PJ Jamboree clothing drive set
ROSCOMMON - Mike’s Movies has set a goal to gain 1,000 lbs in pajamas, as well as other clothes and linens, to be donated to local organizations, by Feb. 29.

Bring a bag of clothes to Mike’s Movies and receive a free movie rental.

Why pajamas? Every organization has a need for them. But don’t be shy. Clean out those closets! All donations of usable items will be happily accepted and distributed locally.

Want to lend a hand? Want to be a drop spot? Need items picked up? Please call Erine at 989-281-1260.

Mike’s Movies is located across from Glen’s in Roscommon.

Rendon announces office hours
ROSCOMMON COUNTY - Area residents can meet with state Rep. Bruce R. Rendon to talk about state government concerns at the lawmaker's local office hours scheduled for Feb. 13 and 17.

"Office hours provide an added chance for me to meet face-to-face with residents to hear their issues and ideas for improving state government," said Rendon, of Lake City. "No appointment is necessary so I invite people to stop in just to say hello for a few minutes, if they'd like."
Rendon's meeting schedule for Monday, Feb. 13, is:
Iosco County
* East Tawas City Hall, 760 Newman St. in East Tawas, from 10 to 11 a.m.
Ogemaw County
* Rose City City Hall, 410 N. Williams St. in Rose City, from 2 to 3 p.m. 

On Friday, Feb. 17, he will be at:
Roscommon County
* Gerrish Township General Office, 2997 E. Higgins Lake Drive in Roscommon, from 10 to 11 a.m.

Missaukee County
* Missaukee Courthouse, 111 South Canal in Lake City, from 2 to 3 p.m.

People unable to attend office hours are encouraged to contact Rendon by addressing letters to the State Capitol, Lansing, MI 48909-7514; calling his toll-free Lansing office number at 1-888-DIST-103 (1-888-347-8103); sending e-mail to brucerendon@house.mi.gov.

The Klondike

Roscommon Troop 944 and Pack 3944 recently held its annual Klondike event at the K of C Hall recently. Watch the Feb. 4 issue of the Roscommon County Voice for more info and photos.

Second weekend of Tip Up Town kicks off

HOUGHTON LAKE - Turnout for the first weekend of Tip Up Town was very high with hundreds of kids turning out for the youth events on shore. But due to weather conditions, everything that was to be held on the ice, such as the fishing contest and fireworks has been rescheduled for this weekend.  

For a complete schedule of events visit the Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce website at www.houghtonlakechamber.net or call the office at 989-364-5644.

Houghton Lake ice unsafe

This photo taken Jan. 16 by Chris Ambrose shows how much of Houghton Lake wasn' t  completely frozen prior to this week's icy weather. 

Jim Dehlin honored by 'Stormy Kromer'
IRONWOOD - The legend of Stormy Kromer began with a unique cap design in 1903. Over the course of more than 100 years, Jacquart Fabric Products has proudly become the Caretaker of the Legend, not only continuing to produce the iconic cap, but expanding the brand and product line to create the Stormy Kromer Mercantile.

In the spirit of George “Stormy” Kromer and the perseverance of Jacquart Fabric Products, who in 2001, brought the Stormy Kromer cap back from the brink of extinction, the company launched a search to award the first of what will become an annual Living Legend award.

The search kicked off in October 2011 with a call for entries. After narrowing down the impressive pool of entrants, ten finalists were selected in November, and online voting on the company’s website stormykromer.com began.
Jim Dehlin of Roscommon was named Stormy Kromer’s first Living Legend this morning.

As the winner, Jim not only receives another accolade to add to his impressive biography, but will be featured as a Living Legend in the 2012 Stormy Kromer catalog and can enjoy spending a $500 gift certificate for a Stormy Kromer shopping spree. In addition, Stormy Kromer is donating a percentage of all online sales from Jan. 9–31 to Homes for our Troops, Jim’s charity of choice.

“I am honored to be the recipient of the inaugural Stormy Kromer Living Legend award. To be included in such an elite group of finalists has been a humbling experience. I am blessed in my life to have my family and friends who have always supported me,” Dehlin said. “I am especially thankful to my son Jesse, who honored me as his Dad by nominating me. Many thanks to Stormy Kromer and all who voted.”

Just what makes Jim Dehlin a Living Legend? According to his son, Jesse, he is a hero, and not only in his son’s eyes, but also those of the U.S. Army. In 1969, while serving in Vietnam, Jim lost both of his legs after stepping on a land mine.

However, as his nomination reads “what he has accomplished since then, looks more like somebody’s bucket list than somebody sporting a wheelchair.” From running with the bulls to any type of skiing (snow or water) and even serving as a volunteer firefighter, you could say Jim is a rock star, especially since he even appears in the music video Something to Believe In by the band Poison.

But Jim’s extra curricular activities are really just the tip of the iceberg for this avid hunter and outdoorsman, he has not only found a way to participate in all of the things he is interested in or try new things, but also encourage and inspire others to pursue their passions and follow their dreams.

As son Jesse, so eloquently said when nominating his dad:
“He has sought out roles in life where he could make a positive impact on people's lives - from small impacts as the head coach of my little league teams, to a larger impact as a university professor where he continued to inspire young people to achieve their goals in life. He is proof that with the proper outlook on life, any obstacle can be overcome, anything can be achieved. Every day he inspires people, because if a guy with no legs can do it, so can you.”

Stormy Kromer couldn’t be more excited to honor Jim Dehlin with the very first Living Legend Award. While happy to see Jim sporting a camouflage Stormy Kromer cap in his nomination photo, everyone at Stormy Kromer is quite simply proud to know and honor him.

JV Bobcats fall to Clare

1/9/2012 @ Houghton Lake
Clare 64, Houghton Lake 46

Coach Eddie Johns said the team started out hot in the Jack Pine Conference matchup.
“We came out firing and took an early lead led offensively by Tyler Sluck who got on a hot streak to pull ahead. We have been working on more of a zone defensive system and it seemed to slow down the Pioneers to start.”

The Bobcats were tied at the half, 23-23, but in the third quarter Clare dominating with strong post play, pounding it in with close shots and aggressive rebounding. They outscored Houghton Lake 28-10 and the rest of the game was played even up.

“We are having trouble putting together a full game,” Johns said. “Tonight we were 3/4 there, but that won't put one in the “W” column. We could not have asked for more effort from our guys, they continued to fight and battle up the final horn, we just need to improve rebounding and finishing our shots.

Tyler Sluck scored 31.
 

Food pantry donation

The Rotary Club of Roscommon presented a check for $572.50 to Jean and Larry White of the Community Food Pantry in Roscommon. Rotarians were out ringing a bell and soliciting donations during the Christmas in the Village celebration. Thanks to everyone for their generosity. Pictured (l-r) are Jean White, Rotary President Matt Nester, Larry White and Rotarian Thomas O'Brien.

Gerrish names LaBonte officer of the year
GERRISH TWP. - Officer Norm LaBonte of the Gerrish Township Police Department was awarded the department’s 2011 Officer of the Year Award in November by Chief Brian Hill and Sgt. Greg Patchin.

LaBonte has been with the department since December 2009 and according to Hill “Has been a wonderful addition to our team.”

He is a graduate of Midland High School and Delta College and currently resides with his wife and two daughters in the Higgins Lake Area.

Chief Hill states “Officer LaBonte is an exemplary officer in all aspects of the law enforcement field and will always go above and beyond the call of duty especially in his community involvement.”

This award is earned by a combination of evaluation marks as they relate to the department’s 15 named criteria that include; Community Orientation, Decision Making/Judgment, Interpersonal Relationships, Oral Communication, Partnership Development, Patrol Management, Problem Solving, Professional Image, Resource Knowledge and Utilization, Safety Practices, Self Improvement, Written Communications, Leadership, Investigative Skill, Professional Ethics/Values and Adherence to Department Missions and Vision.

LaBonte is a nine year police officer veteran and is also a certified Firefighter, EMT, CPR/AED Instructor and has obtained numerous other certificates in the public safety field.

He is the son of Al and Dawn LaBonte of Midland.

Project graduation underway
ROSCOMMON - Project Graduation has asked seniors to help both in fundraising and participating in the community. This year Trevor Deloge and Marlee Schilbee contributed by helping out with Toy's For Tot's. Both Marlee and Trevor are shown with a few of the things collected and taken over to Nester Chevrolet to put into the second truck that Nester's have collected for The Toy's For Tots this year.

 Exclusive

Richfield Township secures pier grant
RICHFIELD TWP. - The Richfield Township Board announced at its regular meeting tonight that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources grant for the $55,000 to build a Handicapped Accessible Fishing Pier/Kayak Launch was approved.

Local volunteers have collected more than $22,000 to put toward the grant, which according to St. Helen Area Chamber Spokesperson Jan Waltz said, "Is going to be a great asset to Lake St. Helen." The kayak launch is the first of its kind in Roscommon County.

Volunteers have been working for almost a year to get the grant in order to enhance the property where the old DNR boat launch is located.