Winners in their grade levels of the spelling bee Thursday, January 21, at St. Ignace Middle School are as follows: Fifth grade: Garrett Horn, first place, and Melissa Worden, second place; sixth grade: Ben Freier, first place, and Erin Bunker, second place; seventh grade: Margo Brown, first place, and Morgan Peterson, second place, and eighth grade: Andrew Sjogren, first place, and Jacob Sjogren, second place. These students will go on to district competition Thursday, February 4, at St. Ignace Middle School with students from Mackinac Island, Gros Cap School, and Engadine Consolidated Schools.

Judd Kowalski of Harrietta was a visitor in St. Ignace last weekend.

Peggy Jarman traveled to Belleville last weekend to visit Chuck and Jill Guisgand. The couple are the proud parents of a daughter, Sophia Loren Guisgand, born Friday, December 18, 2009. Sophia joins her seven-year-old brother, Tommy, at home. Peggy enjoyed her stay and tells me this is their 14th great-grandchild.

Robert Holmes of St. Ignace caught this 34-inch steelhead Saturday, January 16, while ice fishing on Lake Huron near St. Ignace. (Holmes family photograph) Best wishes to Mike and Sheri Gould, who celebrated their wedding anniversary December 29.

Archie Horn celebrated his birthday January 21 at the home of his parents, Jerry and Irene Horn. Tom and Tracy Horn and their son and Susan and Gary Horn joined the celebration.

Norma Emery of Moran keeps very busy with winter projects. She continues to knit handmade slippers, hats, and scarves for charity. If you would like to join in helping, or have yarn to donate, call Norma at 643-6460.

Happy birthday to Patricia Thibault January 27, Howard Crisp January 28, Raleigh Harrington January 30, and Jeanne Hague, Walter North, Forest Lee, and Shirley Therrian January 31.

Lee Sawaguac of Anaheim, California, was a visitor in St. Ignace last weekend.

Donna and Bill Amacher are planning a horse and sleigh ride in February. Donations will be taken to support the Mackinac County Animal Shelter. More details will be announced soon.

Donald Giacherio recently retired from the Mackinac County Road Commission after 35 years. He will now have more time for fishing and hunting. His mother, LaVerne Giacherio, spends her winters in Florida.

Al and Laurie Stempki recently drove to Midland to spend time with their son, Matt. They toured Midland Dow, where Matt is employed, and found it interesting.

The correct phone number for the “Books on Wheels” program in St. Ignace is (860) 685-1661. Donations of used books are accepted for circulation to people in our area.

Abby LaLonde tells us that Girl Scouts in town are now conducting their annual cookie sale. It began Friday, January 22, and people may contact any Girl Scouts member to order the treats.

Have a good week.