Warm up temps didn’t stop the winter fun

By Alicia Noragon REGION-

Even though temperatures hit the upper 40’s recently, the winter activities in the area still went on as planned.

The Higgins Lake Winterfest went on without a hitch. Families had a great day sledding, making snowmen, enjoying the kids activities and watching some action filled broomball games.

Bellies were full of the pancake breakfast and the chili cookoff.

This community event had a great turnout.

The Ice Jam took place on Long Lake and had quite a crowd. There were some areas of the ice to be mindful of, but overall it was a success.

The Polar Plunge event was monitored by local firefighters and proceeds went to the Iosco County Humane Society.

There was a fishing derby, side x side parade, ice hockey, and most importantly people just generally having a great time in the snow and sunshine.

Winter market held at the AuSable River Center

ROSCOMMON- The AuSable River Center recently held a Winter market. Although fresh produce was in short supply due to the season. There were plenty of baked goods and crafts.

St. Patrick's Day

Continued from page 8 reasons they are so popular today.

Even though the gold is enticing for humans, tales tell you to beware of the tiny tricksters. They are said to deceive humans and heed warnings against greed. Some believe they hide their gold to lure gullible people to them, only to lead them astray.

1989, a local businessman named PJ Ohare from Carlingford, Ireland, claimed to have found evidence of a real leprechaun on a mountain called Slieve Foye. He said that after hearing a scream near the wishing well, he found bones, a tiny suit, and gold coins next to a patch of dirt that had been scorched. The evidence is now displayed behind a glass case for visitors to come see.

If it’s nearly impossible to see a leprechaun, can you hear them?

Folklore says to always keep your ears open around March 17. If you listen closely, you can hear them making shoes by tapping their tiny hammers. For those who have truly keen hearing, you may even hear traditional Irish music while the leprechaun dances a jig.

They are also a protected species under European Union Law. Apparently, there are 236 leprechauns that still live in the caverns of Slieve Foye. In 2009, the European Union granted heritage status to the remaining wee people. There is now a protected safe haven nestled in the mountain.

The leprechaun story has certainly evolved over time. Today, many associate the leprechaun from a character on our favorite cereal, to the villain in some horror movies. You may believe it’s an outrageous folktale, or that there is some truth to the story that has been passed down by generations. Imagining in the magic and mystery of the Leprechaun is what makes St. Patricks’ Day fun for all ages.

Coaches vs. Cancer brings communities together

By Alicia Noragon

HOUGHTON LAKE- Pink balloons and neighborhood cheer filled the gymnasium at Houghton Lake High School last Friday evening. This year’s Coaches vs. Cancer event made for a great community event and a fantastic night of basketball.

Houghton Lake High School hosted the event with the

Roscommon Bucks as their guests. Both teams played great games, but the Bobcats took the win for the varsity girls and boys. Even though they are normally competitive rivals, you could feel the comradery in the air as they came together for a fantastic cause.

Coaches vs. Cancer was an event that started almost 20 years ago with a coffee can for donations. This year, the event raised a total of $6700 for the American Cancer Society. Parents and volunteers held booths with goodies for sale as well as prizes for the raffle.

“Thank you to everyone who supported our Coaches vs. Cancer fundraising efforts from both communities. The amount of money raised for ACS was tremendous”! said MJ Ewald, Roscommon Varsity Boys Basketball Coach.

Christopher Richard Godfrey, 61, Higgins Lake, passed Jan. 5

Lynnda Marie Robinson, 69, Hillman, passed Jan. 15

Sandra Joyce Mitchell, 67, Standish, passed Jan. 15

Robert 'Bob' Landis Smith, 81, Tawas City, (formerly East Tawas/Glennie), passed Jan. 17

Vicki Lynn Haines, 62, Rose City, passed Jan. 16, Sandra Shirley Louise Showalter, 79, West Branch, passed Jan. 16

John Henry Mitchell, 84, West Branch, passed Jan. 16

Mickey Lee Riley, 74, Alger (formerly Lake Orion) passed Jan.

Michael Jay Franks, 35, South Branch, passed Jan. 14

Onylea Armstead, 90, Hale, passed Jan. 18

Frederick 'Fred' David Crist, 75, Oscoda, passed Jan. 19

Shirley Henderson

Shirley Henderson was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She left this world surrounded by loved ones on February 3, 2023, at age 81.

She was born to Fred and Elizabeth Meyers in Allen Park, Michigan on February 19, 1941. In the fall of 1979 she moved to Roscommon, Michigan. She married the love of her life, Bill Henderson on July 25, 1987. Together, they enjoyed being longstanding members of the Grayling Moose Lodge 1162. She was also a member of The Women of the Moose and loved volunteering to run Bingo at the Lodge. She worked for COOR and made many lifelong friends there.

Shirley loved a GREAT joke and was a lifelong prankster with an unmistakable spirit and the best laugh. She loved playing Euchre and helped organize and run Euchre tournaments in Roscommon. Her little dog, Coco, was a constant companion for many years and she loved him dearly. She was an absolute Champion Paper Snowflake Maker. Her family misses her a great deal and hopes she’s playing Euchre with Bill and her family and friends on the other side.

At her request, there will be no formal services. In honor of Shirley, please give your dogs an extra treat and tell them that you love them, or perhaps consider a donation to the Roscommon County Animal Shelter. She was also a longtime donor to Backpack Project MN (backpackprojectmn.com) and donations may be made in her honor.

“Why do cows wear bells?

Because their horns don’t work.”