All of Rudyard mourned as school was closed early Wednesday, October 14, for Army Sergeant Christopher Griffin’s memorial service at the Rudyard High School. A funeral procession started at Reamer Galer Funeral home in Pickford and traveled along M-129 to Tone Road, to Mackinaw Trail, and then into Rudyard. The procession of cars was at least three miles long and was joined with people along the side of the roads in honor of our fallen solider. About 800 people attended to honor Sgt. Griffin and his life. He was killed while serving in Afghanistan October 3.

A community dinner followed the service at the Kinross Township Hall, where many businesses and local people spent hours preparing food and setting up tables. There were so many people who came and dropped off food. It was wonderful to see how the community came together.

The chili cookoff was a success as 10 people turned in different chilis to feed more than 70 people before the kickoff at the Rudyard High School football game Friday night, October 23. All money was donated to the booster club for future football events. Then it was off to the football field to watch the varsity Rudyard Bulldogs win another one. The Bulldogs will start their playoffs Friday, October 30, playing against Rogers City. The team would like to see everyone there for the first playoff game this week. Good luck to the team.

A scholarship fund in memory of Army Sergeant Christopher Griffin has been established at Rudyard High School. Sgt. Griffin was killed while serving in Afghanistan October 3. A Rudyard High School graduate, he was 24 years old. Holding a check for the scholarship fund are (from left) Dan Inglis, commander of American Legion Post 3; Mark Pavloski, principal of Rudyard High School; Tom McKee, intern at Rudyard Middle School, and Gordy Klier, first vice commander of American Legion Post 3. (Rudyard High School photograph) The Kinross Fire Department is putting on a haunted house Wednesday, October 28, through Saturday, October 31, from 6:30 p.m. to midnight in building 127 on the corner of M-80 and Water Tower Drive. Admission is $5 for children 10 years and older, and children nine and younger may tour the kiddie house free of charge. There will be concessions on location by Kinross EMS Boosters and all proceeds will be used to educate the community on fire prevention.