Judy Jones wrote the DeTour area column last week in my absence, which I appreciated. It's fun to leave for a while, but always better to return to Michigan's Eastern Upper Peninsula where, at this time, we are experiencing beautiful summer weather.

The warm temperature with sunny blue skies was most welcome as guests enjoyed the first spaghetti benefit dinner, planned and arranged by Rene Norton. The turnout of about 500 to 600 people was overwhelming and gratefully appreciated. The 50/50 raffle drawing was won by Fred Payment. The total amount of money earned from the auction was more than $1,000. Barbara Taylor and Ron DiSalvio provided outstanding entertainment.

The proceeds from this benefit have amounted to $8,037.17, with donations still being received. The proceeds will be divided between the DeTour Village Volunteer Fire Department and the DeTour Ambulance Emergency Services for new equipment.

Winners of the raffle drawing include Barbara Grisdale, who won four times, Joanie Schaefer, Linda Adams, Betty Wallis, Ray Jewel, Dan Rambo, Jeff Hinkle, who won two times, Ed Bender, Teri Ann Woods, S.D. Connelly, Doug McCulloch, Rick Polk, Richard Snyder, Kris Kelly, Greg Newcomer, Murray Fountain, Larry Lions, Ellen Schopp, Sharon DeJong, DeeDee Connelly, Donna Fair, Jeanette Nacker, and Ruth Kramer. Everyone walked away with a smile.

The play "Kitchen Witches" opens in DeTour Thursday, August 14, with a special performance for Red Hat Society members only. The play continues at 7:30 p.m. Friday, August 15, Saturday, August 16, and Sunday, August 17, at 2:30 p.m. Pictured are (from left) Mike Galarowic as Steven, Darlene Jarmasch as Roberta, Mary Hagen as Dolly, and Jean Bloom as Isabelle. Tickets are available at the Timberdoodle, the Coffee Garage, and the box office at (906) 297-2787. (Photograph courtesy of Judy Jones) The evening was concluded with an opportunity to say thank you to Michigan State Police Trooper Dan Rambo, who does so much for our community. Many worked to serve the wonderful meal.

We in DeTour are proud of our talented residents, David Rhinard and Nick and Julia Meier, who are involved in the production of "South Pacific." Performances will be Thursday, August 7, through Sunday, August 10, at the Soo Theatre in Sault Ste. Marie. David Rhinard is director and set designer, and Nick and Julia Meier are in the chorus. Cedarville's Lisa Dunn has the lead role of Bloody Mary. This is a well-known musical, with song hits many have been familiar with throughout the years. Many of us will be attending. Hope to see you there.

It's that time of year for the eighth annual Bob-O Classic, which will take place Saturday, August 23, at "The Rock" golf course on Drummond Island. Hole sponsors are $50 per hole. All proceeds go to the Bobby Glasser Memorial Scholarship at DeTour High School. For more information, call Linda or Alex Fisher at (906) 297-2101. The proceeds from last year's classic awarded three scholarships to DeTour High students.

The 22nd Annual DeTour Salmonfest will be Saturday, August 9, through Saturday, August 16. Anglers may stop by North Country Sports to purchase tickets.

A comedy, "Kitchen Witches," will be performed at the E.U.P. Fine Arts Cultural Center (behind Sacred Heart Church) Friday, August 15, through Sunday, August 17. Evening performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday matinee will be at 2:30 p.m. All of the cast members are DeTour residents, with Dawn Hamelink making her debut as director, and Olive Warner as production manager. There will be a special performance Thursday evening, August 14, for all area members of the Red Hat Society.

The DeTour Village Council met Monday, July 21. Following are excerpts from that meeting:

The Department of Environmental Quality has finally signed off on the Business Park, which now allows Wade-Trim to start working on the drawings for the road project with the park.

Jerry Schopp was appointed to serve another term on the Economic Development Commission.

The auditors of Campbell, Kusterer & Company will be engaged for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009, with a fee of $6,000 for the audit.

A formal presentation will take place at the next regular meeting Monday, August 18, by Rowe Engineering, to inform the council and the public of the plans for the bicycle path that is planned to go through the Upper Peninsula.

Owing to the resignation of Bruce Glupker, a replacement will be needed for the Planning Commission.

Marc Nelson is researching prices to re-do the ditch on the south end of Division Street.

Jeff Galarowic reports the pump needs to be replaced on Grinder Station 12.

A letter was submitted by Bill Barnett, expressing his concern about getting legal access to the middle portion of Lot 47 of Assessor's Plat No. 1, on the DeTour shore, south of Riverside Cemetery. This was tabled for the August 18 meeting, until Bob Trudo can gather more information.

The above excerpts are as recorded by Linda Fisher, village clerk. For a complete set of the minutes, stop by the Village Office.

A thought: Giving our best today is the recipe for a better tomorrow.