Year In Review

Tue, 01/03/2023 - 5:47pm caleb

Annual Crawford County Avalanche feature offers a look back at an eventful 2022

Goodbye, 2022. Hello, 2023.

The last 12 months have featured plenty of activity in Crawford County.

Grayling celebrated its 150th anniversary, commemorating the milestone with a few special events. The COVID-19 pandemic continued; some numbers were high in the region early in the year, but most restrictions disappeared and more events returned.

Voters had three chances to cast ballots, passing a Grayling Charter Township fire millage, denying a county-wide spongy moth suppression millage proposal, passing a $21 million Crawford AuSable School District bond proposal, deciding a few local contested races, and adding their votes to three state-wide proposals and races for governmental positions. Senate Bill 971 – part of the effort to bring a state-owned veterans cemetery to Crawford County – passed in both the Michigan house and the Michigan senate. The Grayling Rotary Club and the Crawford County Historical Museum celebrated their 50th anniversaries. Camp Grayling asked the DNR for more than 160,000 acres of additional leased land for training. The community has a new sheriff and a new police chief. AuSable River Festival events like the parade and the HUP Race returned.

In sports action, the 2022 AuSable River Canoe Marathon featured a near-record field with 93 teams. Kirtland brought back its men’s and women’s basketball programs. Grayling High School’s varsity boys basketball team won a district championship and then won its first regional title since 1957. A Grayling High School track athlete won a state title in the discus event. The 3rd/4th grade Junior Vikings posted an 8-0 record and won a Northwest Youth Conference championship. Hanson Hills hosted a variety of activities during the four seasons, including the Ragnar Trail Michigan, the Cote Dame Marie Ski Loppet, the GRA 10K/5K, the Black Bear Gran Fondo, and others.

As 2022 comes to an end, the Crawford County Avalanche offers its annual Year In Review feature. Story summaries are listed according to the edition in which the articles were published.

Happy New Year!

January

Hanson Hills had a busy 2021. The year included record wintertime crowds, the return of the Ragnar Trail Michigan, completion of renovation projects, and many other events and activities.

AuSable Artisan Village’s 2022 membership drive, “Where Imagination Soars,” is in full swing under the leadership of AAV’s executive director, Andrea Hentschel.

The Crawford County Devereaux Memorial Library brought back more of its programs and events in 2021 after experiencing pandemic-related shutdowns and delays in its renovation project during the year 2020, and overall user numbers are starting to return to normal levels, according to library officials.

The Crawford County Sheriff’s Department ended its 2021 on a positive note with a few charitable events following another year of challenges caused by drug-related complaints and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Healthcare officials reported “a mixed bag of news” with regard to the most recent Michigan COVID-19 numbers during an online Munson Healthcare press conference on December 28. Dr. Christine Nefcy, Munson Healthcare Chief Medical Officer, said test percent positivity is “steady” in northern Michigan but it’s increasing in the state overall. Dr. Nefcy said the Munson Healthcare system – as of Tuesday, December 28 – had 85 COVID-19 inpatients (74 unvaccinated, 11 vaccinated).

The Grayling Promotional Association – a local community improvement group – has a new president. Linda Schultz recently completed her one-year term as president of the organization, and Patty Hawkins took over on Tuesday, January 4.

On December 22 Grayling Masonic Lodge 356 donated money to various community organizations and events, including the Grayling High School robotic students (RoboVikes), the Crawford County Christian Help Center, and We Care.

The Crawford County Commission on Aging reinstated many of its programs in 2021 following shutdowns in 2020, and COA officials continue to work on the new senior center project as 2022 begins. Earlier this month, the building project received a boost in the form of a $20,000 contribution from Weyerhaeuser. Kathi Moss, Weyerhaeuser Environmental Manager, signed and presented the ceremonial donation check to Crawford County Commission on Aging Director Alice Snyder on Tuesday, January 4, at the future site of the new senior center on M-72.

After a brief period of improving COVID-19 statistics in northern Michigan, numbers are starting to go back up, health officials said during an online press conference hosted by Munson Healthcare on Tuesday, January 4.

Grayling Recreation Authority reported good turnout for the 2022 Cote Dame Marie Ski Loppet – an annual series of cross country ski races conducted at Hanson Hills Recreation Area – on Saturday, January 15, despite frigid temperatures for the event. Jorden Wakeley won the Michigan Cup Men’s Division with a time of 1:15:06. Jordyn Ross took first place in the Michigan Cup Women’s Division with a time of 0:45:46. The Junior Division winners were William Haapala (0:24:22) and Arianne Olson (0:27:44). George Frye finished first out of 10 skiers in the Men’s Citizen Skate Race with a time of 0:35:04. Kerry Mosko was the only competitor in the Women’s Citizen Skate Race; she posted a time of 0:58:44. Brian Kerr won the Men’s Citizen Classic Race with a time of 0:29:18. Deanna Spencer won the Women’s Citizen Classic Race with a time of 0:47:36.

The COVID-19 numbers in Michigan and in the region are rising again as the presence of the omicron variant increases, healthcare officials reported during an online press conference hosted by Munson Healthcare on Tuesday, January 11.

Tinker’s Junction started an indoor cornhole league.

The committee tasked with planning Grayling’s 150-year celebration discussed fundraising, events, and other aspects of the community’s upcoming sesquicentennial festivities during a meeting on Thursday, January 20, at the Devereaux Memorial Library as the group prepares for a spring kick-off, a large event in late summer/early fall, and other activities.

Grayling Charter Township is planning to ask township voters for approval of a fire department millage during the August 2022 election. Grayling Charter Township Supervisor Lacey Stephan III – during a regular township board of trustees meeting on Wednesday, January 19 – said the proposal would be one mill per year and the money would only be eligible for use for the Grayling Fire Department. The fire department is a joint venture between Grayling Charter Township and the City of Grayling.

Carrie Jean has opened Goldenrod Photography Studio at 4304 M-72 in Grayling, inside of The Gift – Wellness Community. The studio offers wedding, engagement, maternity, infant, child, senior, and pet photos.

The Crawford County Commission on Aging celebrated the retirement of one of its longtime Senior Center volunteers – Judy Morford, known for her clogging and exercise classes – with a gathering on Monday, January 17.

COVID-19 case numbers and test positivity rates are high in Michigan, and healthcare officials are expecting the rise to continue as the omicron variant is now the dominant strain in the United States, Munson Healthcare officials said on Tuesday, January 18, during an online press conference.

February

Northern Strike 22-1 (“Winter Strike”) – a National Guard Bureau sponsored exercise uniting service members from several U.S. states and partner forces – was held at the National All-Domain Warfighting Center (Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center and the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center) from January 21-30, a cold week in northern Michigan.

The 2022 season of AuSable Artisan Village’s Community Theatre Program kicks off on February 11-13 with three performances of “Skin Deep.”

The Grayling Main Street/Downtown Development Authority board of directors voted unanimously to hire Jillian Tremonti as the new Executive Director of the program on Thursday, January 17, at its monthly board meeting. Tremonti replaces Rae Gosling, who previously held the position for five years before she took a new role in Kalkaska.

The City of Grayling issued a “run water” notice on Friday, January 28, in an effort to prevent pipes from freezing.

Two Kirtland art students – Paige Galbraith (St. Helen, MI) and John Morrison (Lewiston, MI) – earned major honors by the Liberal Arts Network for Development (LAND), a statewide network of community colleges in Michigan. LAND sponsors annual student competitions to recognize outstanding work in the liberal arts.

Officials from Munson Healthcare and area health departments reported a mix of COVID-19 statistics during an online press conference on Tuesday, January 25, with some numbers rising, some falling, and others holding steady.

The Fifth Annual Fred Bear Day in Grayling – a two-day event that will pay tribute to the late hunting icon with a whistling arrow salute, a sportsman show, an evening gathering, and a special luncheon – is slated for March 4-5.

On Saturday, February 5, members of the Grayling High School Band attended the MSBOA District 2 Solo and Ensemble Contest at Kingsley High School. Five events attended, and five events earned Division I ratings and qualified for the State Contest.

After a socially distant event in 2021, the Grayling Regional Chamber of Commerce has decided to bring back the formal Awards Gala event this year.

Grayling High School senior Dylan Cragg – joined by family, coaches, and teammates – signed a letter of intent to play football and basketball at Alma College next year during a National Signing Day event at the GHS auditorium on Wednesday, February 2.

The Grayling Heritage 150th Committee continued its 2022 sesquicentennial celebration planning during a Zoom meeting on Thursday, February 3, discussing a variety of aspects of the venture, including events, fundraising, and promotional materials.

COVID-19 test positivity and hospitalization numbers in the region are still high but they’re declining, Munson Healthcare officials said during an online press conference on Tuesday, February 1.

Officials involved in the ongoing PFAS investigation for Crawford County offered updates on the water testing process during an online meeting of the Camp Grayling Restoration Advisory Board on Tuesday, February 1, as they prepare for another water sampling effort in the spring.

The Crawford County Board of Commissioners – during its regular meeting on Thursday, February 10 – re-opened its discussion of a possible gypsy moth spraying program millage but did not vote on the issue.

In an effort to provide mentorship to the squad’s younger competitors, and to offer family members an opportunity to see their skiers compete during a local meet, the Grayling High School and Grayling Middle School ski programs teamed up for an intra-squad meet at Hanson Hills Recreation Area on Wednesday, February 9.

Judge George Mertz of the 46th Circuit Court sentenced Lisa Johnson, the former City of Grayling Clerk/Treasurer who pled guilty late last year to embezzling money from the city, to 12 months in jail, 24 months of probation, and restitution during a hearing on Thursday, February 10, going beyond the sentencing recommendations.

Grayling High School seniors Cameron Ketchum and Audrey Duba were named Snowgoing king and queen during a halftime ceremony on Friday night. Snowgoing is similar to homecoming – it has a dance, court, and spirit week – but it is held during the winter. The Spirit Belt – the award to the class that wins spirit week events during Snowgoing – went to the seniors this year.

COVID-19 numbers are still high in the region but they are trending downward, healthcare officials reported during an online press conference hosted by Munson Healthcare on Tuesday, February 8.

Two Grayling High School wrestlers finished high enough during Saturday’s Michigan High School Athletic Association Individual District 17-3 tournament – an event hosted by the Vikings – to qualify for the individual regional tournament. Caleb Baker, a sophomore, won the 103-pound weight class on Saturday. Logan Malonen finished second in the heavyweight division.

Hanson Hills Recreation Area will offer a series of special prices for tubing and skiing during Blizzardfest 2022 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, February 25, 26, and 27. This year’s version of Blizzardfest will not include a lot of special events like in previous years, but it will feature the 1st Annual Blizzardfest Cornhole Tournament.

The Grayling Regional Chamber of Commerce will conduct an in-person 2021 Chamber Awards Gala on Friday, March 4, at the Kirtland Event Center.

Grayling Charter Township Supervisor Lacey Stephan III – during a regular meeting on Wednesday, February 16 – reported to the rest of the township board that the county has approved the township’s ballot language for a fire department millage proposal during the August 2, 2022 primary election.

February is National Library Lover’s Month, and the Devereaux Memorial Crawford County Library in Grayling celebrated with a special event. The facility hosted its annual Love Your Library event on Thursday, February 17, offering a silent auction, food, live music, and a video slide show highlighting some of the facilities programs.

One Grayling High School skier – Anthony Fisher, a senior – qualified for the state finals during the Division 2 Regional 4 meet at Nub’s Nob in Harbor Springs on Monday, February 14. Fisher qualified for the state finals in both slalom and giant slalom. He finished 11th in giant slalom with a time of 52.05 and he took 10th in slalom with a time of 1:17.70.

The 18th Annual Snowmobile Fun Run to benefit Crawford County United Way was held February 12, raising $1,131 for the organization.

Munson Healthcare officials reported decreasing COVID-19 test positivity rates in the state and a steady number of COVID hospitalizations in northern Michigan during an online press conference on Tuesday, February 15, and they also offered discussion on what the future may include as the virus transitions from “pandemic” to “endemic” status.

One Grayling High School wrestler qualified for the state finals this year. Kylie Berringer, wrestling in the girls’ regionals at Hartland High School on Sunday, February 20, took 8th place to earn a spot at the state tournament.

March

Hanson Hills Recreation Area hosted Blizzardfest this past weekend, offering special deals on skiing and tubing, music, and a cornhole tournament during the event.

The Crawford AuSable School District is asking voters to consider a bond proposal that if approved would allow the district to reconfigure the entrance and student drop-off area at the Grayling Middle School, improving safety and traffic flow, and connect the facility’s large grassy area with the front of the school, in addition to a few improvements at the other district buildings.

Grayling High School senior Caleb Caul signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Kalamazoo College next year during a ceremony at the GHS auditorium on Friday, February 25.

The Crawford County Board of Commissioners voted 6-0 during a regular meeting on Thursday, February 24, to have language drafted for a county-wide Lymantria dispar (gypsy moth) suppression program millage proposal for the August 2, 2022 primary election ballot.

Voters chose to honor two coaches, a local party store, a local restaurant, Grayling Main Street, a Crawford County Sheriff’s Department deputy, and a woman known for her community service through the Grayling Promotional Association during the Grayling Regional Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala, a ceremony held on Friday, March 4, at Kirtland Community College. The public voting process selected Justin Andre & Michelle Moore as the winners of the You Made It Happen award. Ole Dam Road Party Store was this year’s Chamber Member Business of the Year winner. Grayling Main Street was the Chamber Member Organization of the Year. Grayling Restaurant won the Longevity Award. Kirk Wakefield Service Person of the Year was Koedy Dole. Gail Swope won the Citizen of the Year Award.

Organizers for the Fifth Annual Fred Bear Day – a celebration of the late hunting icon and the sport of archery – reported strong turnout for this year’s event as they expanded the event from one day of festivities to two. The event got underway Friday with a Sportsman Buy, Sale, Trade Show at the Grayling Ramada Inn. On Saturday, Fred Bear Day featured a 21 Whistling Arrow Salute at the old Bear Archery grounds.

The Grayling High School Players will present “Seussical” (a musical based on the works of Dr. Seuss) on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, March 11, 12, and 13, at the school’s Joseph Stripe Auditorium.

Grayling High School’s robotics team, the RoboVikes (FIRST Robotics Competition Team #6121), won the Engineering Inspiration Award on March 3-5 at Calvin University.

COVID-19 numbers in Michigan continue to decline, prompting a change in Munson Healthcare’s Pandemic Response Level and an adjustment in masking guidance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and area health departments.

The 12th Annual Mike Wieland Tribute Race – held on Sunday, March 6, at Hanson Hills Recreation Area – raised money for the Grayling Middle School ski program despite “some of the most challenging spring weather we have had since this event began,” event organizers said.

Crawford County has a new logo. Carey Jansen, District #5 Crawford County Commissioner, reported the results of a voting process with regard to a new logo to the rest of the Crawford County Board of Commissioners during a regular meeting on Thursday, March 10. Commissioner Jansen recommended the board adopt the option with the most votes, and the board approved the recommendation with a 7-0 vote.

The Grayling High School Players presented three performances of “Seussical” – a musical based on the works of Dr. Seuss – on March 11, 12, and 13 at the school’s Joseph Stripe Auditorium. Mark Binert-Armstrong, director of the musical, said it “was a great success.”

The Crawford County Board of Commissioners – during a regular meeting on Thursday, March 10 – unanimously approved official language for a proposed Lymantria dispar (spongy moth, formerly known as gypsy moth) suppression program and voted to place the millage proposal on the August 2, 2022 primary election ballot.

Crawford County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Koedy Dole is leaving the department, but he is looking forward to serving the community in a different role as a member of the Michigan State Police. The Crawford County Sheriff’s Department presented Dole with a plaque during a going away party on Friday, March 11, as Dole ended his tenure with the department. His last day was slated for March 12.

The varsity boys basketball squad from Grayling High School clinched the Division 3 District 69 championship with victories vs. Houghton Lake and Mesick. The Vikings won 44-30 vs. the Houghton Lake Bobcats on Wednesday night at Manton High School during the District 69 semifinal round. On Friday, in the Division 3 District 69 tournament’s championship game at Manton, the Vikings defeated the Mesick Bulldogs – a squad that was 21-0 going into the contest – by a final score of 63-36.

Twenty-one Grayling Youth Wrestling Club competitors – including elementary school, middle school, and high school wrestlers – qualified for the state finals by placing in the top four during the MYWAY Far North Regional tournament held at Grayling High School on Sunday, March 13.

Grayling Charter Township officials – during a regular board meeting on Wednesday, March 16 – reported that the search for a new chief for the Grayling Fire Department is going well and the interview process is expected to begin “soon.”

The Grayling City Council by consensus directed the City Planning Commission to continue gathering information about the marijuana industry as the city prepares to possibly “re-examine” its Marihuana Ordinance.

After two years of COVID-19 presence in Michigan, the state is in a “post-surge recovery phase,” according to District Health Department #10, and healthcare agencies are changing some of their recommendations and reporting policies.

Grayling High School’s varsity boys basketball squad clinched a regional championship – its first since 1957 – with a 52-40 victory vs. the Sanford Meridian Mustangs on Wednesday night at GHS.

The playoff run for Grayling High School’s varsity boys basketball squad ended in the state quarterfinal round with a 70-39 loss vs. the Menominee Maroons on Tuesday night at Sault Ste. Marie High School.

Grayling needs a laundromat, and that need is being intensified by the recent increase in gas prices as some people who do not have washers and dryers in their homes travel to nearby communities for laundry service.

The Crawford County Board of Commissioners voted 6-0 last week to support a state senate bill that – if ratified – would help to establish a state veterans cemetery in northern Michigan.

April

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has updated its “forest road system” to open – on a trial basis – more than 90 miles of Camp Grayling state land to ORV traffic during times that military training is not in progress, and new trail maps are now available.

Grayling Rotary Club celebrated its 50th anniversary during a luncheon at the Gray Rock Pub & Grub on March 30.

The weather – snow, cold temperatures, an ice storm last week – have hampered the pre-season efforts of Grayling High School’s spring sports teams, but the programs are getting ready for the upcoming 2022 campaign with indoor work and limited outdoor practice drills.

Camp Grayling is hosting two special public events on Saturday, May 7 – a Kentucky Derby Gala Charity Event and the Run for the Roses 5K – in an effort to raise money to help veterans through the Guardian Angel’s Medical Service Dogs Program.

Grayling Recreation Authority will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 16, at Hanson Hills Recreation Area. Organizers cancelled the popular holiday event in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Friends of Frederic will also be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt for children on April 16.

Frederic Township, the Friends of Frederic, and volunteers distributed a truck load of food to area residents on Friday, April 8, at Eagle Park (next to the township hall) and organizers are planning to continue the effort with other distribution events in the future, possibly in other areas of the county.

Team Waffles LLS, a local group, is raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through a yard sale event and an online donation campaign.

Grayling High School senior Robin Long – accompanied by her parents, her coaches, and her teammates – signed a letter of intent to join the Aquinas College bowling tean next year during a ceremony conducted at the GHS auditorium on Monday, April 4.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and District Health Department #10 recently announced that “all Michiganders ages 50 and up and moderately or severely immunocompromised individuals over age 12 may choose to receive a second (COVID-19) booster vaccine” following “U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorization” and “Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation.”

Justin and Abigail Davis are the new owners of Borchers AuSable Canoe & Kayak and Bed & Breakfast.

The City of Grayling ended its “run water” notice last week. The city announced the beginning of the “run water” advisory in January in an effort to “prevent frozen water lines.”

Hundreds of people gathered for Grayling Recreation Authority’s annual Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza at Hanson Hills Recreation Area on Saturday, April 16, despite weather conditions that featured snow and cold temperatures.

On Saturday, April 9, members of the Grayling Middle School Band attended the MSBOA District 2 Solo and Ensemble Contest at Boyne City High School. Three events attended and three events earned Division I ratings: Tierney Hartman and Alice Bugyi (clarinet duet); Elizabeth Turner (bari sax solo); Ava Huber, Emily Perrin, and Ellie Muraida (mixed trio).

The Lovells Historical Society recently announced that its 2022 display will be “Artisans of the Au Sable” and the opening day of trout season in late April will help kick off a summer of events.

Crawford County voters will decide a Crawford AuSable School District bond proposal during the upcoming May 3 election. The school district is asking voters to approve the millage for school building improvements. The “majority of the bond funds would be for the projects at the middle school,” said Crawford AuSable School District Superintendent Justin Gluesing said.

The Grayling Regional Chamber of Commerce Business Expo returned on Thursday, April 21, offering an “opportunity for the community, local businesses, and organizations to network on a large scale with each other,” according to event organizers. The Business Expo was held at the Kirtland Community College event center.

Officials from the Army National Guard, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy – during a meeting of the Camp Grayling Restoration Advisory Board on Wednesday, April 20 – offered a few updates with regard to the ongoing PFAS investigation for Crawford County and said more testing will be done this spring and summer.

Three Grayling High School choir members – seniors Llio Hehir and Hannah Snider and junior Emily Kanary – earned top ratings during the Michigan School Vocal Music Association State Solo & Ensemble Festival at Big Rapids High School on Saturday, April 9.

Friends of Frederic conducted an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 16, at Eagle Park, distributing approximately 2,000 eggs filled with candy and prizes to area children. Friends of Frederic officials said approximately 100 kids participated in the event.

Grayling High School senior Makenzie Castle – accompanied by friends, family, coaches, and teammates – took part in a collegiate athletics letter of intent signing event at Grayling High School on Tuesday. Castle plans to play both basketball and volleyball at North Central Michigan College next year.

After nearly eight years without a basketball program, Kirtland Community College is currently recruiting for both men’s and women’s teams. Both teams will begin competing in fall 2022 as members of the National Junior College Athletic Association.

Fishing seasons for trout, salmon, walleye, and pike begin on Saturday, April 30, for most Lower Peninsula inland lakes and rivers, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and the quality of fishing for the openers may depend a lot on the weather leading up to this weekend.

Wildfire season has begun. During a Grayling Charter Township Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, April 20, Mark Brown, Chief of the Grayling Fire Department, said his department has already assisted with a “couple-acre wildfire” this spring, and current “dry conditions” could help lead to more fires.

Kirtland Community College hosted a ribbon cutting dedication ceremony for the Matt LaFontaine Automotive Technology Center.

May

The Grayling Chamber of Commerce, along with Paddle Hard and the AuSable River Canoe Marathon committee, during a Business After Hours event on Thursday, April 28, hosted the AuSable River Festival kickoff party.

The Crawford County Devereaux Memorial Library – a facility that has a special section dedicated to fishing – hosted its annual Trout Opener Event on Thursday, April 28, as anglers prepared for the first day of trout season on April 30.

The Grayling RoboVikes have finished their season, and while their robot did not compete at the State Robotics Competition at Saginaw Valley State University, the team did win the Engineering Inspiration Award and go on to compete at the state level, and one team member competed in the Worlds Robotics Competition.

As area residents receive refund checks for income taxes and insurance, local Toys For Tots organizers are hoping people may be willing to donate a little bit to the group’s year-round effort to help provide Christmas gifts to Crawford County children.

Lovells Township conducted its annual Trout Opener festivities on Saturday, April 30, with events such as the return of the Leaky Waders 1K Run, the official North Branch Neumann’s Landing access site dedication, and the opening of the museum for the season.

Camp Grayling and the National Guard Association of Michigan hosted a Run for the Roses 5K and a Kentucky Derby Gala Charity Event on Saturday, May 7, in an effort to raise money for the Guardian Angel’s Medical Service Dogs Program for veterans.

The Crawford County Board of Commissioners appointed board members for the Commission on Aging and Grayling Recreation Authority on Thursday after two rounds of interviews.

The Hanson House in Grayling received Heritage Home status from the Historical Society of Michigan, and owners Heather and Paul Crandall are hoping other people in the community may also decide to pursue the honor as Grayling celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2022.

The Crawford County Sheriff’s Department celebrated emergency dispatcher Jim Baker’s decades of service to the community with a retirement party on Friday, April 29.

Crawford AuSable School District voters approved a $21 million bond proposal during the election on Tuesday, May 3, to pay for improvements at Grayling Middle School, Grayling High School, and Grayling Elementary School. Overall, according to Crawford County’s election results website, voters approved the proposal by a tally of 941 to 800.

The AuSable Valley Animal Shelter is trying to increase its public presence and fundraising efforts, according to a presentation by shelter officials to the Crawford County Board of Commissioners, including an upcoming golf outing and a memorial project.

The Bamboo Bend Project – an endeavor to help military veterans by providing them with rod-making classes and fishing trips and camaraderie – returned to Lovells Township last week after a three-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

An effort to clean and improve the downtown Grayling area will be conducted on Wednesday, May 25, starting in the morning.

Mt. Hope Lutheran Church – located near Grayling High School – conducted its monthly food distribution event on Friday, May 13, providing food for dozens of Crawford County residents.

Work related to the Crawford AuSable School District’s effort to merge the front of Grayling Middle School with its green space located across the street and create safer pick-up and drop-off points for parents and buses is slated for this summer, school officials said.

Crawford AuSable School District Superintendent Justin Gluesing said he has accepted the Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona Educational Service District Superintendent position. As of May 13, there were still a few formalities to finalize before the process was complete. Gluesing said his planned start date for the Alpena position is July 1 so his last days as Crawford AuSable School District Superintendent would likely be in late June.

Grayling High School’s varsity boys and girls track teams competed in the Manton Ranger Track Invite on Friday, May 13, and the Vikings set five new school records during the meet. Sparty Skillern broke his own school record for discus with a throw of 135’9.75” on Friday at Manton. Skillern also broke Eli Jackson’s shot put record with a throw of 48’4” during the meet. Mitch Harrington topped his own long jump school record of 21’5” on Friday with a leap of 22’1”. Rylan Finstrom set new school records for both shot put (37’4”) and discus (128’1”).

Camp Grayling is looking to lease more state land for training space in order to have remote areas for troops to train in electronic warfare and defense, according to military officials. Col. Scott Meyers, Camp Grayling Commander, said the camp is asking the Department of Natural Resources to approve lease use of approximately 160,000 acres of additional land. Current Camp Grayling size is approximately 148,000 acres, Col. Meyers said.

A tornado caused a massive amount of damage to the community of Gaylord on the afternoon of Friday, May 20, leaving at least two people dead and more than 40 people injured, according to the Michigan State Police. Photos and videos posted online show the devastation. Ruined homes. Property damage. Destroyed places of business. Overturned vehicles. Uprooted trees. Downed utility lines.

Summer kicks off at Grayling’s AuSable Artisan Village with a concert, community theatre auditions, and several classes.

The 10th Annual Grayling Viking Bands Spring Carnival will offer rides, games, and food from May 19 through May 30 at the Grayling Mini Mall.

The Grayling Fish Hatchery – a historic site located on North Down River Road near Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital – will open for the 2022 summer season starting this weekend.

The Grayling Promotional Association will conduct its spring Junque in the Trunk yard sale event on Saturday, May 28, at the Grayling Tractor Supply parking lot.

Grayling High School hosted a letter of intent signing ceremony for Kylie Berringer, a senior, on Wednesday, May 18, as she prepares to join the Rochester University wrestling program next year.

The Crawford County Sheriff’s Department hosted its annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony on Friday, May 20, honoring police officers who have passed away and vowing continued service to the community. National Police Week was May 15 through 21.

The Crawford County Historical Museum – located on Michigan Avenue near the County Building – opened for the season this week, offering a variety of exhibits for visitors during its 50th anniversary year.

Grayling High School honored its senior athletes – including six all-state players and the two Viking Award winners – during the 24th Annual Senior Student-Athlete Honors Night at the school’s Joseph Stripe Auditorium on Thursday, May 19. The school honored six all-state seniors during the ceremony: Sparty Berry-Skillern (football), Caleb Caul (basketball), Dylan Cragg (basketball, football), Anthony Fisher (skiing), David Millikin (football), and Shelby Thomas (wrestling). This year’s Viking Award winners were Millikin and Makenzie Castle.

Eleven Grayling High School track and field athletes qualified for the Michigan High School Athletic Association state finals by placing 1st or 2nd at the Division 3 Region 21 meet at Charlevoix on Thursday. Sparty Skillern took first place in the discus event (139’10”) and the shot put event (45’0.5”). Rylan Finstrom also won discus (121’10”) and shot put (33’11.50”). Ethan Kucharek took second place in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:00.73. Drew Moore took second in the 3200 meter run with a time of 10:06.62. Mitch Harrington finished second in the long jump with a leap of 20’11.75”. Two Grayling High School relay teams finished second and qualified for the state meet: 4x800 meter (Kale Black, Tristan Demlow, Alex Cole, Kucharek, 8:32.36) and 4x100 meter (Josh Aldrich, Marcus Chard, Dakota Martin, Harrington, 46.16).

Wellington Farm – a local 60-acre living history museum – will open for the season on Friday, May 27.

June

The Hanson Hills Fifty – a mountain bike race hosted by Hanson Hills Recreation Area on Saturday, May 28 – featured favorable weather and close to 70 riders.

Local officials, representatives from Camp Grayling, and people from the community gathered at a small U.S. Government Military Cemetery on Johnson Hill at the top of Hanson Hills on Friday, May 27, to pay tribute to fallen veterans and build awareness of the current local effort to bring a state veterans cemetery to Crawford County.

Demolition of the Hospitality House motel – a long-vacant series of structures located on M-93 northwest of downtown Grayling – began last week as developers plan to build “multi-family” housing at the site. A representative from Triterra – a “professional consulting firm specializing in brownfield development, environmental consulting, and natural resource management services,” according to www.triterra.us – said the Grayling Place Apartments development will feature three three-story multi-family structures with parking, and developers are seeking a 10-year commercial rehabilitation tax abatement.

The Grayling Promotional Association reported good weather and strong turnout for both buyers and sellers during its spring Junque in the Trunk yard sale event on Saturday, May 28.

The Sawmill Lofts project – a planned housing and commercial space development at 100 Michigan Avenue – is on hold due to financial reasons, according to City of Grayling officials, and the empty lot will be graded and seeded.

Grayling High School recently announced its top academic honor students for the Class of 2022, a list that includes valedictorian Natalie Do and salutatorian Hannah Snider.

Officials from Camp Grayling and the Department of Natural Resources – during a meeting on Tuesday, May 31, at the Grayling Township Hall – offered information and a question and answer session with regard to the military’s recent request for more state land on which to conduct training. According to Col. Scott Meyers, Camp Grayling Commander, the military is looking to lease more state land – approximately 160,000 acres – for training space in order to have remote areas for troops to train in electronic warfare and defense. The current size of Camp Grayling is approximately 148,000 acres.

Twelve Grayling High School track and field athletes competed at the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s Lower Peninsula Division 3 Finals on Saturday, June 4, at Kent City, and one of them – sophomore thrower Rylan Finstrom – earned a state championship. Finstrom – a regional champion in both discus and shot put this year – won a Division 3 state title in discus on Saturday with a throw of 145’2”, a mark that broke her own school record. Finstrom placed 4th at the state finals in shot put with a personal best throw of 38’1.25”. Mitch Harrington posted a 7th place finish in the long jump with a leap of 21’0” at the state finals.

The Grayling City Council voted 5-0 to purchase a 17-acre piece of property located adjacent to city hall during a regular meeting on Monday, May 23. City Manager Doug Baum said some of the property is wetland and “can’t be developed.” During the May 23 meeting and a previous meeting of the council city officials discussed multiple possibilities for parts of the land, including housing development, “recreation,” use in the Iron Belle Trail project, and evidence storage for the police department.

Volunteers from the area joined forces with workers from the Grayling Department of Public Works on Wednesday, May 25, to tackle various tasks throughout Grayling’s downtown district. One week later on Wednesday, June 1, additional volunteers repainted the canoe paddles in crosswalks on Michigan Avenue and Peninsular and also at the Norway cross walk in front of Michigan Brew. Members from the Grayling Promotional Association planted hundreds of flowers in the baskets and pots lining Michigan Avenue and the I-75 Business Loop.

Grayling High School’s Class of 2022 – a group that had 54 academic honor graduates, more than $1 million in scholarships, and more than 6,400 community service hours – celebrated its graduation from the school during a commencement ceremony in the GHS gymnasium on Sunday, June 5.

Grayling Recreation Authority hosted the 2022 Hanson Hills Challenge Trail Run on Saturday, June 4, and 40 runners competed, according to race results. The event featured a five-mile course and a course that was approximately 3.5 miles. Jorden Wakeley won the Five Mile Male Division with a time of 30:11.1. Michelle Witt won the Five Mile Female Division with a time of 42:52.2. Jackson Marshall finished first in the Three Mile Male Division (25:16.8) and Mari Stephan took first place in the Three Mile Female Division (32:47.8).

American Legion Post 106 of Grayling and other members of the community honored fallen U.S. military veterans during the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Elmwood Cemetery on Monday, May 30. Larry Domcik, American Legion Post 106 Commander, said this year’s event was well attended.

Hundreds of cyclists competed in the Hanson Hills Challenge Mountain Bike Race series on Sunday, June 5, at Hanson Hills Recreation Area.

On April 16, American Legion Post 106 held a fundraiser, with funds received going towards local Crawford County veterans.

The Crawford County Community Christian Help Center added a barn quilt – an artistic creation that was supposed to be a gift for the center’s former director – to the side of its facility on Wednesday. Diane Ewald, of Grayling, said she designed the barn quilt for Cynthia Hummel, but “she never got to see it.” Hummel retired from her position as director of the Crawford County Community Christian Help Center in October of 2020. She passed away in May of 2021 at the age of 69.

The Downtown Grayling Block Party – organized by Grayling Main Street – included a clock dedication in honor of Grayling’s 150th anniversary.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced on Thursday, June 9, that its DNR Camp Grayling Web Map is now available online, allowing people to view the proposed Camp Grayling training area expansion and provide input. Camp Grayling is looking to lease more land from the state – approximately 162,000 acres, according to the DNR – for training space in order to have remote areas for troops to train in electronic warfare and defense, said Col. Scott Meyers, Camp Grayling Commander.

The Grayling Community Garden – located on Madsen Street – provides fresh produce for local food pantries and offers space for local gardeners to plant crops, and coordinators of the effort are hoping to continue the growth of the overall operation.

The Crawford County Board of Commissioners voted 6-0 on Thursday, June 9, to allocate some of its American Rescue Plan Act money for improvements at the County Building.

Community Mediation Services – a program that works with people and courts to resolve disputes – gave a presentation to the Crawford County Board of Commissioners on Thursday, June 9, offering details on what the service provides and asking for a small amount of financial help.

Camp Grayling – during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, June 15 – celebrated the opening of its USO Building, a facility that offers troops “a warm and familiar place where service members can connect with others, play a video game, catch a movie, have a snack, or just put their feet up and relax,” according to Camp Grayling officials.

The Crawford County Sheriff’s Department’s annual Kirk A. Wakefield Golf Outing – held at the Grayling Country Club on Thursday, June 16 – raised thousands of dollars for youth and safety programs.

The Grayling Promotional Association and the City of Grayling recently teamed up to install new banners on light posts along the I-75 Business Loop, offering residents and visitors a colorful look at some of the county’s most popular pastimes and most recognizable features.

The Michigan National Guard conducted its annual Memorial Service & Pass in Review event – a ceremony that recognizes the contributions of current National Guard members and honors those who have passed away – at the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center’s parade field on Friday, June 17. The event included speeches by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Major General Paul D. Rogers, Adjutant General and Director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

The Ragnar Trail Michigan – a relay race event that is expected to feature approximately 1,300 runners – returns to Hanson Hills Recreation Area this week with its Ragnar Village tent city and through-the-night racing.

Camp Grayling and the Department of Natural Resources – during a public meeting on Wednesday, June 22, at Kirtland Community College – offered information and a Q&A session regarding the military’s recent request from the state for more leased land to be used for cyber and electronic warfare training.

The Crawford AuSable Soccer Association requested financial help from the Crawford County Board of Commissioners on Thursday, June 23, in order to add another field as the program continues to grow.

Fireworks for the community of Grayling and surrounding areas will be taking place on July 5 at dusk, launched from the grounds of Grayling Country Club.

The ballot for the August 2 primary election in Crawford County will feature two county-wide millage proposals – an operating renewal for the school district and a spongy moth suppression initiative – and two township proposals.

Hundreds of runners competed in the Ragnar Trail Michigan relay race on Friday and Saturday at Hanson Hills Recreation Area, and the event included a showcase run for Grayling Recreation Authority’s youth cross country program.

A representative from Michigan Community Capital – “a partner and facilitator in transformational projects across the state of Michigan,” according to the MCC website – recently asked the Crawford County Board of Commissioners to consider allocation of $250,000 of the county’s American Rescue Plan Act money for the organization’s Sawmill Lofts project.

A former Crawford AuSable School District superintendent – Joe Powers – is now the district’s interim superintendent as the school system continues its interview process to find a replacement for Justin Gluesing, who left the position this month to take a job in Alpena.

The local effort to bring a state veterans cemetery to Crawford County reported progress last week as a state senate bill to establish the facility in northern Michigan advanced through a senate committee.

July

The 2022 Consumers Energy AuSable River Canoe Marathon – slated for the weekend of July 30-31 – could feature the largest field in the history of the event. According to the AuSable Marathon’s official website, 94 teams were signed up for this year’s race as of Thursday, June 30. The current record for most teams to start the AuSable River Canoe Marathon – a 120-mile nonstop race from Grayling to Oscoda – is 95, a mark that was established in 2016.

Dollar General recently announced that its new store at 6966 W. M-72 in Grayling is now open.

The Grayling Charter Township Board of Trustees is asking voters to consider a millage for the Grayling Fire Department to help with “operating and capital expenses,” including safety equipment, and to provide a level of stability to the township’s contribution to the funding of the department.

The Grayling 150th Heritage Committee and other local groups are currently planning a First Responder Salute at Camp Grayling on Sunday, September 11, and they’re looking for donations and volunteers to assist with the effort.

The Grayling Rotary Club conducted its Awards Picnic at the Hanson Hills Rotary Pavilion on Wednesday, June 29. Award recipients included Justin Andre (Paul Harris Fellow Award) and Annette Hritz (Rotarian of the Year).

The August 2 primary election ballots for voters in Crawford County will feature a few contested races for local government positions. For voters in District #2 (Beaver Creek Township, part of Grayling Charter Township), three Republican candidates are running for a seat on the Crawford County Board of Commissioners (in alphabetical order): Dorothy A. Frederick, Duncan Gray (incumbent), and Dennis Palmer. There are two Republican candidates on the ballot for the District #4 (a portion of Grayling Charter Township) Crawford County Board of Commissioners seat (in alphabetical order): Dale M. Bonamie and Jamie McClain (incumbent).

The 2022 Consumers Energy AuSable River Canoe Marathon – a 120-mile race from Grayling to Oscoda slated to start on Saturday, July 30 – will likely feature a record field as the number of registered teams reached 99. The current record for most teams to start the AuSable River Canoe Marathon – 95 – was established in 2016.

The 2022 AuSable River Festival Parade – slated for 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 30 – has a new route this year on the I-75 Business Loop.

The state senate recently approved Senate Bill 971, providing another step forward for the local effort to bring a state veterans cemetery to Crawford County.

The 21st Grayling Rotary Club Black Bear Gran Fondo – held on Saturday, July 9 – featured participation close to pre-pandemic levels as riders attempted one of three different looped courses, including a “century ride.”

Online registration is open for the 2022 Grayling Recreation Authority 10K/5K, an event that will start and finish at Hanson Hills Recreation Area during the day of the AuSable River Canoe Marathon, Saturday, July 30.

Grayling’s Independence Day celebration included a community fireworks display on the night of Tuesday, July 5. The fireworks “were incredibly close to being canceled altogether” this year, according to local officials, due to “supply chain and staffing issues.”

The Mason-Griffith Founders Chapter of Trout Unlimited, hired personnel, and volunteers have been working on a series of structures to help improve habitat, fishery, and accessibility of a section of the AuSable River East Branch, and they were planning to complete the project last week.

The Consumers Energy AuSable River Canoe Marathon’s time trials event – a race within a race that determines starting positions for the Marathon’s run to the river start – will be held next week, and with a probable record field competing this year, there will be a lot of sprints for spectators to watch.

It’s canoe season in Grayling, and the Crawford County Historical Museum – located on Michigan Avenue by the County Building – is celebrating its 50th anniversary and the community’s 150th anniversary by offering visitors a look at the process of building a dugout canoe out of a log using tools and fire. Volunteers from the US Forest Service are creating the dugout canoe.

Crawford County voters will decide a few proposals – including a county-wide millage for spongy moth suppression and a school millage renewal – and a small number of local contested races during the upcoming August 2 primary election.

The Crawford/Oscoda/Otsego MDHHS conducted its annual Raise Hope & Foster Dreams Golf Scramble at the Grayling Country Club on Saturday, July 16, raising thousands of dollars for foster care efforts and creating awareness of the need for foster care help in the area.

The Crawford County Recycling Task Force gave a presentation to the Crawford County Board of Commissioners during a regular meeting on Thursday, July 14, proposing a program for county-wide recycling, including possible funding methods.

Crawford County Sheriff Shawn M. Kraycs announced on Thursday, July 14 – during a regular meeting of the Crawford County Board of Commissioners – that he intends to retire later this year after more than three decades of serving the community.

Participation numbers for the Spike’s Challenge C-1 event – a race from Grayling to Burton’s Landing slated for Saturday, July 23 – are usually in the 50s or 60s, but organizers are unsure of what the turnout might be this year due to low water levels on the AuSable River.

The 31st Spike’s Challenge C-2 race and its sprints for starting position will be held this weekend, and organizers are preparing for a large field of competitors while also wondering if low water levels may keep some paddlers from competing in the event.

The Crawford AuSable School District has hired from within to fill the vacant superintendent position. Tim Sanchez, Grayling Middle School principal, will take over as the school district’s superintendent on August 1.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and the military are continuing PFAS testing in some areas of the county as the water contamination investigation continues, according to updates from officials during a meeting of the Camp Grayling Restoration Advisory Board on Wednesday, July 13.

The return of the AuSable River Canoe Marathon in 2021 – following a one-year hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic – featured several record-setting performances, including a new mark for all-time best finish time, and this year’s race will likely include several more records being surpassed. With 96 teams signed up for this year’s Consumers Energy AuSable River Canoe Marathon as of the final registration deadline on Monday, July 25, it is possible that the 2022 Marathon – the 74th in the history of the event – will establish a new mark for most teams to start the race. It is possible that a team or two could still withdraw from the Marathon; the entry list on Monday listed 103 teams with 96 still in the field and seven that had dropped out.

The 36th AuSable River Festival Classic Car & Truck Show – held on Saturday, July 23, on Michigan Avenue – featured dozens of vehicles and helped kick off the festival.

City of Grayling officials – following a special meeting of the city council on Monday, July 18 – signed a contract for Erich Podjaske to serve as interim city manager as Doug Baum, the current city manager, is set to retire at the end of the month.

John Wejrowski, co-founder and president of Fred Bear Day in Grayling, is working on a project to have a statue of Fred Bear created and then installed at the Grayling city park. Wejrowski said the cost of the project will be approximately $100,000 and there is a GoFundMe page set up to help raise the money. The Grayling City Council, during a regular meeting on Monday, July 11, approved a request from Wejrowski to allow placement of the Fred Bear monument in the city park near the pavilion.

The Crawford County Housing Department – through a Michigan Community Development Block Grant – has money available for some homeowners for emergency home repairs.

Board members from Grayling Charter Township and the City of Grayling welcomed a new chief for the Grayling Fire Department – the department is a joint venture of the two municipalities – during regular meetings in July. Rodney VanDeCasteele, the new fire chief for the Grayling Fire Department, was sworn in and introduced to city officials during the city council’s regular meeting on Monday, July 11, according to approved meeting minutes. On Wednesday, July 20, during a regular meeting of the Grayling Charter Township Board of Trustees, former chief Mark Brown introduced VanDeCasteele to township officials.

Workers from the City of Grayling recently spent a couple of weeks renovating portions of the pavilion at the city park. A Neighborhood Enhancement Grant from the Crawford County Housing Department helped pay for the project, according to city and county officials.

Seventy-nine paddlers – 67 men, 10 women, and two youth – competed in the 2022 Spike’s Challenge C-1 event on Saturday night, setting a new participation record for the Grayling to Burton’s Landing race. Steve Lajoie won the Men’s Division with a time of 0:42:00. In the Women’s Division, Mary Schlimmer-Willoughby finished first, posting the event’s 19th best overall time at 0:47:59.

The Canadian team of Steve Lajoie and Guillaume Blais took first place in Sunday’s Spike’s Challenge C-2 canoe event – a race from Grayling to McMasters Bridge – on Sunday, edging last year’s AuSable River Canoe Marathon champions, Jorden Wakeley and Matt Meersman, by 50 seconds during a year that featured record participation. Lajoie and Blais reached the finish line in 2:40:12. Katie Treston and Kristi Treston – the top women’s division team – finished 27th overall with a time of 3:10:01. The top mixed team in this year’s Spike’s Challenge – Dodd Yeager and Shannon Issendorf – finished 29th overall with a time of 3:12:32.

All of the top 11 teams during the Spike’s Challenge C-2 sprints for starting position event – held on Saturday, July 23, at the city park – also finished in the top 11 during the C-2 race from Grayling to McMasters Bridge on Sunday, July 24. A record number of teams in this year’s Spike’s Challenge – 86, two more than the previous record of 84 (established in 2016) – meant a lot of sprints.

August

Steve Lajoie of Mirabel, Quebec – a paddler with 11 AuSable River Canoe Marathon championships going into this year’s race – and Guillaume Blais of Saint-Boniface, Quebec, a competitor with three 2nd place Marathon finishes going into 2022, edged Wesley Dean of Traverse City and Ryan Halstead of Grayling by approximately two minutes on Sunday to win this year’s 120-mile race from Grayling to Oscoda. The Canadian team of Lajoie and Blais posted an unofficial finish time of 14:36:17 during the 2022 Consumers Energy AuSable River Canoe Marathon, according to the Marathon’s website. For Lajoie, it was his 12th championship in the race; he won the Marathon with Andrew Triebold in 2004, 2008 through 2015, 2018, and 2019. Blais finished 2nd in 2019 with Samuel Frigon and he placed 2nd in 2017 (with Lajoie) to Christophe Proulx and Frigon by one second. Blais and Mathieu Pellerin took 2nd place to Triebold and Lajoie in 2015. Lajoie, with the win on Sunday, tied Triebold for the second most AuSable Marathon championships (12) in the history of the event. (Serge Corbin holds the record for most victories in the race with 18, according to AuSable Marathon archives.) Ninety-three teams – third most all-time – started the 2022 AuSable River Canoe Marathon.

The winners of the 2022 Consumers Energy AuSable River Canoe Marathon – Steve Lajoie of Mirabel, Quebec and Guillaume Blais of Saint-Boniface, Quebec – also posted the best sprint of the 2022 Marathon time trials. Lajoie and Blais finished the looped time trials course between Penrod’s and the Old AuSable Fly Shop in 4:53.32.

Teams from local agencies and businesses competed in Grayling Recreation Authority’s Business Relays on Thursday, July 28, paddling a looped course at Penrod’s.

The Grayling Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 43rd Annual Arts & Crafts Show featured a wide variety of items for shoppers on Friday, July 29, and Saturday, July 30, at the city park during the 2022 AuSable River Festival.

The HUP Race – a Grayling Regional Chamber of Commerce event that gives businesses and organizations an opportunity to build canoes from kits, decorate them, and race them against other teams in the event – returned on Wednesday, July 26, and a large crowd gathered at the city park to watch the race. The HUP Race was cancelled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and it was cancelled again in 2021 because of a lack of teams.

The 2022 AuSable River Festival Parade – held on Saturday, July 30 – returned with a new route on the I-75 Business Loop. The parade was cancelled in 2020 along with the rest of the AuSable River Festival because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the parade was cancelled in 2021 due to rain. The theme for the AuSable River Festival Parade was “Historical Grayling” in recognition of the community’s 150th anniversary in 2022.

A big crowd gathered at Penrod’s for the Special Olympics Challenge on Friday, July 29, to cheer for the competitors. The Special Olympics Challenge – an annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon event – paired Special Olympians with AuSable Marathon paddlers with teams battling one vs. one on a looped course at Penrod’s during a break in the Friday session of the AuSable River Canoe Marathon time trials.

The boards of some area municipalities are passing resolutions opposing Camp Grayling’s request to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources asking for an additional 162,000 acres of state land to lease for training space. The current size of Camp Grayling is approximately 148,000 acres, according to military officials. Camp Grayling is looking to add training space for “periodic low impact activities such as drone operation, cyber, electronic warfare, space, and communication system installation and operation,” according to the DNR.

Erich Podjaske started in his new role as interim city manager for the City of Grayling on August 1 and he is looking forward to continuing his work with regard to economic development.

Local voters approved a Grayling Charter Township millage proposal for the Grayling Fire Department, approved a Crawford AuSable School District operating renewal, approved a road millage renewal for South Branch Township, and denied a county-wide spongy moth suppression proposal during the August 2 primary election last week.

Crawford County citizens had an opportunity to add their voting numbers to a few of the races for state government during the August 2 primary election, including the 105th District state legislature representative seat, the 36th District state senate seat, and governor of Michigan.

Site clearing work continues at the former Hospitality House area to make way for a new housing development in Grayling. Demolition of the Hospitality House motel – a long-vacant series of structures located on M-93 northwest of downtown Grayling – began in late May of 2022. According to City of Grayling officials, Grayling Place Apartments LLC is planning to build three three-story buildings (108 housing units) and parking areas at the Hospitality House site to offer “market rate apartments” for rent.

Work on a new addition to Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail system – from Kirtland Community College’s Grayling campus at Four Mile Road to the I-75 Business Loop near Walgreens – is progressing.

NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski – a Michigan native – visited with troops at Camp Grayling facilities on Friday, August 5, as Northern Strike 22, “the Michigan National Guard’s signature exercise,” was set to begin.

Camp Grayling’s request to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for more leased land on which to train – approximately 162,000 acres, according to the DNR – continues to face opposition from local governments, groups, and citizens due to concerns about state land access, tourism, possible effects on local waterways, and other reasons.

Grayling Promotional Association worked together with AuSable Artisan Village to put on “Living History: An Evening of Recollection with Longtime Grayling Residents.” Speakers told stories of what life was like at a different time. They spoke about the struggles they have seen, the good times, and things they have learned over the years. They talked about the growth they have seen.

A charity softball game featuring local police officers and fire fighters raised thousands of dollars and gathered school supplies for local students last week. The first annual Guns & Hoses Softball Game – held on Thursday, August 11, at the Hanson Hills Recreation Area softball field – “raised $7,423.06 along with three boxes of school supplies,” said Crawford County Undersheriff Ryan Swope.

The 31st Annual Lovells Bridge Walk – an event that will include a parade, a pancake breakfast, a luncheon, a silent auction, live music, and a small art fair – will be held on Saturday, August 20, in Lovells Township.

A new principal is now in place at Grayling Middle School after the previous principal was hired to serve as the Crawford AuSable School District’s next superintendent. The school district recently hired Grayling Middle School principal Tim Sanchez to serve as superintendent following the departure of Justin Gluesing, who left the position to take a new job in Alpena. The school district recently hired Bret Krabill to serve as the new principal of Grayling Middle School; his official first day was August 1.

The City of Grayling had a succession plan in place for Deputy Chief Amanda Clough to take over for Doug Baum as police chief, but the change has taken place a few years ahead of schedule following Baum’s recent retirement.

Artists from 16 U.S. states and two other countries will display their works at AuSable Artisan Village to vie for the $11,000 in prize money offered in the 4th annual Great Northern Art Explosion. Public voting for the Art Explosion opens on Saturday, August 27, and runs through Saturday, September 10.

A Grayling Main Street Downtown Block Party will be held on the 100 block of Michigan Avenue at 6 p.m. on Friday, August 26. The Block Party will feature cornhole, DJ/dancing, raffles, grilling, lawn games, and chalk drawing.

The 31st Annual Lovells Bridge Walk – held on Saturday, August 20, in Lovells Township – featured hundreds of participants and raised more than $12,000 for the volunteer Lovells Fire & EMS Department, organizers said.

Grayling Main Street is conducting a survey to gather information about downtown Grayling to “help gauge our progress and guide priorities for the coming years.”

The Old US 27 Motor Tour will visit Grayling on Friday, August 26.

September

Crawford County officials reported last week that Undersheriff Ryan Swope has been selected to serve as the next sheriff of the county as the current sheriff prepares to retire. Crawford County Sheriff Shawn M. Kraycs announced on Thursday, July 14 – during a regular meeting of the Crawford County Board of Commissioners – that he intends to retire later this year after more than 30 years of serving the community.

Hartwick Pines State Park hosted its annual Black Iron Days festival. The event included blacksmiths, crafters, the park’s sawmill in operation, live music, and more.

Grayling Middle School is working on a reconstruction project for its bus and parent student pick-up and drop-off areas, so – as school begins this week – getting kids to and from school will be a little bit different until the project is completed.

Grayling Main Street conducted a Downtown Block Party, offering music, face painting, games, food, a 50/50 raffle, and more.

The Grayling High School marching band is preparing for a busy fall schedule following a summer of activity that included a return to its annual camp and performances at three local parades. In July, the band performed during Grayling’s Fourth of July Parade and the AuSable River Festival Parade, and in August, members marched in the Lovells Bridge Walk. The band returned to Lake Superior State University for camp in August.

The Old US 27 Motor Tour visited the American Legion in Grayling on Friday, giving spectators an opportunity to look at the cars. The Old US 27 Motor Tour was traveling US 27 from Coldwater to Cheboygan.

The Roscommon Post Office branch, located at 281 Lake Street Roscommon, is closed. According to an Industry Alert from the United States Postal Service dated August 18, 2022, the Roscommon Post Office is “temporarily closed due to safety concerns. PO Box customers will still have access to their mail.”

Seven new members will be inducted into the Crawford AuSable School District Alumni Hall of Fame on Friday, September 16, in a ceremony on Grayling High School’s Ferguson Field prior to the start of the varsity football team’s Homecoming game. The 2022 Hall of Fame inductees include: Dr. Samantha L. Bidwell (Class of 2011), Dr. Kip Franklin (Class of 2004), Dr. Todd Gaffke (Class of 2003), Ms. Karen Michelson Hartwick Hart (Class of 1890), Ms. Mary Hunter (Class of 1971), Ms. Jean Portwood Lindquist (Class of 1962), and Mr. David Wyman (Class of 1960).

The City of Grayling Planning Commission – during a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 16 – agreed to send a zoning ordinance amendment to the Grayling City Council for possible ratification, a change that would allow laundromats in another part of the city.

Local first responders and their families are invited to Camp Grayling for a First Responder Salute event on Sunday, September 11.

The 2022 fall Junque in the Trunk event – held on Saturday, September 3, at the Tractor Supply Company parking lot in Grayling – featured strong turnout of both sellers and shoppers, according to organizers from the Grayling Promotional Association.

The Anglers of the Au Sable and Michigan Trout Unlimited continue to work on a project to reconnect the East Branch of the AuSable River at the Grayling Fish Hatchery in a way that will not disrupt the historic facility’s current operations.

The Crawford County Trails Committee recently provided its input to the Michigan Department of Transportation for the department’s 2023-2027 Five-Year Transportation Program, asking MDOT to consider local trail projects that would improve “pedestrian and bicycle access” and “connectivity.”

The Corn Maze at Wellington Farm USA is scheduled to open.

A Birthday Bash celebrating Grayling’s 150th anniversary – an event that will feature live music, food, and a costume contest, according to organizers – is slated for Saturday, September 17, on Michigan Avenue in downtown Grayling.

The September 8 regular meeting of the Crawford County Board of Commissioners featured a presentation from the Camp Grayling commander regarding the military’s request for additional leased lands for training, and it featured a local citizen speaking in opposition of the proposal.

The Grayling Fish Hatchery – which ended its season Labor Day weekend – reported another successful year of welcoming visitors to the historic site. In late June, hatchery officials – after working with the state for several months – said they anticipated getting a shipment of grayling fish, but the delivery did not happen. Fish hatchery officials said they’re hoping to get grayling at the facility next summer.

The second Sharon Priebe Annual Golf Outing – conducted by Friends of Frederic on Saturday, September 10, at the Grayling Country Club – raised thousands of dollars to help build a pavilion/stage in the Frederic park and help local people in need of assistance.

The AuSable Artisan Village announced the prize winners for its 4th annual Great Northern Art Explosion on Sunday, September 11, during a ceremony at the gallery. The 2022 event featured 90 artists vying for $11,000 in prize money.

Grayling’s 150th Birthday Bash was held downtown. The event featured food, a costume contest, and live music.

Representatives from Camp Curnalia – a “military veterans community” located on Higgins Lake – provided a plaque to Camp Grayling leaders on Wednesday, September 14, in recognition of the military providing two vehicles for permanent display at the neighborhood.

The Grayling City Council – during a regular meeting on Monday, September 12 – approved a zoning ordinance amendment that will allow laundromats in another part of the city.

Three buildings are being demolished at the corner of Lake Street and the I-75 Business Loop to make room for the construction of a new EZ Mart convenience store/gas station. Demolition started last week. As of Monday, September 19, crews had demolished the Cedar Motel and the building next to it that was formerly an automobile repair facility. The existing EZ Mart structure was still standing as of Monday, September 19, but it was also slated for demolition, according to City of Grayling officials.

Grayling High School seniors Asher Smith and Emily Kanary were named homecoming king and queen during a varsity football halftime ceremony on Friday night at Viking Stadium. The Class of 2023 – the seniors – won the Spirit Cup, the homecoming week competition prize.

A painting by a local artist will be auctioned off next month to benefit the Anglers of the Au Sable and river conservation efforts. The auction will be held during the Anglers of the Au Sable 35th Celebration Banquet in October. The painting – “Hex Hatch” – was created by Kim Diment.

The junior class defeated the senior class 28-20 during the annual homecoming week Powder Puff flag football game at Grayling High School’s Viking Stadium on Wednesday, September 14.

The November 8 general election ballots for Crawford County voters will not include any county-wide proposals, but they will feature three state-wide proposals. The first proposal involves legislature term limits and financial disclosure rules for state officials. The second state ballot initiative – “State Proposal 22-2: A proposal to amend the state constitution to add provisions regarding elections” – involves voting procedures. The third is “a proposal to amend the state constitution to establish new individual right to reproductive freedom, including right to make all decisions about pregnancy and abortion; allow state to regulate abortion in some cases; and forbid prosecution of individuals exercising established right,” according to the ballot.

During his monthly report to the Grayling Charter Township Board of Trustees on Wednesday, Grayling Fire Chief Rodney VanDeCasteele said quick work by responders – especially the city’s Department of Public Works – kept a large amount of spilled fuel from reaching the AuSable River last month.

Grayling High School’s current athletic director is new to the position but he is not new to the Crawford AuSable School District. Scott Baker, who has been a teacher with the district for 16 years, took over as the new athletic director on September 20 after the previous AD left to take a job in another school district.

October

The Grayling Promotional Association had one its largest ever Fall Arts & Crafts Shows over the weekend, according to members. GPA conducted the event at the Grayling Elementary School on Saturday, October 1, while the Harvest Festival was happening downtown. A tractor-pulled wagon transported shoppers between the two events on Saturday.

For Crawford County voters, the November 8 general election will feature very few local contested races.

The GHS girls golf team competed in the Lake Michigan Conference championship meet on Thursday. Jessica Campbell earned all-conference honors and will be competing at the regional golf tournament in Harbor Springs on Tuesday, October 4.

The 3rd/4th grade Junior Vikings football team improved its overall 2022 season record to 6-0 with a 32-6 victory vs. Elk Rapids during a Northwest Youth Conference playoff contest played at the Crawford County Sports Complex on Saturday, October 1.

Grayling Main Street’s annual Harvest Festival provided autumn activities for people of all ages on Saturday, October 1, on Michigan Avenue in downtown Grayling. The 2022 Harvest Festival featured a tractor show, vendors (including a farmers market), face painting by Characters on Parade, a cookie decorating station offered by Spike’s Keg ‘O’ Nails, bounce houses for kids (also provided by Spike’s), and a tractor-pulled wagon to transport people back and forth between the Harvest Festival and the Grayling Promotional Association’s Fall Arts & Crafts Show being held at the Grayling Elementary School.

Lovells Township conducted an impromptu Flag Raising Ceremony at its new Crossroads Park on Saturday, October 1, and approximately 30 local residents attended, event organizers said.

A superhero-themed event on Saturday, October 1, at Hanson Hills Recreation Area helped cap a fundraising event to benefit child services. North Central Area Credit Union conducted its Superhero September Super Main Event – a promotion that included face painting, cornhole, a fun run for kids, a 5K run, costumed superheroes, and visits with area first responders – on Saturday at Hanson Hills Recreation Area.

Crawford County Toys For Tots volunteers kicked off their 2022 collection effort on the morning of Saturday, October 1, with the first official donation boxes being offered at the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department. Volunteers will be collecting toys and monetary donations for Toys For Tots – a program that helps provide Christmas gifts for children – from October 1 through mid-December.

A large group of veterans stayed at Camp Grayling on Tuesday, October 4, before leaving early the next morning for a flight to Washington D.C. to visit a variety of memorials. The Mid-Michigan Honor Flight is “a Regional Hub of the Honor Flight Network,” a “national organization” that strives to “see that all veterans have the opportunity to see their memorials, free of charge,” according to promotional material for the effort. Gary Wendlowsky of the Mid-Michigan Honor Flight said the organization conducts the Washington D.C. visits for veterans twice per year, once in the spring and once in the fall, and during the fall event the veterans stay at Camp Grayling.

The Grayling Recreation Authority junior cheerleaders joined the Grayling High School cheerleaders for a series of cheers and a dance routine to entertain the crowd at Viking Stadium during halftime of Thursday night’s Grayling vs. Cheboygan junior varsity football game. Coaches said the squad practiced four times with the junior cheerleaders before Thursday’s performance and this year’s group was one of the largest ever with more than 80 girls (in grades K-4) registered.

Grayling’s 3rd/4th grade Junior Vikings football team defeated the Alpena Jets 13-6 on Saturday during a Northwest Youth Conference playoff semifinal game in Oscoda, improving the squad’s overall record to 7-0. With Saturday’s victory vs. the Jets, the Junior Vikings advance to a Northwest Youth Conference playoff championship game to be played on Saturday, October 15, in Tawas. The Vikings will battle the Kalkaska Blazers during the contest.

Paddle Hard Yard – an open air extension of downtown Grayling’s Paddle Hard Brewing – is now open after a long period of being “empty and idle,” representatives of the business said. The interior of Paddle Hard Yard has a bar counter, tables and chairs, and a stage area for live music. It currently has a “limited drink portfolio,” with five rotating Paddle Hard Brewing beers, a few domestic beers, cider, seltzers, and ready-to-drink cocktails.

The Crawford County Commission on Aging’s effort to renovate a building to serve as a new senior center for the community has been hampered for months by rising construction costs following the COVID-19 pandemic, and the COA is now preparing to cut portions of the project following an unsuccessful bidding process.

Wellington Farm USA is getting ready to finish a busy 2022 season with an annual autumn event that features pumpkins being fired into the air via catapult. Wellington Farm USA – “a 60-acre living history complex depicting life as it was lived in a midwestern farming community during the Great Depression,” according to the facility’s website – will conduct its annual Pumpkin Chunkin’ weekends on October 15-16 and 22-23. During the event, Wellington Farm USA will launch pumpkins usings its trebuchets (catapults).

Grayling High School sophomore Jessica Campbell competed in the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 4 state finals for girls golf on Friday and Saturday at The Meadows (Grand Valley State University). Campbell qualified for the state finals with a fourth place finish at regionals.

Michelson Memorial United Methodist Church has a new pastor, Anita Hahn, who started her tenure on October 1.

Nick Walton – a longtime competitor in the canoe racing community – passed away on Saturday, October 8, at the age of 49 following complications from a paddling event on the Great Lakes.

Project Graduation for Grayling High School’s Class of 2023 conducted a 5K color run/walk fundraiser on Sunday, October 16, at Hanson Hills Recreation Area. Event organizers said more than 20 people participated in the run/walk and several area sponsors helped with the event, raising hundreds of dollars for the upcoming Project Graduation, an annual endeavor that looks to provide a fun and safe graduation night for students.

The Crawford County Board of Commissioners – during a regular meeting on Thursday, October 13 – approved the final design plans for an Anglers of the Au Sable/Trout Unlimited project to reconnect the East Branch of the AuSable River at the Grayling Fish Hatchery. Joe Hemming, Anglers of the Au Sable President, said the project has two main goals: to allow fish passage and to maintain current Fish Hatchery operations.

The 3rd/4th grade Junior Vikings football team defeated the Kalkaska Blazers 26-12 on Saturday at Tawas High School, clinching a Northwest Youth Conference championship and an undefeated 2022 season. The Junior Vikings posted a 5-0 regular season record and they won three playoff games, including Saturday’s title game vs. Kalkaska at Tawas.

Sno-Trac Village Snowmobile Center Camping & Cabins, located northeast of Grayling off of Lovells Road, is looking to bring a snowmobile museum to Michigan’s Lower Peninsula to serve as a “tourist attraction.”

The Crawford County Building – located at 200 W. Michigan Avenue – will soon be implementing a security entrance at the facility that will include a staffed x-ray machine and a metal detector, county officials said.

Fred Bear Day board members gathered at the city park on Monday, October 24, for a ground-breaking ceremony as they continue the project to add a Fred Bear monument to the area. In July, the Grayling City Council approved a request from John Wejrowski, co-founder and president of Fred Bear Day, to allow placement of the monument in the city park near the pavilion.

Local ballots for the November 8 general election do not include any county-wide proposals and there are very few local contested races to be decided, but voting does include three state-wide proposals, state government positions such as governor and secretary of state and attorney general, and a few legislative seats that cover Crawford County.

A horseshoe tournament to benefit the AuSable Valley Animal Shelter held on September 24 at the Kalkaska Eagles raised $1,061.50, event organizers said.

The 32nd Annual Crawford AuSable Community Free Thanksgiving Dinner will be held on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24, offering holiday meals for delivery and take-out to residents of the county.

The varsity football team from Grayling High School ended its 2022 season with a 37-20 victory vs. the Kalkaska Blazers during the Guardian Game – an annual contest between the Vikings and the Blazers that features a traveling rivalry trophy and a salute to military members and first responders – at Kalkaska High School on Friday.

November

In-person voting for next week’s general election will be conducted from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 8. Local clerks will conduct office hours this weekend to assist voters with “any election related issue,” according to election officials. People can stop into their clerk’s office during open hours and ask questions, pick up an absentee ballot, or submit a completed absentee ballot.

The AuSable Artisan Village’s third annual Chair Raffle runs from November 1-19 in the AAV gallery.

Two Grayling High School cross country runners qualified for the Michigan High School Athletic Association State Finals with their placements during regionals. Drew Moore, a junior, finished 5th during the MHSAA Lower Peninsula Region 19-3 meet held in East Jordan on October 29. He posted a time of 16:33.83. Tierney Hartman, a freshman, qualified for the state finals with a 15th place finish during the Region 19-3 meet. Hartman posted a time of 20:17.72.

The 21st Annual Camp Grayling Hail & Farewell Dinner held at the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center on October 22 included an awards ceremony and honoring of retirees. Award recipients included: SR NCO of the Year, MSG Justin Grosinsky; JR NCO of the Year, SSG Kelsey Kennedy; Soldier of the Year, CPL Alexis Fehrenbach; State Employee of the Year, Heather Green; Colonel Dennis D. Hull American Patriot Business Award, Matt LaFontaine Automotive. State employee retirees included: Jim Teeple, Stephan Wilson. Michigan Army National Guard retirees included: MAJ Ian Martin, CPT Lori Fassett, CW4 Linda Legg-Teeple, CSM Joseph Gregory, SFC Ellington Walters, SSG Joseph English, SGT Eric Fant, SPC Daric Foust.

The Crawford County Board of Commissioners – during a regular meeting on Thursday, October 27 – appointed Bonnie Stephan to a five-year term on the Crawford County Library Board.

The Crawford County Commission on Aging/Senior Center is looking for assistance with regard to its Meals on Wheels program as food and other costs continue to rise. Alice Snyder, Director of the Commission on Aging and Senior Center, said the program is in need of more volunteers to assist with food prep and delivery.

The Crawford AuSable School District hosted an “Evening at the School Forest” on Tuesday, October 18, in an effort “to introduce teachers, administrators from all buildings, and the school board to the school forest site and share programming that is currently happening to connect students to outdoor learning and local natural resources,” event organizers said.

Resurrection Life, Grayling E-Free, Grayling Free Methodist, and Grayling Baptist churches, as well as the Roscommon Lions Den, hosted the Family Fun Fest Trunk or Treat Halloween event on Friday, October 28. The event included an activity tent, a bonfire, and treats for costumed trick or treaters. Vehicle trunks with treats included the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department and the Grayling Fire Department.

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency officials reported strong turnout with regard to booths and visitors for a recent event designed to offer assistance for northern Michigan veterans. The agency – along with local partners – conducted a Northern Michigan Veterans Benefit Fair at the Grayling Ramada Inn on Thursday, October 27.

Grayling’s Orangecoat Round-up – an event that will give hunters an opportunity to win cash prizes and display their deer at the buck pole at Skip’s Sport Shop – will be held next week on the first two days of firearm deer hunting season, Tuesday, November 15, and Wednesday, November 16.

The Grayling City Council, in October, approved a Commercial Rehabilitation District for the land that contains the Grayling Place Apartments project (former Hospitality House site), and – according to city officials – the council will conduct a public hearing next week regarding a possible tax abatement for the zone.

Grayling High School cross country runner Drew Moore placed 16th out of 259 runners during the MHSAA Division 3 Lower Peninsula Cross Country State Finals at Michigan International Speedway on Saturday, November 5. Moore posted a time of 16:32.73. Also during the Division 3 state finals, Tierney Hartman finished 113th out of 252 runners in the girls’ race. She posted a time of 21:26.23.

The Grayling Promotional Association’s 2022 Festival of Trees – an annual event that gives visitors an opportunity to win decorated Christmas trees or gift baskets – will run from November 11-26 in the Grayling Mini Mall.

Hundreds of people watched as costumed students and staff from the Grayling Elementary School – led by the Grayling High School marching band – walked in the 2022 GES Halloween parade along Michigan Avenue on Monday, October 31. The day featured warm, sunny weather conditions.

The 45th Grayling Christmas Walk will offer a variety of events – including a parade, a tree lighting ceremony, business promotions, a Christmas Story Walk, a Cookie Walk, and more – in downtown Grayling on Saturday, November 19. The event is being coordinated by Grayling Main Street and sponsored by the Grayling Promotional Association.

Locally, there was not much to be decided during the November 8 general election voting process due to the large amount of uncontested races and lack of local proposals, but ballots did include three state-wide proposals, several state government races, and state legislative positions, and several local election officials reported high voter turnout.

Crawford County voters added their numbers to a variety of state candidate races and three state-wide proposals during the November 8 general election voting process; some of the local results matched up with what state voters approved, and others did not.

The 2022 Festival of Trees – a Grayling Promotional Association event – opened to visitors on Friday, November 11. The annual holiday event – held at the Grayling Mini Mall – gives people an opportunity to win gift baskets and prize-filled Christmas trees. Tickets are $2 apiece or six for $10.

Grayling High School hosted a signing day event on Wednesday for senior Kynadi Dole, who has signed a letter of intent to play volleyball for Davenport University next season.

The 2022 Crawford AuSable Community Free Thanksgiving Dinner will offer homemade delivery and take-out holiday meals for residents of Crawford County on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24. This year’s event – the 32nd Annual Crawford AuSable Thanksgiving Dinner – will offer the return of homemade meals and the return of take-out following a few years of having frozen entrees by delivery only because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kirtland Community College paid tribute to those who have served in the United States military during a ceremony at the Grayling campus on Thursday, November 10, one day prior to Veterans Day. Matthew R. Rice, Communications and Marketing Director for Kirtland Community College, said the event – which included a cake-cutting ceremony – was designed to “honor all past, present, and future men and women who serve in the armed forces.” Kirtland students, Kirtland staff, veterans, and other guests attended the event.

The VFW 3736 Carl Borchers Post conducted a Veterans Day ceremony on Friday at the Grayling American Legion Post 106, honoring those who have served in the United States military. The event included performances by the Grayling High School choir and two students playing Taps. The guest speaker this year was Bob Green of Mid-Michigan Honor Flight.

The Holiday Season Goodale’s Train/Village Open House will be held on Sunday, November 20. The event will collect cash donations to benefit Scout Troop 979.

Hunters displayed 23 deer on the buck pole at Skip’s Sport Shop – 13 on day one and 10 on day two – during the 2022 Orangecoat Round-up event on the first two days of Michigan’s firearm deer hunting season on November 15 and 16.

The 2022 Grayling Christmas Walk offered a variety of events – including a parade, a tree lighting ceremony, business promotions, a Christmas Story Walk, Santa’s Wonderland, a Cookie Walk, and more – in downtown Grayling on Saturday, November 19. This year’s Christmas Walk was coordinated by Grayling Main Street and sponsored by the Grayling Promotional Association.

Two Grayling City Council members elected to four-year terms on November 8 took their oath of office during a regular meeting on Monday, November 14, and the council opted to continue with the same mayor (Heather Forbes). City Clerk Chelsea Goodwin administered the oath of office to Jack Pettyjohn and McKenzie Nelson on Monday night during the start of the council meeting.

The Grayling City Council approved a Grayling Place Apartments application for a tax abatement during a regular meeting on Monday, November 14, following a public hearing. The council approved an eight-year exemption instead of the requested 10 years.

Michelson Memorial United Methodist Church hosted its annual Christmas Cookie Walk on Saturday, November 19, during the 2022 Grayling Main Street Christmas Walk. During the event participants could fill a container with cookies for a small donation.

The AuSable Artisan Village and Coffee by Steph hosted a Santa’s Wonderland event on Saturday, November 19, during the Grayling Christmas Walk, giving children an opportunity to visit with Santa and have their photo taken with him.

The City of Grayling is exploring the possibility of selling a piece of land intended to serve as the site for its Northern Market to a developer looking to build a new hotel in the community, city officials said last week.

The Crawford County Library’s contribution to the 2022 Grayling Christmas Walk – a Christmas Story Walk – offered two pages of “The Last Christmas Tree” by Stephen Krensky for viewing at 15 different local businesses on Saturday, November 19.

December

The Crawford County Sheriff’s Department – joined by area firefighters, police officers, state troopers, emergency responders, and towing companies – celebrated the start of its annual Cops For Kids Christmas tree sale with a special kick-off event on Saturday at the Tractor Supply Company parking lot.

The Grayling Promotional Association drew the winners for its annual Festival of Trees event at the Grayling Mini Mall on Sunday, November 27. Event organizers said GPA sold “at least 12,000” tickets during the 2022 Festival of Trees. Prizes included more than 30 gift baskets and close to 60 decorated Christmas trees. The Festival of Trees helped raise thousands of dollars for Grayling Promotional Association community causes and projects.

Organizers of the 32nd Annual Crawford AuSable Community Free Thanksgiving Dinner said they were ready to serve 1,000 meals during the annual event on Thursday, and they came very close to that number. Patty Crandall, co-director of the Crawford AuSable Thanksgiving Dinner, said the effort delivered approximately 792 meals and distributed approximately 125 take-out dinners. This year’s event offered meals via delivery and through take-out, but did not have a gathering at the site. The 2022 Crawford AuSable Thanksgiving Dinner offered the return of homemade meals and the return of take-out following a few years of having frozen entrees by delivery only because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteers distributed meals from Grayling High School.

Representatives from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), and the Army National Guard – during a meeting of the Camp Grayling Restoration Advisory Board on Monday, November 21, at Kirtland Community College (and online via Zoom) – offered updates on the PFAS testing efforts being conducted in the community.

Frederic Township along with Friends of Frederic 501(c)(3) and the Frederic Fire Department conducted their third annual community Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Friday, December 2, at the Betty Sadjak park. Organizers said that Santa Claus was not able to attend the lighting event this year, but people were able to visit with the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who, and the Mayor of Whoville Augustus May Who. The event featured a raffle for children to win gifts as well a chance to light the Christmas tree.

The Grayling High School Players will offer two performances of “Sherlock Holmes and the First Baker Street Irregular” by Brian Guering at Grayling High School’s Joseph Stripe Auditorium on Friday, December 9, and Saturday, December 10.

The Grayling Fire Department has a new vehicle to replace an aging part of its fleet – a ladder truck capable of reaching heights of 100 feet – and the vehicle recently began its service to the community.

Santa, Mrs. Claus, and other guests arrived at the Crawford County Historical Society Museum via Lake State Railway train during the community’s annual Santa Train event on Saturday, December 3. During the event, people sang Christmas carols, visited with Santa and his costumed character entourage, and viewed exhibits in the museum.

Some opponents of the proposed expansion of Camp Grayling’s training areas – the National Guard is asking the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for more than 160,000 acres of additional state land to lease – are also concerned about possible adjustments in area military airspace use.

Dozens of people came to Kirtland Community College on Saturday, December 10, for holiday shopping and entertainment during the school’s Winter Wonderland Craft Show. Kirtland Community College officials said the event had a stage set up for music and entertainment, Santa and Mrs. Claus and Santa’s Workshop, and vendors selling a variety of crafts.

The sound of Christmas bells will fill the air at Family Fare in Grayling on December 15, 16, and 17 as part of this year’s Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle campaign.

Hundreds of people watched the Grayling High School Players perform “Sherlock Holmes and the First Baker Street Irregular” on Friday and Saturday, December 9 and 10, at the Joseph Stripe Auditorium.

An effort to bring a state veterans cemetery to Crawford County took another step forward on Tuesday, December 6, as the Michigan House of Representatives voted in favor of the endeavor.

Area law enforcement officers battled 8th grade boys basketball players during the third annual Cops vs. Kids basketball game – an event that collected money and item donations for the Crawford Ausable School District Viking Pantry – on Tuesday, December 13, at the Grayling Middle School gymnasium.

The Crawford County Board of Commissioners – during a regular meeting on Thursday, December 15 – approved the creation of a full-time position within the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department to staff the County Building’s new security entrance.

The Grayling Promotional Association continues its local beautification efforts by adding artwork to a variety of locations in the area. This summer, GPA added a sign that features three bears in a fishing boat to an area near Tinker’s Junction on M-72 West. The artwork includes the phrase “Grayling Between Two Rivers.” More recently, the Grayling Promotional Association had artwork added to electrical boxes in the City of Grayling near Walgreens and the Grayling Post Office.

Grayling Recreation Authority officials are hoping to open Hanson Hills Recreation Area for skiing and tubing on Friday, December 23, as the Crawford AuSable School District begins its holiday break.

The Grayling Charter Township Board of Trustees decided by consensus during a regular meeting on Wednesday, December 21, to have the township supervisor draft a resolution opposing Camp Grayling’s training area expansion request.

Crawford County Sheriff’s Office Road Sergeant Ryan J. Finstrom retired from the department in November to spend more time following the sports exploits of his children and pursue other interests. Finstrom joined the department in May of 2001 as part of the Marine Patrol. He later worked as a road officer, school liaison officer, STING narcotics officer, and road sergeant, according to the county.

The Grayling Promotional Association – a group known for its local events, charity, and beautification efforts – met on Tuesday, December 20, at Gray Rock Pub & Grub and conducted a ceremonial passing of the gavel from past-president Patty Hawkins to new president Becky Walrath.

Local volunteers for the 2022 Salvation Army Red Kettle fundraising effort reported record donation numbers.

Law enforcement personnel from the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, Grayling Public Safety, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources recently took a group of local students on a holiday shopping trip. According to Crawford County Sheriff Ryan A. Swope, officers took 18 kids from the Crawford AuSable School District to the Gaylord Walmart during the annual “Shop With A Cop” event in mid-December.

Year In Review

Crawford County Avalanche

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