Cory Knoll, a Frankenmuth High School football player, volunteered with his teammates to help football players from rival Millington High School clean up the property of 84-year-old Billy Lansford of Tuscola County’s Arbela Township on Thursday. A June 22 tornado damaged Lansford’s home and property. (Photo by John Cook)

By Tom Gilchrist
Staff Writer
ARBELA TWP. — There’s no love lost between players on the Frankenmuth and Millington football teams, but in the tornado-ravaged yard of 84-year-old Billy Lansford on Thursday morning, goodwill found a home.
Forty-five Frankenmuth High School football players and coaches traveled to Lansford’s modest house along Birch Run Road in Tuscola County’s Arbela Township, a community that bore the brunt of the damage in a June 22 tornado in Saginaw and Tuscola counties.
The Frankenmuth volunteers joined 30 Millington High football players and coaches to haul chunks of logs and brush to remove downed trees from Lansford’s yard — the kind of work Millington football players and coaches have done for nine days at eight different homes.
“It’s very thoughtful,” said Caleb Wascher, 17, a Millington quarterback, of the Frankenmuth players who chose to help their archrival for the day.
“It’s more important than rivalry or football to come together and help someone else out,” Wascher added.  “It’s nice to put football and rivalry aside for something more important.”
Annually, it seems, Frankenmuth and Millington engage in heated combat on a football field, where their talented teams often compete for the same league championship or for playoff survival, not to mention bragging rights between neighbors.
Blue-collar Millington is 13 miles from more famous Frankenmuth, one of Michigan’s top tourist attractions. But the distance between the two towns seemed to shrink when the Frankenmuth players joined the Millington players at Lansford’s home, according to Misty Lansford, Billy Lansford’s granddaughter.
“After they arrived, they all shook hands,” Misty Lansford said. “I heard comments like ‘It’s nice to see you off the field,’ and ‘I can’t wait to play.’ The Millington kids went over and thanked the Frankenmuth kids for coming, and the Frankenmuth kids jumped right to work.
“I was overwhelmed to have both of these teams come together. It’s by far one of the most awesome things I’ve ever seen.”
Minutes later, Wascher and his Millington teammates, Eddie Meeks and Nick Eickhoff, rode in the bed of a Chevrolet pickup truck with Frankenmuth players Cory Knoll and Travis Walker, as the five youths helped load wood on a trailer and haul it to a burn pit.
Arbela Township officials estimate the tornado destroyed or damaged 31 homes and 28 outbuildings in the township, causing $1.6 million in damage to those structures. The estimate, however, doesn’t include damage to the buildings’ contents or to remove trees that were uprooted or snapped off by the twister.
Billy Lansford, his granddaughter Misty said, could use the help. On Wednesday, he was taken by ambulance to the hospital, where his wife, Elizabeth, stayed with him Thursday as the two football teams labored on the Lansford family’s land.
“Not any average person could physically do this work,” Misty Lansford said, as chain saws whined and log chunks repeatedly thudded with a boom in the beds of Chevy trucks.
“Without the support of these football players — of these types of kids — this wouldn’t take place like this,” Lansford added.
Lenny Dantinne, a Millington assistant football coach who has helped coordinate cleanup efforts at Arbela Township homes following the tornado, said a television-station reporter suggested he ask players from Millington’s rival schools to help Millington players in the storm-recovery project.
The idea seemed to make sense when Dantinne considered the Millington and Frankenmuth football coaching staffs maintain a friendly relationship. So Dantinne called Frankenmuth head football coach Phil Martin.
“I reached out to Phil the other day,” Dantinne said. “I said ‘These (Millington) kids have been here for nine days. They’re slowly dwindling. I need your help.’”
Martin said Frankenmuth players didn’t hesitate to provide reinforcements.
“Lenny gave me a call to see if we could help for a day, and I asked the boys, and they were all about it,” Martin said. “This is a shot in the arm for (the Millington players). Give ‘em a little boost. Their kids have been out here helping for eight days. That’s commendable.”
The Millington and Frankenmuth football coaching staffs “get along pretty well,” Martin said.
“Everybody thinks we hate each other so much — well, the towns kind of do — but Phil Martin and I are actually pretty good friends,” Dantinne added.
Twenty yards away, Frankenmuth High football player Ryan Khan, 15, wielded an ax to cut chunks of logs. Not far from Khan, Millington assistant football coach Jason Germain cut a downed tree trunk with a chain saw.
“I live in Frankenmuth, actually, but up north, sometimes, we split wood,” Khan said. “I didn’t realize the damage was this bad out here, though I knew if was pretty bad.”
Knoll, 17, an offensive lineman on the Frankenmuth team, loaded chunks of a tree trunk for transport to the burn pit.
“If this happened to our town, I would really appreciate it if (Millington players) would come out and help us,” Knoll said. “I would appreciate it if anyone came out and helped us.”
Knoll likened the Millington-Frankenmuth football rivalry to an annual scrap between siblings.
“It’s really fun to play football especially if you have a good team, and I think that’s what we have and what they have,” Knoll said. “I like to think of it as two brothers going against each other and always trying to come out on top.”
Both teams were winners Thursday, clad in summer T-shirts rather than football jerseys, and helping speed the cleanup process at one of the many properties damaged by the twister.
“It’s really just friends helping friends at this point,” Martin said. “When I started looking around, I couldn’t tell who a Millington kid is, and I couldn’t tell who a Frankenmuth kid is.”

USA guard Marisa Morton directs the Patriot offense during a game played this past season. Morton will be taking part in the Reaching Higher basketball showcase at Milford High School July 23rd. (photo by www.KG-Photo.com)

By: Mike Gallagher

Sports Writer

The annual “Reaching Higher” showcases of Michigan’s top high school basketball players will be returning for the seventh year beginning Wednesday, July 15th, at Milford High School in Highland Township, and there will be some familiar faces from the Advertiser coverage area competing.

The “Reaching Higher” basketball showcase is an event where over 200 athletes with aspirations to play at the college level will train and scrimmage under the tutelage of high school coaches from across the state, and in front of college coaches representing all three NCAA division, the NAIA, and junior college levels. Coaches from 33 college basketball programs, including nine from Division 1 schools, attended the 2014 “Reaching Higher” events.

Five local players, Tyler Humpert of Vassar, Shawn Pardee of Millington, Marisa Morton of USA, and Andrew Storm and Haley Cross, both of Marlette, will be in attendance for the showcase.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity,” said Storm, a member of the 2014-15 All-Thumb second team this past season. “It was an honor to be selected, and it’s going to be an amazing experience, and a good test of myself.”

“I’m really excited for it,” added Pardee, the 2014-15 All-Thumb Player of the Year. “Playing against the top players in the state makes me a better player. Everyone there is trying to prove themselves, making it a very competitive atmosphere.”

An educational effort by the Michigan High School Athletic Association and the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan, the “Reaching Higher” experience includes classroom sessions for student-athletes and their parents as well as on-court drills and scrimmaging. The events aim to give athletes a vision of what it takes to become a college basketball player and also succeed in college life.

“This is a huge step for me to get my name out to scouts and coaches,” said Morton, who is entering her junior season. “My dream is to play college ball, and this is helping me reach my goal.”

Last season three area players, Austin LeVan of Millington, and Madison Walter and Kendra Kujat of Frankenmuth, were a part of the events. LeVan and Kujat both earned basketball scholarships this year to Delta College and Rochester College respectively, while Walter, a junior this past season, averaged 11 points per game and shot 45% from the 3-point line.

Tyler Humpert, a forward for Vassar, pulls down a rebound against New Lothrop. Humpert will be participating in the Reaching Higher basketball showcase Wednesday at Milford High School. The event will draw the attention of many NCAA coaches and scouts. (photo by John Cook)

“Going to be able to see the state’s top players from all over, and being able to see how I compare to the rest is going to be real exciting,” said Humpert, an All-Conference performer this past season, who averaged 14.7 points and 11 rebounds per game. “I’m going to play hard. It’s nice to get some recognition and hopefully I can catch some eyes.”

The boy’s event begins at 3 p.m. on July 15th, with scrimmages running from 5:45 to 8:00 p.m. The girl’s event begins at noon on July 23rd, with scrimmages from 2:00 to 4:25 p.m. Speakers for the boy’s session include Willie Green, a graduate of Detroit Cooley, who recently finished his first season with the Orlando Magic, and his 12th season overall in the NBA.

Former Grosse Pointe North, and University of Notre Dame standout Ariel Braker will be among the speakers for the girls session; she led Groose Point North to the Class A title in 2008, and started her final two seasons at Notre Dame while serving as captain as a senior during the 2013-14 as the Fighting Irish finished NCAA runners-up.

The local athletes that will be taking part in the showcase have big expectations for the event, and will be working hardto prove themselves.

“I want the college coaches to know that I’m a hard worker and that I have a high basketball IQ just by watching me play, and that I would be an asset to any one of their programs,” said Pardee.

“My goal is to get noticed by scouts,” added Morton. “My expectation is to perform at the best of my ability to show the coaches and scouts what I have.”

“I just have to focus on my game and hope it’s good enough to spark interest of coaches I haven’t talked to, and meet the expectations of the coaches I have,” said Storm. “I don’t want to come home thinking that I could have tried harder.”

DISTRICT COURT

Frederick Louis Wisenbaugh III, 26, Cass City is charged with two counts of controlled substance – delivery/manufacture marijuana; controlled substance – maintaining a drug house; weapons – felony firearm; controlled substance – possession of marijuana. A preliminary examination is scheduled for July 27.

James Edward Welch, 54, Saginaw, is charged with operating while intoxicated – third offense notice – felony; alcohol – open container in vehicle. A preliminary examination is scheduled for July 27.

Joshua Mac Savage, 33, Caro, is charged with home invasion – 2nd degreee; conspiracy to commit home invasion – 2nd degree; larceny in a building; conspiracy to commit larceny in a building. A preliminary examination is scheduled for July 27.

Robert Allen Coverdill, 58, Deford, is charged with controlled substance – delivery/manufacture (schedules 1, 2 and 3 except marijuana) – 2nd or subsequent offense notice; controlled substance – possession/analogues. A preliminary examination is scheduled for July 27.

Michelle Alane Kirkey, 48, Caro is charged with police officer – assault/ resisting/obstructing; disorderly person – drunk; disturbling the peace. A preliminary examination is scheduled for July 20. In a separate file, Kirkey is charged with police officer – assaulting/resisting/ obstructing. A preliminary examination is scheduled for July 20.

Zachery Jedidiah Bearinger, 20, Caro, is charged with police officer – assaulting/resisting/obstructing. A preliminary examination is scheduled for July 20.

Joshua James Weber, 34, Millington, is charged with four counts of police officer – assaulting/resisting/ obstructing; domestic violence – 2nd offense notice. A preliminary examination is scheduled for July 20.

Gregory Robert Coats, 52, Millington, is charged with sex offenders – failure to comply with registration act; witness – bribing/intimidating/interfering with police investigation. A preliminary examination is scheduled for July 27.

Andrew David Lalko, 25, Kingston, is charged with two counts of controlled substance – possession (cocaine, heroin or another narcotic) less than 25 grams; operating while intoxicated. A preliminary examination is scheduled for July 20.

Susan Marie Lapratt, 49, Reese, is charged with controlled substance – delivery (manufacture marijuana); controlled substance – possession of marijuana. A preliminary examination is scheduled for July 13.

Paul Burdette McConnell, 26, Vassar, is charged with two counts assault with a dangerous weapon (felonious assault). A preliminary examination is scheduled for July 13.

Tina Marie Chrzan, 41, Cass City, is charged with controlled substance – delivery/manufacture (schedules 1, 2 and 3 except marijuana). A preliminary examination was July 6.

CIRCUIT COURT

Angel Lajuan Smith, 26, Silverwood, was sentenced to 330 days with 51 days credit for police offi-cer – assaulting/resisting/ obstructing; assault or assault and battery. Smith was ordered to pay $980 in costs and fines.

Edward James Periso III, 32, Kingston, pleaded no contest to controlled substance – operating/maintaining laboratory involving methamphetamine; controlled substance – possession of methampheta-mine/ecstacy; controlled substance – maintaining a drug house. Sentence date to be set. In a separate file, James pled no contest to controlled substance – operating/maintaining laboratory involving methamphetamine. Sentence date to be set.

Ronny Allen Schmitt, 44, Unionville, was sentenced to 365 days with 110 days credit for assault by strangulation; 365 days with 110 days credit and 60 months probation for stalking – aggravated. Schmitt was ordered to pay $1,526 in costs and fines.

Chad Preston Franzel, 21, Cass City, pleaded guilty to controlled substance – possession of marijuana – 2nd or subsequent offense notice. Sentence date to be set.

Tyler George Trollman, 50, Mayville, pleaded no contest to breaking and entering – a building with intent. Sentence date to be set.

James Michael-Edward Putman, 24, Caro, was sentenced to 365 days with 19 days credit and 60 months probation for controlled substance – delivery/manufacture (cocaine, heroin or another narcotic 50-449 grams). Putman was ordered to pay $1,348 in costs and fines and $2,400 in oversight fees.

By Andrea McBride
Staff Writer

CARO — The Lighthouse Neurological Rehabilitation Center’s new mission statement holds true according to a recent evaluation by CARF International.

CARF International, which is the Council on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, recently evaluated The Lighthouse based on several criteria and gave it a three-year accreditation.

The goal of the CARF assessment was to ensure the facility complies with more than 2,500 international standards. All programs were evaluated at the facility’s houses in Caro and Traverse City.

Four surveyors went to Caro and one went to Traverse City, assessing programs such as the facility’s vocational program, on-campus education program and its horse barn. Upkeep was also evaluated.

A three-year accreditation is the best possible result from the assessment. Depending on results, facilities may also be granted a one-year accreditationor have their accreditation removed.

CARF International provided The Lighthouse with a list of its strengths, and Clinical Director Connie Hart said two of them in particular “really got to the heart of The Lighthouse.”

They were: “External stakeholders are highly complimentary of the honesty and ethics of the organization and its willingness to serve residents with challenging dispositions,” and “The passion of the staff members radiates in their performance and how they treat the residents, the families and one another, lending support for the success of all individuals, even in the small details of daily care.”

The Lighthouse, which is a long term and transitional rehabilitation facility devoted to enhancing individuals’ independence, has 10 houses in Caro and three houses in Traverse City.

Hart and Case Manager Lori Allison attended a CARF International outcomes management conference in Tucson, Ariz. in January. The conference taught attendees that all programs offered through their facility should have performance improvement measures that come from its mission statement.

Hart said that’s when she and Allison realized The Lighthouse’s half-page mission statement needed to be revamped.

“When we saw that and realized it was too big, it was cumbersome, it didn’t reflect what the Lighthouse was truly about, we brought that back and met with the management team here and decided it was time for a new mission statement,” Hart said.

The new mission statement is “The Lighthouse provides phenomenal care, treating every resident as we wanted our son to be treated.”

Hart said employees were receptive to the change and were also eager to discuss their job with CARF surveyors.

“When the staff interviewed as groups, they really wanted to show what they’re doing and they wanted to talk about what they doing, because they were so enthusiastic,” Hart said.

Allison said the accreditation reflects that The Lighthouse is constantly striving to be the best of the best.

“It gives us (the ability) to say to our customers, to our clients, our families, our guardians, ‘We’re doing the right thing, we’re here for your loved one. We will put them in the best care possible.’”

By Andrea McBride
Staff Writer

Several current and retired Caro Center employees and their families picket Monday and Tuesday on Chambers Road, hoping to put an end to staff being forced to work multiple 16-hour days in a row.

CARO — Caro Center employees, family members and retired workers gathered for an informational picket Monday and Tuesday, hopeful that their voices would be heard.

Direct care staff at the state-operated psychiatric hospital are being mandated to work extra shifts five to six days in a row, and no plans are in place to hire more help.

“Our contract says that (mandates are) supposed to be something the employer can use last resort, not every single day,” said Mary Openlander, staff representative for American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), a public union that represents some Caro Center workers.

The overuse of mandates became a problem last August, but Openlander said the issue has recently gotten worse due to mandate alleviation agreements being taken away by the state.

Although the agreements are being renegotiated and grievances have been filed, Openlander said more action needs to be taken to restore the well-being of employees.

“They’re tired. They’re exhausted. People are calling in sick because they’re sick — they’re really sick. Their bodies are wearing down,” Openlander said.

Laura Shrontz, AFSCME secretary/treasurer for the Caro Center said staff has fallen asleep while driving home to cities such as Alma, Mount Pleasant and Saginaw after multiple 16-hour days.

Shrontz said patients are also being put at risk, as overtired employees regularly drive them to appointments and other places.

“They expect us to work all this overtime and still take patients out to the community, to medical appointments, not only here just in Caro but … Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Flint — all over the area,” Shrontz said. “It’s just completely unsafe.”

There are 150 direct care staff for approximately 150 patients. Openlander said some patients require two staff, which automatically leaves the facility short-handed.

The local administration has taken its concerns to the Office of the State Employer and was told to come up with solutions on its own. Employees who quit or retire are replaced, but no additional help is permitted to be hired.

Almer Township resident Wayne Koper, who served as chief steward at the Caro Center for a decade, said solutions need to be found quickly.

“I’ve got a lot of concern for my community because when you’ve got people that are working these kinds of hours with these kind of individuals, it just increases the risk for everybody involved,” Koper said.

The facility, which is on Chambers Road, houses individuals who are mentally ill, have been found not guilty by reason of insanity or have been deemed incompetent to stand trial.

The number of mandatory overtime hours was 2,000 in January and is now 5,000 to 6,000 hours per month. Employees also are regularly denied incidental leave and requested days off due to operational need.

“The (union) members are fed up and they need someone to hear them,” Openlander said.

Tracy Dee Lambert of Caro, age 60, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at Covenant Health Care–Cooper in Saginaw, following a short illness. Tracy was born October 10, 1954 in Lapeer, the daughter of the late Robert and Grace (Garner) Wells. On November 10, 1984, Tracy was united in marriage with LeRoy Lambert, and he preceded her in death on August 31, 2007. Tracy was a Bedford High School graduate. She worked at Plastec in Caro, until it closed. She was a bartender at the Caro Eagles and enjoyed preparing large functions until it closed. Tracy enjoyed gardening, mowing lawn, and watching birds. Tracy is survived by one daughter, Tricia Lynn (Cary) Green and her children, Samantha and Michael; her step-children, Gregory Lee Lambert, Denise Lynn Lambert, Christine Ann Lambert, and Randall Allen Lambert; numerous grandchildren; her siblings, Don Wells, Marlin Wells, Rory Wells, Billie Jo (Rob) Murphy, Melvin Wells; several nieces, nephews and close friends, especially her significant other, Tom Alderfer. In addition to her parents and husband, Tracy was preceded in death by a step-son, Kevin Lambert. A celebration of Tracy’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2015 at the Caro Moose Lodge. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Tracy Lambert Family Discretionary Fund, c/o Tricia Lynn Green, 205 West Sherman St., Caro, MI 48723. The family was assisted with these arrangements by the Ransford Collon Funeral Home of Caro. Friends may share memories, thoughts and prayers online at www.RansfordCollon.com.

By Andrea McBride
Staff Writer

Caro City Mayor Dick Pouliot cuts the ribbon Monday afternoon at the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Bieth Park playground.

CARO — After months of planning and fundraising, the new Bieth Park playground is complete and being broken in by several area children.

Forty-nine volunteers participated in the community build of the agriculture-themed playground and also helped paint the recreation barn on June 13.

Caro City Mayor Dick Pouliot said every volunteer worked hard from the time they arrived until the project was finished at 7:30 p.m.

Pouliot said Tom Striffler, who was the main drive behind fundraising, and City Manager Jared Olson were important individuals “from concept to completion.” He also said the enthusiasm of city residents and even the cooperative weather made the project successful.

“We’ve just had a great experience this entire project and it’s been a positive one for the community,” Pouliot said. “I dream of using it as a springboard for other enhancements to Bieth Park and other recreation areas like Chippewa Landing.”

Twenty-four separate entities donated a total of $56,400 to the project, which includes two benches and a welcome donor recognition sign that will be put in place by the Gleaners.

The final cost for the project was $107,200, and donations account for about 53 percent of that cost.

“In the 20 some years that I have been on the council, I can’t remember a project that brought together so many individuals and so many different contributions to one positive outcome,” Pouliot said, noting that he visited the playground on a Friday night and counted 25 people utilizing it.

Ceremony attendees included Pouliot, Olson, Striffler, City Council Members Charlotte Kish and Mike Henry, City Clerk/Treasurer Karen Snider, Cindy Schlaud and Brenda Kretzschmer from Caro Rotary Club, Erin Schmandt from Caro Rotary Club and Caro Library and her son Qwilleran Schmandt, County Clerk Jodi Fetting, Rose Putnam of Chemical Bank, Caro Police Chief Brian Newcomb, Tim Sheffer of playground equpiment company Penchura LLC, Mark Kish, Delores Tait, Jim McLoskey and Terri Newcomb.

Department of Public Works Superintendent Charlie Sundblad was not present at the ceremony, but Olson said he was a crucial part of the building and planning process for the playground.

BETTY SUE MAGIERA Betty Sue Magiera was taken home to be with the Lord on July 16, 2015, 85 years to the day that she was brought into the world. Betty leaves behind many friends and family who loved her. Betty was preceded in death by her daughter Patricia Doud and husbands Harold Zells, Howard Curd and Leo Magiera. Betty lived a happy life that was spent doing the things she loved. Betty was a natural caretaker and gentle soul who will be missed by many and never forgotten.  Betty is survived by her 3 children: Linda Ezell, Charlotte Moses and Harold Zells. Betty also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Betty’s last days were spent surrounded by friends and family which allowed her to leave this earth with a sense of peace and love. A private ceremony will be held following cremation.  Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Frankenmuth Public School Learning Center. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com. Arrangements by Cremation Society of Mid-Michigan, 1-888-273-3553.

Sharon K. (Boyd) Livesay, of Vassar, went home to be with the Lord, Sunday, July 12, 2015. Sharon was 66 years old. The daughter of the late Waldo and Rena (Gibbs) Boyd was born February 13, 1949. She graduated from Millington High School in 1967. She completed her registered nursing degree at Mott Community College in 1985. She later moved to Gainesville, FL and worked in the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Shands Teaching Hospital at the University of Florida for 22 years. She retired in 2011 and moved back to Michigan to be near her family. Sharon enjoyed traveling, playing games, shopping and spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren. She is survived by her three daughters: Wendy (Wayne) Marecle, Jr. of Belleville, Cindy Curvin of Millington, Mindy (Chad) Fabbro of Vassar; her seven grandchildren: Stephanie, Serena, Sevanah Marecle, Brianna Ratza, Aleea Wilson, Marshall, Maddox Fabbro; three great-granchildren; her sisters, Esther Perkins of Millington, Irene (Ron) Ledbetter; brother, Laverne (Lois) Boyd; and step-sister, Catherine Mullison. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Berniece Heggan; brothers-in-law, Russ Heggan, Pat Perkins; and step-brother, Jim Glynn. The family will receive friends at the Hanlin Funeral Home in Millington, Michigan on Thursday, July 23, 2015 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and also for a brief time on Friday, July 24, 2015 at the church an hour prior to the funeral service. The funeral service will take place Friday, July 24, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Millington United Methodist Church, 9020 State Rd., Millington. Pastor John Britt will officiate the service. Hanlin Funeral Home has been assisting the family with the arrangements. You’re welcome to express personal condolences, share a memory, or light a candle at hanlinfuneralhome.com.

Doris Ann Dalton of Santa Ana, California, formerly of Caro, age 83, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2015, following a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Doris was born October 9, 1931 in Thomasville, North Carolina, the daughter of the late Lawrence G. and Lucille (Sykes) Harris. Following graduation from Thomasville High School in 1949, she attended Ashmore Business College and pursued a career as a secretary in Charlotte, North Carolina. On November 3, 1956, Doris was united in marriage with Carson E. Dalton II at Myers Park Methodist Church of Charlotte, North Carolina, coming to Birmingham, Michigan in 1957. In later years, they made their home in Caro and for a few years, owned and operated the Caro Floral Shop. Carson preceded Doris in death in August of 1999. In 2008, Doris was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and relocated to Santa Ana, California so that her daughters could aid in her care. Doris had a passion for antiques and spent many weekends going from shop to shop looking for treasures. She also loved to bake, sew, play bridge with a local group of women in Caro and spend time with her family. She was beautiful, elegant and a classy lady and will be dearly missed by her friends and especially her family. Doris is survived by three children: Cynthia L. and Ron Wilsie, of Santa Ana, California, Carson Elwood Dalton III of Unionville, Ann Elizabeth Dalton of Orange, California; three grandchildren, Cole Wilsie, Caitlin Wilsie and Jack Wilsie; three sisters, Peggy and Tommy Fisher, Patricia Johnson and Jackie and Wilson Hepler; and nieces and nephews, David Fisher, Zachary and Scarlet Johnson, Leslie Johnson, Susan Hepler, Christopher and Larissa (Heimlich) Hepler. In addition to her husband and parents, Doris was preceded in death by one sister, Phyliss Harris LeBlanc in 2006 and her brother, Dr. L. David Harris in 2014. In keeping with Doris’ wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2015 at the Caro United Methodist Church with Rev. Gregg Mayberry officiating. The family will be present to receive friends at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Kirk in the Hills Columbarium in Bloomfield Hills, MI at a later date. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Foundation in Doris’ memory, c/o 205 West Sherman Street, Caro, MI 48723. The family was assisted with these arrangements by the Ransford Collon Funeral Home of Caro. Friends may share memories, thoughts and prayers online at www. RansfordCollon.com.

Robert “Bob” Alan Schott of Frankenmuth, formerly of Caro, passed away July 11, 2015 following a short illness. Bob was the only child born to the late Arthur Schott and Merle Engel Schott in Detroit on February 25, 1944. He was a graduate of Vassar High School. He served in the US Army and the Army Reserves. Bob was employed by UPS for 8 years before discovering his passion for insurance. He worked for several insurance agencies before opening his own insurance agency in Caro where he retired. He was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for fishing, hunting and golfing. He also enjoyed playing cards, especially cribbage, and visiting the Oasis for coffee with his buddies. He was an active member of the community and a former member of the Tuscola County Conservation Club, Vassar Golf & Country Club, Moose Lodge, Cass City Rotary Club, Mt. Morish Lodge No. 226, Caro Masonic Lodge, and RAM of Caro.   Bob is survived by his daughters: Susan Rapin of Saginaw Township and Jamie Miller of Frankenmuth; his grandchildren: Stephanie McNiel, Heather Simpson, Madison Simpson and Christopher Miller, as well as, his great-grandchildren: Ethan, Reese, Collin and River.   Per his request cremation has taken place. A gravesite memorial will be held at Fremont Township Cemetary on Lobdell Road in Mayville on Sunday, July 26th at 1 p.m. with Chaplain Carol Wesolek officiating. The family would like to thank Hospice Advantage for the care provided Bob during his final days. To sign online guestbook visit www. cremationsocietymidmi.com.

Carol Ann Hartman of Clio, age 63, went peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family to be with her Lord and Savior, Sunday, July 19, 2015. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Thursday, July 23, 2015 at West Vienna United Methodist Church. Pastor Billie Lou Gillespie officiating. Cremation will follow. Family will receive visitors at the O’Guinn Family Funeral Home in Clio on Wednesday from 1-9 PM and at the church Thursday from 10 AM until the time of service at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Histiocytosis Association or West Vienna United Methodist Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Carol was born February 19, 1952 in Cass City to Alexander B. and Margaret A. (Sharpe) Dicks. She attended Caro schools and graduated from Clio High School. Carol married Donald T. Hartman May 3, 1969 in Deford. Her favorite job was raising her family. She was a member of West Vienna United Methodist Church and knew the love of her Lord. Carol loved gardening, traveling and treasure hunting. She enjoyed camping and once caught the 2nd biggest perch in Nebraska State History. Carol was a very loving and caring lady. Above all, she loved spending time with her family and adored her grandchildren. Surviving are: husband, Don Hartman of Clio; son, Don (Michelle) Hartman Jr., of Caro; daughters: Heather (Mike) Swantek of Holly and Holly (Brian) Hager of Grand Rapids; grandchildren: Meagan Hartman, Daniel and Andrew Hager, Darrien and Aria Swantek; mother, Margaret Ann Dicks; brothers: Britton W. (Rose) Dicks, Samuel Dicks (Cheryl McQueen), Lerry (Tammy) Dicks, Terry Dicks (Robin Spencer), James Dicks and Robert (Thelma) Dicks; sisters: Mary (Gordon) Taggett and Kelly (Mark) Titus; mother-in-law, Cecile B. Howk; many special nieces, nephews, cousins and other loving family and friends. Carol was looking forward to meeting the newest grandchild due later this year. She was preceded in death by her father, Alexander B. Dicks and brother, Allen Reed Dicks. The family would like to extend a special thank you to McLaren Hospice for all their love and care. Please sign our guest book, view the obituary or share an online condolence with the family at www.oguinnfh.com.

Gary Oliver, age 66, of Fostoria, passed away Sunday, July 19, 2015 at McLaren-Lapeer Region Hospital. Funeral services will be: 11 AM Saturday August 1 at the Masonic Temple # 312 in North Branch with Pastor Kay Leitelt officitating. Family will receive visitors 10 AM Saturday, August 1 until the time of service at 11 AM at the Masonic Temple in North Branch. Interment will be at the Watertown Township Cemetery. Suggested memorials may be made to the Masonic Temple #312. Gary was born April 5, 1949 in Flint to Glenn and Charlotte (Hoard) Oliver. Gary graduated from Mayville High School in 1969, he was a member of the North Branch Masonic Temple # 312, the Fostoria Odd Fellows, and the Tuscola County Sheriff’s Posse. Gary worked at Chambers Machining for many years. Gary loved spending time with horses and his dog, Patches. Gary is survived by one brother, Duane (Janet) Oliver of Otter Lake; one niece, Wendy (Trevor) Terry of Ypsilanti; and one nephew, Gene Oliver of Otter Lake, MI. Gary was preceded in death by his parents. Friends may share an online condolence at: www.avramfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by the Avram Funeral Home, 6028 Lincoln St. P.O. Box 130, Mayville Mi. 48744. 989-843-5441.

Louise M. Corner, age 98, of Mayville, formerly of the Detroit area, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at the Fisher Senior Care and Rehabilitation Center in Mayville. Funeral services will be 10 AM Thursday, July 23, 2015 at the Avram Funeral Home in Mayville with Chaplin Gene Smith officiating. Family will receive visitors 9 AM Thursday July 23, 2015 until time of service at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Roseland Park Cemetery in Berkely, MI. Suggested memorials may be made to McClaren Hospice. Louise was born July 8, 1917 to Oliver and Florence (Slater) Loveday, in Hazel Park. She grew up with 8 siblings in the family’s Detroit home. She married Reno Fredrick Corner. Louise loved sewing, crocheting, played the keyboard, and painting. She volunteered at the Faith Children’s Home in Tampa, Fl. Louise is survived by one niece: Myrna Tody of Attica, MI; three great-nieces, two great-nephews, five great-great-nieces, and one great-great-nephew. Louise was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings. Friends may share an online condolence at: www.avramfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Avram Funeral Home 6028 Lincoln St. P.O. Box 130, Mayville, MI. 48744 989-843-5441.

By Tom Gilchrist
Staff Writer

CARO —Three Caro residents — including two in a Buick Rendezvous that flipped upside down — avoided serious injuries Monday by wearing seat belts, according to Caro Police Department Officer Ronald Suranye.

Tuscola County dispatchers said one person suffered minor injuries in a two-vehicle crash Monday afternoon that saw a Buick Rendezvous flip upside down on Ellington Street in Caro. The collision involved a Chevrolet Corvette and the Rendezvous, and took place on M-24 south of M-81, according to dispatchers.

“Thank God (they wore them),” said Suranye, who investigated the two-vehicle crash about 5 p.m. Monday on Ellington Street (M-24) south of M-81.

Stephanie Keilitz, 26, of Caro drove the Rendezvous carrying her 5-year-old son, who was properly secured in a child-safety seat when the Rendezvous rolled on its top, according to Suranye. Keilitz and her son appeared unhurt but were transported to Bay Medical Center for examination, police said. The driver of the Corvette, 69-year-old Myron Freiburger of Caro, received minor injuries.

Police ticketed Freiburger in connection with the crash. Freiburger drove south on M-24, with Keilitz heading northbound on that road, at the time of the collision.

Freiburger “doesn’t know what happened but the Corvette hit a curb in front of Pat Curtis (Chevrolet Cadillac) and he lost control of the car and wound up going over into the oncoming lane of traffic,” Suranye said.

Keilitz “tried to avoid it by steering to the right a little bit, but the Corvette hit the front end of her driver’s side, by the headlight,” Suranye said.

The impact from the Corvette, combined with the fact Keilitz “kind of swerved to the right” prior to the crash, sent the Rendezvous upside down, Suranye said. Though the Rendezvous flipped on its top, “All of the people were out of their vehicles when I got there,” Suranye said.

The Cass River 10U Crawdads will be representing the Michigan Midwest in the AABC Willie Mays World Series in Rockford, IL July 31st – August 5th after finishing the regular season with a 60-2 record, including a 13-0 record in the Greater Thumb Baseball League. The Crawdads will also be competing in the USSSA World Series this weekend in Canton, Ohio. Here are the Crawdads! (First row, left to right): Konner Blackmer, Treyon Grigg, Andrew Zuniga, Cotton Whitney, Carter Short. (Second row, left to right): Braden Herbert, Dayne Reif, Colton Hopp, Cole Lindow, Travis Brenner. (Back row, left to right): Coaches Craig Hollenbaugh, and Jason Herbert.

By: Mike Gallagher

Sports Writer

FRANKENMUTH — The 2015 season has been one to remember for the members of the Cass River Crawdads 10u travel baseball team. The Crawdads, located in Frankenmuth, just finished the regular season with an incredible 60-2 record.

Now Cass River gets to prepare for two very big honors.

The Crawdads will be competing in the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) World Series this week, in Canton, Michigan, starting this Thursday. On July 31st, the Crawdads will take part in the American Amateur Baseball Congress (AABC) Willie Mays World Series, in Rockford, Illinois.

The USSSA, headquartered in Osceola County, Florida, is the world’s largest multi-sport athletic organization. Founded in 1968, USSSA has grown to over 3.7 million participants, competing in 13 nationally sanctioned sports including Baseball, Fastpitch, Slow Pitch, Karate, Basketball, and Soccer.

The AABC is the largest amateur baseball organization in the United States for players above junior baseball age and the only amateur baseball program, which provides progressive and continuous organized competition – sub teens through adults. It is coordinated with other programs through USA Baseball and the American Baseball Coaches Association. Founded in 1935, it is now composed of the following regions: East Central, North Atlantic, North Central, Puerto Rico, Southeast, South Plains, and West.

Both of the tournaments are among the toughest, and most prestigious in the nation.

“It’s amazing that we can take these local kids, and compete at the national level,” said Crawdads coach Craig Hollenbaugh. “We played some bigger local tournaments this year, and the kids were beating the Major teams, the AAA, and AA with ease They got through those games, and we moved them to tougher and tougher tournaments, and then we threw our hat into the USSSA, which is probably the toughest level of tournament play you are going to get.”

Cass River, a team made up of players from Frankenmuth, Vassar, Millington, Bridgeport, Aubrun, and Fenton, plays in the Greater Flint Baseball League against teams from Flint, New Lothrop, Saginaw, adn Grand Blanc. The Crawdads finished in first place in the GFBL this season with a 13-0 record. Cass River outscored their league opponents 147-62.

“Never in our wildest dreams did we expect this,” said Hollenbaugh. “We can’t believe the teams they face, and the adversity they face, and get through it. As coaches, every week all you can say is ‘wow’.”

The Crawdads might make it look easy when they take the field, but that is just because of all of the hard work that they have put in for coaches Jason Herbert, and Hollenbaugh.

“We coach hard,” Hollenbaugh said. “They are coached harder than they probably will be in their entire life, but they respond to it. They put the work in, and love the game, and us as coaches have helped them to understand the game, and now most of the players could run the team.”

The Crawdads are picking up the intensity now as World Series time approaches, but are still having lots of fun.

“These kids will work,” said Hollenbaugh. “Right now thaty are putting in three hour a day practices, where they will hit anywhere from 200-800 balls in the hitting cages, and the pitchers are doing bullpen sessions, so they are constantly working to achieve success.”

“When we get done at a tournament, and we get ready to hand out the trophies, it’s funny because they will be with the team that we just beat, and they’re out playing baseball with them again. They can’t get enough.”

To wrap up their regular season, Cass River went to a tournament this past weekend in Mt. Clemens . The Crawdads finished the tournament 5-0, including comeback wins in the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals game. In the finals against the Motor City Hit Dogs, Cole Lindow delivered a no-hitter for the Crawdads, striking out six batters.

According to coach Hollenbaugh there are two big reasons for the Crawdad’s success this year.

“The success of a travel baseball team when you have this much talent is the parents,” commented Hollenbaugh. “Kids are easy to coach, it’s the parents that are sometimes the problem. Our parents do everything together. We live and breathe as a baseball family.”

“I think what makes them most successful is that they are the best of buddies. They never throw each other under the bus, they pick each other up when they are down, and there are no weak links on the team.”

The Crawdads will enter the USSSA and AABC tournaments with a chance to make history as well. In the history of the USSSA World Series, no team has won a three-peat of tournaments. Cass River has already won a tournament this past weekend, and if they win the USSSA and AABC tournaments, they will be the first ever to do so.

“They’re excited, but they don’t show a lot of emotion,” Hollenbaugh said. “Their motto is ‘win this day’, and they’ve done that consistently this season. The World Series to them is just like going to work. It’s a huge honor, but to them it’s just ‘let’s go play baseball’.”

Mike Gallagher is a sports writer for the Advertiser, and can be reached at sports@tcadvertiser.com

Hess, Patrick Michael Born in Pontiac, MI, on Jan. 10, 1966 Departed Jul. 20, 2015 Patrick Michael Hess, 49, of Caro, formerly of Lapeer & Romeo died Monday, July 20, 2015.  Patrick was born January 10, 1966 in Pontiac to parents Harold and Catherine (McConchie) Hess.  He graduated from Romeo High School, class of 1984. Patrick loved his children very much. Patrick is survived by his children: Shaina Hess, Trent Hess and Kora Hess, all of Chicago, Illinois; mother: Catherine Seymour of Lapeer; father, Harold Hess of Auburn Hills; siblings: Kenneth (Tiffany) Hess of Georgia, Eric (Kathy) Hess of Fenton and AJ Hess of Lapeer; dear friends: Ron and Gayle Laeder of Caro. Patrick is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Jim & Dorothy McConchie and Helen Pooley.  Visitation will be held from 4-8PM Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at Muir Brothers Funeral Home, Lapeer. Patrick’s funeral service will be 11:00AM Thursday, July 23, 2015 at Muir’s — Pastor Drew Jolly officiating.  Burial will be in the Metamora Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Condolences may be placed at www.MuirBrothersLapeer.com.

DISTRICT COURT

Thomas Christopher Inches, 26, Reese, is charged with license documents/plates – forgery; operating – license suspended, revoked, denied – 2nd or subsequent offense; motor vehicle – operation without security. A preliminary examination was held July 25.

Nicole Marie Parker, 22, Vassar, is charged with conspiracy to commit escape – juvenile facility. A preliminary examination is scheduled for August 10.

Rodric Lewis Huffman, 52, Marlette, is charged with operating while intoxiated – license suspended, revoked, denied; alcohol – open container in vehicle. A preliminary examination is scheduled for August 10.

Theodore Edward Dusenberry Jr., 22, Vassar, is charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder; assault by strangulation; child abuse – 2nd degree. A preliminary examination is scheduled for August 10.

Misty Blue Clark-Mazur, 20, Saginaw, is charged with controlled substance – possession/analogues. A preliminary examination is scheduled for August 10.

CIRCUIT COURT

Terry Edward Socia Jr., 17, Essexville, pleaded no contest to computers – using to commit a crime – maximum imprisonment of 2 years or more but less than 4 years. Sentence date to be set.

Ronald Jeffrey Bedford, 27, Caseville, was sentenced to 180 days with one day credit for breaking and entering – a building with intent; 180 days with 1 day credit and 6 months probation for larceny – $1,000 or more but less than $20,000. Bedford was ordered to pay $926 in costs and fines.

Janice Lynn Kagen, 54, Flint, was sentenced to 18 months to 15 years with 2 days credit for operating while intoxicated – 3rd offense notice – felony.

Timothy Charles Dooley, 54, Kingston, pleaded no contest to operating while intoxicated – 3rd offense notice – felony. Sentence date to be set.

Jerry Richard Schultz, 50, Vassar, pleaded no contest to controlled substance – delivery/manufacture – 5-45 kilograms of marijuana. Sentence date to be set.

Frank Leo Smith II, 36, Mayville, pleaded no contest to domestic violence – 3rd offense notice. Sentence date to be set.

Matt Branding

By: Mike Gallagher

Sports Writer

CARO — After spending 17 years as a teacher at Caro High School, Matt Branding is making the jump to athletic director, replacing Jon Studley, as well as taking over the role of assistant principal.

“It’s incredible to have the opportunity to go in a completely different direction than teaching,” said Branding, formerly a social studies teacher at Caro. “Being able to jump in at a time when a lot of exciting things are happening for our school is great.

“With the bond that has been passed, there are a lot of decisions to be made across the board dealing with academics and athletics, so it’s an exciting time to be a part of it, and hopefully I can bring some of the knowledge that I have from being in the community for my entire life to help that process.”

Branding, who has had his administrative degree for over eight years, has spent time coaching the debate team, and AYSO soccer teams while at Caro, and will have to balance the large duties of athletic director and assistant principal at Caro, a Class B school with an enrollment of over 500 students.

“They are both going to be big roles,” stated Branding. “The only thing that I can do is learn from the people that have done the job before. I’ve been in great contact with former AD Jon Studley, and he’s been a big help. I’ve talked with Beth Striffler, who is a Caro resident, and had been the AD for a number of years before, and they’ve both been very helpful and very encouraging.

“On the assistant principal side of things, I’ve been working with (Caro principal) Steve Clark, which is going to as well because of his experience as a high school administrator. I’m definitely going to lean on those folks to help me with those things, and to make sure I’m guiding the programs in the right direction.”

One of the major parts of being an athletic director is making sure that your students not only stay eligible, but excel in the classroom, something that Branding is going to be focusing on.

“We’re academics first no doubt,” Branding said. “ Athletics is a pretty cool component because often times it can help kids because they have one more person that is looking out for them and helping them in school. If you look at our coaches, they’re all concerned about academics as well.”

Branding has been receiving support from many people at Caro High School, and from other local athletic directors.

“It’s been nice to walk into a job where people are happy that you are there, and are willing to help,” said Branding. “I’ve been receiving nothing but support from other athletic directors reaching out, and offering to help with anything. Everyone has been really good with supporting me and wishing me well and offering to help me in any way that they can.”

The football program at Caro has been a topic of discussion at the high school, and around the community after the season was cancelled last year following the Tigers sixth game. Branding feels that the program is heading in the right direction, and credits head coach Todd Topham with helping to keep the program together.

“Ending the season last year was unfortunate, but it was necessary once we started looking at the ages of the kids and the positions that they would be in,” Branding said. “It wasn’t an easy choice, and there were some that were unhappy with it, but many overwhelmingly thought that it was the way to go.

“Coach Topham is phenomenal as far as what he is able to do with the kids. He’s able to keep in close contact with them, and he’s been able to work with Mission One Crossfit, so the kids have been bonding well, and working out since last fall. He’s really built a tight core group of kids, who I think are going to help bring the program back, and be able to solidify the program, and I attribute that to coach Topham.”

Branding wanted to thank superintendent Mike Joslyn for the opportunity, along with his family.

“My family is going to have to make some sacrifices when it comes to time, so I definitely need to thank them in advance,” said Branding, who is eager to start his new roles.

“There’s something to be said about being able to do something different in life.”

Mike Gallagher is a sports writer for the Advertiser, and can be reached at sports@tcadvertiser.com

Harry Randall, age 87, of Vassar died Sunday, July 26, 2015 at his home in Vassar. The funeral service will take place 2:00 p.m. at the Martin Funeral Home in Vassar on Wednesday, July 29, 2015. Pastor Edward Kyle will officiate. Cremation to follow. Harry’s family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. Those desiring may consider memorial contributions to the family. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Harry was born September 25, 1927, in Kingston, the son of Johnathan Benjamin and Pansy Pearl (Crouch) Randall. He married Marjorie Foster at the First Presbyterian Church in Vassar on July 29, 1949. He worked at Eaton Foundry as a Forklift Driver for 57 years, retiring in 1984. In his free time Harry could be found farming, spending time with his family and friends, attending the men’s prayer breakfast group, and monthly retiree’s breakfast. Harry also enjoyed horses and going to horse auctions, and local tractor shows. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Marjorie; two daughters: Sharon Wilson and Barbara (Jeffery) Clingerman; four grandchildren: Brandon, LynnDee, Amber and Matthew; four siblings: Jane, Elsie, Arthur and Thelma; and many other family members and friends. Harry was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Travis Wilson and five siblings: Wilfred, Raymond “Jim”, Gerald, Cecil and Julia. Friends may share a memory with the family at the funeral home or online at www.martinfuneralhome.com.