Last week I attended the junior varsity boys basketball game, where I talked to Michelle Van- Sloten, who works for Consolidated Community School Services (CCSS). She wanted to let everyone know about a computer class that will be offered at the Rudyard Middle School Tuesday, February 16, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with Mary Jo Eid as instructor. This two-hour class will teach the basics of Power Point, digital cameras, and basic Internet searches. Participants will create their own presentations, and must bring a flash drive, also called a jump drive or thumb drive. Cost of the class is $30. Pre-registration can be accomplished by calling the CCSS office at (906) 478-7605.

Ron VanSloten is teaching sixth through eighth grade girls and fourth through fifth grade students swimming lessons, water fitness, and water exercise.

Chari Fischer reported the blood drive Friday, January 15, had a good turnout. The Red Cross had a goal of 31 pints, and 32 were produced. Eight first-time donors showed up to donate. The Lion Club’s most recent winner was Art Crisp, who won $100, and Rod Kuppila won $25. Every week the Lions Club pulls a winning ticket. Tickets can be purchased from any Lions Club member or at any business in the Rudyard area. Chari Fischer, at Spencer’s Insurance Agency, can answer questions concerning the drawing at (906) 478-4191.

Turner-Howson elementary students organized a bake sale and penny drive to raise funds for Haitian earthquake relief. They raised $326.78 to be donated to the American Red Cross. Daniel Henderson (right) helps Noel Listeman pick out a cupcake. (Turner-Howson Elementary School photograph) I also had the pleasure of talking to Dee Bestema at the basketball game. She comes to every game to root for the boys. She informed me that a lot of the people who come to the games don’t necessarily have children or grandchildren on the team. They come out to support the program and to see the excitement, and this game was full of thrills as the junior varsity and varsity went on to victory. The junior varsity girls lost to DeTour Monday, January 18, while the varsity girls won their game.

Everyone in the Kinross area is welcoming the reopening of the Local Express, which burned down December 25, 2008. The reopening was Monday, January 18.

Until next week, keep sending me your e-mails, and informing on what is going on in your part of our community.