the postal services were consolidated in Grayling. Many of the original visitors built lodges and cabins along the river, Nash Camp being a notable remnant. One of the early visitors was a Dr. Grover from Columbus, Ohio. His son was a pilot and would fly the doctor up for a week or two of fishing and then fly back to take him home. In addition to the Douglas family, other notable early settlers included the Kellogg family. In 1903 James Kellogg loaded his family on a flat bottom scow along with all their possession and the family cow and poled their way fifteen miles up-river to a point where North Down River Road now crosses the river. James set up a farming operation with various types of livestock. He built a water wheel to generate electricity to run his cream separator, grain mill, sawmill and to provide current to the house. In 1909 James, who was better known as Ed, built the Lone Pine School House that still stands on the family homestead. It was also referred to as the Kellogg School since there always seemed to be at least one Kellogg enrolled. In 1906 another school house was moved to Lovells from the former settlement called Judge. It was clapboard construction instead of log and served the community for many years. There were many other early
settlers whose contributions to the Lovells community still stand today. The Ernst family, the Stillwagon’s and the Caid’s. Visitors to the Lovells area can still purchase gasoline from Caid’s store on the corner. Across the road is what was originally Paul’s Tavern with summer seating on the lawn looking out over the river. Paul’s has become a popular stop and congregating point for snowmobilers in recent years. In 1956 Frank and Neva Wood opened the AuSable Trading Post with sporting goods, shoes and archery equipment. The history of the area would not be complete without the mention of K.P. Lake, Shupac Lake and Warblers’s Hidaway. The “North Branch Store” still operates at Kellogg Bridge and North Down River Road. The store was opened in 1939 by Jake Stillwagon to provide groceries and gasoline to hunters, fishermen and neighborhood residents and still operates today. On a personal note, I started fly fishing on the North Branch of the AuSable river over fifty years ago. It’s still my favorite part of the river system. Dam Four, the Sheep Ranch, Jackson Hole and all the little grassy islands along the way. A regular stop was Hartman’s Fly Shop to pick up a few new flies and to learn what and where the fly hatch’s were happening. Speaking of fly fishing, any fisherman visiting Lovells should make time to visit the Lovells Museum located behind the Township Hall. The museum is focused on the history of fly fishing on the North Branch and is a worthwhile stop. To close out this dissertation on
Caid’s Grocery and gas station still provides necessities to Lovells visitors and residents as it has since 1938. Despite changing owners several times over the years, Caid’s has essentially remained the same.
Lovells I would like to thank Sheryl Biggs of Grayling for the loan of a book published by the Cheerful Givers Club and the Lovells Heritage Days Committee titled “Memories of Lovells” a collection of stories of the Lovells area from 1889 to 1990. The other major resource for this
story has been that classic “The Old AuSable”, written by Hazen Miller. Spring is coming and the Crawford County Museum will soon be open for visitors to learn about all of Crawford County’s history. Stop by and spend some time with us.
The Lovells School was moved to Lovells in 1906 from the settlement of Judge. The school was located on Bald Hill Road.
Aged with time and scarred by fire, the Kellogg Bridge Store remains in business serving residents and visitors alike. Built by Jake Stillman in 1939, it was originally called the “North Branch Store”.
UpNorthVoice.com
March 2020 Page 9
Gallery announces upcoming events
GRAYLING – AuSable Artisan Village (AAV) announces upcoming events and classes that will be held at their gallery in Grayling. Blackthorn concert: AuSable Artisan Village welcomes well-known Celtic group, Blackthorn, to the gallery stage on Sunday, March 15, at 7 p.m. Blackthorn’s rich tapestry of music includes traditional and contemporary Irish songs and lively jigs and reels. Each of the five members plays multiple instruments that complement the lead vocalist and Belfast native, Richard McMullan, and the band’s tight blend of fourpart harmony. Based in Detroit, Blackthorn has been performing throughout the Great Lakes region since 1984. Tickets for the Blackthorn performance are $30, with discounted rates available for AAV members. Tickets can be purchased online at www.artisanvillage.org. “This is the first of four ticketed concerts to be hosted at the AAV in 2020. Additional concerts are being booked for May, September and November,” said Terry Dickinson, AAV director. “Artisan Village seeks to expand the art and cultural experience in the Grayling region. The ticketed events will allow us to reach beyond our regional artists and bring a variety of acts from their national and world tours.” Free concerts:
Free concerts continue on the second Thursday of each evennumbered month, starting Feb. 13, featuring musician Mike Ridley. Based in Indian River, Ridley is known throughout Michigan as a great musician, storyteller and entertainer. Improv: AAV’s improvisational comedy group, Gits and Shiggles, performs on the second Thursday of the oddnumbered months. Chad Patterson, the group’s director/instructor/host, is currently running his third Intro to Improv class on the gallery stage. “We have a great new crop of performers who are learning the basics of improv,” said Patterson. “They will be in class for seven weeks, and it will culminate with a final exam onstage with the current members of AAV's resident troupe on Thursday, March 12, from 7 to 9 p.m.” Patterson invites the public to “come in, have a beer and enjoy some great, funny entertainment from our newest members as we celebrate their graduation and the three-year anniversary of our first show.” Although no admission is charged, Gits and Shiggles passes the hat at the end of each performance
Now Welcoming Patients in Roscommon
Allison Klumpp, P.A.-C. Board certified Physician Assistant, Allison Klumpp, P.A.-C., specializes in family medicine and is seeing patients of all ages at MidMichigan Medical Offices - Roscommon. “ I grew up in rural Michigan with limited access to health care, so my family medicine providers served as ‘ jacks of all trades’, and I trusted them with any health concern minor or serious,” said Allison. “I want to build the same relationship with my patients.”
Allison Klumpp, P.A.-C. Family Medicine “I will be your advocate and fight for your physical, emotional and social well-being. I want us to have very open dialogue so we can modify health risks before problems arise.”
with the proceeds going to a local organization. Patterson said the group has raised over $5,000 for area organizations, including Grayling Recreation Authority, Crawford County United Way, Crawford AuSable Soccer Association, Grayling Band Boosters, Grayling Youth Booster Club, Children's Assessment Center, Huron Pines, Community Thanksgiving Dinner and Grayling High School Players. The current improv group members include Jordan Ault, John Bawol, Abby Ertel, Mary Goodhall, Kevin Jansen, Roger Walsh and Jeremiah Welsh. The newest members are Joe LaGattuta, Rachel Latusek, Ann Malm and Meagan Malm. Winter art classes: AAV also offers several art classes this winter. Registration is easy on the website: Go to artisanvillageclasses. coursestorm.com/browse and click on the course that interests you in order to sign up. Upcoming courses include: CREATE A LIMERICK FOR ST. PADDY’S DAY, a class for adults taught by Cathy Lester, Saturday, March 14, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The cost is $10. Lester will review the essential elements of limericks – those popular five-line poems everyone knows – and then participants will have fun creating their own comic verses. All needed materials will be supplied. DRAWING CLASS FOR KIDS, taught by Sherry Graziano, runs for three Saturdays – March 7, 14 and 21 – from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The cost is $60. Live models – a dog, a tortoise and a bunny – will make this class a fun and easy way for youngsters to learn to draw. They will be taught to identify basic shapes and put them together to make their animals come alive. Graziano is an experienced teacher of young children. She knows how to initiate positive drawing habits and how to extend their skills as children grow. And, by bringing in her own pets as models, she makes
Klumpp received her Master of Science, Physician Assistant from Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant.
Allison Klumpp, P.A.-C. sees patients at MidMichigan Medical Offices Roscommon, 135 Lake Street.
To schedule an appointment call (989) 275-8931. For more information visit www.healthynorth.org/providers.
Page 10 March 2020
UpNorthVoice.com
the hour fly by, increasing interest and fun. Summertime stage: A class taught by Chad Patterson for students ages 7-12, will be held Aug. 17 - 20 from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. each day. During the course, students will develop a performance that they will present after Thursday’s class. The cost is $25. Patterson will call on his 20 years of experience working with theatre students of all ages to offer an interactive experience that includes writing, improv, acting and backstage work to give students a wonderful introduction to the stage that will hopefully spark a lifelong love of theatre. Great Northern Art Explosion 2020 The second Great Northern Art Explosion will be open for artist entries April 1 through June 30. The art show will open to the public Aug. 8, and conclude with an awards ceremony Aug. 23, at 2 p.m. People’s choice voting will end at 5 p.m. Aug. 22. In 2019, 120 works of art created by 75 artists were submitted to the Great Northern Art Explosion. Artwork was hung in several venues in downtown Grayling, and Artisan Village received over 1,400 ballots for the $1,500 “people’s choice” award that went to Jason Glicker. Bruce Winslow, retired director of the Midland Center for the Arts, also presented four $500 awards in different categories of art. The 2020 committee, composed of representatives from Artisan Village, Main Branch Gallery and The Old Lumberyard Shoppes, has explored ideas that they hope will double the impact of last year’s event. “The committee is exploring a significant increase in both the people’s choice award and the juried awards to attract more artists and raise the stakes for public voting,” said Dickinson. Membership drive: AAV memberships for 2020 are still available. Stop by the gallery or log on to aavart.org/membership. html to become a member or renew a See ARTISAN VILLAGE on page 11
Recreation Continued from page 8
volunteer board, works within their budget along with planning and providing recreation opportunities that mirrors their organizations mission statement. • Develop a job description for a “director” to manage RMRA entities and recreation opportunities; ie, responsible for programs, grant seeking opportunities, general communication, networking with other groups, etc. • Group financial support from Township, Village and RMRA to combine enough income for general expenditures and RMRA Director. RMRA will be renamed Roscommon Area Recreation Authority (RARA) to fit its multiple townships, two counties, and a Village demographic. Recreation is ranked third for driving economics in a community. This restructuring will open new doors for the community and its members. Opportunities and
benefits from resources that are currently under-utilized within the surrounding community will impact our local based economy and tax base. After 18 months of workshops and revisions, the Articles of Incorporation were approved by the Township and Village and have been submitted to the State of Michigan. The next steps forward will include appointing RARA board and adding a seventh member, finalizing and posting a job description for a RARA Director, with plans of interviewing by late spring. The goal after the restructuring process will be focused on the new direction of the Roscommon Area Recreation Authority. Board meetings are open to the public typically the third Wednesday bimonthly starting in January each year. For further information contact Sue Jock-Chairperson of the RARA at rmrauthority@gmail.com.
Artisan Village
For info on advertising in Up North Voice call 989-275-1170
Continued from page 10 membership. AAV members receive a 5% discount on gallery purchases, invitations to members-only events and quarterly newsletters, and premier member donors are honored with personalized plaques displayed prominently in the gallery. AAV is located at 219 Michigan Avenue in the heart of downtown Grayling. The gallery, staffed totally by volunteers, is open in the winter months from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.
UpNorthVoice.com
March 2020 Page 11
Roscommon County Animal Shelter receives grant for dryer ROSCOMMON - The Roscommon County Community Foundation (RCCF) is pleased to announce that the Roscommon County Animal Shelter has received a grant of $922.00 for a Speed Queen Dryer. The purpose of this grant is to lighten the work load and save money on electric bills while creating more time to focus on the animals and other areas of work. “We were literally having to take loads home to dry and we just couldn’t keep up,” Shelter Director DeeDee Mendyk said. The Roscommon County Animal Shelter hopes that new dryer will cut laundry time in half so that they have more time and funds to make sure that every cat and dog has what they need. Funding for the project was provided by the Morley Foundation Fund and the Roscommon County General Fund. For more information about the Roscommon County Animal Shelter and their needs, you can find them on Facebook or visit their website at www. roscommoncountyanimalshelterandcontrol.com. The shelter would also like to remind the community that there are multiple animals who are still in need of caring and loving homes. Want to get involved? You can support the Morley Foundation Fund and the Roscommon County General Fund by sending your donation to RCCF at P.O. Box 824, Roscommon, MI 48653 or visiting our website at www.myrccf. org to make a donation online.
Bucks bowlers headed to regionals ROSCOMMON - Saturday Feb. 22 the Roscommon Bucks hosted their last meet of the 2019-20 season against the Shepherd Blue Jays at Fred’s of Roscommon. In the first game of bakers, the Bucks (5-2) came out flat missing a lot of spares and falling 156-130. In game two of the bakers they bounced back with a 166-120 win and baker total point win. In the next two games of Peterson match play the Bucks pulled off a 644-579 win, winning all five matches and a 664-607 win winning three of five matches for a total match and meet win of 24-6. “The boys by far didn’t bowl their best by any means. the shot was tough and spares seemed to be hard to come by,” said Coach David Osim. “But sometimes you just have to say a win is a win and move on. Maybe this will be the boost that we needed by winning and still not doing our best. We all knew that we can bowl much better.” Leading for the boys and getting
For info on advertising in print or online call Tracy at 989-275-1170 Page 12 March 2020
UpNorthVoice.com
the Bucks to a 6-2 record is senior Brady Briggs with a win and 164126 games, junior Seth Patchin with two wins 133-150, senior Hunter Prieskorn with two wins 120-148, junior Kamaron Leach with a win 141 game, senior Austin Lytle with a win 136 game and sophomore Nick Stehle with a win and 91-99 games. The bucks will have a short practice week getting ready for regionals in Traverse City at Lucky Jacks Feb. 28 - 29. “We are only taking two girls for singles on Saturday and a team of six boys for team and singles both days we are hoping to bowl our best, make spares and hit our potential and move forward for one more week after that in Lansing for state competition,” said Osim. Roscommon vs Grayling The Roscommon Bucks hosted the Grayling Vikings Feb. 20 at Fred’s of Roscommon. In the first game of baker competition the Bucks fell to the Vikings 145-124. “We missed a lot of spares in both of the baker games, but the Bucks came back with a whole lot of luck to take the second game of baker 123122. Spares mean everything in the sport. Strikes come and go, but spares See BUCKS BOWLERS on page 13
Late Season Ice Alert
By Ken Elmore, Markey Township firefighter
Well, we’ve had a few pleasant days of late that remind us that winter does end in due time. With the suns rays a little brighter and the occasional breeze coming out of the southwest, things begin to look up and the winter blahs melt away along with all that ice and snow. Leave it to emergency services to throw a word of caution in that pleasant thought, but here we go anyway. This year’s season regarding lake ice started off with a flurry of ice rescues for the surrounding fire departments and we’re hoping to avoid a late season repeat of the same. Reasons why vehicles, snow mobiles or ice shanties along with their occupants or riders break through the ice are as varied as each incident, but they all share one common denominator: thin ice. Likewise, the reasons for ice being thin or thick also vary widely. Most often we associate thin ice with temperatures, so we reached out to the experts to see why this year seems to be just a bit more hazardous out on the ice than in other years. We had a chance to speak with meteorologist Patrick Bak, of the National Weather Service center located in Gaylord. Patrick informed us that the temperatures in our area have been a little warmer than the usual normal this winter, so much so that the Great Lakes have less than 10% ice coverage compared to the
normal of around 55%. While they do not monitor local inland lakes, it’s reasonable to assume that conditions here would reflect the wider circumstance. All this leads to the lake ice possibly not being as “good” this year for those winter activities as usual, so we’re sending out a word of caution. Patrick also informed us that this year has not seen any long, locked-in cold spells favorable to ice development either. With temperatures yo-yoing up and down, who knows what ice conditions may be like. Surely, with the ice season beginning to wind down, there are those of you looking to get out on the ice regardless. For you folks we would ask a few things to help in our quest to keep everyone safe and healthy. Please monitor the weather situation before you go out, and not just the morning of, but for several days prior. Stick to areas you’re familiar with and always let someone know where you’ll be and for how long you expect to be out. Never go by yourself. If you are planning on using the ice shanty for as long in the season as possible, remember there are laws you must follow. When it comes to some of the legalities, we got some great information from Lt. Brandon Kieft, of the Michigan DNR, Roscommon branch. Lt. Kieft is one of those responsible for the enforcement of regulations designed to keep all of us safe. He sends a reminder to all that ice shanties are required to be removed from the
lakes before midnight, March 15th in our area. This is of course unless the ice situation deteriorates before that, necessitating earlier removal. He suggested for more information, check out www.michigan.gov/dnr, and click on the new fishing guide link. Good information indeed. Moms and dads, this isn’t just for the sportsmen. Kids like the ice too, so caution them to walk and wander somewhere other than ice-covered water. Tragedy can lurk even in shallow water close to shore. Hoping that your ventures out on to that cold slab on the water, don’t end up with you on a cold slab at the morgue. Stay safe everyone!
Bucks Bowlers Continued from page 12 are the most important part of the game,” said Osim. “We still need a ton of work on this part of the game.” In the next two games of Peterson and match play the Bucks came back with wins of 730-634 with four of five matches, and 814-715 with three of five matches won and giving the bucks a 21-9 win overall in the meet. Notable for the bucks are Junior Seth Patchin 164-162 winning two matches, senior Hunter Prieskorn 166-149 winning two matches, senior Brady Briggs 158-144 winning a match, Austin Lytle 176 winning a match, Jeremy Black 134 with a win, Kamaron Leach with a 183 and Nick Stehle with a 108.
UpNorthVoice.com
March 2020 Page 13
Lady Vikes have winning season
7th Grade Vikes fall short GRAYLING – Grayling 7th grade basketball team came short in their latest games losing to East Jordan and Boyne City. Early in the week, down by three points with 7.2 seconds left, Grayling called a timeout setting up a potential game-tying play. The Vikings were able to go the length of the floor and get Madison DeMeere open for a 3-point attempt, but it was just short and East Jordan captured an 18-15 victory "Madison's shot was right on line hit the front of the rim," Coach Don Helinski said. "It would have been incredible if we could have sent it to overtime but we showed composure executing the play even though we had to have our second option bring it up the floor." The first half was low-scoring with the Red Devils leading 6-3 at the break and then both teams scored six points in each of the last two frames. Cali D’Amour led the Vikings with six points and five rebounds while Brooklynn Laskowski also added a team-high tying five boards. DeMeere finished with two
Page 14 March 2020
points, four steals and three rebounds while Jillian Hartman had two points, four steals and two boards. Katelyn Kanary chipped in with two points and four rebounds and Ali Helinski two points and one board. Boyne City Grayling’s fourth-quarter comeback attempt came up short and the Vikings, who trailed by as many as 13, fell by seven at Boyne City on Wednesday, 27-20. Cali D’Amour led the Vikings for the second-straight game with eight points and four rebounds. She tallied six of her points in the final quarter when Grayling was mounting a comeback. Jill Hartman had a fine all-around game with six points, four steals and three rebounds. Madison DeMeere notched two points, four rebounds and four steals and Karlie Smith added two points, three rebounds, an assist and a steal. "I was proud of the way we didn't quit and fought back, but we need to start stronger and more focused," Coach Helinski said.
GRAYLING - The 8th Grade Lady Vikes moved to 4-1 on the season with wins recently vs. East Jordan and Boyne City. In the first game of the week, the Vikings hosted the Red Devils of East Jordan coming out on top with a score of 44-16. This was a great defensive game lead by Makalya Watkins who had four steals to go with 7 points and four assists. Emma Kuziel was the leading scorer with 17 points to along with two rebounds, two assists, and two blocked shots. Other stats for the night included: Lilly Odden with 8 points, one assist, and one steal Rylan Finstrom with 7 points, two rebounds, one assist, and two blocked shots Amanda Lewis with 3 points, one assist, and four steals Shelby Swander with three rebounds and one steal Mandy Andrews with one assist and one steal Boyne City Then on Wednesday, the team traveled to Boyne City where they finished with another decisive victory with a final score of 52-24. After another slow start in the first quarter, our girls picked up the defensive
pressure and started finishing more consistently on our shots. “We played great team basketball tonight sharing the ball really well, we just need to improve a little on the execution of some of our passes to continue to grow and improve. These girls are having a great season and I look forward to seeing what they will be able to do as we enter the second half of our season,” said Coach Sarah Frisbie. The leading scorer for the Vikings was Kuziel with 22 points to go along with eight rebounds, one blocked shot and one steal. Watkins added 11 points, four rebounds, two assists, nine steals, and one blocked shot. Other stats for the night included: Finstrom with 8 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and two blocked shots Odden with 6 points, one rebound, and one steal Marjorie Hair with 2 points, two assists, and one steal Swander with 2 points, two rebounds, one steal, and two blocked shots Lewis with 1 point, one rebound, four steals, and two blocked shots.
Follow us on Facebook McFatridge named as new lending manager
ST. HELEN - North Central Area lending, mortgage and collections Credit Union (NCACU) recently processes. Sue and her family reside in announced that Sue McFatridge has Commerce Township in Oakland been selected as the new Director of County, but have enjoyed a seasonal Lending for the credit union. Sue has spent the home in St. Helen for years majority of her career in and this move brings Sue north during the work week. the credit union industry Eventually, the family plans with the last 25 years to retire to their St. Helen specifically in lending. NCACU is excited to home. Sue is an avid fan of the add Sue’s knowledge to Detroit Red Wings and is our Leadership Team and also a Hockey Mom. Both especially looks forward to Sue McFatridge of her boys, Kevin and seeing how her experience will benefit NCACU members in Justin, played hockey during school and Justin also played for Adrian the development of new products College. In her free time, she loves and services. Sue believes in the to read, quilt and scrapbook and philosophy that credit unions have of “people helping people” which truly enjoys camping with Mark, her husband of 31 years. is what she strives to do through
UpNorthVoice.com
Front (l-r) Susie Skoglund (VP of Operations), and Ron Skoglund (President). Back (l-r) Dan Morris (Technical Engineer), Krystal Donajkowski (Executive Assistant), and Mark Piasecki (Systems Engineer)
Grayling Spotlight-a-Member GRAYLING – Telephone Support Systems & Alpine Professional Answering Service of Gaylord is the Grayling Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Spotlight-a-Member for Feb. 2020. Telephone Support Systems was founded in 1999 and is recognized today in Northern Michigan as an industry leader in the development of voice, data and video communication. Prior to moving to northern Michigan, owner Ron Skoglund worked for Telephone Support Systems in Farmington Hills for over 17 years. Ron saw a need in the business communications marketplace for a solid resource in northern Michigan and created his own Telephone Support Systems business based in Gaylord. Since 1999 Telephone Support Systems has successfully offered customized solutions to businesses of all sizes. In 2007 they added Alpine Professional Answering Service which provides a “live” answer for your important phone calls. Telephone Support Systems offers a large range of products from basic, small business communication systems to full-featured voice and data applications including
wireless communications, voice and data cabling, and advanced telephony applications. These applications are designed to meet diverse communication needs: call centers, voice mail, automatic call distribution, automated attendant, call accounting, network services, advanced PBX networking, centralized administration, unified messaging, VoIP and Mitel Cloud Connect as well as many other advanced applications. Alpine Professional Answering Service has served northern Michigan and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. Ron and Susie Skoglund acquired the business in the fall of 2007. Over the years, they strengthened their relationships with existing customers while welcoming new clients and opportunities. Alpine Professional Answering Service is an extension of YOU! Their job is to make sure you do not miss a call. Whether they are answering all of your phones seven days a week, covering lunches and after hours, or monitoring your oil and gas wells, they are here for you! Telephone Support Systems is able to service older legacy systems that many other companies cannot.
UpNorthVoice.com
March 2020 Page 15
Family gathers to celebrate 100 years By Jan Wilkerson
ROSCOMMON - Breakfast at her home in the Brook at Roscommon signaled the start of just another weekend for 99-year-old Helen Lippert. But when her son Jim picked her up, her true adventure began as she was transported to the Au Sable Riverview Resort in Grayling. For Helen, turning 100 years young, it was the beginning of her wonderful, fantastic, truly delicious, very grand day. Surrounded by her family it epitomized the theme of the weekend “100 Years Loved” as five generations deep and still growing gathered from around the state to celebrate and embrace this spunky woman of 100 years. Helen’s life in the area began in Grayling in 1920. Her legacy around Higgins Lake springs from her time when her husband Paul and she ran the Sonoma Lodge. Generations of Higgins Lake vacationers partook of
Page 16 March 2020
Joining together to help celebrate Helen included: front (l-r) Kaci Hitt, Malie Lippert, Patsy Lippert, Helen Lippert. Center (l-r) Jim Lippert , Sawyer Lippert (Infant), and Rose Lippert (Infant) Middle (l-r) Chris Lippert, Hailey Lerner, Danielle Lerner, Nicole Crespo, Nick Hoover, James Crespo, Isaac Lippert, Becca Lippert and James Lippert III. Back (l-r) John Hitt, Austin Lippert, Nicole Lippert, and Emily Schimmer
their hospitality and that same spirit pervades her life now. Helen enjoys spending her time at the Brook with life-long friends and members of her church Messiah
Lutheran. Although nearly blind, Helen still sees the joy in every day and appreciates the blessings of those she knows and the love of her family.
UpNorthVoice.com
Find us on the web: UpNorthVoice.com and on Twitter: UpNorthVoice1
Up North Voice
B section Columns, Puzzles, and Schools
Up North
Voice ATLANTA
Fick & Sons Family Fare Roy & Sons Gun and Ammo Feeney Ford The Baklava Shop and More QTA Freddie’s IGA Walgreens Grayling Eagles COMINS Mich. Works The Woodworkers Shoppe Grayling Chamb. of Comm. Comins Market The Brook Skyline Event Center Crawford Co. Library EAST TAWAS Grayling High School Big Boy Grayling Elementary Tawas Bay Beach Resort 7-Eleven Village Chocolatier Blarney Castle-EZ-Mart Brew Krew Forward Shell Klenow’s Market Medicine Shop Razor’s Edge AuSable Dance Center Nordic Sports Goodale’s Bakery FAIRVIEW Arauco Mio Church of God North Country Clothing Fairview IGA AuSable Gifts Fairview Family Rest. Grayling Visitors Bureau Fairview Apartments Old Dam Party Store Habitat for Humanity Grayling Greenhouse Fairview Hardware Camp Grayling Fairview Eagles Munson Medical Center The Family Bookshelf Crawford Co. Comm. on Aging Fairview Area Schools State Savings Bank BP/Deli Josies Flowers Mr. Bill’s Market Grayling Rest The Hair Station FREDERIC Skip’s Sporting Good Beacon & Bridge Sylvesters Trophies Frederic Inn Tip’n the Mitten GAYLORD LaFontaine Dealership Gobblers of Gaylord Charlie’s Corners Salvation Army Kirtland C.C. Bookstore Ash Tobacco Shop Comp Xpress Copy Subway HALE Otsego Co. Building/City Rogers Food Pride Bigby Coffee J & M County Fair Store Bob Evans Forward’s (Shell) Hampton Inn Forward’s (Marathon) Family Fare Big Bob’s Rest. & Pizzeria B J’S Restaurant Bear Store Otsego Co. Sports Complex Corky’s Party Store Ace Hardware Plainfield Twsp. Library GLENNIE Plainfield Twsp. Hall Gordon’s Bait/Tackle-Loud Dam HOUGHTON LAKE Chat N Chew Restaurant EZ-Mart Glennie Party Store Javacology Ace Hardware Berkshire Hathaway Roger’s Food Pride Family Fare Alcona Park Joe’s Coney Island
GRAYLING
Admiral Gas Station
Houghton Lake Library Houghton Lake H.S.
Where to Find Us!
Collins Elementary School Pop-A-Top Cashaway Supply KilKare Rest Hackers Midge & Co. Realtors Nails Two Book Worm R.C. Coun. On Aging Lyman’s Store Wilds True Value Back Door Saloon Houghton Lake Insurance Citgo Nesters of Houghton Lake Great Lakes Accounting Tourism Bureau M. Mich. Med. Health Park Best Choice H.L. Lakeside Resort Northshore Hardware Country Peddler Northshore Lounge Mystical Awakenings Northern Fun Wheels Best Choice / Javacology Two Angelo’s
LEWISTON
Family Fare Marathon (S&K Foods) Sunrise Convenience Store Iron Kettle Lewiston Ace Hardware Midlakes Market-- Sunoco Marathon (Parmalee Trad.) Lewiston Sun and Snow
LUPTON
Parkview Acres Sunoco Sunrise Cafe’ Lowell’s Corner Store
LUZERNE
Luzerne Hardware Luzerne Express Ma Deters Restaurant Big Creek Bump & Paint
MIO
Highland Lumber Yard Pioneer General Store Oscoda Co Council on Aging Ray’s Mug and Jug Blair’s Sonoco Paddle Inn AuSable Valley Motel/Inn AuSable River Restaurant Family Fare
Mio Rental & Retail Copper Kettle Pioneer Family Pharmacy Javacology Shell M-55 Music Marathon Serenity Day Lodge Mio Pizza ROSCOMMON Century 21 CRAF Center Oscoda County Courthouse Higgins Chiro Oscoda Co. Chamber Com Higgins Lake Greenhouse AuSable River Tobacco Woodland Dental Ace Hardware Coldwell Bank Realty Mio AuSable Schools Markey Tire & Auto Maplewood / Stone Manor State Park Store Moose Lodge Country Corner Party Store Deez Pizza West Higgins Hardware Sensenig Motors Landmark Restaurant Mio Flea Market Salon Cut & Ms. Gage HMR Evergreen Party Store American Collision Century 21 Wood Haven E. Higgins Lake Hardware Oscoda County Library Town & Country Supermarket OSCODA Mel’s Pine Pantry Robert J Parks Library The Bird & the Bear Top 5 Pizza Sports Barn Wiltse’s Restaurant Cornerstone Construction Family Fare Pioneer Hills Marina Louie’s Fresh Market Dinges Marathon COOR Roger’s Family Food ROOC AuSable Inn Roscommon Elem.School Mama’s Kitchen Roscommon Mid. School Wellman’s Party & Bait Roscommon H.S. Rest All Inn Valero PRUDENVILLE Jim’s Collision St. Vincent DePaul Roofs of the North North. Floor & Blind Design Roscommon Auto Recy. Duke’s Nester of Roscommon Korbinski Marina St. Helen - Roscommon Bart’s Monument George’s Barber Shop N. Mich. Metal Roofing Comfort Center Fred’s of Roscommon Kronner Pharmacy Rite Aid Kiss Me Coffee Family Fare Lady of the Lakes School Pioneer Pharmacy Basil & Mike Auto MidMichigan Transmission Gold Rush Jewlery Shell L.M./ Edward Jones Office Ken’s Tire Dr. Boggs Optomitrist Marathon Dollar Daze AuSable Bakery Macon Marine BP Station Express Rental Hull Building Center H.L. Chamb. Of Commerce Tim’s Collision Plus Walmart County Car Wash Top Tire B C Pizza Salvation Army Store Fifth Street Market Roscommon Hum. Society Gardiner’s Jewelry Michigan Works Bob’s Butcher Shop
March 2020
989-980-9781 UpNorthVoice.com Senior Center Stephanies Studio The Brook Retirement Cent. Suds Laundry Lighthouse Nursing Chucks Tire Competion Auto Fultz Insurance W & W Auto Chamber of Commerce Ankle & Foot Library (Richfiled Twsp.) Dewey’s Auto Charleton Heston Academy Roscommon Sheriff Dept Sheffield’s Automotive Dave Smith Barber Shop Louie’s Fresh Market Dan Decker Acct Fire House Brabant & Coltrane Atty. Sarahs Family Hair Care Northern Family Dental Dougs Auto Mid Mich Medical Wagner-Walsh Fun. Home St. Helen Family Dentistry Roscommon Vet Clinic TAWAS CITY Hart Ford Nieman’s Family Market Roscommon Library Sav Mor Drugs Munson Med Building Augies on the Bay Lear Corp. Iosco Co. Cham. of Comm. Old Pointe Marina Tawas Greenhouse Northern Bear Ice Cream Forwards Up North Coffee Shop VIENNA CROSSING White Pine and Pearl Big Bear Trading Post Northern Family Dentistry WATERS Up North Voice / AuSable Media Gobblers Hilltop Restaurant ROSE CITY Ogemaw Vet Clinic Family Fare Ace Hardware Rose City Cafe’ Rose City Greenhouse Faull Inn Rose City Library Rose Valley Winery Neubecker State Farm Rose City RV Berg’s Trading Post
SAND LAKE
Marathon Lake Breeze Indian Lake Trading Post
SOUTH BRANCH
Jose Lake Store & Resort
ST. HELEN
Mr. B’s St. Helen Hardware Pioneer Pharmacy Senior Center Horizon Senior Living Mercantile Bank Shell Station St. Helen Power Sports Hen House Restaurant Marathon Old Michigan Tobacco
WEST BRANCH
Clear Lake Bar MidMichigan Medical Hart Buick Dean Arbour Original Computer Genie Compassionate Care Vet Clinic Mac’s Place West Branch Collision Ink & Thread Steuernol/McLaren Fun. Home Team Hodges Auto Brian’s Fruit & Meat Market Family Fare Sears Store Timmy Tire Java Junction West Branch Outlet Shops Wise Heating & Cooling Snider’s Car Care Ace Green Hardware Checkered Flag Willard’s Equipment
WHITTEMORE M-65 Bait Shop
Birth Announcement
Baby to Toddler Closet seeks donations
Izabella Rose Woodard
Follow us at UpNorthVoice.com
Page 2 B
March 2020
Christopher Woodard and Hayley Brown of Grayling are the proud parents of daughter Izabella Rose Woodard born on Jan. 23, 2020. She has an older sister and brother: Malaya and Christopher Woodard, who also welcomed her home.
GRAYLING – The Crawford County Baby to Toddler Closet desperately need clothes, underwear, socks and shoes, for both boys and girls in sizes 2T, 3T 4T and size 5. The clothes need to be in clean and nearly new or new condition. The Closet will also take monetary donations for the under clothes and shoes. Another way to donate is by giving them the Spartan Family Fair Direct Dollar receipts. Once enough receipts are collected, they can be turned in for money to purchase the items and diapers which are always needed. There are Direct Dollar receipt boxes at Tip & Mitten, Michelson
UpNorthVoice.com
United Methodist Church (MUMC), Free Methodist Church, St Frances Church, Just Another Copy Shop, The Chamber of Commerce and the Grayling Moose or you may contact Rose Mary Nelson at 989-348-2985. They can also be dropped off at the Baby to Toddler Closet or mailed to the MUMC, 400 Michigan, Grayling MI 49738. The Baby to Toddler Closet is located in the basement of the Michelson United Methodist Church. They are open the FIRST and THIRD Thursday of the month from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. with the last customer at 5:30 p.m.
Safety Forum
An import we can do without By Ken Elmore, Markey Township firefighter This great country of ours is an amazing place. From the concept of its structure and design, to the present-day status of world leader, we are so fortunate to be citizens of the good old U.S. of A. One of the undeniable benefits of living here is the availability and access to so much it’s mind boggling. From the communication with about any part of the world at our fingertips, to a million products we may purchase or acquire, oh how lucky we are. Individually, the only shortages we seem to suffer is the lack of finances to get whatever we want. Thinking about this land of plenty, many of us forget that a large part of the US economy is based on the ability to export and import a multitude of items, from raw materials to finished goods. Doesn’t seem to mater what you pick up, the far corners of the earth are usually involved somehow. All these imports make life easy for all and yet there are some imports we’d rather not have coming in to our country. Emergency services have been put on notice, and we’re sure you may have heard news media reports yourselves about a new and potentially devastating disease “imported” to our shores. It is called the coronavirus disease 2019 or, “COVID-19”. It was first detected in China and is a class of respiratory disease. It is believed that this disease was somehow passed from animals to humans, which is rare, but once done so, human to human spread begins. In China, there have been numerous cases reported, including a number of fatalities. Here in the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the CDC, is on high alert and actively taking preventative steps to try and safeguard us all. The top scientists and doctors are diligently
working to develop vaccines and control and contain this menace. Yet even with world-wide medical efforts the virus has spread to other countries, including our own. The CDC calls this an “emerging, rapidly evolving situation” and has already investigated over 400 possible reports. Please note that the vast majority of the “persons under investigation”, as they call it have been found to be negative for COVID-2019, but they have found a number of cases out there. Thankfully none have been reported in Michigan as of this writing, however, there are cases in Wisconsin and Illinois, that’s just a state away folks. The CDC is moving rapidly to control this and plans on several updates a week for the benefit of all. WWW.cdc.gov is your best bet to stay abreast of what’s happening. Of course, there are State level efforts too, as there always are, and in our area, Heidi O’Malley, BSN, RN, is the North Central Medical Control Coordinator. As if Heidi doesn’t have enough on her plate, she has gone out of her way to make sure that emergency medical providers all across our area have the latest updates and information in our quest to keep all as safe and healthy as possible. While the risk of contracting COVID-2019 is low, you can do yourselves and others some good, by following some basic simple steps. It’s a respiratory type of illness similar to influenza, so practice good health habits as you would for the prevention of the flu. Hopefully you are already in that habit since we are in the heart of the flu season right now. Great advice from Heidi and those like her. No need to panic, just stay in touch and we’ll do our best to keep you up to speed and well informed. Sometimes knowledge is the best import of all.
CAEEF announces 2020 high school scholarships GRAYLING - Members of the Grayling High School Class of 2020 are invited to submit applications for scholarships offered by the Crawford AuSable Excellence in Education Foundation (CAEEF). CAEEF is offering several competitive scholarships – including the Clara Sorenson Memorial, the Joseph & Faith Stripe Memorial, the G. Jerome Kesseler and the Loretta Sorenson Kesseler – as well as several GHS Alumni and CAEEF scholarships. Two awards added in 2019 are scholarships offered to GHS graduates who will attend skilled trade or vocational schools and two four-year scholarships offered to students who will attend colleges or universities. Applicants will be considered for
any scholarships for which they are eligible. Scholarship applications for colleges/universities and those for trade/vocational schools are available in the GHS Counseling Office and must be returned to the office by March 13. Scholarships will be announced at the high school’s Senior Honors Night on May 13. Scholarships awarded will be paid directly to the institution of higher learning that the recipients will attend. CAEEF was formed in August 2015 and has given a total of $24,100 in scholarships to graduating seniors over the past three years. For more information on CAEEF, you can go to https://www. casdk12.net/foundation/ .
For info on advertising in Up North Voice call 989-275-1170
UpNorthVoice.com
March 2020
Page 3 B
t a e r One G r! Pape
Otsego
Montmorency
Crawford
Oscoda
Roscommon Ogemaw
Alcona
Iosco
Covering 8+ Counties in the Heart of Michigan! MONTHLY Size
Inches
1x Run
full page
9.75 x 15.5
$495
$466
$441
$392
half page
9.75 x 7.75
$275
$262
$248
$220
3x Run 6x Run
Annual Run
quarter page
4.79 x 7.75
$150
$143
$135
$120
eighth page
4.79 x 3.8
$80
$76
$72
$64
sixteenth page
Horizontal 4.8 x 1.8
$45
$42
$40
$36
Vertical 2.3 x 3.8
$45
$42
$40
$36
UpNorthVoice.com WEBSITE ADVERTISING
COUNTY PORTAL PAGES
HOMEPAGE per month
Placement
per month
$300
Main Banner
$125
$200
Portal Banner
$100
$150
Weather Sidebar
$75
$150
Calendar Sidebar
$75
$75
Bottom Banner
$50
COMMERICAL PRINTERS & PUBLISHERS • Since 2010 •
Magazines Brochures Rack Cards Clothing Bulk Printing Standard & Specialty Promotion Items
AuSable Media 709 Lake Street, Ste. 102, PO Box 113 Roscommon, MI 48653 989-275-1170 • UpNorthVoice.com Page 4 B
March 2020
Conservation Corner
Spring time is tree planting time
Welcome to another Conservation Corner! After a few months of trudging through the snow, scraping ice off the car, and filling the woodstove, we are all ready for a sunny, warm spring. To the Crawford-Roscommon Conservation District and many of the landowners we serve, spring also means it’s time to plant some trees. Districts around the state are taking in orders for their annual sale of hardwood and conifer trees, wildlife shrubs, fruits, vegetables, flowers, and more. Tree planting may seem like a daunting task, but getting your tree off to a healthy start will ensures it provides tree-mendous benefits throughout its lifetime. Knowing your goals for the tree planting is the first step to a successful outcome. Timber production, wildlife habitat, privacy, shade, diversity, erosion control, these are all examples of what a planting can provide for you and your property. Evaluate your planting site and take note of existing vegetation, wildlife activity/browse, soil texture and moisture, sun availability, and any other conditions such as slopes or valleys that may affect plant growth. The natural surroundings of your planting site will help guide what you can plant there, but non-natural features should also be considered. Be sure to avoid planting large trees or shrubs under power lines, near septic fields, or close to structures, driveways, or sidewalks. Know the location of and avoid all underground electric, water, and gas lines. Now that you know why and where you are planting, it’s time to pick out some trees! Local conservation districts and nurseries are a great source for native, healthy stock that is adapted to the areas
Follow us at UpNorthVoice.com UpNorthVoice.com
climate and weather. There are many resources available to figure out what tree or shrub would do best in your conditions, but the easiest way to ask the seller to narrow down the species based on your site and goals. Many conservation districts have foresters that may even provide an onsite assessment. After choosing your trees, it is time to prepare the site for planting. For small scale plantings, scrape away any weeds within a 36inch diameter circle. Herbicides can be used, but be sure to read labels to avoid hurting your trees. Keeping weeds from outgrowing your tree is one of the most important steps for their survival. Planting can be done using a shovel, planting bar/dibble, or mechanical tree planter. With any method, the hole should be deep enough for the roots to go straight down and watered immediately. Trees should be spaced out properly based on the planting goals and species. The last step is an ongoing one: Don’t forget about your tree planting. Water seedlings in times of drought, keep weeds away from your planting site, and protect trees with tubes or cages if they are being damaged by wildlife. Taking the time to check in on your investment is the only way to achieve your planting goals. Planting trees can be a rewarding experience. As a landowner, the benefits can be immeasurable, from the enhanced beauty of your property to the legacy left for future generations. Tree planting is also doing your part to care for the wildlife, increase biodiversity, clean the air we breathe and water we drink, and create a sustainable ecosystem here in Northern Michigan. To discuss your tree planting with District Forester, Tabitha O’Dell, or for more information on the Conservation District’s Spring Tree Sale, call 989-732-4021 or email tabitha.odell@macd.org.
The Crawford County Commission on Aging and Senior Center (CCCOA) events for March, 2020 include: The CCCOA is hosting a Community Meeting regarding the Facility Bond Proposition that will be on the March 10 ballot. The COA is asking for 0.3171 mills to support the acquiring, constructing, renovating, expanding, equipping, and furnishing of the Old Mayday Windows Building and the adjacent lot located at 4388 M-72 West (east of town by Grayling Car Care) into new facilities to house the Commission on Aging & Senior Center operations. Executive Director, Alice Snyder, will lead the meeting to help the public learn more about the proposal. The Community Meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 3 at 6 p.m. in Community Room B, at Kirtland Community College located at 4800 W. 4 Mile Road. Starting March 9 and continuing the second Monday each month, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., the CCCOA will host a support group for adults with vision loss. This support group is designed to provide emotional support, helpful information, and practical solutions for those dealing with vision loss. St. Patrick’s Day Dinner on Thursday, March 12 from 4-6 p.m. Enjoy a dinner of corned beef & cabbage, parsley boiled potatoes, ginger and brown sugar glazed carrots, green Irish fluff, and chocolate mint Crème pie. Dinner is open to the public and no reservations are required. A weekly Scrabblers group will meet every Thursday at 10 a.m. starting March 12. No experience is necessary and it is free to watch or
play. The Winter Walking Program happens every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for five weeks starting March 16 with indoor walking. The group will meet at Kirtland Community College Room 1411 on Mondays and Fridays from 1-2 p.m. and Fridays at Grayling Elementary School from 4-5 p.m. Registration is not required and participants can join this free program at any time. A breakfast presentation will be held at the CCCOA center on Tuesday, March 17 at 9 a.m. The topic will be Scams, Schemes, and Frauds featuring Trooper Brian Koboldt from the Michigan State Police. Join us for breakfast and information about some of the internet scams impacting the senior citizen community. Breakfast includes an omelet station, hashbrowns, muffins, mixed fruit, juice, and coffee Because every second counts, the CCCOA is offering another opportunity for Crawford County residents to sign up for the Smart911 Program on Wednesday, March 18 from 1 – 3 p.m. Smart911 is a free service available in the area to help you when you call 9-1-1. Once you have signed up, first responders will be aware of important information you have provided that will help them address your emergency. The CCCOA and the American Heart Association are hosting a First Aid, CPR with AED Certification Event, Thursday, March 19 from 2-7 p.m. The class will be taught by Captain Dana Swander of the Frederic Fire Department. The skills covered in this course include first aid, choking relief, addressing sudden cardiac arrest, and education
in the use of the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) machine. To register call the Senior Center at 989348-7123. Wednesday, March 25 at 9:30am the CCOA will offer a presentation that will help demystify the issues surrounding Medicare. Tammy Findlay, Advocacy & Resource Coordinator, and volunteer Medicare/ Medicaid counselors will discuss the various parts of Medicare including what is covered or not covered, Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drug Plans, and how Medicare recipients who have low income can get assistance paying for Prescription Drug Plans and the Medicare Part B premium. Grow Your Knowledge March 27 at 9 a.m. We will be video conferencing with the Smithsonian American Art Museum to learn more about the civil war, the following reconstruction period, and its impact on American art. After the educational video session, there will be doughnuts and discussion of the topic. Jennifer Thompson from That One Place is hosting a painting party to paint a 2-foot pallet-wood carrot sign. No experience is required! This event will be held on Tuesday, March 31 from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. at the Senior Center. Registration
UpNorthVoice.com
Support our local businesses and payment should be made at the Senior Center by March 24 to reserve a spot. Events are held at the Senior Center located at 308 Lawndale Street in Grayling unless noted. Some events have a charge, call them at 989-348-7123 for more information. Save the Dates in April April 14 will be a Salon Outing to Kirtland Community College. The trip includes transportation and three cosmetology services of your choosing. Registration and payment by April 7. April 21 from 3 – 4:30 p.m. Heather Bennett from Creative by Nature invites you to a workshop to paint one of two DIY Doormat designs. No experience is required! Registration and payment is due by April 14. April 30 will be the Michigan Blood Drive from 12:30 – 5 p.m. Appointments can be made by contacting 1-866-642-5663 or visiting miblood.org.
March 2020
Page 5 B
the
of Fairview Area Schools Student-Organized Committee Works to Promote Kindness at Fairview Elementary What was just an idea at the end of the 2018-19 school year has become reality for a group of fifth-grade girls at Fairview Elementary. As fourth graders, the girls were inspired by various clubs being formed in the school and had the idea for a “Kindness Club.” They took their idea to Superintendent John Sattler for approval and at the beginning of this year, elementary teachers Kami Winton and Stephanie Bishop heard about the idea and liked it. They agreed to sponsor the club, but changed the concept to a committee to limit exclusion. The Kindness Committee is made up of the girls in the current fifth-grade class. They meet twice a month to brainstorm ideas about how to promote kindness in the school. So far this year they have done several activities from reading the book “A Spot of Kindness” to students in kindergarten through third grades and giving stickers to remind students to be kind to one another to passing out kindness bracelets to each elementary student on his or her birthday. Probably the committee’s most visible accomplishment was designing a t-shirt for students and staff to purchase to promote kindness. Any elementary student who has a shirt is encouraged to wear it on Fridays and will get a treat for doing so. The group has also designed a bookmark that promotes kindness. The bookmarks are being placed in random books throughout the library as a reminder to readers to practice being kind to others. The current activity the Kindness Committee is planning is to do a special art project with each class. The various pieces will encourage students to be kind and will promote kindness as they will be displayed in the halls for all to see.
Top: The Kindness Committee, from left, Lia Kauffman, Rikki Smith, Samantha Marshall, Avery Tchorzynski, Ekaterina Phillips, Elizabeth King, and Jayliah Bowers. Bottom: This group of Fairview Elementary students was eager to show off their kindness shirts! Many teachers and a few other students throughout the school also have shirts but were not available for the photo.
Student Council Plans for Homecoming—Twice! Dressed as characters from the Wii video game Mario Kart, the high school student council performed a skit for students to prepare them for this year’s homecoming. The theme concept is that classes will compete in a Race for the Cup using various characters and props from the worlds of the Mario Kart game. Homecoming started as planned, but then illness cancelled school and postponed the game and dance for two weeks.
Page 6 B
March 2020
SPIRIT WEEK
Mario Monday Teacher Twin Tuesday Western Wednesday Throwback Thursday Maroon & Gold Friday
SPIRIT WEEK 2.0
Maroon and Gold Monday Hat Day Tuesday College Gear Wednesday Throwback Thursday Maroon & Gold Friday
UpNorthVoice.com
the
of Fairview Area Schools Basketball Teams Wrapping Up 19-20 Seasons
The Varsity Boys (above, from left): Israel Oaks, Isaiah Ford, Anthony Freeland, Aaron Eaves, Nathan Alchin, Grant Lietzke, Nathaniel Eastman, Zach Freel, and Aden Travis. The boys have shown great improvement throughout the season. They have a current record of 4-13. They play March 3 and 5 on the road before the district tournament in Hale the next week. The Varsity Girls (above right, from left): Jessie Ross, Samantha Smith, Jaedyn Winton, Jera Nicholson, Talisa Yoder, and Katelyn Bowers. The girls have been fighting hard all season and have a current record of 9-8 with three regular season games to play. Districts are March 2 against Hale at AuGres. The winner will advance to the March 4 game v. Atlanta. The JV Girls (bottom right): Tylee Linsley, Maggie Alchin, Summer Forletta, Addison Lenz, Kalya Bowers, Libby Baker, and Emma Hoover. Not pictured: Elaine Matzke. These girls have been playing hard, and many of them have also contributed to the varsity team as needed. The JV Boys’ team has not been available for a photo.
2 0 2 0 HOMECOMING
UpNorthVoice.com
March 2020
Page 7 B
Volunteers of the newly formed group The Northern Lights of Hope, will continue raising funds for the American Cancer Society
The Northern Lights of HOPE
New volunteer led initiative replaces Relay for Life of Roscommon and Crawford Counties
REGION - The Relay For Life programs in Roscommon County and Crawford County have come to a close after 24 years of high impact. But the passion and cancer fighting efforts are getting STRONGER for a new initiative unique to northern Michigan. The two counties have worked to form a new collaborative effort that unites strong volunteers
Page 8 B
March 2020
from both communities to continue the grass roots level advocacy of Relay For Life’s mission. Beginning immediately, The Northern Lights of Hope will merge the two events together for a freshly designed program. Unlike Relay For Life, the signature fundraising event of the American Cancer Society, Northern Lights of Hope provides more flexibility for volunteers to raise funds their way. There will no longer be a 12-24 hour walk taking place in either community, however survivors, caregivers, supporters and sponsors will have the opportunity to attend shorter and separate events throughout the fiscal year.
The change was prompted after nearly a decade of declining community participation in the Relay For Life Events. With a strong desire to keep fundraising efforts and cancer survivorship celebrations intact, area volunteers began to explore new possibilities. The group started building the program in the fall of 2019 and on February 5, 2020 charter members gathered together as a whole to begin putting an active plan into action. The group fully expects to have more information to share in the second quarter of 2020 with careful planning and building in full swing. Part of the Northern Lights of Hope initiative is giving the ability to have individuals fundraise on their own time in the manner that they see fit. The other part is designing quarterly initiatives that unite the individuals as a group to provide the communities with exciting new ways to engage with the mission and fundraising efforts. Events that guests have come to love such as the Luminaria Ceremony to remember loved ones and the Cancer Survivor and Caregiver Recognition will still be incorporated into the planning efforts. These two events will likely stand alone and are fully expected to be supported both by the valued and hope inspiring survivors as well as faithful sponsors. Details will be released to the public and our supporters through media,
UpNorthVoice.com
social media and mailings. Local fundraisers such as the Fred’s Lobster Boil, Restaurant Give Backs, Trivia Nights, Scrapbooking events and more will continue to be a staple through the incredible volunteer efforts. For more about the Northern Lights of Hope contact American Cancer Society staff member Trisha Jackson at 989.858.5160 or trisha. jackson@cancer.org. You can find Northern Lights of Hope, American Cancer Society on Facebook or on the web by searching ACS Northern Lights of Hope.
Razors Edge! View From the Comfy Chair By Joel Vernier After a full, healthy low carb, high protein breakfast consisting of an omelet, mushrooms and cheese, no toast, apple cider vinegar, and coffee. I was ready to take a deep dive off of my “Comfy Chair” into sleeplandia. I feel most alive when I’m sleeping, I can do anything, be anyone, take on any challenge because after all if it gets too bad, I can wake up! Just after I broke the surface of my nap and began to sink down the REM levels, I get a pulling on my shoulder: “Joel, wake up, you’re out of shaving razors. You’ll have to go to town and buy some.” Another nap dashed to the side to take care of pressing life issues. I needed new razors, I scrapped half of the flesh off of my chin this morning, so no more stretching out how long they last. “To shave or not to shave,” that is a question! Like many men over the years, I have grown a beard. My first beard was in college; actually, I had a ponytail and a beard, balanced by a slightly balding head; it made me feel like a rebel during the ’70s. Then I graduated from college, and off came the beard and ponytail so I could land a job. Beards have gone in and out of popularity over the years, and the year I graduated, the business world was not into beards. I was hired and beardless for several years until my customer base changed and I was able to grow back my beard. I kept it on while I called on Psychiatrists; most of them had beards also. I think it gave them pleasure to stroke their beards while listening to their patient’s problems.
The next job was Sales Training, so off went the beard. Statistics show that up to 40% of men use an electric shaver, I have one, but I don’t like how my face feels after using one. So off to the store I go to get my razors. I walked down the men’s toiletry aisle and looked around at the fantastic choices for razors. We have progressed way past the straight razor and the safety razor, we have gone from one blade, two blades up to five blades. The straight razor gives you the closest shave, which will look nice at the ER waiting room after you cut yourself trying to learn how to use one. There are razor companies that will send you a razor and blade, then you buy the refills. I have tried a 5-blade razor in the past, I found it hard to maneuver around my face. I have looked at razors on the internet, $100 plus, and you get to buy the blade cassettes. I guess I will never know how good the shave that one gives, too pricey. I have lived my life sometimes with or without a beard. I like the extra warmth a full beard gives you in the winter, I love feeling sophisticated when I would stroke my beard. Having a beard gives you something else to complicate your life. You have to trim your beards, wash your beard. Flavors can stay alive in your beards such as coffee, bacon, anything greasy and smelly. Forgot what you ate today? Just taste your beard in several places, you can probably recreate your epicurean week. I also read a study that pointed out the fact that beards also contain fecal material. “Wait, What?” I prefer going without a beard at this stage in my life, that may change, of course. So, I went up to my trusty safety razor with two blades. It is disposable, usually lasts one week and you can buy them in a 52 pack, good for the whole year. To all of my bearded friends, enjoy your freedom to express yourself! I may one day grow mine back and join you!
SHOP LOCAL!
The $1,000 Mystery Weight winners was team #15 from the JohannesburgGaylord area. Their 16.15-pound Bobcat was closest to the weight drawn. LUZERNE HOSTS PREDATOR HUNT – The Luzerne Area Predator Round-Up held its annual hunt the last weekend of February. 109 hunters participated in the event, harvesting 42 critters include four Red Fox and Four Bobcat. ~ Photos courtesy of Luzerne Hardware
The “Biggest Loser” award went to unsuccessful hunter Ted Iocoangeli.
UpNorthVoice.com
Gary Price won the the AR-10 raffle.
March 2020
Page 9 B
The dancing dreams of kites and men Home Country By Slim Randles Marjorie Pincus looked out the front window at her husband, Marvin, and smiled. No matter how old he gets, she thought, he’ll always be the boy I remember, riding his bicycle through this town so many years ago. Marvin had stopped picking out the nutgrass and was watching a small group of children across the street in the park. Two of them had kites, and the brisk wind of morning had them both up as high as string would allow. Soon, Marvin had ambled across the street and was standing behind the children, watching the taut dip in the string and listening to the rattle of the tight paper. The first time Marvin Pincus flew a kite in this park, airplanes didn’t go very far or very fast. The other side of the moon was a mystery in those days, and no one really thought man would ever go there and back. Not
really. And here these kids are, flying their kites the very same way, with the very same rag tails, and looking up at the earth-tied fliers climbing with the gusts and settling with the relaxation of the breezes. Marjorie watched from across the street as the Herrera boy walked over to Marvin, whispering something as Marvin leaned down to hear, and then handed the stick with the kite string tied to it to the old man. His face beamed as he controlled flight once again. The kids smiled, too, probably not realizing kite flying was the same when Mr. Pincus was a kid, too. But what about the dreams? Marjorie thought about this. What goes through the minds of today’s kite fliers who know what the surface of Mars looks like, who know what the far side of the moon looks like, who know there are human beings in a space station, living up there, right now? What will their dreams be as the kites dance? What dreams will dance now as they stand there and hold the miracle of flight in their fingers? ------------Brought to you by The Complete Cowboy Bucket List. See it at LPDPress.com.
Sudoku sponsored by:
Kirtland Garden club to meet HOUGHTON LAKE – The Kirtland Garden Club has scheduled its next meeting for March 16 at 1 p.m. at the Houghton Lake Public Library. Main speaker will be Julie Crick of Michigan State Extension. Crick will be discussing Vernal Pools, what they are, and why they are important.
Sudoku Printed using Brain Bashers Sudoku
Send your photos, announcements and club events to: info@UpNorthVoice.com Page 10 B
March 2020
UpNorthVoice.com
March magic Toad's Stool
By Warren Stutesman Hello my friends, welcome to March that magical month with portents of spring. Just enough springtime magic to make you relax and say hey winters over. Then Bang, March throws it right back in your face, Yup there's still a bit of winters furry left. They say to beware the Ides of March but that's for Caesar to worry about. I care more about them snowflakes. There are a few people that know I like to forage a bit of nature’s bounty. So I have been studying a bit to make sure of my identifications and the uses of each food. One in particular has caught my attention that I thought I would share with everyone. Plantain, now not the banana like fruit but the one I am talking about is the one that grows in your lawn. Plantain grows in a rosette of leaves like a dandelion but the leaves are not notched. The flower is a green stalk with the seeds along the top half. There are usually three or more stalks growing in each plant. It’s the leaves and flower stalks and seeds that are used for medicine or food. The leaves are good when young and tender for use in a salad while the older and tougher leaves
SHOP LOCAL!
work well in a stew. Plantain was known among some Native Americans as "white man's footprint", because it thrived in the disturbed and damaged soils surrounding European settlements. Plantain contains calcium, betacarotene and many other nutrients. The medicinal uses are varied and the list is quite long. Externally the leaf can be used whole or made into a salve and used for soothing burns, bites, stings, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, and more. The mature plant contains pliable and tough fibers that can be used to make small cords, fishing line, sutures, or braiding. So as you can see it is a quite useful plant. My bird friends that are still coming in regular include Dove, Chickadee, Blue Jay, Nut Hatch and lots of different woodpeckers. I miss all of my other birds that seem to have abandoned me this winter. Friends of mine from down state have seen large flocks of Snow Geese and Sand Hill Cranes. And when I say large flocks, they are saying over a thousand. I have also seen Doppler video of flocks moving north from the area around Cuba so it seems that the birds are coming this way. I recently picked up a new hobby, carving wooden spoons. It’s a nice way to keep a bit busy and still be able to unwind and relax while spending time with my wife. While spoons may be carved from dry wood, they a generally carved from green wood. I am always looking for some green fruit wood to continue this hobby so if anyone is taking out any trees or limbs give me a call, I may be interested in helping you out. Well that's all I have for this month, looking forward to spring so we can get out and enjoy this world that God made for us.
UpNorthVoice.com
March 2020
Page 11 B
March topics: Census, Do Not Call list, and Scams Oscoda County Senior News By Merianne Tappan March: In like a lion out like a lamb… I remember writing “in like a lion and out like a lion” last year. We have been pretty lucky this year with the winter weather. Let’s hope it stays this nice! Here’s what’s going on in March: Sunday March 8 is daylight savings time. Don’t forget to turn your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday! Monday March 9 is the Monthly Council Board meeting at 9 a.m. at the Center. As always anyone with an interest is welcome to attend! Tuesday March 17 is St Patrick ’s Day. Wear green, don’t get pinched! Weds March 18 the Center will be closed for an all-day training. And March 19 is the first day of spring! (Whew! What a week!) Tuesday March 24 is the monthly senior cheese box drop at the center from 10-11 a.m. If you have not signed up for that you may do so that day. I have a few very important things to talk about this month: First of all, please, please, PLEASE take the 2020 Census this year. It is VERY important that everyone turn one in so the powers that be can finally
Page 12 B
March 2020
understand how overlooked and neglected the population of Oscoda County is. I got my flyer in the mail last week and you have the option of submitting on-line or they will send you a paper form. I did mine on-line. It was very extensive and took about 45 min. But it was thorough – I don’t think I have ever seen a census survey this extensive and that is GREAT! If you need help filling it out please contact me at the Center and I will be happy to help. That being said, next I want to discuss scams. There are scams out there right now about the census. I am not sure how they operate but you need to beware. If you suspect any kind of fraud or scam please call the Center or the police and make a report. We have placemats at the Center that the State Police force was kind enough to bring in to us for free. It is literally covered with information on scams and abuse. It is very informative and they are free.
Either you can pick one up at the center or give me a call and I will send you one. THAT being said… the last topic I would like to discuss is the “Do not call” registry. I get numerous calls daily from telemarketers. At the Center we KNOW it’s a scam because the number always rings in on the second line. We don’t even know that number! But I am sure all of you do not have that kind of screening process. If you are being bothered by numerous solicitors and scam calls give me a call at the Center and I will register you on the “Do not call list.” It is a quick easy, simple process and I will help you for free. Just be aware that it takes about a week for your number to stop receiving calls. See you next month! Merianne Tappan is the Director/ Medicare Counselor of the Oscoda County Council on Aging. To contact her please call 989-826-3025.
Get ready for spring planting REGION - Now is the time to be thinking about what you’d like to plant this spring! Each spring, the CrawfordRoscommon Conservation District provides residents the opportunity to purchase tree seedlings, native wildflower bulbs/roots, berry bushes and wildflower seed. Tree days are Friday, April 24th noon-3pm & Saturday, April 25th 9am-1pm at the Michigan Fire Training Grounds on 290 Ballenger Rd in Roscommon. Mark your calendars! To be sure of getting what you’d like, please pre-order by March 16. After that date, orders are taken as supplies last or until April 10. Conifers (evergreens) are sold in seedling and transplant form. A seedling has been in a seedbed for two years; whereas, a transplant is grown as a seedling, then transplanted to a larger bed for another year or two to develop thicker and stronger root systems. Types of conifers that may be available at our walk-in sale this spring are: Red Cedar, White Cedar, Douglas Fir; Jack, Red & White Pine; Blue, Norway & White Spruce.
UpNorthVoice.com
Hardwoods will arrive at an average height of 2 ft tall. Chinese Chestnut, Birch, Hybrid Poplar, Red Maple, Sugar Maple, Red & White Oak; along with sets of 3 semi-dwarf apple trees. Wildlife shrubs may consist of: American Plum, Black Chokeberry, Butterfly Bush, Elderberry, Forsythia, Gray Dogwood, Hazelnut, High Bush Cranberry, Lilac, Nannyberry, Red Mulberry, Pussy Willow, Red Osier Dogwood, Roselow Crab, Sand Cherry, Serviceberry, Sumac, Trumpet Vine, Washington Hawthorne, Winterberry/Holly & Witch Hazel. These plants will be 12-24 inches at planting. Native wildflowers in bulb/bare root form are: Jack-In-The-Pulpit, Lady Slipper & White Trillium. Other plants consist of: Asparagus, Black and Red Raspberry & Blueberry. These items will be available as supplies last. . . For further info contact the Crawford-Roscommon Conservation District at (989) 275-3163, barb. stauffer@macd.org, OR www. Crawfordroscommoncd.weebly.com
Director of the Houghton Lake Area Tourism Bureau, Theresa Ekdom, took an ATV ride on the Richfield Township trail system.
Denny Sera of Great Getaways on Mark Lake.
Tom O'Boyle of Great Getaways and Anna Sylvester snowshoe Marl Lake for a recent film about Roscommon County. Video can be seen on Houghton Lake area tourism Bureau Facebook page
ROSCOMMON COUNTY – Great Getaways visited Roscommon County last month for a feature on Houghton Lake, Lake St. Helen and Higgins Lake.
~ Photos by Theresa Ekdom
UpNorthVoice.com
March 2020
Page 13 B
The three bears had been having some trouble recently and had ended up in family court. Mama and Papa bear were splitting up, and baby bear had to decide who he was going to live with. So, the judge wanted to talk to baby bear to see what he thought about living with either of his parents. When he asked baby bear about living with his father, baby bear said "No, I can't live with Papa bear, he beats me terribly." "OK," said the judge, "then you want to live with your mother, right?" "No
way!" replied baby bear, "She beats me worse than Papa bear does." The judge was a bit confused by this and didn't quite know what to do. "Well, you have to live with someone, so is there any relatives you would like to stay with?" asked the judge. "Yes," answered baby bear, "my aunt Bertha bear who lives in Chicago." "You're sure she will treat you well and won't beat you?" asked the judge. "Oh definitely," said baby bear, "the Chicago Bears don't beat anybody."
For advertising information call: 989-275-1170 Tie Joke
On the day of my big job interview I woke up late. Frantically I threw on a suit. “OH NO!” I thought. “MY TIE! My Dad was out of town and wasn’t there to help me, and for the life of me I did not know how to tie a tie! I grabbed a tie and ran out the door. “Excuse me sir,” I said to the crossing guard, “I have an important job interview, can you please help me make this
tie?!” “Sure” said the guard, “just lie down on this bench.” Well if someone was going to help me, I wasn’t going to ask any questions. After he finished and the tie looked good, I just had to ask why I had to lie down. “Well in my previous job I learned how to tie tie’s on other people when they were lying down. He replied. What was your previous job? I asked incredulously. “I ran a morg.” Was the reply.
They're usually 90 degrees
the tomato? A: The lettuce was a "head" and the tomato were trying to "ketchup"! Q: Did you hear about the hungry clock? A: It went back four seconds. Q: What do you call a boy who finally stood up to the bullies? A: An ambulance. Q: Where do crayons go on vacation? A: Color-ado! Q: Why did the belt get arrested? A: He held up a pair of pants special than your other body parts? A: Because they have their own soul. Q: What is heavy forward but not backward? A: Ton. Q: What do you call a gangsta snowman? A: Froze-T
1. What happens to a frog's car when it breaks down? It gets toad away. 2. I submitted 10 puns to a joke-writing competition to see if any of them made the finals. Sadly, no pun in ten did. 3. What's the difference between a hippo and a Zippo? One is really heavy, and the
other is a little lighter. 4. Can a kangaroo jump higher than the Empire State Building? Of course! The Empire State Building can't jump. 5. If you ever get cold, stand in the corner of a room for a while.
Q: What does a nosey pepper do? A: Gets jalapeno business! Q: What do you call a fake noodle? A: An Impasta Q: What do you call an alligator in a vest? A: An Investigator Q: What happens if you eat yeast and shoe polish? A: Every morning you'll rise and shine! Q: "What's the difference between a guitar and a fish?" A: "You can't tuna fish." Q: What do you call a pile of kittens A: a meowntain Q: What do you call a baby monkey? A: A Chimp off the old block. Q: Did you hear about the race between the lettuce and
Sudoku Answer
Page 14 B
March 2020
UpNorthVoice.com
The Nature of Things with Huron Pines
What is stormwater? By Chris Engle
April showers are still a while off but now is a good time to start thinking about ways to help keep our rivers and lakes clean by managing stormwater. Stormwater is what ends up on the ground and in our waterways as the result of rainfall or snowmelt. Stormwater picks up road salt, dirt, oil, grease and trash as it moves across hard surfaces like streets, sidewalks and driveways. That runoff flows into drainage pipes leading to rivers and lakes. Depending on distance, obstacles and the amount of rain or snowmelt in one weather event, stormwater can reach natural waterways gradually or quite suddenly. Polluted runoff from stormwater can result in beach closures, waterborne illnesses and degraded habitat for fish and wildlife. This hurts the environmental and economic health of communities, particularly those along the coast of Lake Huron that depend on clean water for recreation and tourism. Managing stormwater is best done where it falls. At the residential level, this can involve using a rain barrel to collect runoff from the roof of a home for later use watering plants or gardens. Landscaping with native vegetation provides deep root systems for absorbing water while attracting birds and pollinating insects like butterflies. Any kind of native landscaping for that matter, be it trees, flower beds, shrubs or grass, provides a buffer between stormwater and natural waterways. Even in winter, moving snow off driveways and onto the yard can reduce runoff come spring thaw. In summer, washing your car on the lawn instead of in the driveway achieves the same goal. On a city scale, gutters and storm sewers carry runoff away from streets and sidewalks through underground pipes that empty into lower lying areas — in many cases draining into rivers and lakes. Unlike sanitary
sewers which connect homes and businesses to a wastewater treatment plant, discharge from storm sewers is not treated, giving pollution a direct route to water bodies. To ensure the long-term health of the region’s lakes and rivers, Huron Pines has partnered with inland communities like Grayling, Roscommon, Rose City and Lewiston to reduce pollution and flooding caused by stormwater. Our focus in recent years has been on coastal cities including Alpena, Au Gres, East Tawas and Rogers City. The first step in a partnership is to conduct a city-wide assessment of runoff — how much there is on average, where it goes, amount that gets absorbed by the ground and how much drains into rivers and lakes. Once that’s complete, a plan of action can be developed. One such assessment was done for Rogers City back in 2006 and Huron Pines Watershed Project Manager Samantha Nellis is carrying that relationship forward. Nellis and the city are working together to identify next steps based on the community’s needs, including possible green infrastructure to reduce runoff from a road and parking lot near the lakeshore. The goal is to address past problems with water quality at the harbor and swimming beach caused by stormwater runoff. Nellis enjoys seeing community partners engaged in efforts to improve water quality. “Scott McLennan, the mayor of Rogers City, has been a strong advocate for environmentally focused initiatives in the city,” Nellis said. “He has helped keep the momentum going for stormwater management.” Down the coast, on the north end of Saginaw Bay, the city of Au Gres is also working through their own stormwater management process to help protect recreation and water quality in Lake Huron. At Au Gres-Sims School, students in Luke Freeman’s science classes are applying what they’ve learned about stormwater to enhance their school
grounds and a community park. In partnership with Huron Pines, Michigan State University Extension and Michigan Sea Grant, students designed and built a 300-square-foot rain garden on their campus in May 2019. The area of native plants and wildflowers doesn’t just capture and filter stormwater from the nearby parking lot — it also serves as a proving ground for Freeman’s lessons in data collection, soil surveys and water quality. Freeman, a former fisheries biologist turned teacher, gushes about his students when he discusses the project. “I love seeing my kids get excited about what we do,” he said. “Anytime I can apply lessons from my time as a researcher to the real world, I jump on that opportunity. This has changed the way I look at education and it has given my students a sense of ownership in their community.” His students haven’t stopped there. On Feb. 26 they led a community visioning meeting to discuss the future of Au Gres Riverside Park. Inspired by the success of their rain garden, students are planning a similar effort at the park alongside city plans for a splash pad and playground. The students already applied for and won a $1,000 grant from the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network to fund their effort and celebrated this great achievement with a pizza party. “This meeting will give students
UpNorthVoice.com
a chance for a face-to-face with their community and to see they are supported,” Freeman said. “I want to give them the opportunity to be leaders and to know what they’re doing is right.” Students empowered and working toward cleaner, healthier water — that’s definitely worth celebrating. Chris Engle is Communications Associate for Huron Pines, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization based in Gaylord and Alpena to conserve and enhance Northern Michigan’s natural resources to ensure healthy water, protected places and vibrant communities. Huron Pines strives to improve economic, environmental, educational and recreational opportunities throughout Northern Michigan. Learn more at huronpines.org.
March 2020
Page 15 B
Young hunters have squirrel success
LUZERNE – The Luzerne Area Predator Round-Up held its annual one-day youth squirrel hunt the last weekend of February. There were 15 young squirrel hunters participating in the event. The group harvested 35 squirrels and $175 was paid out in prize money.
~ Photos courtesy of Luzerne Hardware.
Pictured are the group of successful hunters, Everett Wymer (7), winner of a squirrel mount donated by Ogemaw Hills Taxidermy, and Conner Schmidt (15), who won a pellet gun.
Page 16 B
March 2020
UpNorthVoice.com
