St. Ignace
By Miriam Blair 643-7994

Mike Wilkins of St. Ignace, a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, was given the honor to walk in the grand entrance at the Rendezvous at the Straits Powwow Saturday, August 25. Mr. Wilkins, who served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1967, carried a yellow flag with a rabbit symbol on it, a tribal directional flag that means "east."

Paul and Terri Downey hosted two parties Saturday, August 18. Many friends and family gathered for a baby shower for their daughter, Shylo Kline. Later on that day, a celebration took place for 30 years of marriage for Mrs. Downey's sister, Karon, and Dick Hunter of Alto.

A presentation was organized by their son, Rick, and his wife, Lisa, in which everyone viewed childhood pictures, and enjoyed many laughs. Two sisters, Pam, with her husband, Ken Kramer, of Hawaii, and Tammy and family of Kingsford, were present. Lots of relatives came from many miles away, as well as townspeople. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter were married August 20, 1977, in Carp River at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Blair.

A note was received at The St. Ignace News office from Tom Olson, a LaSalle High School teacher from 1969 to 1981, now of Humble, Texas. Mr. Olson attended the memorial service in Houston for Todd Backus, Class of '81, who died August 20.

"It was wonderful," Mr. Olson wrote, as about 200 friends and family filled the chapel. Mr. Olson brought along his LaSalle High School pennant, which the family displayed with other memorabilia at the service, and he received a warm welcome from family and Texas friends of Mr. Backus.

Mr. Olson wrote that he was glad to be able to represent St. Ignace and Brevort at the memorial.

Many former students will remember Mr. Olson as a well-liked teacher of government and history at LaSalle.

Wesley Therrian of Whitewater, Wisconsin, spent a few days in St. Ignace visiting relatives. Mr. Therrian traveled through on his way to Midland to visit his father, Phillip Therrian.

Red Hat Society members enjoyed a picnic Saturday, August 25, at Cheeseman Road Park. It was a beautiful day for good food and top notch company.

Birthdays this month are for Judy and Jerry Fenlon September 4, Cooper Farr and Jackie Hardy September 9, Wesley Maurer Jr. and Joe Decker September 11, Krista Huskey September 12, and Shannon Bigger September 13.

As summer comes to an end, drive with caution as our children board school buses.