I had the pleasure of meeting with Sherry and Carl Cascadan of Mackinaw City Friday. Sherry spends much time in St. Ignace during the summer months.

Dana Perry, a freshman at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, has returned to her classes after a visit with her parents, Gene and Deb Perry, and sister, Andrea.

Lewis Steiner, son of Dean and Laurie Steiner, has also returned to college. Both students are in their second semester.

Best wishes to Jack and Barb Bentgen, who will celebrate their wedding anniversary January 19.

David Smith of Oconto, Wisconsin, and his sister, Sandy (nee Smith) Kirchoff and her husband, Shelby Kirchoff, of Ishpeming visited relatives in St. Ignace last weekend.

David Pope, son of Jeff Pope and Arletta Pope, and Michael Smith, son of Henry Smith and Denise Smith, along with their fellow band members, J.R. Bell, Rob Dingston, and Ryan Riemer of Grand Rapids, traveled to St. Ignace last weekend. Their band, “Stroke of Midnite,” entertained many folks here. They expect to return to town in two months.

Nick Roberts (left) and Will Springsteen, both of St. Ignace, have formed a two-man acoustic guitar band they call Cedar Straits. The musicians enjoy playing a series of covers from genres including folk, rock, and blues while introducing a few of their own original pieces. Both recently returned from college to their hometown of St. Ignace, and formed their band in October. Mr. Springsteen has experience playing guitar in Florida, while Mr. Roberts honed his skills in Louisiana. The experience they're gaining now by playing in local venues, they say, will help them develop their skills to a greater level. Duane Gamble reports his son, Jeff Gamble, is recovering at home after his recent injury while working aboard a Great Lakes freighter. Friends wish Jeff a speedy recovery.

Happy birthday to Keith Webster January 14, Lindsey Blair and Dora Hiser January 16, Kelly Champion January 17, Evelyn Corp January 18, and Marvel Walker January 20.

A benefit dinner for Koel Bird, son of Ryan and Heather Bird, Sunday, January 10, was successful, his family reports, and baby Koel is improving well.

The fifth annual Ice Follies will be Sunday, January 24, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Little Bear East Arena in St. Ignace.