The scene at 7:15 a.m. Feb. 12 2006

It is hard to imagine that 10 years have gone by since our fire Feb. 12, 2006. I will always remember the brave firefighters who tried their best to save our building and that of Big D’s Pizza. 

The support we were given by many kind people in the community in the days following the fire — and since I started as editor 27 years ago this month —  will never be forgotten. 

I am happy to report things have worked out well for us in our (still) new building.

You make me believe in small towns.     —-Richard Lamb, editor and publisher

The 125 year-old buildings went quickly as the fire spread from the front to the rear. (Photos by Richard Lamb)

The front page of the Advance from Feb. 2006 showed the beginnings of the fire which would consume the Advance office and Big D’s Pizza. The newspaper did not miss an issue, going into production two days after the fire.

Less than one hour after arriving, firefighters faced this scene on Feb. 12, 2006 as the Advance and Big D’s Pizza burned.

by Peter Jakey–Managing Editor

The man with the jovial demeanor, booming voice and calming influence retired earlier this month from his long run as Posen Chamber of Commerce president.

Randy Idalski served 24 years on the chamber board, 18 as the president.

“It feels good,” said Idalski with his familiar laugh. “It was time. I put in a lot of years and worked with a lot of great people. It is time for someone else to take over and keep the ball rolling.”

Randy Idalski

His departure comes as no surprise, as he told those in the community at last year’s Posen Potato Festival, he would step down when officers were re-elected.

Board member Jimmie Hentkowski tried to keep him on the board and threw his name in as a nominee for trustee.

Idalski reiterated that it was time to move on.

Idalski said he would still be interested in serving as master of ceremonies during the Miss Posen Pageant, as well as the parade.

Outgoing member Dennis Goupell said Idalski took on a lot of responsibilities. “He made phone calls looking for carnivals and getting things lined up.”

He said Idalski’s ability to “communicate and delegate” would be missed.

Andrea Konwinski, who had served as secretary for a number of years, has been voted in as new president.

“He was a good leader,” said Konwinski. “If something did not go as well during the festival, he would say, ‘don’t worry about it, we’re doing the best we can.’ Randy did a real good job and I am really glad he stuck with it all those years.”

Konwinski is excited to take over, having served on the board for 16 years. “I wanted to take on a new challenge,” she added.

(Full version of this article is in the Feb. 18, 2016 edition of the Advance)

by Richard Lamb–Advance Editor

The Presque Isle County Board of Commissioners re-appointed Terry Larson, of Rogers City to a three-year term on the board of directors for the Northeast Michigan Community Mental Health Authority. Larson, who is currently a board member, having served 15 years, will have his current term end March 31. The board had selected Lester Buza to fill that seat at a previous meeting, but asked Larson to continue his service to fill a new vacancy.

The appointment came to fill the seat of Marie LaLonde, of Onaway who announced she would be resigning when her term ends March 31.

COUNTY COMMISSION members had a light agenda at last week’s meeying. Pictured are (from left) commissioners Stephen Lang, Mike Darga, Robert Schell, Carl Altman Lee Gapczynski and county clerk Ann Marie Main. (Photo by Richard Lamb)

The mental health authority serves Presque Isle, Alpena, Montmorency and Alcona counties with 12 members serving on the board. Gary Nowak, Rogers City councilman, is the chairman of the board. The appointment came at the Feb. 10 meeting of the county board.

Also at that meeting the board heard from Marc Miller, regional initiatives deputy with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), who made a presentation on managed public land strategy employed by the state.

“It is my second trip through. I met with chairman Carl Altman a while ago and discussed our approach with DNR to re-engage with county officials and township officials to try to improve our public engagements and relationships,” he said.

Miller said part of what the DNR needs to do is to tell the story of the agency better. Protecting and using the natural assets are important.

“We have a lot of fantastic assets that other states do not have. It is good for us to talk about what we do well, where we need to improve and also have a common understanding so the next time we have the opportunity to work together, we know where each other are coming from,” he told the board.

Miller’s presentation centered on the economic impact natural resources has on Michigan’s economy. He said that DNR-managed recreation facilities help support the $2.28 billion tourism industry, which brings 214,000 direct jobs. Of that total, he said, fishing and boating add $7 billion to the economy and hunting adds $2.3 billion.

He said the DNR manages 102 state parks, 138 state forest campgrounds, 1,300 boating access sites and 80 public harbors. The DNR has 4 million acres of managed forest, which supports the $16 billion timber industry and 31,000 direct jobs.

Commissioners questioned the merits of the youth hunt, for which Miller gave an explanation of DNR strategy.

“As we look at the demographics of those who hunt now, we are looking at continued decline in the number of hunters. It is very difficult to get the youth and others out as all of us age. We are going to hit a point in the very near future where we are going to drop off a cliff as baby boomers and generation X starts to slow down,” he said.

“That is a real concern for all of us because we are concerned with our heritage continuing.”

The DNR is working on the right way to approach “recruitment, retention and reactivation” of hunters, he said. The challenge is to get younger people and those living in the cities out and enjoying the resources offered in Michigan.

In other county board matters: 

–The board approved payment of $7,645 to be paid to Central Lake Armor Express for bulletproof vests for the sheriff’s department. A portion of that will be covered by a federal grant secured by the department.

–Altman said no recommendation would be made regarding a possible millage to support county historical museums, as discussed at a prior meeting. An opinion from the county’s attorney is due by the end of the month, Altman told the board.

–District 3 commissioner Mike Darga (D.-Rogers City) said since Rogers City took over the transfer station earlier this month he has been monitoring the dumpster situation. Two more dumpsters were delivered to the site as of last week to handle cardboard recycling. One was moved from Hawks, which was underutilized, Darga said.

–District 5 commissioner Stephen Lang, (R.-Presque Isle) said the personnel committee began considering salaries for the coming year, that must be decided upon before the county budget is approved.

–County clerk Ann Marie Main said after the meeting that the only countywide officeholder to file a nominating petition to date was incumbent county clerk Bridget LaLonde. The deadline for filing petitions is April 19.

–The board received a letter of resignation from veterans counselor Lisa Homan, effective June 30. She has a two-year term, which ends Dec. 31.

–The board did not discuss the status of a lawsuit brought by prosecuting attorney Rick Steiger against the board. Steiger was not present at the meeting. No other elected officials were in attendance.

The next meeting of the board is scheduled for Feb. 26 at 9:30 a.m. at the county courthouse.

Zeke Nave looks to the official after pinning an opponent in the individual regionals Saturday at Rogers City. (Photo by Richard Lamb)

Rogers City is hosting a Division 4 individual regional wrestling tournament Saturday and Presque Isle County will be well-represented in the tournament with nine Hurons and two Cardinals competing.

Those finishing in the top four of each weight class Saturday will move on to the individual state tournament March 3-5 at the Palace of Auburn Hills.

Saturday Rogers City was in Munising for individual districts. The tournament start was delayed from the morning to the afternoon due to some bad weather and once action got started the Hurons had a good day.

Senior Justin Saile (145), junior Tristan Baller (125) and sophomore Sam Sobeck (103) all won district titles.

Saile pinned Rudyard’s Tyler Spencer in 38 seconds in the semifinals before having to face off with his teammate in the finals. Saile faced junior Max Kowalewsky in the finals and won by pin in 10 seconds.

Kowalewsky reached the finals after pinning Lynn Urmanski of Gwinn in 49 seconds and Dylan Stevenson of Manistique in 5:27.

Baller pinned Jaeden Martinez of Gwinn in 31 seconds in the semifinals and defeated Cedric Nora of Ishpeming Westwood 18-3 in the finals.

Sobeck pinned Alysse Bentley of St. Ignace in 14 seconds in the semifinals before pinning Ishpeming Westwood’s Nathan Brewer in 3:44 in the finals.

Senior Quintin Kelly was second at 189 pounds. Kelly pinned Manistique’s Matt Wood in 3:19 to start his day. In the semifinals he defeated Kevin Roberts of Gwinn 15-3.

In the finals against Munising’s Hunter Saddler, who is ranked second in the state, Kelly fell 11-0 to finish second.

Senior Tom Vogelheim was second at 119 pounds. Vogelheim pinned Manistique’s Catherine King in nine seconds and St. Ignace’s Hally Halberg in 2:54 to reach the finals. In the finals he fell to Nick Miles of Munising 12-4.

Senior Casey Szatkowski was third at 215 pounds. Szatkowski pinned Ishpeming Westwood’s Seth Tackman in 3:07 before falling to Manistique’s Burton Landon by pin in 33 seconds.

Szatkowski then defeated his teammate, senior Chandler Beland 4-3. In the match for third place Szatkowski defeated Trevor Kirpatrick-Bray 3-2.

Freshman Austin Cook was third at 112 pounds. Cook won a thrilling 9-7 match over Larry Laponsie of Rudyard to start his day. He then fell to Zach McGowan of Munising by pin in 1:07 before pinning Ishpeming’s Roland Richards in 1:41. He then took on Laponsie again and this time won 6-3 to finish third.

Junior Andrew Haselhuhn was fourth at 130 pounds. He fell in the semifinals to Michael McNeill of Newberry by pin in 3:26 and was pinned by Newberry’s Richard Nalette in 2:47 in the consolation finals.

Beland fell to Hunter Collins of Newberry 13-3 before pinning Andre Walsh of Ishpeming in 1:38. His loss to Szatkowski ended his day.

Junior Juan Beltran and senior Jon Molzan each went 1-2 at 160 pounds.

Business owners and government workers had a lot of snow to remove before opening for business Thursday. (Photo by Richard Lamb)

A steady wind combined with heavy snowfall to close all area schools. The storm began in the early evening hours Wednesday dumping snow on the area overnight.

Forecasts call for sunny conditions today with a high temperature in the mid-20s. Weekend temperatures may exceed 40 degrees, which will melt the snow people are scrambling to move today.

County crews were busy early Thursday morning clearing the roadways after a blizzard hit the area overnight. (Photo by Richard Lamb)

by Peter Jakey–Managing Editor

Less than three months since reconstruction work started, the Rogers City Save-A-Lot opened its doors to the public Saturday at the Mariners’ Mall.

There will be a soft opening Saturday with the official grand opening the next day, according to Tim Freeman of Freeman Family Enterprises of Gaylord. This will be the company’s 24^th store – most are in northern Michigan.

ROGERS CITY’S Save-A-Lot opened Saturday in the heart of downtown Rogers City. Pictured are, from left, owners Tom and Tim Freeman, and store manager Josh Martinez. (Photo by Peter Jakey)

“We love the location, being downtown and proximity to the harbor,” said Tim.

The owners, as well as district and store managers from the region were on-site earlier this week constructing shelves and putting product on them.  Dairy, frozen and meat products arrived Wednesday and Thursday.

Customers walking through the sliding doors will see the checkout area straight ahead and the grocery aisles, to the right.

“We are a little bit behind compared to other stores we have opened,” said Tim, regarding the late arriving product. “Typically, we already would have had product in our coolers.”

Tom Freeman has been staying at a Rogers City motel and said local residents have been “very welcoming.” He talked to many people in the community at restaurants and stores, who are looking forward to the opening.

“Everyone seems to be very excited to have us here,” said Tim. “We’ve heard all positives. They are excited that they will have their own Save-A-Lot.”

There will be two marquee specials when the store opens with $1.99 gallons of milk and fresh ground hamburger for $1.99 a pound.

“It was crazy project, raising the floor 31 inches in the amount of time we had to do it,” said Tom. The part of the store space that was raised formerly housed Mr. Ed’s IGA. The other part of the 15,000 square feet was once the Presque Isle Pharmacy, an original business in the ministrip mall.

Tim said they had considered expanding into to Rogers City in the past and the firm now believes the time is right.

Renovation of the space started the Monday after Thanksgiving weekend. “It all turned out, better than I thought it would,” said Tom. “One thing that is nice about this store, if people are used to shopping in Alpena or Cheboygan, the floor space is bigger than both of them.”

The Rogers City store will have expanded dairy and lunch meat. “If they go into Cheboygan or Alpena, it’s 24 feet,” said Tom. “Here it is 32 feet. Dairy, same thing.”

There’s also a different look with the polished concrete floor and open ceiling.

Josh Martinez, who has worked in the Alpena and East Tawas stores, will be the store manager. Josh and his wife Chelsey will be moving to Rogers City. The assistant manager is Lisa VanMaele of Rogers City. Jeff Plath will handle the meat department.

“With gas prices coming down, people have been able to save a lot on their fuel bill,” said Tim. “Now, we are going to help them save on their grocery bills.”

About 15 to 18 associates are expected to work at the store.

***     ***     ***

The Mariner’s Mall opened in the spring of 1977. First to open for business was the Dairy Queen Brazier Burger April 1 followed by the Ben Franklin Store April 14 and the Presque Isle Pharmacy April 28.

Last to open May 12, 1977 was Mr. Ed’s IGA on the east side of the complex. An article in the May 26, 1977 edition of the Advance called the Mariner’s Mall the “first businesses to carry out the nautical theme proposed for the city less than three years ago.”

The building of the shopping complex came after the city adopted urban renewal in the early 1970s. That process purchased exsisting buildings on the site, clearing the way for the new development.

Buildings were demolished in 1972 and a parking lot was constructed. The site remained vacant until construction on the mall began in August 1976. Despite hold-ups in construction caused by cold weather, all four stores opened on schedule in the spring.

POSEN SOPHOMORE Cami LaTulip had an open lane to the basket and scored eight of Posen’s 12 points in the first quarter. (Photo by Peter Jakey)

Nobody could have predicted the result of the Class D district opener in Rogers City between Hillman and Posen. The games were tight during the regular season and are expected to be in the coming years as well as both programs will continue to be strong.

That line of thinking did not play out on the court as Posen’s tenacious defense took Hillman (15-5) out of its rhythm and the Lady Vikings (19-2) rolled to a 49-20 win to advance to Wednesday’s district semifinal against Wolverine, with a chance to move on to the championship game Friday night.

“We did what we wanted to,” said Posen coach Karl Momrik following the game. “Defensively, just a great job. Offensively, we got a lot of good looks. Scoring 49 against Hillman, that’s a good total for us.”

Cami LaTulip made some big plays on defense and scored eight first-quarter points before heading to the bench with two fouls. Her replacement Jolene Reese picked right up where she left off with a jumper with one second left in the quarter with two defenders all over her. The shot fell and Posen was up 12-5.

Hillman got back in it with a 9-4 run at the start of the second. It’s about the time when Jenna Hincka found the bottom of the net on a 3-point try, after missing a few attempts from downtown. That made the score 19-14.

Kayla Lenard got in the scoring with a sweet looking jumper, and with a second left on the clock in the first half, she drained another to give the Vikings a 23-14 advantage.

Posen was feeling it and Hillman was not. That momentum rolled into the second half.

Posen allowed only one Hillman field goal in the third at the 2:27 mark when the game was already out of hand.

“We just don’t let teams to get real good looks,” said Momrik.

Brooke Ciarkowski knocked down a pair of treys and Hincka added another to boost the lead to 38-16 at the end of three.

“It was just a great team performance,” said Momrik.

“I was not expecting what happened tonight,” said Hillman coach John Kuzewski.  “I give Posen a lot of credit. They put some pressure on us, which caused some issues. But more importantly, they executed really well and got us out of our rhythm.”

Hincka had 15 and LaTulip 12.

With the win, it extended Posen’s season and now gives Hincka a shot at establishing a new record for steals in a season. She had 153 going into Wednesday’s game, needing four to break Lori Darga’s record of 156 set in 1983.

Cards finish regular season strong

Onaway 9-11 picked up a win in its regular season finale – a makeup game at Central Lake (CL). It was close throughout.

The Lady Cards were down 11-9 after one, but took a 21-19 lead at halftime. CL re-took the lead after three, 28-26.

It would take a strong fourth quarter by the Red Birds to put it in the win column, 37-31. Head coach Marty Mix got a balanced attack. Jade Galer had nine, while Taylor Ehrke had eight. Zebany Box had six.

“It was a total team effort,” said Mix. “The kids were distributing the ball well, working well defensively, and we held a team that had been putting up big points of late, to only 31 points.”

Mix was gearing up to play host Rogers City in a district semifinal. “We’ll see what we can do.”

Rogers City was dealing with a situation this week as head coach Gary Bisson stepped down and junior varsity players were going to be filling varsity roster positions after several players were removed from the team.

“Some of our varsity girls basketball players were involved in an incident.  As a result the JV girls team will be stepping up to fill the remaining roster spots for district basketball competition.  While we are certainly disappointed that this happened during district week, it is going to be a good experience for the team.  Coach Bisson and myself had a discussion during practice after the opening night of district competition.  The result of the conversation was that Mrs. (Sarah) LaFleche will coach the remainder of the season,” Rogers City athletic director David O’Bryant.

The 12^th annual Rogers City Antique and Vintage Snowmobile Show & Vintage Ride are set for Friday and Saturday at the Knights of Columbus (K of C) Hall in Rogers City.

It’s the ideal location for snowmobile enthusiasts to rev up their machines and frolic out at the K of C grounds. The featured machine this year is Arctic Cat and organizers are expecting a nice turn out. It appears weather conditions will be a comfortable 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and the anticipated warm-up of next week will hold off until Sunday.

The ride starts at noon from the K of C hall. There will be a bonfire and weenie roast. The bar opens at 3 p.m. and karaoke gets underway at 9 p.m. Registration opens at 9 a.m. Saturday at the hall. The show and swap last until 3 p.m.

“We are looking at a fish and pulled pork dinner for $10,” said board president Dan Derry. “Rhiny Pommerenke will be cooking the pork. We have a 100 pounds of cod.” Dinner starts at 5 p.m.

Trophies and awards will be presented at 5:30 p.m.

Following the awards the Chinese raffle winners will be announced. There also will be entertainment Saturday with a live band at 8:30 p.m.

Teachers Tonya Langlois and Jennifer Voigt, in capes and tutus, get set to take a plunge in Lake Huron. (Image by Mindy Bruning and Riconda Lamb)

Teachers Jennifer Voigt and Tonya Langlois rewarded their student for reaching a goal this week. The reward was watching the teachers at St. John Lutheran School in Rogers City plunge into Lake Huron on a crisp March day.

Decked out in capes and feathers, the two teachers led the students to Lakeside Park beach Monday morning and took a quick–very quick–dip in the big lake.

We share the video proof here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CcZnrms1B4&feature=youtu.b

Onaway moves on to the district finals, after an 80-17 win over Vanderbilt. Standout guard Joe Sigsby (at right) drains a 3-pointer in the semifinal game. At left Alex Hincka moved into sixth place on the all-time Huron scoring list, but the Hurons fell to Hillman in the other district semifinal contest. (Photos by Richard Lamb)

Onaway will get a chance to knock-off undefeated Hillman in the district tournament Friday at Wolverine. The Cards were easy winners over an overmatched Vanderbilt team, 80-17 while Hillman won a hard-fought contest over Rogers City, 70-49.

Gametime is 7 p.m. Friday at Wolverine High School.

by Richard Lamb—Advance Editor

Onaway stunned previously undefeated Hillman with a 58-57 win Friday in Wolverine to win the district title. The game would come down to the last possession, as each team played its heart out.

“The one thing I know about this team is that there is no quit in them. They came out and got down early, but they battled back. I can’t ask for a better group of kids right here. They are mentally and physically tough,” said an elated coach Eddie Szymoniak after Onaway ended Hillman’s quest for a perfect season.

To set up a bizarre finish, Morgan McLean’s free throws gave the Cardinals a 53-49 lead with 5:51 left in the fourth quarter. Then a baseline drive by Cortez Washington gave Onaway a 57-52 lead with 3:11 left in the game.

The Cards looked to be gaining momentum. But Hillman knotted the score at 57 on a bucket by Dylan Steinke after a Cardinal turnover with 1:04 showing on the clock in the fourth quarter.

Onaway celebrated its district title. (Photo by Richard Lamb)

Another Cardinal turnover gave Hillman a chance to ice the clock for one last shot. Gaining possession of the ball with 52 seconds left in the game, Hillman fired up two shots and got the rebounds both times. Then with 17 seconds left, a third attempt banked off the rim and into the hands of Cardinal guard Joe Sigsby. He drove past the timeline and rocketed a cross-court pass to a wide open McLean under the basket who was fouled hard with 2.4 seconds left on the clock. McLean had a chance to win the game at the line.

After a timeout, McLean missed the first shot, but drained the second for a one-point lead. With just 2.4 seconds on the clock, Hillman still had a chance to save its season. The Tigers quickly inbounded the ball, but Brad Brewbaker stepped in front of a sideline pass, and flung the ball back into play as time expired.

The Cardinal student section raced onto the court to celebrate the district title.

“We knew coming in we were the better team, we just had to play with it. We didn’t have the record they have but we knew we were the better team. Obviously Hillman is a heck of a team, but we knew we were better. We just had to perform,” Szymoniak said.

“These guys dug down real deep. They are the toughest kids I’ve coached. They understand it. We have played a lot of close games like this. With the competition we’ve played, we knew we played the tougher competition. We figured we would be the best team Hillman saw all year so we were going to come out and bring it.”

Sigsby had a big game, scoring 25 points. Washington scored 16 with seven in the fourth quarter.

Onaway moves on to the St. Ignace regional to face 7-15 Rudyard, a 45-39 winner over Newberry. That is the second game of the night, as Alanson (21-1) plays Pickford (15-7) in the 5:30 p.m. contest.

by Richard Lamb—Advance Editor

Going where no Onaway team has gone before, the Onaway Cardinals boys’ basketball team is heading to the Class D quarterfinals. The Cards will face Powers North Central, a consolidated district west of Escanaba, Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Sault Ste. Marie High School.

Onaway claimed the regional title with a 74-59 win over Pickford. (Photo by Richard Lamb)

The Cardinals topped Pickford 74-59 in the St. Ignace regional final to advance further in the MHSAA tournament than any Cardinal boys’ basketball team in school history.

“It is incredible. It is unreal. The feeling is hard to explain right now. We know we are one game away from the Breslin Center. This is what we’ve worked for,” said coach Eddy Szymoniak.

Onaway built a 20-point lead after the third quarter, thanks to some hot shooting. The Cards scored 24 points in the frame, highlighted by five 3-pointers. Trevor Wregglesworth and Joe Sigsby had two each and Cortez Washington added one.

But as hot as the Cards were in the third, Pickford caught fire in the fourth. Led by 6-foot-6-inch Derrick Edington’s nine points of his game-high 33 in the frame, the Panthers ran off 12 straight points to cut the Cardinal lead in half. With the score at 67-57 with 3:25 left in the fourth quarter, coach Szymoniak called timeout to tell his team to slow it down a bit.

Cortez Washington gets by a Pickford defender in the regional finals. (Photo by Richard Lamb)

“That is the problem with these guys. They are so full-speed and gung-ho there is no stopping them. That’s hard to do as a coach. There is a time and place where you have to slow it down. They did a great job,” Szymoniak said.

The team responded by holding Pickford to just two more points the rest of the way.

Sigsby led the team with 25 points, including three, 3-pointers and 2-of-2 from the free-throw line. Washington scored 16 points, Wregglesworth added 12 and Billy Moran scored seven.

Billy Moran snares a rebound in the regional final.

Onaway connected on 14-of-23 from the line while Pickford hit on 8-of-10.

Onaway got out to a fast start, jumping out to an 18-6 lead, after Sigsby nailed a drive at the 3:40 mark of the first quarter. Morgan McLean’s triple from the top of the key made the score 22-8 with 1:52 left in the first. Onaway led 24-15 at the end of the first quarter.

Keyed by Edington’s 13 points, Pickford made a charge in the second quarter, but the Cardinals answered by increasing the lead to 41-30 heading into the second half.

Onaways Keaton Brewer makes sure this loose ball belongs to the Cardinals. (Photo by Richard Lamb)

Powers North Central (PNC) combines the small communities of Hermansville, Powers, Spalding and surrounding townships west of Escanaba. PNC is the defending state champions in boys’ basketball and won the eight-man state championship in football last fall.

In district basketball action, PNC defeated Bark River Harris, 77-38; Wilson Na Tah Wahsh 113-25; and Felch North Dickenson 75-45. In the regionals, they topped Lake Linden Hubbell 79-54 and Crystal Falls Forest Park 75-45.

Other quarterfinal games have Wyoming Christian playing Adrian Lenawee Christian at the Coldwater quarterfinals and Waterford Our Lady playing Marine City Cardinal Mooney at the West Bloomfield quarterfinals. The winner of the Onaway vs. PNC quarterfinals plays the winner of the Bellaire vs. Fulton quarterfinal being played at Traverse City West High School.

by Peter Jakey—Managing Editor

The high school library was filled to capacity Monday night as supporters of fired Rogers City High School wrestling coach Pat Lamb were in attendance to speak and provide morale support.

There were more than 65 people in the audience, including elementary teachers there for another issue, but most were there in support of reinstatement of Lamb as coach and custodian. A dozen people, including family members and former wrestlers spoke on behalf Lamb.

Last Thursday (March 10), interim superintendent Lee Sandy terminated the longtime, well-respected wrestling coach, who was in the corner with four state champions and took the program to a state runner-up finish in 2005.

AT THE conclusion of Monday’s board of education meeting, Pat Lamb implored board members to reconsider the decision to remove him as head wrestling coach and custodian. Some of his supporters, standing in the back, expressed how “coach Pat” has shaped the lives of so many young people at Rogers City High School. (Photo by Peter Jakey)

Lamb was terminated for taking a varsity jacket from the lost and found pile near the high school office and putting it in the dumpster. It was since located and returned to the student.

He was suspended with pay before the individual state finals, pending the March 10 meeting with Sandy, who was on vacation at the time.

Lamb and his supporters were hopeful the board would hear a public appeal of Sandy’s decision and Lamb requested that it be conducted in an open session. It was listed as an agenda item; however, Sandy informed the board that Lamb has to “exhaust his options under the contract that he works under for the custodial position, the local unit of the MEA (Michigan Education Association).

“Until he does that, the board does not have to offer him a hearing, in fact the board does not have to offer him a hearing at all.” Sandy added. “(Lamb) has an option under the contract he needs to take, and go from there.”

Board president John Krajenta said, “The fact that Pat has been a great coach is not a question mark under the board’s mind.” He commented that Lamb’s student/athletes were commended in a letter for their sportsmanship at a recent special meeting.

“Those are real pluses,” said Krajenta. “But we want to make sure that the situation that we’re dealing with is dealt with.”

Rogers City board of education members listen to presenters at Monday’s meeting. (Photo by Peter Jakey)

While there was no appeal for the disciplinary action that has been taken, Lamb made one anyway when Krajenta allowed him to speak in the final minutes of the two-hour meeting.

“I would like to thank everyone for their support, and I would like to say I did not solicit anybody for their support,” said Lamb. “What I did folks, I made a grave error. I made a bad mistake that goes against everything I ever have tried to instill in my athletes. I took a varsity jacket out of the lost and found and placed it in the trash. It was an error in judgement…I am ashamed of my actions. I feel like a hypocrite because of everything I have tried to instill in my athletes — to not lie and be honest, to not steal. I am a hypocrite. I admit that.”

Lamb said, to not be able to coach his wrestlers at the state finals, or support youth on the floor has been painful.

“Aside from burying my parents and my nephew Wyatt, those were the hardest things I ever had to do in my life,” Lamb, his voice rising. “I feel I made a grave error and I am truly sorry for that.

“My heart broke when I could not go down and support my athletes on the mat at the state finals, which I have done for many, many years. I could not attend the last three practices of my varsity wrestlers’ careers.”

He continued, “I am the one that broke my heart. I did that.” Lamb said he believes he let a lot of people down.

“Mr. Sandy, I have a great deal of respect for you; however, I do not feel that the infraction I did, the punishment, does not fit the crime, so to speak, and I implore you to think of some other way to punish me because I have been working in this school district for a long time. This action is throwing away my retirement; it is throwing away my career; I can live with that. I cannot live without being able to coach Rogers City wrestling anymore.”

Following the board meeting, Sandy said, “I did what I had to do. It was my decision. This was not a board decision. If we were going to fire a teacher, I would be the one authorizing the charges and then take it to the board. Teachers are different because of the tenure law.”

Responding to the numerous comments made on behalf of Lamb’s accomplishments and impacts on young lives, Sandy said, “They were good comments. You have to expect that from someone who has done a good job as a wrestling coach, but like he said, he admitted to the mistake and I had to take action based on what he did, and stealing a kid’s varsity jacket is a major…you know, if somebody else did that, it has a lot of ramifications. Are we going to overlook theft? He was surprised when I terminated him.”

Earlier in the meeting, assistant coach Rob Kortman spoke about the situation surrounding the removal of the jacket and the build up during the season that boiled over with the taking of the jacket, which has a value of about $250 when purchased new.

County commissioner Lee Gapczynski, who formerly served on the school board, was a co-captain with Lamb on the undefeated wrestling team of 1977 and offered his comments. “As a captain, Pat was a dedicated hard worker, and a leader. I believe he has lived his entire life with those qualities, and has always put them first.

Gapczynski went on to say that as a member of the school board the biggest mistake he made was removing Lamb as athletic director. “It was purely a financial decision, with no thought for the children,” he said. Gapczynski urged the board to reinstate Lamb to his positions, so the community can move on.

Devin Pommerenke, a two-time state wrestling champion, sent a lengthy letter signed by himself and 30 other of Lamb’s former wrestlers offering their support. He reminded the board that the bylaws state, “This honorable board has the last say, the final say to appeal Mr. Sandy’s decision. I ask that you folks do that. It is your authority, and not someone who is here part time, gets to leave, and does not ever have to answer for any of his actions.”

(Complete story is in the March 17, 2016 edition of the Presque Isle County Advance)

An early-spring blizzard closed schools and canceled many events in the county. (Photo by Richard Lamb)

Just when you thought spring might be here–wham–pow! Here comes another blast of winter.

The area got socked with a blizzard, causing schools to close, extending the Easter break by a day in Rogers City, Posen and Onaway. As much as 18 inches of snow was forecast for the area, but it is not certain how much has fallen so far Thursday morning.

Blowing and drifting made driving hazardous, as the snow is of the slippery, heavy and wet variety. Predictions are for more blizzard-like conditions through the day Thursday, with clearing and warmer temperatures for Good Friday.

Onaway High School (OHS) named its honor students for the Class of 2016. Valedictorian Thomas Anglin, salutatorian Eleana Domke and honor student Isaac “Zeke” Nave lead 17 honor students.

Anglin (3.9545) is the son of Shelly Enos and Jon Enos and Tony and Sue Anglin. He has been a member of the student council all four years of high school. He is the captain of the Onabots, the robotics team, that he has been a member of during his junior and senior years.

After graduation from OHS he plans to study pre-medicine as the first step in pursuing a career as a radiologist.

Domke (3.9059) is the daughter of Morris and Vickie Domke III. She is the treasurer of the NHS that she became a member of as a junior. She has been involved with the ski club all four years of high school. She has been a member of the student council during her junior and senior years and is a class officer this year.

Domke plans to attend Northern Michigan University in the fall to study in the pre-medicine program.

Nave (3.9029) is the son of Matt and Laurie Nave. He was a member of the homecoming court during his freshman and senior years. He has been a member of the student council and the OT during his junior and senior years. He has been in the NHS since his sophomore year.

Following his graduation from OHS Nave plans to attend Alma College to earn a bachelor’s degree in pre-physician’s assistant studies.

by Peter Jakey–Managing Editor

Only 10 players make the Associated Press’ first-team all-state list each season in Class D. With more than 1,700 players in “D,” it’s not easy to do.

Posen senior Jenna Hincka, the humble, quiet, hardworking leader from the 21-3 Lady Vikings, made the elite list.

Other than the Miss Basketball award, there is no greater award in girls’ high school basketball.

Hincka was a 1,000-point scorer for Posen and the best thief to ever play for the Vikings.

Posen’s Jenna Hincka made first team all-state for the Vikings this season, capping an outstanding hoop career. (Photo by Richard Lamb)

She set the single-season steal record in the district tournament to finish with 170. Her career steals put her in second place on the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s (MHSAA’s) leader board. That’s all Michigan schools. She ended up with 567 steals.

When the records are sent to the MHSAA in East Lansing, she will be behind only one player, Deborah Stevens of Burton Atherton, who had 683 from 1994-97. The MHSAA record book can be found online.

Coach Karl Momrik said nobody worked harder to get a steal.

“She was relentless,” said Momrik. “It is not as much about talent as it was about desire when it comes to that kind of statistic. Who has the desire to continuously be relentless in the pursuit of stealing the ball? Very, very few. She never stops! She never stops!”

Jenna was a first-team selection in the North Star League too, as received the most votes.

During the 2015-16 season, she had 398 points, 139 assists and 128 rebounds, to go along with the record-setting steals. During Jenna’s varsity career, which started as an eighth-grader, she scored 1,099 points.

Records have not been kept very well at Posen High School, so it is difficult to figure out where she ranks among the best at the school. She certainly ranks among them, with the stats and trophies backing it up

Jenna was part of four district title teams; the first regional title team two years ago; and two Posen squads that went 20-0 in the regular season.

Other postseason stats went to sophomore Cami LaTulip and junior Sam Lenard, both who made second-team all-conference. Senior Kayla Lenard was an honorable mention.

Other individual stats from the 2015-16 season are as follows: Kayla Lenard 89 points (pts), 120 assists (asst), 115 rebounds (R), 114 steals (S); senior Jolene Reese 159 pts, seven asst, 71 R, 45 S; senior Lyndsey Romel 17 pts, 10 asst, 37 R, 26 S; senior Lauren Romel 44 pts, six asst, 26 R, 13 S; senior Emily Robins 10 pts, three asst, 16 R, one S; Sam Lenard 176 pts, 77 asst, 200 R, 125 S; junior Lindsey Randall 25 pts, seven asst, 43 R, 31 S; LaTulip 188, 15 asst, 169 R, 52 S; freshman Brooke Ciarkowski 187 pts, 34 asst, 76 R, 66 S.

Show your support for Mike Marx, a great community leader and great guy who is recovering in Saginaw from a stroke suffered on Palm Sunday. He has done so much for so many over the years. Come out and show your support for Mike and his family.… Read Full Story

David O’Bryant

by Angie Asam–Staff Writer

Rogers City Area Schools may have a part-time superintendent. David O’Bryant, current high school principal and athletic director will be negotiating a contract with the district.

Board member Ivy Cook moved “that the Board of Education authorize the hiring of Mr. David O’Bryant as part-time superintendent of the Rogers City Area Schools subject to a negotiated contract between interim superintendent Lee Sandy, board president John Krajenta and Mr. O’Bryant,” Cory Budnick supported the motion.

Before a vote was taken board members made several comments. The motion passed by a 4-1 vote with board member Bryan Hall voting against it. Board members Deedra Haselhuhn and Don Kromer were absent from the meeting.

O’Bryant is a finalist for a full-time superintendent position at Benzie Central Schools. He was asked what his intention was by board member Frank Andrews.

“My intention is that I will go to the interview, I will sit down and negotiate a contract. If a contract is reached here and agreeable to both sides I will withdraw my name,” said O’Bryant.

For more details on this story, see the Advance on newsstands Wednesday evening.

Maria Antonia (Brivitello) Hilla was born July 30, 1926 in Taranto, Italy and passed away peacefully April 2, 2016 at her home in Tallahassee, Florida.

Maria is survived by her daughter, Rosemary C. (Hilla) Taylor of Rogers City; grandson, Jim (Scooter) Berhalter and his wife Rebecca of Tallahassee; granddaughter, Amy (Berhalter) Anglehart, her husband Sean and two great-grandsons, Dustin and Gavin of Fuquay, North Carolina. She is also survived by her brother, Aldo, and a stepsister, Giovanna of Rome, Italy.

A private memorial will be held for immediate family at Culley’s Meadow Wood Funeral Home in Tallahassee. Her family requests that in lieu of flowers or cards, donations are sent to your local human society in her memory.