George Rickley and Brian Belleville were among the local mud run enthusiasts in Dafter Sunday, August 9.

Woodrow and Michelle (nee Smith) Friend with their children, Anabelle and Clayton, of Lexington, Kentucky, spent a week in the St. Ignace area. While here, they spent time with Michelle’s parents, Denise Smith and Henry Smith.

Pete Ney celebrated his 84th birthday Friday, August 7. I remember Pete at The Republican-News and St. Ignace Enterprise working on the linotype. Do readers remember when my father, Millard Smith, wrote the column “The Laffer?” At that same time, Judge Erskine wrote a column for Allenville. When publisher Weldon Chatelle became ill, his sister, Edwyna Nordstrom, managed the office. Later, when Pete became editor, he converted the metal type to offset printing. The linotype was turned off and laid to rest. The late Betty Ritzert operated the typesetting machine, and Joyce Halitsky and Jan Sposito, now Jan Sisko, were reporters.

Pete is retired now and spends a lot of time in his front yard in Evergreen Shores, watching traffic. Wave or stop by and visit.

Happy birthday to Mary Beth (nee Paquin) Braley August 31.

Natalie Forstyek and Rob Rivest, Jr. with their children, Jessica, Sam, Torie, Matthew, and Isabela, visited Natalie’s parents, Kim and Mike Welch.

Birthday wishes to John Eby August 19, Shirley Bentgen August 21, Cara Mason August 25, and Bob Brown August 26.

If you are interested in bidding on a painted chair displayed downtown, the auction is Saturday, August 22, at First National Bank. Local artists have painted the chairs with unique designs, and the auction will benefit local charities.

Ruth Paquin is happy to announce the birth of her grandchild, Jayden Paquin, born Friday, July 10. Parents are Jaclyn Paquin and Jason Southwell of Kinross. Jayden is Arlene Eby’s fourth greatgrandchild.

Anniversary wishes to Scott and Diggy Clement August 20, Charlie and Karen Fowler August 21, and Terry and Sharon Smith August 25.

Bill Demmon of Gwinn is doing well after surgery on his leg. He is a 1968 graduate of LaSalle High School.

Cheer up! Birds also have bills, but they keep on singing.