DeTour Area
By Barbara Buschbacher 297-8075 bbann@sault.com

There are many smiles appearing on happy faces as winter sports enthusiasts rev up for their favorite sport. Couples are going on snowmobile safaris throughout the Upper Peninsula. Cross-country skiers have rosy cheeks from hikes through the woods. At last, we're back on track with winter weather.

There were more than 100 residents attending the DeTour Village town meeting to share their ideas in helping visualize what our community could look like in 10 years. Warren Rauhe, from Michigan State University, conducted the program known as Small Town Design Initiative. All ideas presented were recorded for Mr. Rauhe who, with his staff, will study ideas and return to DeTour Wednesday, April 18, to give his first report. With such a large group attending the meeting to give opinions, it was interesting that most everyone had the same ideas. Conclusion: Everyone left the meeting feeling pretty good about the discussion.

It's hard to believe January is just about over. Winterfests around the area are being planned; hopefully, there will be more snow for the snowmobile poker runs. Area winterfests break up the winter doldrums for many of us.

The Friends of the Library have invited author Moira Wilson of Hessel to be their guest speaker Wednesday, January 24, at 6:30 p.m. at the DeTour Library. Guest speakers at the library have always been a popular event.

Another popular event sponsored by the Friends of the Library is the annual Silent Auction to be held Wednesday, February 14, at the library.

The benefit dinner for Dennis Bender will be Saturday, February 10, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Raber Hall. There will be many door prizes.

If you're not interested in winter outdoor activities, and you're tired of television, reading, or knitting, call your friends and make a date to meet somewhere in the area for lunch. Have your friend bring along other friends to enjoy good conversation and have a lot of laughs. After an outing like this, you will feel better about your usual indoor habits. Perhaps you will set a date to meet again for an enjoyable afternoon out.

We welcome to DeTour, Carol and David Fort from Lewiston, Minnesota. The couple have recently retired and will be permanent residents. Carol (nee Adams) is originally from DeTour and is the sister of Sandy Konings. Carol mentioned she is happy to be back.

Athought: Always try to drive so that your license expires before you do.