O g OICE Pages 10-12 - Ogemaw County Voiceogemawcountyvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/... · Winner “Best Outstanding Business” award 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2017 Hale Area

Congratulations to our Super Bowl bound Hometown Boy,

Anthony Zettel.

See BRYLEE on Page 5 » See BANNERS on Page 5 »

Winner “Best Outstanding Business” award 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2017

Hale Area Voice Pages 10-12

50¢

Vol. 9, Issue 22 Covering the Positive Community News in the Area Jan. 25 - Feb. 7, 2020

O

gemaw CountyVOICE

See NEW PRESIDENT on Page 5 »

By Deanna SurBrook“Brylee was so smart and

talented…just a happy little girl and the cutest little person. She was funny and had so many little quirks about her…I’ll miss her little laugh. She laughed about everything…it was fun to be a part of her life.” – Norma Pennington, Brylee’s grandmother.

After a long, grueling and hard-fought battle, little Brylee Pennington passed away peacefully on Jan. 7, in Ann Arbor, surrounded by her loving family.

“She fought right to the end,” said Grandma Norma Pennington, fighting back the tears. “Bless her heart, she gave it the best fight.”

The daughter of Brandon and Brittany Pennington, the Ogemaw County Voice first brought you Brylee’s story last year after she

went into congestive heart failure and was placed as high priority on

the national heart donor registry.

Pennington family mourns loss of young Brylee

Brylee pennington

By ricki MccalluMApplications are now being

taken for the popular Veteran’s Banner Program. 2019 was the first year for the program and it was very successful. The banners are so beautiful and well made; a lovely tribute to those that have served. Many veterans and their families have shown a huge interest in getting their family member’s service displayed on these impressive banner flags hung on the light poles in downtown West Branch during the fall. The number of light poles are limited, so getting your application in quickly is important.

If you or a family member has served our country and you would like them to be honored, applications may be obtained in person at the West Branch City Police Department located at 130 Page St. Or for more information or applications, please call Kelli Collins at the city of West Branch at 345-2627. She will mail or

Veteran’s Banner Program

The West Branch Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the 2020 Outstanding Business Awards nominees.

Awards will be presented at the Chamber Winter Ball on Feb. 29 at the Quality Inn Forward Conference Center in West Branch. Tickets are on sale at the chamber office or through any chamber ambassador. Discounted lodging is available at the Quality Inn for this night.

Categories and nominees include - New Chamber Member of the Year – It is important to recognize and thank new businesses that open in our area. Please vote for one of the new chamber member businesses: Compassionate Veterinary Care, A&B Coffeehouse and Café, First Fitness, and The Villa at West Branch.

Excellence – To be an all-around business with excellence in every aspect with customers, employees and the community:

Compassus Hospice, Diebold Insurance Agency, Morse Clark Furniture Company, and Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Homes.

Business Leadership – This award is to honor a business or organization that has committed time, effort and money to enhance the business community with their outstanding leadership: City of West Branch, McLaren, Mercantile Bank West Branch, and Pinnacle Rehabilitation.

Community Involvement – To be a community-minded and involved business. Community involvement is not always seen as much as it is felt by the greater good of the community: G’s Pizzeria, The Glass Slipper, West Branch Veterinary Services, and The Silver Lining Boutique.

Non Profit of the Year – This award recognizes a community organization that has accomplished achievements

on behalf of the community and inspires others by their example: Ana’s Treasures, First United Methodist Church, Kiwanis Club of West Branch, Knights of Columbus, Pioneer Power Antique Tractor Club.

“Each and every one of the local businesses in our community is important and appreciated for all they do. The West Branch Area Chamber of Commerce Winter Ball and Outstanding Business Awards are designed to recognize local businesses and organizations. Don’t miss this opportunity to have a nice evening of networking and supporting your local chamber of commerce,” said Executive Director Heather Neuhaus.

Voting can only be done online at the chamber’s website (www.WBACC.com) and is open until Feb. 7.

For more information or if you have any questions call the chamber office at 345-2821.

Chamber announces business awards nominees

MidMichigan Health continues to grow and transform to positively impact the health of the communities served by the health system. On Jan. 1, Ray Stover, president of MidMichigan Medical Center – Gladwin, assumed responsibility as president of MidMichigan Medical Center – West Branch following the retirement of Robert McGrail. McGrail remains on as an advisor for Stover until April of 2020 to ensure a smooth transition. The 2020 changes also include Marita Hattem-Schiffman, president of MidMichigan Medical Centers in Gratiot and Mt. Pleasant, assuming responsibility of MidMichigan Health’s Medical Center in Clare.

This realignment supports MidMichigan Health moving from a location-specific mindset to a regional and system focus. The new structure will help MidMichigan leverage resources, while keeping care

close to home and continuing to create better access to care for patients.

“We are committed to continually work to strengthen a better version of ourselves,” said Stover. “This transformation is reflective of those efforts and we are optimistic of the positive impacts it will have on our patients, communities and employees.”

MidMichigan Medical Center –West Branch announces new president

ray Stover

page 2 - Ogemaw COunty VOiCe jan. 25 - feb. 7, 2020

Community HappeningsPage 2

Editor’s note: This space is free to community organizations to promote events which are of benefit to the residents of Ogemaw County.

Email your news to [email protected] or mail to: Ogemaw County Voice, P.O. Box 22, West Branch, MI 48661

OngoingMondays - Disabled

American Veterans and Auxiliary meet the third Monday, 5 p.m. at the VFW Post 3775 on South M-30 in West Branch. Call 473-3416.

Mondays - Rose City Lions Club meets the second and fourth Monday, 6:30 p.m. at the Log Cabin in the Rose City Park. Call Ray 989-329-6389.

Mondays – (Second of each month) Coalition of Hope 9 a.m. at the Ogemaw County Annex Building, 205 S. Eighth St. Suicide prevention, intervention and postvention. Call 345-5571.

Monday- (Third of each month) Ogemaw County Genealogical and Historical Society 12:30 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 100 E. Houghton Ave., West Branch. Call Lois 345-0459.

Mondays – (Fourth of each month) WBRMC’s Stroke Support Group 5 p.m. in the Diabetic Counseling Room, Medical Arts Center, 335 E. Houghton Ave., West Branch. Call 343-3154.

Tuesdays - Kiwanis Club of West Branch meets at noon at the China Inn, 601 W. Houghton Ave. in West Branch. Call 345-0978.

Tuesdays - Rose City Area Historical Society meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m., April through November, except August. Meet at the Rose City Lions Club Cabin. Call Cathy 345-5659.

Tuesdays – T.O.P.S. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) weigh in at 4:20 p.m., meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 2490 W. State Rd. in West Branch. Call Robin 343-0592.

Tuesdays, (Second of each month) Christian Motorcycle Association 6 p.m. for food and fellowship, 7 p.m. business meeting at G’s Pizzeria, 200 W. Houghton Ave. in West Branch. Call Gary 343-9876.

Tuesdays - (Fourth of each month) Rifle River Quilt Guild 10 a.m. at 205 Crafts Emporium, 205 W. Houghton Ave. downtown West Branch. The meeting will be followed by a Show and Tell, mini-classes, quilting tips, demos and time to sew. Bring your sewing machine, a project and your lunch. Any level of quilter is welcome. Call Diane 345-7206.

Tuesdays – (First and third of each month) Cardinal Optimist Club of Skidway Lake 7 p.m. at the 3 County Club, 2477 Greenwood Rd., Skidway Lake. Call Janet 989-387-2640.

Tuesdays - (Second of each month) Survivors of Suicide Support Group 6:30 p.m. at the AuSable Valley Community Mental Health, St. Vincent Annex, 511 Griffin St. in West Branch. Call Vicki 989-510-0911.

Wednesdays - West Branch Area Business and Professional Women’s Organization meets the second Wednesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. Different locations each month. Call 989-312-4433 for information.

Thursdays - Northern Blend Sweet Adelines meets every week 7 p.m. at Logan Township Hall, 4507 E. M-55, Prescott. Call Ellen 345-0978.

Thursdays – (Third of each month) Rose City/Lupton Chamber of Commerce meets at 6:30 p.m. at the Rose City Council Chambers. Call Carl 473-3268.

Thursdays – West Branch Optimist Club meets at 7 a.m. at the Loggers Depot in West Branch. Call 989-942-6608.

Thursdays - The Ogemaw County Fair board meets the first Thursday of each month at the main building at the fairgrounds. Call 345-5393.

Fridays – (Various) Office hours of State Representative Daire Rendon. 9 to 10 a.m. Held at the West Branch Area Chamber of Commerce, 422 W. Houghton Ave. in West Branch. Call 345-2821.

January

25 - March for Life 10:45 a.m. Starting from the West Branch District Library on North Fourth Street in West Branch. Guest speaker and reception to follow. Sponsored by the Right to Life of Ogemaw County. Call Chris 989-808-3743.

25 - Veterans Appreciation Steak Dinner 5-7 p.m. Veterans eat free, live music, 50/50 raffle. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Ogemaw County Veterans Affairs. West Branch Moose Lodge, 1731 W. State Rd. Call 345-1620.

28 - Ogemaw County Democratic Party meeting at 5 p.m. Buck’s Country Cookin’ in West Branch. Call Ken 345-1066.

February

1 - Rock for Rescues 6 p.m. to midnight. This is a fundraising event to benefit the Ogemaw County Humane Society and the West Branch Fireworks Committee. Live

music at the Knights of Columbus Hall in West Branch. Call 343-PETS.

8 - St. Joseph Trivia Night, doors open at 5, dinner at 6 and trivia starts at 7 p.m. Enjoy a night of trivia, laughs, friendship and prizes. Knights of Columbus Hall in West Branch. NO outside drinks allowed. Call St Joseph Catholic School at 345-0220 or Mary 942-4796.

8 - Kurt Jameson Memorial Bowling Tournament. Shift times are 12:30, 4:30 and 8 p.m. at Ogemaw Lanes in West Branch. Three games, 9-pin no tap, jackpots, mystery game, dinner buffet, prizes and more. Call 345-2200.

14 - Connections Breakfast 7 a.m. Great networking opportunity for the early morning crowd. Hosted by the West Branch District Library, 119 N. Fourth St. Call 345-2821.

jan. 25 - feb. 7, 2020 Page 3 - Ogemaw COunty VOiCeCommunity

By ken chapMan keePer Of the flags

Abraham Lincoln was born on Feb. 12, 1809, in Hodgenville, Ky. His family moved several times while he was growing up. Eventually they settled in New Salem, Ill.

Lincoln was self-educated. He served in the Illinois Militia during the Black Hawk War.

He served the first of four terms in the Illinois General Assembly starting in 1834. In 1836 he was admitted to the Illinois Bar. He opened a law office in Springfield, Ill., the same year.

Lincoln married Mary Todd in 1842. They had four children.

He was elected as a Whig candidate to the U.S. House of Representatives. During his one term, the House dealt with the Westward Expansion, slavery in the east, and anti-slavery in the New Territories.

During the 1850s, Lincoln worked out of his Springfield office. He gained the title of “Honest Abe” during this time. He also became one of the founders of the New Republican Party.

He entered the Senate Race in 1858. His opponent was Stephen Douglas. Their debates over slavery in the Western Territories and elimination of slavery in the East were classic. He lost this race but set the stage for the presidency in 1860.

Six states had succeeded from the Union by the time Lincoln’s Inauguration on March 4, 1861.

The beginning of the Civil War started with the assault of Fort Sumpter, S.C., by Confederate Troops.

The Battle of Iron Clads occurred in 1862, the Monitor for the Union and the Merrimac for the south. This battle marked the beginning of the end of wooden

ships.Also, in September 1862,

Lincoln signed a Congressional Bill that would free slaves in all federal-held land. This led to Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation which declared all slaves held in Confederate states not held by the Union were free.

Lincoln sent a letter to Andrew Johnson who was the Military Governor of Tennessee, asking him to establish an Army of the Freed Slaves, to protect Vicksburg and the Mississippi River.

The Battle of Gettysburg, Penn., in 1863 ended a Confederate excursion into the north. Lincoln went to Gettysburg in November and delivered the Gettysburg Address. Outlined in the speech, “This Nation was Conceived in Liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal” and that “Government of the People, by the People, and for the People shall not perish from the Earth.”

Lincoln won the 1864 presidential election over his former General-In-Chief, George McClellan, in a landside. His vice president was Andrew Johnson, military governor of Tennessee.

The Civil War was winding down when General Lee surrendered at Appomattox, on April 9, 1865. Lincoln was already well into the reconstruction of the south after Lee’s surrender.

Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April 15, 1865, at Ford’s Theater by John Wilkes Booth.

Lincoln made two proclamations that are still valid today. The first was to establish Thanksgiving as the final Thursday in November. The second was to preserve federal lands where the Yosemite National Park now stands.

Lincoln’s birthday Feb. 12, 1809

Mercantile Bank allows its em-ployees the opportunity to wear jeans on a specific Friday of each month, but it costs them to do so. Each employee is asked to place a donation in the “Jean Day Fund.” At the end of the year the branch employees get to decide what non-profit they want those funds to go to. This year the South M-76 branch in West Branch decided to donate their share of those funds to the Ogemaw County Humane Society. Pictured (center) is Nikki Biermann, Mercantile Bank; along with staff and volunteers from the Humane Society (l-r) Terri McCans, Crystal Ostrolencki, Ash Drouillard, Kristina Easterday and Shiloh, the dog.

Wearing jeans for the animals

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced recently that 51 water systems, including West Branch, have been awarded a Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The award recognizes those communities that maintained a consistent level of optimally fluoridated water throughout 2018. A total of 1,656 water systems in 30 states received the award.

“The city is pleased to receive this recognition. Our DPW crew monitors and tests water samples at various locations in the city on a daily basis, and the samples are sent into a lab for testing. Maintaining proper fluoridation levels is important for water quality and water taste. Our staff does the testing daily and they are always seeking to insure that the

proper levels are maintained. In addition, we have a watchful eye on the future development of the water system, seeking funding to expand and further improve water quality. Our crew, led by Mike Killackey, regularly maintains their water licenses and enhance their training on an annual basis.

The state is implementing new water quality standards, with various deadlines that each of the regulated water systems in the state must comply with, some of this is a result of the city of Flint water crisis of two-three years ago,” said Frank Goodroe, West Branch city manager.

Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in the water to a level that is optimal for preventing tooth decay. It has been recog-nized by the CDC as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th Century. CDC recom-mends water fluoridation as a

safe, effective and inexpensive method of preventing decay. In fact, every $1 invested in fluoridation saves at least $38 in costs for dental treatment.

Michigan consistently exceeds the CDC recommendations for community water supplies by having 90 percent of our population on community water systems accessing fluoridated water, said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for MDHHS. These awards demonstrate the commitment to quality by these community water systems. Water fluoridation benefits all residents of a community and it has demonstrated its effectiveness in preventing tooth decay throughout one’s lifetime.

For more information about community water fluorination, visit the CDC website www.cdc.gov/fluoridation.

West Branch receives national fluoridation quality award

Courtesy photo

page 4 - Ogemaw COunty VOiCe jan. 25 - feb. 7, 2020Community Voices

Ogemaw County Voice The Ogemaw County Voice is published the second and fourth Saturdays of the month and distributed inWest Branch, Rose City, Prescott, Lupton, Alger, Skid-

way Lake and Hale. It is available at newsstands for 50cents per issue or annually for $30.

Publisher Grange Bell

[email protected] (989) 745-8355

Sales and Marketing Director Kathy Collins

[email protected] (989) 450-6163

Sales Deanna Surbrook

[email protected]

Writers Deanna Surbrook

[email protected] Dee Dee Brinkman

[email protected]

Ad Design/Newspaper Pagination Roxann Ellis

Contributors Sally Rea, Fred Lewis, Samantha Fabbri, Michael

Busch, Ricki McCallum, and Ken Chapman

107 S. Third St., P.O. Box 22, West Branch, MI 48661

Ph. 989-701-2541

©COPYRIGHT 2011-2020. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written

permission is strictly prohibited.

Sally rea

Guest EditorialGrand Knight Rick Leibler Knights of ColumbusDear Grand Knight Leibler,

Late at night on Saturday, Dec. 28, The Brook nursing facility in West Branch experienced a fire incident requiring over 50 residents be evacuated and transported to a suitable shelter. That cold and weathered night, your K of C Council, and Brother Knights came to the immediate rescue of the most vulnerable and frightened residents of The Brook, likely while most had already been in bed for the night.

Your fellow Knights immediately sprang into action to open the Knights of Columbus hall, prepare it to accommodate residents that needed the most tender care, awoken from their sleep, and moved out quickly. One can only imagine how

frightening this would be for each resident. While our local emergency managers, law enforcement, EMS, 911, and fire department assisted on site, your fellow Knights opened their arms in welcome to these residents. I imagine that your Knight members knew several of the residents and believe that brought the residents comfort in seeing familiar faces.

We are told this is at least the second time that the Knights have assisted the residents of The Brook due to an evacuation emergency. We understand that the Red Cross also assisted at the rescue site and, in addition, at the Council building.

On behalf of the city and West Branch City Council, we are so appreciative of what the Knights of Columbus were able to do on both occasions. The Knights and

your leadership at the state and national level need to be aware of what you did and of our heartfelt thankfulness. As God’s children, you took in and offered shelter to the most vulnerable of our elderly residents.

Oftentimes in the rush to respond to a crisis and the aftermath, we forget to thank and highlight the exceptional efforts of volunteers and organizations that contribute so much.

Grand Knight Rick Leibler, the Council 2022, and its brother Knights are owed a depth of gratitude. You have much to be proud of.

Very sincerely and most gratefully,

Paul Frechette, Mayor of West Branch

Frank Goodroe, City Manager

by sally a. reaWe are fortunate to

have a lot of history in our museum’s library on different ways the Ojibwas and many other tribes believed. I found this old Indian history in a binder which I found very interesting. Here are some of the stories.

He was an old Ojibwa chief called Nanch-chic-qua-ming who died at the age of 123 years. He told the Indian history and legends of the days gone by.

He would never wear white man’s clothes. During the summer he and many other Indians dressed in loin cloths. During the winter or cold weather, they covered themselves with a blanket made of various skins. The women dressed similarly except they let their hair grow long.

This old Ojibwa chief was very proud and kind hearted. One day a lady from Boston visited us. The chief went to meet her so he dressed up for the occasion. He came in a dark blue coat with big brass buttons and an old shirt that reached almost to his knees (no trousers). He had an old silk hat with feathers stuck in it.

All these clothes at one time had been given to him. It’s the most white man’s clothes he ever wore. He wore only “pucker moccasins,” the rest of him was bare.

My friend, seeing his semi-nude state, offered him a cane chair to sit on, fearing he might soil an upholstered one we had in the room. He indignantly refused. Drawing himself up majestically to his full height, he exclaimed, “I do not accept a wooden chair. I am a big chief. The upholstered chair is none too good for me to sit on.” He then wanted to marry my visitor…he at this time had

four other wives.The Indians idea

of “The Happy Hunting Ground” was nature in all of its glory. The ground was covered with a green carpet of green, dotted with gorgeous flowers. There was an abundance of trees

with fruit to please every taste. There were lakes of matchless beauty and canoes to glide over them without exertion. No pain and no death would mar their pleasure there. Their friends looked more beautiful than in life on the Earth.

In order to get to this blissful place, one had to walk a narrow plank over a deep, dark, roaring river. By doing good on earth one learned to walk the narrow plank in a short time, while the more wicked one was the longer it took to “walk the plank” to get into the Happy Hunting Ground. The wicked that fell into the river were drowned.

Like the dreamers in the Bible the Indian, too, believed what is revealed in sleep would govern our lives.

In 1846 Rev. G. Bradley, assisted by Kah-he-Qua, a full-blooded Ojibwa, established the mission at Saganing. It was the work of this mission and others that changed some of the beliefs of the Indians.

When a mission was established, the first thing it attempted was to convert their medicine men to Christianity…

no little thing to do, for then they would have to give up their medicine bag which was the symbol of their power.

Many of the converted aided Mrs. Sagatoo in her work. There was John Henry, Brother Green Sky, the Salases, the Noondays and others who will long be remembered

Wigwams were single family homes. They were dome shaped and could have been circular or oval, 20 feet long by 10 feet wide.

They were made of wood saplings at least 14 feet long and driven into the ground and then bent over and tied.

Doors were made of cattail rush mats or a wood frame with animal hides stretched across it.

The outside had three layers of either cattail mats woven tightly or sheets of bark striped from trees. (After Europeans came the natives began using canvas as an outer layer and they began building and using teepee style houses.)

The wigwam was a seasonal home. After spring planting the women would roll the mats or bark up and haul it to their summer fishing home. Then they would unroll the outer covering over the frame that was still there from the previous summer.

Beliefs of Native Americans (Ojibwa)

Typical Ojibwa wigwam.

Photo courtesy of Denny ShumwayThe Aktion Club of West Branch held its first fundraising event of the new year on Jan. 10, at the Family Fare. The club held a bake sale and bagging for donations. It was a success in numerous ways. More locals met the club members and found out what they do for the community. The members may have special needs, but that does not deter them from helping the people of Ogemaw County. The club will be having another bag and carry on Feb. 28 at the Family Fare in West Branch. Come out and support them in their quest to help others.

Bake sale to help others

Rep. Rendon invites residents to upcoming office hoursRep. Daire Rendon of Lake City announced her upcoming office hours for residents of Missaukee, Craw-ford, Kalkaska, Roscommon and Ogemaw counties. Rep. Rendon’s office hours are scheduled for Feb. 7, 9 to 10 a.m. at Café International, 4761 Sage Lake Rd in Prescott;Residents may also contact Rep. Rendon at her Lansing office at 517-373-3817 or [email protected].

jan. 25 - feb. 7, 2020 Page 5 - Ogemaw COunty VOiCeCommunity

Brylee« Continued from page 1

New President« Continued from page 1

Seven years old at the time, Brylee had already suffered more than any child should ever have to endure, including undergoing five open heart surgeries, the first at only two months old.

Shortly after birth, she was diagnosed with VACTERL Syndrome, an extremely rare condition that attacks multiple organs in the body. Each letter represents an abnormality and to be diagnosed, you must have three of the conditions. Out of the seven, Brylee had six of the qualifiers.

The V stands for vertebral abnormalities and in Brylee’s case caused scoliosis, a curvature of the spine and stunted growth. The A stands for Anal Atresia that required Brylee to have a coloscopy bag immediately after she was born.

The C stands for cardio-vascular (heart) anomalies, which required Brylee to have her first open heart surgery at only two months old. The TE stands for tracheoesophageal fistula, which Brylee did not have, but causes the trachea and esophagus not to be connected together.

The R stands for renal anomalies, which resulted in Brylee being born with only one malformed kidney that never functioned correctly. Finally, the L stands for limb defects. Brylee was missing the radial bone on her right arm; a finger on her right arm and her right arm was shorter than the left.

Brylee was never to be defined by her disabilities.

Her name eventually was taken off the donor registry after a problem with her feeding tube required Brylee to spend several weeks in Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor last spring.

After recovering, Brylee went home almost a different child.

“She improved tremendously…there was no sickness,” said Norma. “She played, she laughed. It was the best eight months of her life. She started talking to people…she never talked before. She sang and was just so happy.

“I know God gave us that time with her to enjoy her and we did,” she added. “It was such a blessing.”

In August, Brylee was seen again by doctors in Ann Arbor to

see if she could be placed back on the donor registry, but sadly it was discovered that there would be no new heart for Brylee.

The family didn’t know how much time they had with her, but they definitely made the best of it, including a one-week vacation to Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World, paid for by the non-profit organization, Believe in Miracles.

“She loved it and was healthy enough to enjoy it,” Norma said, adding she loved Minnie Mouse. “They went to Universal Studios…Sea World. She was up from daylight to dark getting around and seeing everything.”

At Thanksgiving, the family rented a lodge to spend the holiday together. Brylee played and swam with her cousins. And, then, there was time for one “last beautiful Christmas,” before her tiny heart finally gave out.

“We are all so grateful to the community for the outpouring of support for our family,” Norma said. “We’re going to have to figure out how to start a new life without her. Brylee will be missed by everyone who knew her.”

Banners« Continued from page 1

email an application to you. The applications will be on a “first in first” basis and will be date stamped. Fortunately, the West Branch Township is allowing more poles to be added this year going all the way to the Outlet Mall. That will still be a small number compared to the number of veterans in our local area.

The banners will honor active duty service or veterans (alive or deceased). Sponsor or honoree must live, work or actively volunteer in Ogemaw County at the time of first display. Each banner will be displayed for two years and can be renewed for another term if desired.

Every banner flag will have a photograph of the service member preferably in uniform, their name, rank, branch of service, service years or conflicts you want displayed. Banners will be given to the sponsor when it is retired.

There is a fee of $200 for each banner for the two-year

term. The money collected from the program covers the cost of implementation, and profits will benefit groups in the West Branch community. No money or photographs are accepted until the first week of August, but applications need to be returned now. You will be notified in August to submit payment and photographs at that time. The banners will be hung the last week of September and will remain until about a week after Veterans Day on Nov. 11, following the service at the Veterans Memorial.

Our area is home to many proud veterans and active service personnel. This is a great way to thank our veterans for their service and proudly display our patriotism. I personally, look forward to seeing their faces, their names, and hearing their stories. Many never talk about their service and this is a way for the community to know them better.

Locally, April 2020 will mark the second anniversary of MidMichigan Medical Center – West Branch joining the MidMichigan Health family. Since partnering, significant progress has been made in the Medical Center’s transition to the health system.

Just some of the progress made in the near two years of partnership has included an increase in services and providers, the opening of a new state-of-the-art emergency department, addition of hospitalists, implementation of an electronic medical record, increased services, employee health and wellness clinic expansion, student scholarship access, and the institution of daily safety briefings. West Branch’s affiliation with MidMichigan Health has also recorded expense savings and assured consistent and strategically relevant capital reinvestment into the community.

“Since our partnership began, the benefits MidMichigan Medical Center – West Branch and its patients are experiencing is in large part a result of the dedication and hard work of Bob, our leadership, and integration teams,” said Stover. “Their passion for excellence has laid the groundwork for success and together we will continue those efforts to ensure our patients receive the high-quality care they deserve.”

Stover, a MidMichigan employee since 1990, has served as president of MidMichigan Medical Center – Gladwin since January 2008, and president of the Medical Center in Clare since January 2012. Prior to his position in Clare, Stover was associated with MidMichigan

Medical Center – Midland as a management analyst, cost/budget manager and accountant. Stover holds his Master of Science in Health Administration and Leadership, as well as bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in accounting from Saginaw Valley State University. Ray has been active in the Clare, Gladwin, and surrounding communities by serving on the boards of the Clare Community Foundation, MidMichigan College Foundation,

MidMichigan Community Health Services in Houghton Lake, the Gladwin Economic Development Committee, the Central Michigan University Master of Public Health Advisory Board, and the Gladwin Rotary Club. He is a former member of the Clare and Gladwin United Way Board of Directors, and is a current member of the Beaverton and Harrison Lions Club.

Stover resides in Midland with his wife, Rose. They have four daughters.

page 6 - Ogemaw COunty VOiCe jan. 25 - feb. 7, 2020Community

ENTERTAINMENT

jan. 25 - feb. 7, 2020 Page 7 - Ogemaw COunty VOiCeEntertainment

page 8 - Ogemaw COunty VOiCe jan. 25 - feb. 7, 2020Community

A new, streamlined application for residents and developers interested in purchasing State Land Bank property is now available taking users from a multi-document application to one singular, more efficient application.

The streamlined application, and updated website, come as a result of an increased focus on improving the user experience for State Land Bank customers. With these new updates, the State Land Bank aims to improve operations and ensure a positive experience for the customers they serve.

The streamlined application is great news for anyone interested in purchasing Land Bank property. “Increasing efficiencies and improving services for the people of Michigan is an ongoing goal of our agency, and I’m happy we are able to make this process easier for our customers,” State Land Bank Interim Director Jeff Huntington said.

This new application can

be found on the Available Properties panel www.michigan.gov/landbank on the homepage of the Land Bank website. The previous process required applicants to choose from a handful of applications that oftentimes caused confusion and led to the wrong application being submitted. The new, singular application is accompanied by an easy-to-use handout outlining supplemental information needed to complete the application.

The disposition of property helps revitalize communities across Michigan by selling vacant, abandoned, foreclosed, blighted or otherwise unproductive property to an owner who wants to recycle it into productive use.

The Michigan Land Bank has returned nearly 2,500 properties to productive use since 2010. To learn more about the State Land Bank Authority’s efforts to improve communities across the state, visit Michigan.gov/LandBank.

State Land Bank releases new, streamlined property application

Photo by Grange Bell

The West Branch Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Business After Hours was hosted by St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store on Jan. 16. If you are interested in hosting a BAH event, there are still dates available this year. Call the chamber at 345-2821.

St. Vincent hosts Business After Hours

Courtesy photo

Morris-Richardson Real Estate of West Branch recently hosted the West Branch Area Chamber of Com-merce’s Connections Breakfast. The next Connections Breakfast is scheduled for Feb. 21 and will be held at the West Branch District Library, 119 N. Fourth St. There are still dates available for this year. If you are interested in hosting a breakfast, call 345-2821.

Morris-Richardson hosts ‘Connections Breakfast’

Lori Wangler of West Branch is one of five lucky Michigan Lottery players to have been selected to play The Big Spin game after winning The Big Spin second chance drawing.

Each player selected will spin The Big Spin wheel and have a chance to win up to $2 million. All the players who spin The Big Spin wheel are guaranteed to win at least $100,000. The players will be featured on The Big Spin televised events, hosted by Detroit basketball champion, John Salley, beginning Feb. 10, shortly after evening Lottery drawings.

All told, 20 players were selected to appear on The Big Spin show. The second chance part of The Big Spin game ended Dec. 31.

Each $10 The Big Spin

ticket offers players a chance to instantly win prizes ranging from $10 up to $1 million. Players have won more than $19 million playing The Big Spin. More than $56 million in prizes remain, including three $1 million top prizes, four $10,000 prizes, and 112 $1,000 prizes.

Lottery instant games may be purchased at 10,500 retailers across the state.

In 2019, Lottery players won more than $1.2 billion playing instant games.

About 97 cents of every dollar spent on Lottery tickets is returned to the state in the form of contributions to the state School Aid Fund, prizes to players, and commissions to vendors and retailers.

Five Michigan Lottery players win opportunity to play The Big Spin

jan. 25 - feb. 7, 2020 Page 9 - Ogemaw COunty VOiCeCommunity

Good News from the WB/RC SchoolsAs reported at the January school board meeting

See GOOD NEWS on Page 15 »

The following students earned these rankings at the HOSA Regional Leadership Conference on Dec. 12: Top 6: Tyler Walters-Knowledge test in Behavioral Health, Riley Hendrickson-Knowledge test in Pathophysiology; third place: Isabella Madison-Medical Reading, third place: Donald Erwin-Knowledge test in Human Growth and Development; second place: Hannah Simmons, Hannah Winters, Courtney Tolfree (team)-Creative Problem Solving. These students will compete at the HOSA State Leadership Conference in Traverse City March 8-10.

On Dec. 18, the OHHS

Theatre and Performance classes presented their annual holiday performance for Surline Elementary and Middle school students as well as held an evening performance for families. The kids did an awesome job and the evening program was well attended. Tickets for the Theatrical Troupe’s murder mystery dinner theatre have sold out for three of the four performances and tickets for the spring production, Crazy for You, will go on sale on Monday, Feb. 10.

OHHS YAC held a Coin Drive the week before Christmas break. Collectively, students and staff contributed more than $600!

Student council held a successful food drive before Christmas. Many donations were made to the community.

The high school choir had a successful Christmas Concert season and would like to thank the school board, administration, and community for their support. Upcoming events include: District Solo and Ensemble Festival at Beaverton High School on Feb. 8, District Choral Festival at Standish-Sterling High School on March 7, and the Annual Arts Extravaganza at OHHS on April 23.

AthleticsMark your calendars for

Monday, Feb. 17. We will be

unveiling the banner for our 2018-19 State Runner-up Varsity Bowling team that night at the varsity boys basketball game in the Ogemaw Heights gymnasium.

We have some special nights planned by our Bridge Crew. The Bridge Crew is a group of upperclassmen who mentor our freshman class. We are calling it “Jam the Gym” and “Pack the Pool.” Every freshman at Ogemaw Heights is going to receive a class t-shirt and if they wear it to these events, they will receive free entry. The events planned are Boys Basketball on Jan. 27, Boys Swim and Dive on Feb. 4, and Girls Basketball on Feb. 7. There will also be a staff

vs freshman girls basketball game at OHHS on Feb. 7 at 4 p.m. This will proceed the JV and varsity games that evening. We hope to see big crowds those nights to cheer on our athletes and to create a fun atmosphere for all of our students and fans.

We are happy to announce that we are bringing back Open Gym on Saturday nights. It will be from 5-9 p.m. every Saturday night alongside of Open Swim. The cost is $4 per person and you can go between the pool and the gym.

Upcoming events:Jan. 23-26…..Murder Mystery

Dinner Theatre

Ogemaw Heights High School

On Dec. 13, Professor Marty Aford (aka Mr. Marty), spoke to the sixth grade science classes. His presentation included the history of agriculture, plant production, alternate ways or growing plants, and the nutritional value of having a variety of fruits and vegetables. This coordinates with the Project Healthy School curriculum that focuses on students making healthy choices. Mr. Marty will return with additional information regarding plants and students will have an opportunity to grow plants to place in the greenhouse. SMS will also partner with Saginaw Valley State University to bring the mobile STEM lab here in the spring.

Sixth graders at SMS have completed the preliminary round of the National Geographic Society GeoBee for the 2019-20 school year. The top three

students are: Garret Guoan, Luke Hoydic and Christian Scott. Later in January, they will compete in the school round of the competition against other seventh and eighth graders and only ten finalists will move forward. Students have the chance to win cash prizes, college scholarship money and a prize trip. We’d like to wish all of contestants “good luck” as they move forward in the competition. Way to go Garret, Luke and Christian for a job well done!

In the past month various staff members from SES, RCS and SMS were able to take part in a COOR offered training titled TBRI. TBRI (Trust Based Response Intervention) training was the first step in creating a specific culture of relational response to student behavior and the trauma that shows itself in a variety of ways at school. Presenters from

Western Michigan University educated staff on trigger responses and intervention, disarming fear-based behaviors, and connection strategies for students with attachment issues. Another highlight was the potential this program has for working with WBRC Schools in caring for its staff who have also been so heavily affected by recent tragedies both on personal and professional levels. According to Adair Aumock at COOR, the state has allocated funding for implementation of this program and made those funds readily available. What a great opportunity for our schools to have training that will directly impact our students, staff, and community in a powerful,

influential and thoughtful manner. SMS Student Council has been

busy planning and preparing to host its 12th Annual Blizzard Bash dance for the seventh and eighth grade students.

Upcoming events:Feb. 5…..School Improvement

8:20 a.m.Feb. 12…..Spring picturesFeb. 21…..No school, Teacher

PD DayFeb. 25…..Science Fair Family

Night 5-7 p.m. Feb. 28…..End of Marking

Period 4

Surline Middle School

From Mrs. McGregor (first grade): Mrs. McGregor read The Mitten by Jan Brett to her students. Then the students were able to pick an animal to live in their mittens. They wrote three animal characteristic clues so peers could guess what animal was living in their mittens. Their fourth grade reading buddies enjoyed trying to guess the hidden animals.

From Mrs Baksa (kindergarten): Mrs. Baksa’s students have enjoyed their penguin and snowman themed math stations.

Upcoming eventsJan 31 3:10…..PBIS Assembly

Rose City School

page 10 - Ogemaw COunty VOiCe jan. 25 - feb. 7, 2020Community

West Branch Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors BureauWBACC - www.wbacc.com • West Branch Visitors Bureau - www.visitwestbranch.com

422 West Houghton Ave. - West Branch, MI 48661Phone (989) 345-2821 • (800) 755-9091 • Fax (989) 345-9075

Welcome New Chamber Members:

heather neuhauS

Chamber News from Heather

Business After HoursThird Thursday each month from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Great

way to network and meet new people. Thank you to St. Vincent De Paul of West Branch for hosting January.

Chamber Connections:A great morning networking and meeting Chamber

Members that begins at 7 a.m. and is finished by 8 a.m. Meets the second Friday each month at various Chamber member locations. Thank you to Morris Richardson Real Estate for hosting January. Next one will be on Feb. 14 at West Branch District Library located at 119 Fourth Street.

heather neuhaus,executive Director

As we plunge into the new year I would like to take a moment and thank the Chamber Board of Directors, Chamber Ambassadors, Premier Sponsors and Members for a successful 2019. We are excited for the future plans of the Chamber and ready to see what 2020 will bring.

PACKED! This is a word that describes the year. It is packed full of fabulous events and activities to do all four seasons. Please make sure you stop by and get the Calendar of Events for Winter/Spring. Make sure you keep updated on our online community calendar.

I am challenging each business and organization to get involved. It is important we all support each

other. Send you or your staff to Business After Hours, Chamber Connections, Kiwanis Club or Optimist Club.

West Branch area is packed full of adventures. These adventures are looking for more volunteers and people to help out and we can get

you in contact with them such as Ogemaw Count Fair, Pioneer Power Antique Tractor & Engine Club, Ogemaw Hills Ski Club, Ogemaw Hills Snowmobile Club, Victorian Art Fair and more! Get out there and explore, volunteer, join a club and support each other.

In December the Chamber Christmas Light Parade and Santa Train with Lake State Railway turned out awesome. Thank you to all the volunteers and sponsors that made it happen.

Happy New Year and enjoy your day.

2020 Premier Sponsors:

Bucilli’s Pizza221 W. Houghton Ave. 989-345-8001

Good Times Travel N’ Tours, LLC493 Victorian Court989-345-7374

Coalition of Hope (Suicide Awareness)989-345-5571

West Branch Chiropractic Center110 E. Houghton Ave.989-345-3310

Ogemaw Business & Community Expo and Job Fair

Tuesday, March 24 • 4-7 pm Ogemaw Heights High School

Vendors accepted now!Please visit the Chamber website at www.wbacc.com

Fabulous Customer ServiceIf you have had good service somewhere in our area,

please turn it in. We want to recognize our local businesses. You can email the Chamber, call us or stop in and tell us about the Fabulous Customer Service you received.

YOUR VOTE COUNTSPlease take a moment and vote for Outstanding Business Awards by going to the Chamber Website and

clicking on the link on the main page. If you do not have access to online, the Chamber is available to assist you. You can stop by and we will get you set up. Voting is until Feb. 7.

Nomination for 2019 Outstanding Business Awards nominees:Excellence Award: Compassus Hospice, Diebold Insurance Agency, Morse Clark Furniture Company and

Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Homes, Inc.Chamber Non- Profit Organization of the Year: Ana’s Treasures, First United Methodist Church, Kiwanis

Club of West Branch, Knights of Columbus, and Pioneer Power Antique Tractor Club.New Chamber Member Business/Organization of the Year 0-5 years: A&B Coffeehouse & Café,

Compassionate Veterinary Care, First Fitness, and The Villa at West Branch.Leadership Award: City of West Branch, McLaren, Mercantile Bank of West Branch, and Pinnacle

Rehabilitation.Community Involvement: G’s Pizzeria & Deli, The Glass Slipper, West Branch Veterinary Services, and

The Silver Lining Boutique and Wine Tasting.

Chamber Winter Ball & Outstanding Business Awards

“Casino Royale”Saturday, February 29th at Forward Conference Center

Tickets on sale at Chamber officeJoin us for an evening of networking, supporting local

businesses/organizations, dinner, entertainment, State of the Chamber, auctions and dancing! Thank you to the 2019 Premier Sponsors:

Sunrise Side Towing, Lucynski Services, Shots With Love Photography, Warblers Cove Family Campground & RV Resort, Dean Arbour Ford, Mercantile Bank, Culligan of West Branch, Diebold Insurance Agency, Chemical Bank, Forward Conference Center, Hart Buick GMC, Griffin Beverage, MidMichigan Health, Morse Clark Furniture Company, West Branch Veterinary Services and West Branch/ Rose City Automotive.

Chamber Board of Directors:Executive Director: Heather NeuhausPresident: Cynthia ScottVice President: Dan ElliottSecretary: Scott BellTreasurer: Nikki BiermannBoard Member: Mark PacellaBoard Member: Michelle FrechetteBoard Member: Emil Rousseau

exeCutiVe DireCtOr, heather neuhausaDministratiVe assistant, nikki haines

jan. 25 - feb. 7, 2020 Page 11 - Ogemaw COunty VOiCeCommunity

page 12 - Ogemaw COunty VOiCe jan. 25 - feb. 7, 2020Community

Northeast Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness (NEMCAH) is conducting a one-day Point-In-Time Homeless Count, on Wednesday, Jan. 29. This count helps the coalition and communities better understand who faces homelessness on a given day, so they can advocate for additional resources to provide services for those who are homeless or are facing homelessness.

According to NEMCAH, the homeless count is a federally mandated annual survey to determine the prevalence and characteristics of people experiencing homelessness. We count to understand homelessness in our region and what it will take to help connect people to secure shelter, to better allocate funding, services and measure outcomes, and the data collected helps drive federal funding to our local agencies.

How you, the community can help? Pay close attention to persons experiencing homelessness, communicate with

neighbors and friends to find out if they know anyone living in a place not meant for human habitation, and have a list of places we can check during our Point-In-Time Count on Jan. 29. If you would like to learn more or have questions, please reach out to the contact person for your county.

The Northeast Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness is a collaborative group of community organizations and individuals with an interest in homelessness, affordable housing and supportive housing issues. The organization’s formation in 2018 was encouraged under the guidance of the Michigan Balance of State. NEMCAH’s Region 3 covers Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle and Roscommon counties. The coalition has a goal of working toward a reality where all residents of the 11 northeast counties will have safe, decent and affordable housing, and access to resources or supportive

services necessary to prevent or break the cycle of homelessness.

The local county contacts are Christine Jacobs 989-387-3882, for Ogemaw County and Chelsea Cloft 989-590-0309 for Iosco County.

Coalition to raise awareness and end homelessness

Lego LeagueSurline Elementary is so

excited to kick off our 2020 Lego Club this January led by Mrs. Chamberlain, Mrs. Secord, and Mrs. Bedtelyon. We will be using our Legos purchased through generous donations from our community and the YAC grant from two years ago. We have accepted amazing applications from third and fourth graders at our school who have written essays and had excellent behavior at home and school. During our six-week Lego Club the students engage in activities and challenges that have to be solved or completed using standard Legos and Lego simple machine pieces. They learn to work in a group and collaborate together to solve problems and to learn from each other. We love showing off our creations in our hallway display by the library. Stop by and enjoy it next time you are in the school.

Mrs. Schneider’s second grade class

After analyzing our classroom data on NWEA, I noticed a lot of students needed to work on

sequencing. We started this with an author study from the series “There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly” by Lucille Colandro. After just a few books, the students picked up on the order of which she swallowed the items in the books. From there, we created our own story as a class. We decided to start simple with “There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Piece of Bread” (to make a PBJ). The students worked in groups to create one page of the book. First, she needed to swallow bread, then the peanut butter/jelly, knife, plate, etc. We put the book together and read it. They thought it was so funny! Next, the students were given a blank template to create their own story. We had some pretty creative outcomes - all of the items to create things like a chicken, summer, playground, pizza, and fishing to name a few. Our next step will be to write a fictional story that goes with our illustrations with our end goal of getting it published into a real, hardcover book.

Mrs. Evergreen’s second grade class

I’m so excited to have the opportunity to tell you about some of the wonderful learning that is taking place in my third grade class. In math my students are busy learning about the area of rectangles. They think finding the area is so much fun; they daily tell me it’s too easy for them. (I remind them this is simply because they are all “area experts!”) One of the reasons they are doing so well in math right now is because of our access to Chromebooks. During our daily center/intervention time as well as if/when there is extra time in our math block, we are able to use Chromebooks to access wonderful math sites that allow us to practice our skills. They love to go on Zearn, Math Playground, and Prodigy to name a few. I am able to keep a close eye on their progress on these sites, and I can individualize each student’s practice if they need more work on a certain skill or standard.

Miss Yax’s preschoolIn my preschool classroom,

we have split our students into two groups for their EAK (letter instruction). This allows us to differentiate their learning as

well as provide developmentally appropriate materials. There are also fewer behavioral issues due to smaller groups and more opportunities for accurately checking in with students. Since doing this, data has shown an increase in identifying letters and sounds.

We have also started our plant study. This study was chosen by the students and will provide cross curricular opportunities for learning. They will experiment each week and make predictions in their writing journals. We will measure and compare different plants. Their final project is growing a plant and we will attempt to transplant them into our natural playground late spring.

Mrs. Howard’s kindergartenOur kindergarten class has

been busy exploring maps and places around the world in Social Studies during the past month. We have learned about our city, state, country, and earth, and we have even created our own classroom maps and maps of our route from home to school. We have been continuing our science

explorations into force and motion and push vs. pull with several different science experiments, including designing a way to guide a “boulder” (a ball) down a pretend hill to keep the pretend houses from getting damaged as well as creating the most effective way for a ball to bounce back and forth from side to side on a flat track to knock down as many bowling pins as possible.

We’ve been having a lot of fun working together to build various structures with our STEM kits, and everyone has been enjoying learning about measurement in math using the balance to discover concepts of heavier and lighter. We have learned a great deal about force and motion as well as cooperative learning and teamwork. Since break, we have begun to write our own short stories in Writers Workshop. Our great group of creative authors are writing about topics ranging from gigantic fish and an adventurous mouse to a boy who is on a journey to learn his ABCs. Everyone can’t wait to publish and share our books in class and beyond.

Good News« Continued from page 9

Surline Elementary School

jan. 25 - feb. 7, 2020 Page 13 - Ogemaw COunty VOiCeCommunity