serving the homer and litchfield area the...
TRANSCRIPT
by Mike WarnerThe Homer Community
Schools Board of Education hasdecided to look within for an in-terim superintendent.Actually, the board has cho-
sen a pair of principals to guidethe district during their searchfor a new superintendent. Highschool principal Tom Salow andhis brother, middle school prin-cipal Scott Salow, will share theinterim duties,Because the state mandates
only one person be listed in theposition, Scott Salow will havethe official title.The board of education made
the announcement official at aspecial meeting Monday night.The Salows will fill in start-
ing January 23 when current su-
perintendent Rob Ridgewayleaves to take a similar positionwith Harper Creek CommunitySchools in Battle Creek.The interim decision will also
force reshuffling of other admin-istrative positions, as ScottSalow has also been serving asinterim elementary school prin-cipal since early October. GeoffHowe, part-time curriculum di-rector, will take over the interimelementary school principal jobeffective the first day back toschool after the break.“Scott will have the official
title, but both he and Tom willsplit the duties,” explained boardPresident Gary Tompkins.“We’ll take away the elementary
Cyan Magenta Yellow Black
The IndexServing the Homer and Litchfield area
SSttaannddoouuttss - Local schools announce Students of the Month. Page 2
DDoonnaattiioonn - Homer schools raise funds, give to food pantry. Page 8Wednesday, December 24, 2014 • $1.00 Established 1872 • Copyright 2014 The Homer Index Volume 142, Issue 51
Heartbreaker - Homer girls lose on last-second shot. Page 1B
HOMER SCHOOLS
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by Kelly GampelLitchfield City Manager
Doug Terry will continue hiscontract work for the City ofHillsdale.The Litchfield City Council
approved the intergovernmentalrequest last week.His dual position between the
two cities was to conclude No-vember 30, with the expectationHillsdale would regain their cur-rent city manager, Linda Brown,who was out on medical leave.Terry still sees the position as
a temporary task.“It is still my intent to finish
my career with the City of Litch-field,” the city manager noted.“My commitment is to the Cityof Litchfield.”The amended contract notes
January 6 as an end date, but al-
lows Terry to lend his serviceson a month-to-month basis. Thisagreement can be dissolved onlyif two weeks’ notice is givenfrom either party wishing to ter-minate.Terry has been balancing the
two jobs since the beginning ofOctober. The City of Litchfieldwill continue to receive $49.28per hour Terry provides servicesto Hillsdale. The earnings in-clude wages, benefits and taxesamong other income. The citymanager will continue to work10-24 hours a week, leaningmore toward the 24-hour mark.Now that he has a few months’
experience balancing the two po-sitions, Terry mentioned he hasbeen able to also balance hisschedule to make both cities andhis home life better.
Making a listSanta (Jayson Taylor) sits at his desk at the North Pole waiting to conduct the day's business during the Homer Elementary SchoolsChristmas program, "Christmas at the O.K. Corral." Additional photos of the program may be found on Page 6B, as well as in the specialChristmas section in this issue. (Photo by Mike Warner)
by Mike WarnerThe Homer High School var-
sity football team has beennamed the top academic squadin Division 7 for 2014 by theMichigan High School FootballCoaches Association.It is believed to be the first
time a Trojan football team hasearned such a distinction. Thebaseball team was the top academ-ic squad in Division 3 last spring.The top 11 academic scores
from each team are used to deter-mine school rankings. As a team,the 11 Homer players had a cu-mulative grade point average of3.940. The top four teams in eachdivision will receive plaques fortheir accomplishment.Senior Steve Salow was
named to the second team indi-vidual academic all-state team.Members are chosen based onclass ranking, GPA and ACT
score. He is ranked at the top ofhis class.“I think it is huge for the pro-
gram,” said Trojan footballcoach Matt Moffett, who alsodoubles as the athletic director. “We always want smart kids
that we can trust to make gooddecisions on the field. You cando a lot more as coaches whenyou have intelligent players;players who can react and recog-nize things on their own.”Moffett said Salow exempli-
fies such a student/athlete.“Steve is one of those kids
you just have to tell them some-thing once and they get it,” thecoach noted. “He recognizeswhat’s happening on the fieldand comes to the sideline andexplains it to the coaches. It’slike having another pair of eyesand ears on the field.”The Trojans went 7-3 this fall,
qualifying for the playoffs for thesecond straight year. Their aca-demic average was the highest inthe area, and better than the topschool in Divisions 5, 6 and 8.Moffett said the academic
honor may not be as exciting aswinning a Big Eight Conferencechampionship, but it might bemore important in the long run.“Most of our players are not
going to go on and play footballat the college level, so academ-ics is very important for later inlife. It’s good for them, and itgives our next group of playerssomething to shoot for.”The top 10 academic teams in
Division 7 are:• Homer - 3.940• New Lothrop - 3.930 • Michigan Lutheran Semi-
nary - 3.770• Union City - 3.760• Decatur - 3.740
• Suttons Bay - 3.630• Lawton - 3.550• G.P. University Liggett -
3.450• Eau Claire - 3.190• Montabella - 3.142
Steve Salow
Trojans players lead way in academic standings
Terry’s Hillsdale contract extended
by Kelly GampelLaughter is never too far
away when Jackie Gamble is inNancy Lemmon’s fourth gradeclass last week.Gamble, who is an eighth
grade student at Homer MiddleSchool, visits both Lemmon’sand Nichole Mansfield’s class-rooms once a week as part of theConnecting Kids initiative atHomer Community Schools. “He’s really funny, and is al-
ways making jokes,” fourthgrade student Stormy Flowerssaid of her interactions withGamble. “He does help me learn,and it’s always fun when he’saround.”What started out as a mentor-
ing program for Homer Elemen-
o Connecting Kids makes unexpected impact on mentors
Helping others
Jaime Gamble cracks a joke while mentoring fourth grade students in Nancy Lemmon’s class last weekat Homer Elementary School. (Photo by Kelly Gampel) by Mike Warner
Litchfield CommunitySchools is set to launch a newnewsletter aimed at informingthe community on the manyways to get involved in theschool system.
The newsletter is entitled“Terrier Times” and replaces theold “Signal,” although there willbe differences between the twopublications.
The Terrier Times is fundedthough the School ImprovementGrant awarded to the elementaryschool, so the majority of thenewsletter will be aimed at ele-mentary school issue and events.
Jessica Bills, who serves asthe grant-funded liaison personbetween the district and the com-munity, is in charge of the quar-terly publication. She indicatedthe initial issue was slated to goout this week, although she wasstill working through some lo-gistic problems with the Post Of-fice.
“The newsletter will focus onupcoming events and how par-ents and others in the communi-ty can get involved,” Bills ex-
plained. “The main focus is onthe elementary school, but therewill also be information on themiddle school and high school.”
That involvement could besimply attending an event, vol-unteering time to help, or donat-ing money to help fund events.
LCS was able to purchase ahigh-end copier as part of thegrant to print the newsletter.Staff members are asked to sub-mit items for publication. Billswill do the majority of the writ-ing and layout, with others as-sisting with proofreading.
While there isn’t a firmtimetable on future editions,Bills anticipates anothernewsletter in March and anotherduring the summer, probablycontaining back-to-school infor-mation.
Bills, who also heads thelocal PTA, said the expectationis to mail a copy of the TerrierTimes to each person in theschool district. If someone doesnot receive a copy, misplacestheir copy, or needs an extra one,they will be available at theschool and city office.
Terrier Times launchedSee Mentor, page 3
BBooaarrdd ppiicckkss SSaalloowwss ffoorr iinntteerriimm jjoobb
See HCS, page 5
Litchfield Community Schools Board of Education member GeneVagg was honored last week for his years of service on the board.Vagg decided not to seek re-election in November. Niki Acker willfill the seat in January. (Photo by Mike Warner)
SSaayyiinngg ggooooddbbyyee
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PPeeoopplleeThe Homer Index
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Page Two
December standoutsHomer Elementary School has announced its December Students of the Month. At right, Emma Jones (left) is shown with her teacher EllieAvery and Riley Butler is pictured with her teacher Tonya Woodworth. The students nominated for the award include: top photo, front row fromleft: Butler, Heather Smith, Angel Tejada, Wyatt Burns, Sabrina Pittelkow, Adrianna Siebert, Andrew Failing, Victor Alvarez-Martinez, AveryMinniear; back row: Jones, Megan Sterly, Emmy Tejada, Elle Petersen, Scott Brown, Evynne Warner, Lucas Miller, Carissa Yates and EthanWilson. (Submitted photos)
High marksLitchfield Middle and High Schoolrecently announced its NovemberStudents of the Month. Recipi-ents are, from left: Julia Cham-berlain, sixth grade; Hunter Duke,seventh grade; Drew Wheeler,eighth grade; Nate Stewart, ninthgrade; Taylor Knaggs, tenthgrade; Brittany Frick, eleventhgrade; and Elise Gould, twelfthgrade. (Photo by Kelly Gampel)
Litchfield Congregational Church will host aChristmas Eve service, and a New Year’s Eve din-ner and a movie event.
The service begins tonight (Wednesday) at 7p.m. The Harold Gardner Bell Choir will performduring the service.
The New Year’s Eve dinner and a movie event
will include a chili and potato soup dinner to startout the night at 6 p.m. Then, a modern Christianmovie will be shown. Snacks will be provided. Theevent is slated to end at 9 p.m. The event is free,but donations are encouraged. All are welcome toattend both events at the church, located at 203North Chicago Street, Litchfield.
Church to host Christmas and New Year’s Eve events
Tekonsha Community SchoolsSmall School-Big Education!Schools of Choice
Second Semester EnrollmentThe Tekonsha Community School District is participating in theSchools of Choice Program as established by Public Act 300,Section 105/105c of the School Aid Act. The Board of Educationand Administration is now accepting School of Choice applica-tion for an unlimited number of openings in all grades Kinder-garten-12th grades for the second semester of the 2014/2015school year. Classes start January 26, 2015. Tekonsha Commu-nity Schools offers many excellent educational and extracurricu-lar opportunities that include but are not limited to:
- A highly qualified and caring teaching staff. Class sizes average 20 stu-dents per teacher-Technology integration K-12. Multiple computer labs K-12 and portable iPadstations. Online credit recovery opportunities- K-12 music program, Award-winning High School Band- Yearbook; National Honor Society; Student Council; Peer/teacher-led afterschool tutoring; Talent Show–both High School and Elementary; AnnualSenior Trip; Drama Class; Choir- Universal Breakfast, all kids receive free breakfast!- Athletic opportunities include: Football, basketball, volleyball, cross coun-try, baseball/softball, sideline cheer, track. No-cut athletic policy and freeparticipation for student/athletes- After-school activities for elementary students during the school year(BLAST Grant)- Teacher-led summer school credit recovery available for high schoolstudents. Staff supervised recreational activities for all ages during sum-mer vacation- Off-campus online access for parents and students to monitor academicprogress- All-day, every day Kindergarten. All-day Preschool available.- Vocational Educational opportunities through the Calhoun Area CareerCenter
For further information, please contact: Bertha Phelps (MS/HS)(517) 767-4121 ext. 100; or Mrs. Blashfield (Elementary) (517)767-4121 ext. 300. Applications are also available on our web-site at www.tekonshaschools.org. Additional questions may alsobe directed to Jeff Kawaski, Superintendent of Schools, (517)767-4121 ext. 101.
Deadline for applications is January 23, 2015
FLORIDA!!! IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT GOING, DO IT RIGHT, AND GO WITH THE PRO! 14 DAYS, GOING ALL THE WAY TO KEY WEST,
WITH LOTS OF SUN AND FUN IN BETWEEN. LOOKING AT FEB. 22-MARCH 7. NO SPECULATIONS - THIS IS THE REAL DEAL.
Includes motorcoach, lodging, breakfast each day, fourdinners, and all admissions to attractions. And I will beright there for you. I have gone down to Key West sev-eral times and love it! Traveling on the Causeway isAWESOME! This is for you if you donʼt like to fly, andwe will actually be staying put for five days in Daytona,
where we are right on the beach and near shopping,groceries, checking out the Nascar Speedway,
etc. Talk about relaxing! We will check out Orlandoarea too, and include a neat Canal Cruise at Winter
Park. In Key West we visit the Ernest Hemingway House, Audubon House andTropical Gardens, take the Conch Trolley Tour of the area, and explore the SpongeIndustry there. Why, I have even planned it so we overnight in Nashville cominghome, and take in a performance of the Grand Ole Opry! Fliers will be ready soonwith all the details. Call and leave message with your phone number and addressand I will send one out. This one requires early sell as we will be in prime beachfrontproperties during high season and they will hold them for me for just so long.
And remember I don’t send you on a vacation, I personally take you with me!
Geneva’s Trip Taker’s Inc.P.O. Box 432, Hillsdale, MI 49242517-542-3505 • Go With The Pro!MERRY CHRISTMAS…AND I GUARANTEE A HAPPY NEW YEAR, BECAUSE
I HAVE PUT TOGETHER A 14-DAY TRIP TO SUNNY FLORIDA FEB. 22-MARCH 7, 2015 THAT WILL MAKE YOU SMILE FOR MONTHS TO COME!
We are taking our motorcoach all the way down to Key West, Fla. For a memorable adventure.When we get to Daytona, Fla. (Ormand Beach) we will stay putfor five days so you can RELAX right near shopping, groceries,and attractions. THIS IS YOUR VACATION, AFTER ALL!We visit all the highlights at Key West, and on the way homeI have included a performance of The Grand Ol’Opry in their
big beautiful theater in the Opryland Complex. Oh, andthere are stops at attractions on the way down and backas well. Price for the entire 14 days is: $1792 p.p. dbl.
Occ. - $1482 p.p. triple - $1332 p.p. quad - $$2632 single.Where else can you go for 14 days for less than $150 a day that includes transportation,baggage handling, lodging, several meals, admissions and is personally escorted by me???**NOTE - This trip has limited space and time for reservations - I will send you a detailed flyerif you call me and leave name, address, and phone number. But do it RIGHT AWAY!There is nothing better than traveling with friends or/and family – unless it is having me makeall the arrangements for you. SMILE - AND THINK SUNSHINE!
Homer Stagecoach Cafe
ffrroomm 66 AAMM ttoo 11 PPMMAAllll YYoouu CCaann EEaatt BBrreeaakkffaasstt BBuuffffeett
Both Days
by Lizbeth EsquedaThe Homer FFA Chapter re-
cently held their annual WinterAwards Banquet Sunday, De-cember 7, in the Homer Commu-nity Schools’ cafeteria. This an-nual event gives the chapter achance to recognize the FFAmembers for their participationand successes over the last yearsince the Spring Banquet heldlast May.Many special guests attended
the banquet, including State FFAofficers Emma Blout, SamanthaEllison and Ken VandenBout.One of the chapter competi-
tions was to be the top seller inthe Fruit, Nut, Candy, Beef Jerkyand Poinsettias Sale. This year asa reward for the top six membersthat sold over $600, was the op-tion to receive an FFA jacket or$40 in their account. This year’swinners were Hannah Cum-mings, Katelyn Hall, MacenLandis, Denim Pullen, BrianaSchmidt and Wyatt Stout. MacenLandis received an FFA Carharttjacket, being an eighth graderwho had the highest sales totalfor the Fall Fruit, Nut, Candyand Poinsettia Sale for the sec-ond year in a row.Other awards given during
the awards banquet include:• Discovery Degree: Isabell
Conley, Nicollette Deuel,Melodie Roblee, MarisaSchmidt and Ali Wooden• Greenhand Degree: Gabriel
Avery, Hannah Cummings, Sier-ra King, Katie Mansfield, JordenMerrill and Cody Michael• Chapter Degree: Brandon
Fisher, Cheyenne Glassburn andAliyah Solis• American Degree: Nate
Curl, Taylor Potts and TylerPrater• Top Spring Plant Sales: Hall
- who was also recognized forbeing in the top eight; AmberEverts, Katie Mansfield, Sum-mer Reese, Lizbeth Esqueda,Ashley Guerrero, Morgan Kim-ber and Lilli Grant• Tractor Driving Contest:
Chapter top three - Landis, BoStemaly and Stout; State partici-pant: Landis• Livestock judging contests
State participants: Morgan Kim-ber, Michelle Roblee, AshleySprague, Shannon Stemaly andAli Wooden• Soil Judging Contest:
Chapter winner - Katie Mans-field; Chapter top eight: BrianaSchmidt, Blaire Robinson,Lexie Matson, Emilee Sibel,Olivia Cairl, Haley Wolf and
FFA membersrecognized atannual banquet
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tary School students has hadunexpected results for theeighth grade mentors, especial-ly Gamble.Gamble assists the teachers
in any way possible - from help-ing students spell to coloring tosharpening pencils. “By helping little kids with
their work, it’s motivating me toget my work done,” Gamblesaid. The once low-performingstudent has stepped up his gamein the classroom. He explainedthe new responsibilities and in-teractions are prompting him tobe the best possible person hecan be so he can be the best men-tor.He has seen his grades im-
prove all around since the pro-gram started at the beginning ofNovember. Despite no longerbeing in the program when themarking periods change in Jan-uary, he plans to continue hisnewfound enthusiasm.“I will be carrying this into
next semester by not gettingdistracted and staying focusedon my tasks,” he explained. The mentorship has also im-
pacted his relations with chil-dren. “I learned how to be patient
with kids, and I learned theyknow more than you wouldthink,” he explained. “But help-ing them is definitely fun.”This is the first time Gamble
has been a mentor, but he has
been on the receiving end. The 14-year-old has attend-
ed Northwest, Parnell and Har-rington schools before comingto the Homer district in fifthgrade. “Before, my old schools
would mentor me, and I felt likeI wanted to do that, too.”Eighteen other students in
Holly Blashfield’s enrichmentclass participate in the project;each student visiting class-rooms twice a week.Kayleigh Drumm and Elaina
Hrcka are two of those students.Hrcka noticed a difference in
her short time as a mentor. “They learn more than we
used to when we were theirage.”Both girls assist in Bobbie
Bouvier and Jessica Canfield’sclassrooms.“It’s cool; when they see us,
they say ‘hi,’ and I know theylook up to us,” Drumm said. Both girls agreed Connect-
ing Kids has been a worthwhileexperience. “The nice thing about this
mentorship program is that it isa positive interaction withsomeone older, and the eighthgraders listen to the kids whenthey talk,” Lemmon explained.“Some of my children don’thave an older person that willtake the time, and it’s nothingagainst the parents. Some work16-hour shifts and want restwhen they get home.”“My biggest thing is that
with these eighth graders, we’reable to reach out to kids one-on-one, to the ones who may needthe extra help,” Canfield ex-
plained. “Before they went out and
started mentoring the elemen-tary kids, I really wanted it intheir heads what it was to be agood mentor, that is why wehad Scott (Salow, principal)come in and talk with the eighthgraders and why I had themwrite down what attributes theythought make a good mentor,”she explained. Tacked onto the wall in the
back of Blashfield’s classroomis a poster which reads “GoodMentors Are...” Students de-scribed a mentor as: role mod-els, understanding, focused,
good with facts, mature, cheer-ful, explainers of facts, kind,calm, friendly, attentive to kids,responsible, polite, nice, listen-er, helper, supportive, outgoing,fun, smart, helpful, respectful,brave, hard working and pa-tient.Blashfield plans to continue
the program into next semester,which starts in January, andhopes to restart the programduring the 2015-2016 schoolyear.“This program may spark a
student to think ‘I want to be ateacher,’ or ‘I want to improvemy grades.’ ”
Second grade student Maddy Tackett, above, left, finishes writing outdirections on how to build a snowman, with the help of eighth gradementor Kayleigh Drumm. (Photo by Kelly Gampel)
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AArreeaa NNeewwssThe Homer Index
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Page Three
Area News In Brief
Local Post Offices announce holiday closingThe Homer and Litchfield
Post Offices will be closedThursday in observance ofChristmas, and again Thursday,January 1, in observance ofNew Year’s Day. The officeswill be open from 8:30 a.m.until noon Wednesday, Decem-ber 24 and 31.
VFW, Auxillary to host awalleye dinner January 2The Homer VFW Post 9411
and Ladies Auxiliary will hosta walleye dinner by ChefSkeeter Warner Friday, January2, from 5-7 p.m. at the post, lo-cated at 23672 M-60, inHomer. Cost is $13, and children 12
and under may eat for $5. The public is welcome to
attend.
1, 2, 3Lil’ Pups employees learn how to perform CPR on dolls last week. The training goes hand in hand with Lil’ Pups opening a daycare facility shortly after the new year. The day-care is currently accepting registrations. (Submitted photo)
MentorContinued from page 1
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Opinion
Freedom doesn’t cost consumers anything
Minister doesn’t waver from Christmas Eve serviceThe HomerIndex
Established 1872 - In search of truth, guided by integrity.PUBLISHER GENERALMANAGERMike Warner Sharon Warner
ADVERTISING COMPOSITIONDan Mullaly Portia HydeEDITORIAL SPORTSMike Warner Mike WarnerKelly Gampel Bill Mullaly
Published every Wednesday by Warner Publishing Co., 119 W. Main Street, Homer,Michigan 49245. Phone: 517-568-4646 Fax: 517-568-4346
News email address: [email protected] email address: [email protected]
The Homer Index (SECD 249-100) (ISSN 0891-1398)Periodicals postage paid at Homer, MI.
Subscriptions: $30 per year for year-round Calhoun andHillsdale county residents. $33 for all others.
Postmaster: Send changes to The Homer Index, P.O. Box 236, Homer, MI 49245.
Member of the Michigan Press Association
VViieewwppooiinnttThe Homer Index
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Page Four
In the nine columns so far in this series, wehave considered how people endlessly seek tomaximize their satisfaction. We noted that every-one’s satisfaction largely depends on the actions ofmany others. None of us produce much of what weuse. We also gain much satisfaction from interac-tions with others. Interaction with others is vital tothe satisfaction of everyone.
We also saw there are two ways to govern ourinteractions with each other. We can all be free tointeract or not interact as we see fit. Everyone canhave a veto on interactions with others. In such anenvironment, all interactions are voluntary.
Under freedom, individuals seeking somethingfrom others must ask and offer rewards to gainwhat they seek from others. Exploitation is impos-sible. Everyone has the right to say “no.” Every-one can refuse to let you have his car, or to havelunch with you.
If you want his car, companionship or anythingelse, you must offer something satisfying to theother person. He may accept money in exchangefor his car. Your companionship may be enough toreward him for joining you for lunch.
The important point here is that commercialexchanges and social exchanges are motivated inthe same way. All the participants expect to gainsatisfaction. The things that contribute to this sat-isfaction may be tangible, such as a car, or intan-gible, such as companionship. Social interactionsinvolve mutually beneficial exchanges as much asdo commercial ones. Freedom in one realm is asimportant as in the other. The opposite of freedomis exploitation.
If our interactions aren’t conducted in an envi-ronment of freedom, they must be conducted in anenvironment of coercion. Some will be forced intointeractions they don’t want, or they will be forcedto forgo interactions they want, or both.
In the world of forced and controlled interac-tions, those who do the forcing can gain at the ex-pense of their victims. Considering that everyoneseeks to maximize his satisfaction, the individualwho forces or prevents interactions will always actin the way he believes will bring him the most sat-isfaction.
The most others can hope for is what is mostsatisfying to the forcer will be most satisfying tothem. Of course, if it is most satisfying to them,they won’t have to be forced.
Interactions based on force usually are ex-
ploitative. If individuals have the option to takewhat they want rather than produce and trade,many, probably most, will take rather than pro-duce. History is filled with slave masters, kingsand other thieves who preferred taking to produc-ing and trading.
People haven’t changed. At most, their envi-ronment has changed. Given the chance to forceand take, millions will. Even if they don’t takethemselves, they will eagerly take a cut of the lootin exchange for supporting the looters. They willattempt to soothe their consciences by claimingthey are entitled to the loot. Those who get the lootlose their incentive to produce for their own use,or for trading with others.
Only freedom and the free exchange thatsprings from freedom motivate everyone to betterserve others. The more and better chairs we pro-duce for others, the more and better food they willproduce and exchange for the chairs. In freedom,we don’t need legions of government enforcers topolice suppliers and hold them accountable.
Free customers police the suppliers and punishthose who fall short by buying elsewhere. Govern-ment enforcers are few (even if it doesn’t seemthat way) and aren’t usually on the job. The con-sumer enforcers are on the job 24/7/365. The con-sumers are always on the scene instantly punish-ing suppliers by refusing to buy.
Under freedom, pressure from consumerspushes us all toward better serving others. Onlythose in government, and those empowered bythem, can lawfully exploit others. And exploit theydo.
Next time: What should be the role of govern-ment?
You may send comments to Albert on this or anyof his columns to [email protected].
Thoughts,Ramblings
and Observationsby Albert D. McCallum
By the nature of our calendar, which refuses toembrace the fact that the earth does not encirclethe sun in a multiple of seven days, I get to writethis column for your reading on Christmas Eve. Ofcourse we need to take advantage of this occur-rence, so I will take this time to wish you andyours a very Merry Christmas!
Christmas Eve, the way I have celebrated it,has never varied in my entire life. When I was akid, we always had a family dinner and then wentto church. Back then, I can’t say the church serv-ice itself was the high point of the evening. Ourchurch was an old, historic, wood structure, builtin the late 1700s and, I will admit, it was alwaysfun watching the Elders of the church take up po-sitions with fire extinguishers for the candle light-ing portion of the service. It added excitement.But I always looked forward to the evening as awhole as we gathered as a family and sharedmemories.
As I became an adult and had my own family,we just kept up with that tradition. Some yearshave had more family than others, and the churchwe went to changed over time, but that is what wehave always done. When I became a minister, myability to select out of going to church was com-promised greatly but, as I said, I never varied mytradition in the 44 years I wasn’t a minister, sothere is no reason to think I would miss anyway.
As a minister, I absolutely love Christmas Eve.Christmas Eve and Easter are the two times a yearministers don’t need to worry about attendance.Certainly it is nice to see the pews full, but thatisn’t the main reason I love it. That reason is sim-ple - it is because there are very few times we seemultiple generations of families come and worshiptogether. That’s a special thing and is cause forcelebration.
We spend a good bit of time planning theChristmas Eve worship. We strive for a faithfulservice, yet also make it understandable for themany visitors we will see. We want to make surewe sing a good number of carols. We try to capturethe meaning of Christmas and keep it under anhour. A couple of years ago, we finally hit on aworship service that seems to have hit the mark, sowe have continued to use it. The highlight is serv-
ing communion and then closing the service witha candlelight singing of “Silent Night” accompa-nied by a traditional guitar. This is not a nightwhich will have a long sermon. The Gospel read-ing of the account of the birth of Christ speaksmore powerfully than anything I could ever say.Besides, the kids couldn’t possibly sit still longenough to allow a long sermon!
For me, the holiest moment of the entireChristmas season comes when I get to give thebenediction at the conclusion of the service.Standing before the congregation with the onlylight coming from the hundred or so candles beingheld by the people and the back-lighting of thecross, the sanctuary is illuminated in a way seenonly once a year. I never vary my benediction onChristmas Eve, and I share it with you now as myown Christmas blessing to you and yours,
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Wordwas with God, and the Word was God. He was inthe beginning with God. All things came into beingthrough him, and without him not one thing cameinto being. What has come into being in him waslife, and the life was the light of all people. Goforth - serving God and believing in all things weknow of Him and know you go with the love ofGod, the peace of our risen Lord Jesus Christ, andthe fellowship of the Holy Spirit.”
Be blessed and Merry Christmas!Tim Marvil is the pastor at the 1st Presbyteri-
an Church of Homer. If you would like to contacthim, he can be reached at 568-4852 or via emailat [email protected]. You may also findhim on Facebook as Tim Marvil.
FaithMatters
by Rev. Tim Marvil
I have never been a neatnik. I have also neverbeen a slob. In theory, that averages out to a medi-um level of neatness. But don’t mistakenly think itmeans I maintain moderately neat environments inall areas of my life.
Those who know me well can attest I am amess of contradictions. While there are a handfulof neatness issues about which I am incrediblypicky, there are multiple others about which Idon’t give a flaming rat’s patootie!
Dishwashing is one task where I’m extremelyanal. I feel compelled to wash dishes immediatelyafter use. If you can’t handle that bit of OCD,don’t bother to try cooking with me. I wash every-thing as I go, so there’s not a stack of utensils, potsand pans to contend with at the end of my culinaryprojects.
I have never gone to bed with dirty dishes inthe sink, and hesitate to speculate what might hap-pen if I did. The world might grind to a halt. But,alas, we’ll never know, as I will never let it hap-pen. If my kids want to set me off, they leave dirtydishes in the sink after I have gone to bed at night.My next-morning reaction is akin to that of theman who lifted the lid of his toilet and found ababy alligator under it. Heart attack!
Another “just so” issue for me is newspaperclipping archiving. As soon as I get done readingsomething I have published, I cut it out, date it andput it inside a protective, plastic sheet protector,then sequentially file it in a special notebook Imaintain for my writings. I cannot deviate fromthat ritual.
Yet another neatness issue for me is lawn mow-ing. I don’t just mow my lawn, but I mow lawnright! I like 90-degree corners, uniform heights ofgrass and no small clumps of anything left behind.I have been known to sit on my front porch andgaze fondly at my freshly-mowed lawn. Yeah, Iknow: Get a life! And don’t even get me started onprecision bed-making. I cherish the crisp feel ofclimbing under the sheets of a neatly-made bed.
Those examples given, I confess when it comesto the rest of life, I don’t really care about neatness.Well, until something or someone comes alongthat/who forces caring. Usually, it amounts to com-pany coming over to my house. But recently itcame down to who would be riding in my vehicle.
Former Detroit Lions defensive tackle LutherElliss was in Michigan from Utah to speak withhigh school students celebrating their sports teamsbeing awarded Nature’s Sports Drink chocolatemilk grants. For at least part of his Michigan tour,Luther was to ride with me, in my vehicle. Panictime!
My kids’ primary concern was that the 6’5”,318-pound athlete might not comfortably fit in mycar. “Then I guess I’ll have to either toss him intothe cargo bay like our bicycles or strap him to theroof of the car like a Christmas tree,” I said. Theyalso wondered if he misbehaved, would I stop thecar and/or threaten to knock some sense into himwith my snow brush? Legitimate concerns,grounded in experience.
My concern was more immediate: getting myvehicle clean enough for Luther to ride in it. Abreak in the December weather allowed me to at-tempt vacuuming a two-year accumulation of ve-hicular dirt, litter and crumbs. Within five minutes,my trusted mini-vac konked out, job undone.Good thing I’d started cleaning the front passengerarea where Luther would be sitting!
Before I let Luther get into my car, I handedhim an old, ketchup-tipped French fry with whichto sign a disclaimer aimed at absolving me of re-sponsibility for any clothing stains, cockroachbites or bacterial illnesses he might contract duringhis ride.
“Kristy, my wife and I have 12 children, howdo you think our vehicles look?!” Luther laughed.
Kristy Smith and Different Drum reflectionsand photos can collectively be found and com-mented on at diffdrum.wordpress.com.
Guest of honor forces vehicular cleaning jag
DifferentDrum
by Kristy Smith
Letters to the editorDear editor,
Yes, Mr. Farmer, we the peo-ple of the world are counting onyou to provide our food, but indoing so, you give us fruits, grainsand vegetables with herbicide andpesticide residues present. Youshell genetically modified cornwith alarming levels of formalde-hyde within it. You sock our beef,our pork and our poultry withgrowth hormones and antibiotics.
And because of these andother questionable practices, wenow see the demise of an impor-tant pollinator, the honeybee. Wesee the disappearance of frogs,toads, salamanders and even tur-tles. We see a spike in the rates of
autism and attention deficit disor-der in our children. Our body’simmune system, which is sup-posed to protect us, goes “hay-wire” and actually turns againstus, allowing tumors and cancersto blossom up within us. Am I theonly one who sees all of this as“counterproductive?”
The way I see it, the humanrace is heading down a “deadend” road at a rapid rate. And it isbecause of flawed, if not down-right broken, “Right to FarmLaws.”
A mindset of a group of farm-ers, and even the Michigan De-partment of Agriculture that the“ends justify the means,” and just
plain-old “greed” by a group offarmers.
Because of all of this andmore, as we get closer to the end,in all likelihood, things will getso bad that the living will envythe dead.
I realize there are a number offarmers who are engaged in envi-ronmentally and human-friendlyfarming practices and are actual-ly good stewards of the landsthey farm. There are others who Isee as a black eye on farming asa whole. Unfortunately, a fewbad apples end up spoiling thebunch.
Doug L. VanderfordHomer
Mr. Farmer does more bad to the human race than good because of pesticides
by John CrabtreeWhat does Congress have against family farm-
ers and ranchers? The $1.1 trillion spending billpassed earlier this month included the full versionof the so-called GIPSA rider passed earlier by theHouse of Representatives. A rider is a legislativeprovision attached to a larger spending bill.
There are not enough ways to describe how badthis hidden policy package truly is. It limitsUSDA’s ability to protect farmers’ and ranchers’basic rights, such as their freedom of speech andfreedom of association. The Packers and Stock-yards Act, passed in 1921, was written to protectfarmers and ranchers from discriminatory, decep-tive and abusive practices when they sell livestockand poultry to meatpacking corporations.
Congress abandoned those principles whenthey passed the FY 2015 federal spending bill.They abandoned USDA’s effort to provide small-er volume livestock producers a more competitivelivestock market and greater fairness for farmersand ranchers. The 2008 Farm Bill required Secre-
tary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to write regula-tion, under the Packers and Stockyards Act, toprohibit undue and discriminatory preferencesgiven to large, industrial livestock operations andto provide basic protections to farmers and ranch-ers who do business with meatpacking corpora-tions. Secretary Vilsack proposed the best andmost comprehensive livestock market reformssince the passage of the Packers and StockyardsAct.
Unfortunately, Congress has repeatedly under-cut his efforts. Family farmers and ranchers, needand deserve access to competitive livestock mar-kets that reward them fairly for their work. That’ssomething Congress must figure out, soon.
John Crabtree is a Center for Rural Affairs em-ployee. Established in 1973, the Center for RuralAffairs is a private, non-profit organization work-ing to strengthen small businesses, family farmsand ranches, and rural communities through ac-tion-oriented programs addressing social, eco-nomic and environmental issues.
Congress takes family farmers for ride with new law
by Rusty WrightWhen Louie Zamperini boarded a World War II
bomber in late May of 1943, unforeseen dangersawaited the Olympic runner and war hero. He latersaid he’d prefer suicide to repeating his castawayand POW ordeals.
His inspiring story - told in the bestselling book“Unbroken” (Laura Hillenbrand, 2010), and nowin a film (by Angelina Jolie, opening ChristmasDay) - enthralls.
Zamperini, who died last July at age 97, be-came close friends with director and co-producerJolie, who earlier emphasized her “huge responsi-bility to get (the film) right because I love him somuch and because he’s helped me so much in mylife.”
The movie adroitly captures part of Louie’s fas-cinating journey from victim to victor - and even-tually - to forgiver.
Run like madAs author Hillenbrand notes, during his youth,
chronic thievery gave Louie running experience.He became a track star, competing in the 1936Berlin Olympics. A favorite Berlin souvenir was a“Do Not Disturb” sign, swiped from sprinter JesseOwens.
On a WWII rescue mission, engine problemscrashed his plane into the Pacific Ocean, strandinghim on a rubber raft with two other survivors.
AdriftOver 47 days, they drifted 2,000 miles amid
blistering sun, parched throats, empty stomachs,and circling sharks. When a Japanese bomberstrafed them, the men scrambled overboard to hidefrom bullets, only to fight off sharks. One airman
perished at sea.Louie - not a religious person - prayed that if
God would save him, he would follow and serveHim for life. After one such prayer, rain quenchedtheir thirst. After another, came a Japanese boat,and POW hell.
POW hellJapanese doctors used Louie for medical exper-
iments. Sadistic guards stole rations and beat pris-oners. One especially despised guard, nicknamedthe Bird, made Louie his special target of abuse.
The War Department declared Louie dead. Atwar’s end, a journalist interviewing liberatedPOWs remarked, “Zamperini’s dead.” The emaci-ated Louie had to convince the writer he was thefamous athlete. “Zamperini comes back fromdead” read the Los Angeles Times headline.
Bird-hunting nightmaresThe film touches only briefly on Louie’s post-
war years. Hillenbrand fills in “the rest of thestory.”
Re-entry brought: Joyous family reunion. Mar-riage. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, rage, alco-hol abuse. Nightmares involving the Bird, aboutwhose murder he obsessed.
Once, Louie dreamt he was strangling the Bird.He awoke to find himself strangling his screaming,pregnant wife, Cynthia. She eventually moved out.
But a 1949 Billy Graham outreach in Los An-geles inspired her. A reluctant Louie joined her at asubsequent Graham meeting.
Graham spoke about a woman caught in adul-tery and slated for death by stoning. Jesus invited
‘‘UUnnbbrrookkeenn’’ mmoovviiee:: hhooppee,, ddeessppaaiirr,, rreeddeemmppttiioonn
SSeeee UUnnbbrrookkeenn,, ppaaggee 88
The Community MusicSchool, a program of The MusicCenter, announces its 2015 Win-ter Youth Choral Program, withclasses in Battle Creek, Marshalland Hastings. Registration opensimmediately. Rehearsals will befrom January 5 through March 6.All three choirs will perform
with other Music Center youthchoral groups in With OneVoice, March 7.Students will have the oppor-
tunity to learn basic healthyvocal techniques, develop stagepresence, build confidence andhave fun making new friends.This is a wonderful opportunityfor children to explore musicand gain exposure through thisimportant learning experience.The following groups are
available to join:• Community Music School-
Battle Creek: Ready Set Sing!
for ages 5-7, at Kellogg Commu-nity College. Call 269-963-1911ext. 2585, or email [email protected].• Marshall Children's Choir,
for grades 2-8, at Trinity Episco-pal Church in Marshall. Call269-781-8256 or [email protected] financial aid is
available for families with annu-al income under $50,000.For general information, con-
tact The Music Center at 269-963-1911 or visit YourMusic-Center.org.
Cyan Magenta Yellow Black
AArreeaa NNeewwssThe Homer Index
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Page Five
A look backShown above is a view of Mill Pond Road, also known as River Road, about 1915. The road has recent-ly been graded in this snapshot, and is approximately half as wide as today’s road. A message on the backsays the writer, went for a picnic nearby and had a “lovely time.” They told how they took hammocks, pil-lows and magazines to enjoy. They also relayed they had plenty to eat and wished the reader had comealong. The photographer is looking southeast. (From the postcard collection of Doug Vanderford)
Remember when ...Irvin’s Hardware opens up shop in Homer communityEditor’s note: This story first
ran in The Homer Index Decem-ber 10, 1975.Homer no longer has a Gam-
bles store.Homer no longer has a Wolf’s
Hardware.Homer NOW HAS IRVIN’S
HARDWARE.Homerites, meet Herbert Irvin
the owner and his son Jerry whowill be managing the new store.Originally from Lansing, Mr.Herbert Irvin works for the Win
Schuler Co. in Marshall. JerryIrvin gained experience in thehardware field while workingfor a year at the Urbandale Hard-ware store.Because the Homer area is es-
sentially a farming community,the Irvin’s will attempt to offertechnical advice and physicallyextend service. Their intent is tofranchise with either Ace Hard-ware or HWI thereby enablingthem to become a number oneservice agency for the Homer
area. “To date, a final decisionhas not been made,” states Mr.Irvin, “However by January, afranchise should be established.Irvin’s Hardware will be open
six days a week from 9 a.m. - 6p.m. The Index would like to en-courage all Homerites to stop bythe store and welcome theIrvin’s into the community. Editor’s note: December 2015
marks 40 years of business. Thisarticle is courtesy of KathyThomas and Doug Vanderford.
During the holiday season,you no doubt have a lot going onin your life - work functions,gatherings with friends andneighbors, tracking down theelusive “perfect gift,” etc. Butyou may find it valuable to addone more event to your calendar:a family meeting to discussthose financial preparations thataffect you and your loved ones.Of course, the scope of your
meeting will depend on your ageand the age of your children, andon whether you have elderly par-ents. So, let’s look at one familymeeting scenario that wouldwork under two different sets ofcircumstances: you are meetingwith your own grown children oryou are meeting with your elder-ly parents. In either case, you’ll want to
review the following areas:• Investment information -
It’s a good idea to let your grownchildren know where you (andyour spouse, if still living) keepyour investments and what sortof investments and retirementaccounts you own, such as yourIRA, 401(k), and so on. Youshould also provide your chil-dren with the name of your fi-nancial advisor. And talk to yourparents about their investments.You might think that this couldbe a challenging topic to bringup, but you might be surprised attheir willingness to talk.• Estate planning documents -
Comprehensive estate planningcan involve a variety of legaldocuments, such as a will, a liv-
ing trust, power of attorney, etc.If you have already created thesedocuments, you need to shareboth their location and their in-tent with your grown children,who will be active players in car-rying out your estate plans. Thesame is true with your elderlyparents - try to encourage themto share all their estate-planningdocuments with you, especiallyif they will be counting on youfor their care. • Names of professional advi-
sors - As you put together yourestate plans, you will likely needto work with a team of financial,tax and legal advisors. Makesure your grown children knowthe names of these professionalsand how to contact them. Simi-larly, seek the same informationfrom your parents. • Wishes for future living
arrangements - It’s certainly pos-sible that you will be able to liveindependently your whole life.On the other hand, you mayeventually need some type oflong-term care, such as that pro-vided in a nursing home or an as-sisted-living residence. Let yourchildren know what your feel-ings are about such a possibility,and what preparations you havemade. And try to elicit the sameinformation from your own par-ents.• Funeral or burial instruc-
tions - Admittedly, you can prob-ably find topics that are morepleasant to discuss than funeralplans. Yet, if you make your ownburial or cremation plans in ad-
vance, and possibly even prepayfor them, you will be taking atremendous burden off the shoul-ders of your loved ones, whowon’t be forced to make difficultdecisions - or scramble formoney at short notice - during ahighly emotional time in theirlives. Once again, you’ll alsowant to learn about your parents’desires for their final arrange-ments, and what steps they mayhave already taken in this area.By holding a family meeting
about these issues today, you canavoid a lot of stress and misun-derstandings in the future. Sobring out the coffee and cookies- and start talking.
Brent D. Fast is an EdwardJones financial advisor based inBattle Creek. He can be reachedat 269-965-8531.
Brent D. Fast
Financial preparation requires four areas to be looked into
Club seeks Calhoun County studentsThe Calhoun County 4-H
program is offering an opportu-nity for youth in grades 9-12 tolearn about entrepreneurship,and to start his or her own busi-ness. “Entrepreneurs are the driv-
ers for tomorrow’s innovationsand a major source for job cre-ation in communities,” KathyFischer, Calhoun County 4-HProgram coordinator, said.The curriculum is project-
based and student-driven. It willsupport educational standards toprovide rigor, relevance and re-lationship building into all les-sons. “From idea generation, mar-
ket surveys and developing busi-ness and financial plans, all stu-dents benefit from implementingtheir own business ventures,”she added.Math, English, writing and
communication skills are taughtin the curriculum to apply tocore subjects. Whether the busi-ness venture is a one-day event
or continues after five years, theentrepreneurial mindset is estab-lished. From lawn mowing, product
creation, community gardening,creating green and/or recycledproducts, youth are empoweredand challenged to think creative-ly. As an entrepreneur, the
skills equip youth to bettercompete and contribute intoday’s global economy.Teaching entrepreneurship ed-ucation utilizing an experien-tial learning style provides apipeline to entrepreneurshipeducational opportunities atpost-secondary levels, shenoted. “Youth will pursue their cho-
sen career pathway with an en-trepreneurial spirit,” she re-marked of the program’s out-come. The program will be held in
Marshall at the Eaton TrainingCenter, 902 West HanoverStreet. The first meeting will be
Wednesday, January 14, from 6-8 p.m. At the end of the program,each youth will have developeda business from start to finish(making money). They learnhow to create the business, mar-ket the business and track theirprogress and make changes asnecessary. Those who participate do not
need to be a current member of4-H, but will become a memberthrough the program. This willallow them all of the other bene-fits of being a 4-H member in-cluding other programs, scholar-ships and a year full of learningand fun. To participate in the 4-H En-
trepreneurship Club, call 269-781-0784 to register by January9. Michigan State University
4-H Youth Development isavailable to all youth ages 5-19.For more information on theCalhoun County 4-H Program,contact MSU Extension officeat 269-781-0784.
Homer Community Schools
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MMAABBAA rreemmiinnddss ffaarrmmeerrss ttoo ttaakkee sstteeppss aaggaaiinnsstt ggrraaiinn eenngguullffmmeennttThe Michigan Agri-Business
Association (MABA) recentlyreminded farmers and grain han-dlers across Michigan to takeproactive steps to prevent grainengulfment, a danger that’s pro-jected to be especially commonthis season due to high cropmoisture levels and challengeswith grain put in bins for stor-age. MABA will focus on grainhandling safety throughout2015, including a special sessionon the issue during the associa-tion’s Winter Conference, Janu-ary 12-14 in Lansing. Suffocation in grain bins, or
engulfment, is an all-too-com-mon problem that’s often causedby entering grain bins that havehardened at the top, or “walkingdown the grain” without propersafety equipment and trained ob-servers on hand. Flowing graincan engulf a worker in just a fewseconds. Dr. Bill Field, a PurdueUniversity researcher who tracksgrain bin entrapment, projectedthis fall that 2014 would see themost grain bin deaths since 2010
- another year that followed awet harvest. Those handlinggrain should be vigilant through-out the coming year as well, witha focus on maintaining grainquality, which will likely provedifficult. Grain that flows todaywill have ample opportunity toharden in the coming months.Farmers should be proactive inprotecting grain quality and beespecially cautious when qualitybegins to decline.“Grain engulfment has al-
ways been an issue, and we needto be more careful than ever thisyear as high moisture and thegeneral quality of corn this yearwill lead to bridging in grainbins,” said MABA president JimByrum. “Those who handlegrain will encounter this prob-lem more often this year becauseof the quality of grain put in stor-age, and unfortunately, they’realso going to be busy movingnear-record amounts of grain.Working in a grain bin is never atime to rush. We’re remindingeveryone to take time for plan-
ning, work with someone else inthe bin, and always use a safetyharness.”MABA promotes these best
management practices whenhandling grain:1. Stay out of grain bins if at
all possible.2. Never enter a grain bin
alone, always have a “spotter”outside the bin who monitorswhat is going on inside the struc-ture.3. Never enter a bin without
proper training.4. Use an oxygen meter to
test air quality and oxygen avail-ability before entering bins.5. Follow proper entry permit
requirements, including using aharness and lifeline.6. Before entering, shut down
all powered grain moving equip-ment and follow lockout/tag pro-cedures.7. Secure a lifeline to anyone
working in a grain bin.8. Always be prepared and
know how to contact rescue-trained personnel.
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Have a story idea?Call us at 517-568-4646, or email
Music school offers choir opportunitiesschool responsibilities fromScott and give it to Geoff.”“It’s important for the ele-
mentary school to have a full-time person down there,” saidScott Salow. “Having Geoffthere will provide that stability.”Tompkins expects all the
changes to remain in effect untilthe end of the school year.“The board believes this
maximizes our resources basedon what’s left of our administra-
tive staff,” Tompkins said. “Weare fortunate to have such a vet-eran, talented group of adminis-trators. I feel we are in goodhands as we go through this tran-sition period.”“The big reason why I want
to help is to provide continuity,”said Tom Salow.The board has contracted
with the Michigan LeadershipInstitute to conduct the superin-tendent search. The lead personfor MLI is Gary Rider. Watchnext week’s Index for more de-tails on the time table for thesearch, including opportunitiesfor community input.
HCSContinued from page 1
Scott Salow
CONFUSED BYHEALTH CARE?We Can Help!
www.itdoesntcostmoretohaveanagent.com
or Call Brian Smith at 800-485-1318email: [email protected]
JACK SMITHAGENCY
Cyan Magenta Yellow Black
OObbiittuuaarriieessDDaallee EE.. WWiilllliiss
Dale E. Willis, age 73, ofMarshall, died Tuesday, Decem-ber 16, 2014, at Oaklawn Hospi-tal after a brief illness.Dale was born January 25,
1941, in Marshall, to Frank R.and Donna C. (Masters) Willis.He was raised in Marshall, thesecond oldest of his parents’ eightchildren. Dale attended MarshallSchools and was a member of theMarshall High School graduatingclass of 1961. Dale was a talent-ed athlete, playing football, bas-ketball and baseball for the Mar-shall Redskins.He attended Kellogg Commu-
nity College and played basket-ball for the KCC Bruins. Dalestarted his 31 year career withEaton Corporation in Marshall in1963, using his earnings to helpsupport all of his family. Dale re-tired from Eaton’s in 1994, wherehe was a supervisor in the differ-ential division. But that was only his first re-
tirement. Dale, ever active, thenworked at numerous jobs, includ-ing with his friend Woody Dun-ham at Caleb Dunham Cheese,and for 10 years at the KitchenOutlet Shop, from where he againretired in January of 2014. Dale was married to Connie
Blue in Homer in 1962. Theirmarriage ended in divorce in1995. Dale found love again, and
was married to Jacqueline S.“Jackie” (Heddon) Warsop Janu-ary 26, 2000.He was a loving husband, fa-
ther and grandfather. Dale re-mained very active with his son’sfamilies and loved every minuteof it. The grandchildren got to ex-perience Dale’s legendary senseof humor, with all getting nick-names and adequate teasing! Hewas very proud of all of them. Dale lived all of his life in
Marshall and Homer. He contin-ued with his love of athletics dur-ing his lifetime. He refereed bothhigh school and collegiate bas-ketball games for 25 years, andumpired girl’s softball for eightyears. Dale played softball andbasketball in both Homer andMarshall adult leagues for manyyears. Dale religiously read thesports pages in the newspaperand retained what he read. Hecould tell you who played forwho, when and their stats, ifasked! He enjoyed watching allsports but in particular he likedTiger baseball and MSU sports. He loved to golf, and never
turned down a chance for a golfouting! He played at AlwynDowns in the Moose League andB & E League. He was a memberof Marshall Moose Lodge #676for many years. While living inHomer, he was a member of theHomer United Methodist Churchand had served as a trustee on the
church board. Dale was a mem-ber of the Homer Athletic Boost-ers Club, where he will be re-membered for his design ofunique baseball uniforms for oneseason that his sons Tony andNick wore proudly!Dale is survived by his wife,
Jackie; his sons and daughters-in-law, Tony and Kim Willis andNick and Rebecca Willis, all ofHomer; and Mitchell and AmieWillis of Midland; his sevengrandchildren, Anna, Erin, Joey,Hayden, Devin, Garrett and Sa-vanna Willis; his mother, DonnaC. Willis of Marshall, his sister,Marilyn Hess of East GrandRapids; and six brothers and sis-ters-in-law, Milford and JaniceWillis of Newport News, Vir-ginia, Larry and Betty Willis ofPennfield, Arnold and PatriciaWillis of Lee Lake, Frank D. andBobbi Willis of Paw Paw, Geneand Michele Willis of Coldwater,and Michael and Colleen Willisof Marshall; and many nieces andnephews.Visitation was held at Craig K.
Kempf Family Funeral Homes,Marshall Chapel FRIDAY, De-cember 19, with family will bepresent to greet friends and sharememories. Services celebratingDale’s life were held Saturday,December 20, at 11 a.m. at theMarshall Chapel. Cremation fol-lowed. A post-funeral receptionfollowed in the funeral home’s re-ception hall.Dale’s family would prefer
that people remember him with acontribution to the CorporalChristopher Kelly Willis Founda-tion that provides for children ofveterans who lost their lives orwere disabled serving inAfghanistan or Iraq. This fundwas very special to Dale and all ofhis family, as it was established inhis nephew’s memory after his ac-cidental death. For more informa-tion, visit Willisfoundation.net.To leave a message for the
family and sign the online guestregister, please visit kempffuner-alhome.com.
PPeeoopplleeThe Homer Index
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Page Six
DDaallee WWiilllliiss
JJoohhnn DD.. BBaarrttlleeyy
John D. Bartley, age 64, ofHomer, passed away at BorgessHospital Wednesday, December10, 2014, while in the loving careof his family. John was born September 26,
1950, in Hellier, Kentucky, toRobert and Helen Ruth (Os-borne) Bartley. The familymoved to Clarendon Township in1954, and John has lived on thesame land since then. He was a1968 graduate of Homer HighSchool. After high school graduation,
he was drafted into the U.S.Army, starting a 41-year career ofservice to his country. He servedin Germany and was honorablydischarged from the regularArmy December 20, 1971, andentered service in the U.S. ArmyReserve and Army NationalGuard. In 1985, he was awardedThe Army Achievement Medalfor Meritorious Achievementconsistently exceeding his supe-rior’s expectations, for his moti-vation and technical competence,and espirit de corps while servingas a Sergeant in B Battery, FirstBattalion 119th Field Artillery.He was honorably dischargedfrom the Army National GuardMarch 31, 1995, and retired fromthe U.S. Army September 26,2010. While home on leave, his
brother Randy kept after Johntelling him, “I’ve got the perfectgirl for you!” John overcame hisskepticism of his little brother’schoices and agreed to meet KarenLee Bonogofsky at the HomerGrill. The couple started dating,fell in love and were marriedSeptember 29, 1972, at her par-ent’s home. They have enjoyed aloving and fruitful marriagesince. John worked for over 20 years
as a truck driver for LitchfieldGrain, a job he loved. He particu-larly enjoyed delivering to theAmish, who looked forward tothe box of suckers he carried forthem! He retired in 2010. Prior tothat, he worked at Kelsey-Hayesin Jackson, and Farley Brother’sNursery in Albion. He was a member of
St.Catherine Catholic Church inConcord and their Knights ofColumbus. He enjoyed partici-pating in the K of C Tootsie Rolldrive, and had sent a box of Toot-sie Rolls to his grandson “D,”where he was serving with theMarine Corps! John was a spiritual man who
enjoyed reading the Gospel. Hewas a member of the AmericanLegion. He had volunteered atthe Hillsdale County MedicalCare Facility, where his wife hasworked for several years atChristmas time. He actually hadcome to enjoy taking on the roleof Santa after he grew a beardthat gave him great resemblanceto the jolly fellow! He liked tohand out candy canes to childrenand share the real story of St.
Nicholas with them. He was acharitable and giving man, al-ways remembering Caring andSharing in Homer with a pickuptruck of food at Christmas, andby dropping in to say hi on a reg-ular basis. John enjoyed deer, squirrel
and rabbit hunting. He was a peo-ple person, who loved to teaseand laugh with family andfriends. Regular stops for coffeeand conversation at Gale’s Bar-ber Shop were the norm! Heloved his life as a husband, fatherand grandfather. He gave all ofhis grandchildren a nickname andtheir own special song! Whenfriends and family visited Johnand Karen’s home, they weretreated John’s favorite foods, ashe displayed the “southern hospi-tality” he grew up with. He col-lected old walking sticks, andwould often take one with him asthey were great conversationpieces. He was a hobby farmerand enjoyed Bluegrass music. Surviving are his wife, Karen;
their children Tanya R. Kilgore ofHomer, Peter M. (Amanda) Bart-ley of Hanover and Joel E.(Jaimie) Bartley of Homer; 13grandchildren; his brother, Randy(Debi) Bartley of Springport; sis-ters, Mary Schwark of UnionCity, Dorothy (Ray) Smith ofTekonsha and Dianne Parsons ofBurlington; and many nieces andnephews. He was preceded indeath by his parents.Visitation was held at Craig
K. Kempf Family FuneralHomes, Homer Chapel Monday.Funeral services were held at theHomer Chapel Tuesday, Decem-ber 16, at 10:30 a.m. with deaconKen Snyder officiating. Commit-tal services with military honorswere held at Ft. Custer NationalCemetery at 1 p.m. A fellowshipfollowed at the Kempf FamilyFuneral Homes Homer Chapel’sReception Hall. The family suggests memori-
als be made to Homer’s Caringand Sharing. Assistance with me-morials is available at the funeralhome.To leave family a message
and sign the online guest register,visit kempffuneralhome.com.
JJoohhnn DD.. BBaarrttlleeyy
Friends of The Bohm Theatrewill host the 85th anniversaryand grand opening of The BohmTheatre Saturday from 7-9:30p.m. The evening will feature a
music event, the “Boogie WoogieKid” and a film event - the pre-mier showing of the documentary
of the restoration of the theatre.There will be wine-tasting, pre-sented by Cherry Creek Wineries,and light hors d'oeuvres.The public is welcome to at-
tend, and may purchase ticketsby calling 517-343-2112, or byvisiting www.bohmtheatre.org.Dressy attire is suggested.
Strength of “DIGNITY”People you know
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Call or Visit and Compare811 Finley Drive, Albion, MI 49224
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“DISCOVER THE DIGNITY DIFFERENCE”Michael J. Pomante, General Manager, LFD
CRAIG K. KEMPFFAMILY FUNERAL HOMES
HOMER CHAPEL303 S. Hillsdale Street • 517-568-3030
WWEE WWEELLCCOOMMEE CCOOMMPPAARRIISSOONNOOFF AALLLL KKIINNDDSS
Our reputation, which we have earned overthe past 36 years by ourselves,
is well-known and speaks for itself.
Be cared for by local people, in your owncommunity, who are proud to place their
own name on the sign.-- Craig K. Kempf, Owner and Manager
325 Beck St., Jonesville, MI1-517-849-2144Website: www. brineroil.com
Premium Diesel FuelNo. 2 Diesel FuelEthanol Gasoline
GreasesMotor Oil
Lil’ Pups Preschool& Daycare
Opening January 5th, 2015Hours of operation 6:00 am - 6:00 pmAccepting children ages 6 weeks to 11 years
APPLICATIONSARE BEINGACCEPTEDvia email or printed copies may be dropped off atthe Litchfield Community School Front Office
December 17th, 18th and 19th during school hours
Director – Jennifer Colotti-Yinger(517) 542-0079
Lil’ Pups Preschool & DaycareCell (734) 883-8668
www.facebook.com/[email protected]
Jorden Merrill.• Broiler Contest: Chapter
winner: Maegan Crandall; Chap-ter top nine: Shannon Stemaly,Melodie Roblee, Wyatt Stout,Tyler Nilles, Bo Stemaly,Michelle Roblee, Riley LaFoun-tain and Landis• Discussion Meet: Lexie
Matson, Stout and Hannah Zick.Stout advanced to the finalround, but did not qualify for thestate meet. The Homer FFA Chapter is a
part of the Agriscience and Nat-ural Resources Program atHomer Community Schools.Currently, the chapter has 94FFA members in seventh gradethrough college. Lora Finch isthe agricultural education in-structor and FFA advisor.
Editor’s note: Lizbeth Esque-da is the Homer FFA Chapter re-porter.
FFAContinued from page 2
Boston Lee Blair, 31, ofJonesville, passed away Sunday,December 21, 2014, at his home. He was born June 9, 1983, in
Marshall, Michigan, to BillyBlair and Amber Beattie. Boston graduated from
Jonesville High School in 2001and received a specializedHarley-Davidson mechanic de-gree from Motorcycle Mechan-ics Institute in Phoenix, Arizona.He was employed in the ToolRoom at Tenneco in Litchfield.Boston served his country in theUnited States Marine Corps Re-serve from 2001-2009 duringOperation Iraqi Freedom. Hewas an avid Harley-Davidsonenthusiast who also enjoyedhunting, country music andkaraoke. Boston loved spendingtime with his family and friends,especially his boys. Survivors include the love of
his life for 12 years, CourtneyAmrhein of Jonesville; two sons,Brennen and Branson Blair ofJonesville; mother, Amber Beat-tie and Glenn Timpe of AnnArbor; father, Billy (Becky)Blair of Concord; sister, Amanda(Zach) Hubbard of Hudson; pa-ternal grandparents, Bill and SueBlair of Concord; mother- andfather-in-law, Oralie Jo and GaryAmrhein of Jonesville; two sis-ters-in-law, Laurie (Jeremy)
Knepfler of Jonesville and Bri-anna (Brent) Calligan of Hills-dale; step-grandfather, SteveMorgan of Litchfield; severalextended family members; andhis Blue Angel M.C. Brothers. Boston was preceded in death
by his maternal grandparents. A celebration of life memori-
al visitation for Boston Blair willbe Saturday, December 27, from5-8 p.m. at the VanHorn-EagleFuneral Home in Hillsdale. Memorial donations are sug-
gested to the family. Online con-dolences at www.eaglefuneral-homes.com.
BBoossttoonn LLeeee BBllaaiirr
BBoossttoonn BBllaaiirr
TTyylleerr BBaallll
Tyler Ball, 18, of Homer,died December 20, 2014. Friends may call at Craig K.
Kempf Family Funeral Homes,Homer Chapel Friday from 2-8p.m., with family present from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.Services will be held Satur-
day at 11 a.m. at the HomerChapel. Memorials may be directed to
the family, with checks made outto Melanie Ball. A full obituary will appear in
next week’s Index. www.kempf-funeralhome.com
Bohm Theatre to re-open
Cyan Magenta Yellow Black
AArreeaa NNeewwssThe Homer Index
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Page Seven
THIS DIRECTORY IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THESE BUSINESSES WHO ENCOURAGE ALL OF US TO ATTEND WORSHIP SERVICES
MURPHY OIL CO
FOOD MARTGreat Deli - Open 24 Hours
517-767-474015263 M-60 - Tekonsha
Litchfield Grain Co.113 Stock Street, Litchfield, MI 49252
888-734-0027Frank & Bonnie WaltersFeed - Seed - Grain
KEEP & MARTINSONLUMBER
BUILDING MATERIALSTEKONSHA517-767-4179
HOMERAnchor Baptist ChurchPastor - Brian Walker
252 W. Leigh St. (next to Dairy Delite)517-617-7256
Cook’s Prairie Baptist ChurchPastor - Jerry Noseworthy6020 23 Mile Road, Homer
517-568-3160
Homer Presbyterian ChurchPastor - Tim Marvil309 S. Sophia, Homer
517-568-4852
Homer United Methodist ChurchPastor - Bob Stover101 E. Adams, Homer
517-568-4001
Riverside Baptist ChurchPastor - Jimmy Collins25255 M-60 E., Homer
517-568-4131
TEKONSHAChurch of God, Tekonsha
Pastor - Dale Nye985 N. Main Street, Tekonsha
517-767-4660
First Baptist Church TekonshaPastor - Kim Wilcox
914 N. Main Street, Tekonsha517-767-3155
Union United Church of ChristPastor - Barbara Pryor
Randall & Church, Tekonsha517-767-4199
MARSHALLChristian FellowshipBible Church Marshall
Pastor - Walter H. Nichols Jr.Lower level of Franke CenterMarshall • 517-629-3147
St. Mary’s Catholic ChurchPastor - Rev. Stephen NaasCorner of Green and Eagle
269-781-3949
Lyon LakeUnited Methodist ChurchPastor - Bob Stover
8493 17 Mile Road (Old 27)269-789-0017
Trinity Episcopal ChurchPastor - Rector Mother Anne Schnaare101 E. Mansion • 269-781-7881
Grace Baptist ChurchPastor Brandon Crawford500 Cosmopolitan, Marshall
269-781-3558
ALBIONAlbion Church of ChristPastor - David Lynch1106 Maple St., Albion
517-629-6901
Caring Community ChurchPastor - Steven A. Shafe1015 Irwin Ave., Albion
517-629-6469
First Baptist Church AlbionPastor - Tom Hollowood980 Haven Road, Albion
517-629-2654
Grace Free Will Baptist ChurchPastor - Earl Martin
16680 E. Michigan Ave., Albion517-629-6587
Holy Ascension Orthodox ChurchPriest - Fr. Joshua Frigerio810 Austin Ave., Albion517-629-6345 or517-629-4873
St. John the EvangelistCatholic Church
Pastor - Fr. Carl Peltz1020 Irwin Ave., Albion
517-629-4532
St. Paul Lutheran ChurchPastor - Dennis W. Matyas100 Luther Blvd., Albion
517-629-8379
Esther MinistriesChristian Org. for WomenSecond Saturday of Month,
Noon to 3 p.m.Oak Meadow Community Building
1300 Hillside Road, Albion517-629-6299
PULASKIPulaski
Free Methodist ChurchPastor - Neil Bendixen9971 Miller Road, Pulaski
517-524-6581
CONCORDSt. Catherine LaboureCatholic Church
Priest - Fr. Denis R. Spitzley211 Harmon, Concord
517-524-7578
LITCHFIELDFirst Baptist Church Litchfield
Pastor - Brent StilleAssistant Youth Pastor - Eric Hall6630 Litchfield Road, Litchfield
517-542-3388
Litchfield Congregational ChurchPastor - Mike Murray
203 N. Chicago, Litchfield517-542-3674
Litchfield United MethodistChurch
Pastor - Julie Yoder-Elmore160 Marshall Street, Litchfield
517-542-3366
South Litchfield Baptist Church10100 Sterling Road, LitchfieldPastor Kenneth F. Pierpont
517-542-3165
ECKFORDEast Eckford
Community ChurchCorner of D Drive Southand 22 Mile Road, Eckford
Maple Grove Bible ChurchPastor - Bill Cole
18 1/2 Mile and L Drive South269-781-4932
West Eckford Missionary ChurchPastor - David Nicholls
19697 F Drive South, Marshall269-781-4171
UNION CITYOur Lady of FatimaCatholic Church
Priest - Fr. Brian Stanley8220 M-60, Union City
517-741-7275
QUINCYCalvary Baptist ChurchPastor - Frank Snyder
770 E. Chicago Road, Quincy517-639-4239
Today’s Church of GodPastor - Bishop C. J. Saddler III
13 Berry St., Quincy517-639-9068
QuincyUnited Methodist ChurchPastor - Julie Yoder-Elmore32 W. Chicago St., Quincy
517-639-5035
THE INSURANCEPLACE, INC.
123 E. Main St., Homer • 517-568-4331
200 N. Madison - Marshall, MI 49068269-781-4271
517-568-4651 (from Homer)
OLIN HINKLE AGENCY, LLC.Complete Insurance & Real Estate Service118 Marshall St., Litchfield, MI 49252PH. 517-542-3770 • 517-542-2982
FAX 517-542-3028BECKY ALEXANDER SHERRIE ILES OLIN HINKLECustomer Service Rep. Owner/Agent Agent
J. Kevin TiddFuneral Homes
General Manager - Michael Pomante811 Finley Drive, Albion, MI 49224
517-629-7050208 West Erie Street, Albion, MI 49224
517-629-9155kevintiddfuneralhome.com
PACKAGING MACHINESAND SYSTEMS517-568-4444
TRIANGLEPLUMBING, INC.857-2425 • P.O. Box 54621473 26 Mile Road, Albion
HEATING & COOLING6220 M-99 North, Homer, MI 49245
Homer: 517-568-5522 Albion: 517-629-3599Concord: 517-524-6677 Marshall: 269-789-0399
AREA CHURCH DIRECTORY
The IndexServing the Homer and Litchfield Area
517-568-4646
Would you like to seeyour business listed
here?Call The Index tofind out how.
517-568-4646
Would you like to seeyour business listed
here?Call The Index tofind out how.
517-568-4646
WOLFINGERHARDWARE
PLUMBING - HEATING - COOLING
112 N. Chicago, Litchfield517-542-3281
www.wolfingerhardware.com
Since 1920EagleFuneral Home
George White Chapel220 N. Chicago, LitchfieldJames H. White, Manager
517-542-3098
FAMILY FUNERALHOMES
HOMER CHAPEL517-568-3030
Linda Ryan has received Oaklawn Hos-pital’s annual “Employee of the Year”award.
Ginger Williams, Oaklawn’s Presidentand CEO, announced the award during a hol-iday gathering of hospital employees Tues-day evening.
Ryan, a 1976 graduate of Battle CreekCentral High School and a Battle Creek res-ident, is employed in Oaklawn’s registrationand emergency department.
A 12-year Oaklawn employee, she cameto the hospital after 22 years at the formerBattle Creek Health System, as well as 20years as a senior services instructor at Kel-logg Community College.
“I’m very honored to work here,” a sur-prised Ryan told her fellow employees. “I’mvery honored and very thankful. I’m a littleoverwhelmed.”
Williams said Ryan “alerts staff to anychanges occurring in the waiting room,while remaining calm and assuring to ourpatients and families in crisis.”
On one occasion, Williams related, Ryaneven helped to deliver a baby during anemergency situation.
“That’s going over and above,” Williamssaid.
As recipient of the award, Ryan receiveda dozen red roses, an honorary pin, a mone-tary award and an engraved clock. Her namewill be added to the Employee of the Yearplaque in the hospital’s front lobby.
“Our employees of the year are alwaysfabulous - among fabulous people,”Williams said.
“This year is no exception. This is an em-ployee who always goes above and beyondand always flies under the radar, never draw-
ing attention to herself. But she is alwaysthere for patients and staff. She is a rock anda delight to work with.”
Ryan is the 37th recipient of the honor,which Oaklawn has bestowed since 1978.Last year’s award recipient was Joseph“Joe” Young, an employee in the hospital’spharmacy.
The award announcement was the highpoint of Oaklawn’s annual holiday party foremployees. Employees, family members andOaklawn supporters came together in thehospital lobby, which featured a balloonsculptor, music, refreshments, drawings forprizes, discounts at Schuler’s Restaurant, aswell as holiday-related activities.
Children also could enjoy a private visitwith Santa Claus and an assistant elf, whohad volunteered their time especially for theevent.
Oaklawn top employee named
Ginger Williams (right) bestows Oaklawn Hospital’s Employee of theYear Award on Linda Ryan. (Submitted photo)
Cyan Magenta Yellow Black
AArreeaa NNeewwssThe Homer Index
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Page Eight
ATTENTIONIt has come to my attention that
Rainbow International ofSouth Central Michigan hasportrayed themselves to be
affiliated with me, Rick Nichols,or businesses that I own.There is no affiliation withRainbow nor has there everbeen. Any expression of aconnection either implied orexpressed directly is false.
We’re changing the waywe deliver the news
to fit your busy lifestyle.Now you can read the news anytime, anywhereand on any device. Visit homerindex.comtoday to check out our new digital offerings!
The Index
any accuser who reckoned him-self sinless to cast the first stone.Everyone departed. “I do notcondemn you, either,” Jesus toldthe woman. “Go. From now onsin no more.”Louie wanted nothing of per-
sonal faith and walked out.However, he returned the nextevening - persistent wife! - but
began to exit again during Gra-ham’s invitation to faith.
New LifeSuddenly, Louie recalled his
promise on the raft, If you willsave me, I will serve you forever.He turned to walk toward Gra-ham, and toward a new life offaith.The next day, he began vora-
ciously reading the Bible, dis-covering inner peace and confi-dence in divine love that he be-lieved had preserved him.His marriage was restored.
He told his story nationwide. He
returned to Japan, not to murderthe Bird and his captors but tooffer forgiveness.The Bird refused to meet with
him, so Louie wrote him, sayingin part, “The post-war night-mares caused my life to crumble,but thanks to a confrontationwith God ... I committed my lifeto Christ. Love replaced the hateI had for you. Christ said, ‘For-give your enemies and pray forthem.’ ... I also forgave you andnow would hope that you wouldalso become a Christian.”Delinquent, track star, war
hero, castaway, prisoner, trou-bled veteran, redeemed peace-maker. This movie pays homageto Louie’s incredible story. Go,and be inspired.It is rated PG-13 (USA) “for
war violence including intensesequences of brutality and forbrief language.”
Rusty Wright is an authorand lecturer who has spoken onsix continents. He holds Bache-lor of Science (psychology) andMaster of Theology degreesfrom Duke and Oxford universi-ties, respectively.
UnbrokenContinued from page 4
MMaarryy’’ss FFlloowweerrss && GGiiffttss224 Jonesville Street, Litchfield, MI 49252
517-542-3275Monday-Friday 9-5, Saturday 9-Noon
We have FLOWER ARRANGEMENTSFOR EVERY OCCASION!!
YOUR LOCAL FLORIST FOR 42 YEARSWE DELIVER IN THE LITCHFIELD-HOMER AREA
WE WIRE ANYWHERE
DonationHomer High School seniors Ash-ley Knight, left, and Alivia Riveralast week handed the Rev. TimMarvil a check for $1,800 to usefor Homer Caring and Sharing.Marvil is a volunteer at the pantryrun by the Homer PresbyterianChurch. The fundraiser - a candrive - was a district-wide effort.(Submitted photo)
Spread Christmas cheer, not influenzaby Brigette R. Reichenbaugh Influenza has officially come
to Calhoun County, and reportsare that it is not an enjoyable ex-perience.Symptoms include fever, sore
throat, muscle aches, fatigue,headache and breathing prob-lems. Influenza has been con-firmed in individuals that are sosevere that hospitalization wasrequired while some were able torecover at home, but are missingas many as 5-7 days of work orschool. Most concerning is thatthe Centers for Disease Control(CDC) reports that seven pedi-atric deaths have already oc-curred this flu season.Talk around town is that the
flu vaccine doesn’t even workthis year, so why bother? Whilethe CDC did say that the vaccineeffectiveness didn’t quite hit themark 100 percent for the circu-lating strains, it does providebenefits. Like pebbles on thebeach, there are hundreds of
strains of influenza and, over theyears, they can change ever soslightly. We call this drifting.Unfortunately, these variant In-fluenza type A (H3N2) strainswhich drifted from the H3N2strain that was in this year’s vac-cine is what we are seeing muchof in Calhoun County and acrossthe U.S. However, those affectedwith this flu strain that received aflu vaccine this year are report-ing a shorter length of illness aswell as slightly less severesymptoms than those who werenot vaccinated. Influenza usually peaks in
Michigan around February. Thisleaves a lot of time for more fluvirus sharing including otherstrains that are covered in thevaccine. Those at highest risk ofadverse outcomes of influenzainclude children younger than 5years; adults 65 years and older;pregnant women; and peoplewith chronic health conditionssuch as asthma, diabetes, heart
or lung disease and kidney dis-ease.Calhoun County Public
Health Department recommendscalling a doctor promptly shouldsigns of the flu, especially if youare in the high risk category,begin showing up. While antivi-ral medications will not stop theprogression or infection of in-fluenza, it may help reduce theseverity of the illness.What can you do to protect
getting influenza?If you haven’t gotten vacci-
nated, get vaccinated. It is nottoo late, and supplies are readily
available at many locations in-cluding the Health Departmentat both the Battle Creek and Al-bion locations. Vaccine optionsinclude: quadrivalent (2 Astrains and 2 B strains), HighDose (for those over the age of65) and the flumist (nasal sprayfor ages 2-49 years). Wash your hands - before
you touch your face, mouth,nose, eyes or anything you putinto those areas. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you can-n’t wash your hands, especiallywhen indulging in the platters ofChristmas treats.
Cover your coughs andsneezes and stay away fromother sick people. The flu can bespread by coughing or sneezinginto the air or passing it aroundon objects such as hands, food,doorknobs, etc.Stay home if you are sick.
Don’t spread the flu and otherviruses to those who could havesevere complications from it.Call your doctor for the possibil-ity of antiviral medications ifyou are sick or exposed to some-one with confirmed influenza.Stay healthy and reduce your
stress during the holiday season.
Lack of sleep, poor eating anddrinking habits and stress willimpact your immune systemnegatively, making you less like-ly to fight off any viruses thatyou may be exposed to at holi-day gatherings.For more information, con-
tact the Calhoun County Person-al Health Services Department at269-969-6363 or visit Calhoun-countymi.com/publichealth.
Editor’s note: Brigette R. Re-ichenbaugh is the operationsand development manager atCalhoun County Public HealthDepartment.
Cyan Magenta Yellow Black
SportsThe Homer Index
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Section B
The 2014 Homer High School varsity football squad was the top academic team in the state in Division 7, the first time the Trojans have earned
the honor. A story on the accomplishment may be found on the front page. (Photo courtesy of Floyd Prater and Prater Studios).
Looking smart
by Mike WarnerThe Homer girls varsity bas-
ketball team spent a good part of32 minutes Friday chasing theJonesville Comets in the BigEight Conference opener, only tolose a heartbreaker.
After falling behind by 12points in the second quarter, theTrojans battled to make up thedeficit, and finally did on athree-pointer by Bailey Maniswith :16 left to give the hosts a59-58 lead, their first of thegame.
After a timeout with :11 left,the Comets set up a play fortheir star player Kalie Spencer,who had already put 31 points onthe scoreboard.
The Trojans smotheredSpencer, forcing her to throw awild shot up that didn’t hit eitherthe basket or backboard. It did,however, come down into thehands of Emily Dawson, wholaid the ball over the front of therim with :02 left to break thehearts of the Trojan players andfans.
Homer coach Tom Flemingsaid it was a deflating loss.
“We kept fighting, fightingand fighting until Bailey hit thatclutch shot.We went from a highto a low so quickly.
“I’m not sure we could havedone anything differently at theend. We knew they would go toSpencer, and we forced her totake a real tough shot. We justcouldn’t come up with the ball.It was a tough break.”
The Trojans got off to a slowstart, falling behind 17-10 afterthe first quarter. The deficit bal-looned to 12 in the second peri-od before the hosts trimmed the
margin to eight, 31-23, at the in-termission.
Homer spent the third quarterwhittling the lead down to threeor four points, only to see theComets stretch it back out toseven or eight points.
A Manis steal and layup with3:45 left in the third quarter gotHomer to within 34-33, and theyhad several opportunities to takethe lead, only to fail on each oc-casion.
The third stanza ended withJonesville holding a 39-33 ad-vantage.
The Trojans were down eight,44-36, in the final stanza, but gotbaskets from Manis and KarleyNevins. After a Jonesville freethrow, Megan George hit a tripleto make it 46-45.
The visitors pushed the leadback to six, before Manis hit athree to cut the deficit in half.Breanna McCone split a pair offree throws to make it 54-52, andCourtney Willson converted apair of shots at the charity stripeto tie the game 54-54 with 2:15left.
Jonesville made a pair of bas-kets sandwiched around aHomer bucket, to set the stagefor Manis’ late shot and Daw-son’s game-winner.
Manis finished the contestwith 25 points. Alyssa Boydadded 20 points.
George had six points, Will-son four, and Nevins and Mc-Cone each had two points
Rout - The Trojans openedthe week overwhelming Ver-montville Maple Valley 49-20 intheir home opener.
The hosts scored the first 11points of the game, increased the
margin to 19-2, and claimed a22-2 cushion after the first quar-ter.
The second stanza was muchof the same, as Homer steadilybuilt their advantage, leading 31-4 late in the quarter, before set-tling for a 34-7 halftime advan-tage.
The comfortable lead al-lowed Fleming to substitutefreely. Ten Trojans ended up inthe scoring column, led byBoyd’s 10 points.
“They had a tough time get-ting to half court against ourtrap,” Fleming said. “We had totake it off early in the game, andI think our girls were frustratedbecause they are used to playingvery aggressive defense.
“Even our bench players hada difficult time adjusting to play-ing defense that way,” the coachadded.
Manis finished with ninepoints, seven steals and six re-bounds. Homer had 18 steals onthe game, however, they com-mitted 17 turnovers.
Rounding out the scoringwere Nevins with six points;McCone with five; Willson andGeorge each had four; MichaelaDeigert, Kristin Rafferty andAlex Elliott each had three; andLauren Hamilton added twopoints.
George grabbed six re-bounds.
The Trojans were scheduledto host Jackson Northwest Tues-day, with the varsity contest fol-lowing the noon JV tipoff. Theteam is then off until Tuesday,January 6, when they resumeBig Eight Conference actionwith Athens at 7:30 p.m.
Zakk Manley tries to get the handle on the basketball last week in
Litchfield junior varsity action against Bellevue. (Photo by Mike Warn-
er)
by Mike WarnerThe Homer boys varsity basketball
team found their shooting touch Fridayjust in time to start Big Eight Confer-ence play.
After scoring 44, 41 and 44 points intheir first three games, the Trojans put71 on the scoreboard against Jonesvilleto roll past the Comets 71-56.
The hosts made eight 3-pointers, in-cluding four by senior Tyler George,who had a career-high 20 points.
George connected on three triples inthe second quarter to help give Homer a33-22 lead, then Caleb Drumm addedanother trey, this one from beyond halfcourt as time expired in the first half togive the hosts a 36-22 cushion and all
the momentum.George hit a pair of free throws early
in the third stanza, and Drumm fol-lowed with two buckets to push the ad-vantage to 42-24.
Brock Ridgeway added a bucketlater in the period, which was followedby another George 3-pointer and aDrumm basket, as the margin mush-roomed to 49-26.
The lead eventually reached 25points before the visitors went on arun of their own to slice the deficit to53-40. Grant Richardson hit a latetrey in the quarter to give Homer a 56-41 lead heading into the fourth quar-ter.
The Trojans increased their advan-
tage to 20 midway through the fourthquarter and coasted to the win, to im-prove their record to 2-2.
Coach Jim Huffman was confidenthis team would break out of their early-season shooting struggles.
“I thought once the guys saw a shotfall, they would get it going,” he noted.“We really haven’t shot the ball goodanywhere on the court, so this was niceto see. I hope it is the start of a lot morehigher scoring games.
“I thought Jonesville scrapped hard,we just had too much athleticism forthem, and we were a bigger team. Wegot the ball inside and they had a toughtime stopping us.”
Ridgeway finished with 11 points
and 10 rebounds. Drumm and Georgeeach had seven caroms.
Preston Sherman added sevenpoints, five assists and four steals.
Rounding out the scoring for Homerwere Richardson and Hunter Weeks,each with three points, and Alex Butlerand Dylan Hamilton with two each.
Road loss - Homer fell 55-44 at Bat-tle Creek Pennfield last Tuesday in anon-league contest.
Homer held a slim 15-14 lead afterthe first eight minutes of play, but wentinto the locker room at halftime down27-25.
The game turned in the third quarterwhen the hosts out-pointed the Trojans18-7.
“They came out with one run in thethird quarter and pulled away a bit,”Huffman remarked. “I’m not sure weare a team right now that can come backfrom 10 points down.
“We’re still learning to play togeth-er. I don’t think we will reach our peakuntil late January or early February.”
Ridgeway paced Homer with 11points, Drumm and Sherman each post-ed eight points, while George addedseven. Weeks had four points and But-ler and Jessie Vandybogurt each hadtwo.
The Trojans are off until Monday,January 5, when they host Hanover-Horton at 7:30 p.m. in a non-conferencegame.
Hot shooting Trojans rout Jonesville
Buzzer-beater spoils league opener for Homer girls
Breanna McCone drives past a Jonesville player in Big Eight Conference action Friday for the Homer girls
varsity basketball team. (Photo by Mike Warner)
Bellevue press too much for Litchfield boys to handleby Bill Mullaly
The Litchfield boys varsitybasketball team found the goingrough on the home floor Thurs-day evening down two starterswho were unable to play.
With his two leading scorersunable to go, Terrier head coachDave Tefft knew it would behard to keep up with a fast-mov-ing, full-court pressing BellevueBronco team. The result was aconvincing 65-24 blowout winby the visitors that included themercy rule, running clock theentire fourth quarter.
“We knew the pressure wascoming, and we worked on it allweek, but we couldn’t handleit,” said Tefft, who saw one
bright spot in the team’s setback.“We had a great effort fromJason Marsh.”
Marsh tied a school recordfor steals in a game with eightthefts, tying last year’s eight-steal effort by Colt Tefft in theCamden-Frontier game.
“Jason was just all over thecourt. He took full advantage ofevery opportunity to steal theball,” said Tefft, who noted thesteals record came against astrong team.
“For him to set the markagainst a team like Bellevue thatdoesn’t turn the ball over much,made the feat even more impres-sive. His effort was definitelythe highlight for our team.”
The Terriers fell behind pow-erful SCAA foe Bellevue 9-0 inthe first two minutes of thegame. They quickly battled backto make it 9-4, but the Broncosended the opening quarter up 18-7.
Litchfield turnovers reallyhampered the Terriers in theopening half, as they committed21 miscues with the ball on theirway to 34 turnovers for thegame.
The Broncos lead grew to acommanding 40-14 advantage atintermission, and this one wasover early.
The Terriers also had troublerebounding the basketball, asthey gave up multiple second
and third shots to the Broncos,while only getting one shotthemselves.
“We were out-rebounded justlike the last game,” said Tefft.“In our opening win this year wehad 40 rebounds, but in the twolosses we had less than 25, so weneed to rebound better.”
The Broncos really put theirfoot down in the third quarter torace out to a lead of 61-20, andbefore the third quarter endedthe clock began to run with thehost team down 40 points.
“Bellevue really hurt us fromoutside. They are a good 3-pointshooting team. We changed ourdefense in the final quarter. Ithelped some, and the trapping
led to Jason getting thosesteals,” said Tefft, who noted the
Terriers battled the entire gameand never gave up.
Marsh was the leading scorerwith eight points and four re-bounds to go with his eightsteals.
Josh Murphy and BrendanDyles each scored six points.Elijah Morgan added threepoints, and tacked on eight re-bounds. Nate Sharp added a freethrow.
The Terriers are 1-2 as theyhead to the holiday break. Thenext action will come on Mon-day, January 5, when they travelto Camden-Frontier. The nexthome game will be Thursday,January 8, versus Battle CreekSt. Philip.
Dave Tefft
Cyan Magenta Yellow Black
SportsThe Homer Index
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Page 2B
by Mike WarnerThe Homer girls junior varsi-
ty basketball team ran into astrong Jonesville squad Thurs-day to open Big Eight Confer-ence action, and they dropped a62-47 decision - their first loss ofthe year after four wins.
“We knew going in this wasgoing to be a tough game,” saidTrojan coach Bob Manis. “Weplayed with a lot of energy, wejust didn’t execute early in thegame. We got better as the gamewent along. Jonesville shot theball very well.”
The Comets’ pressure de-fense caused problems forHomer, especially in the firsthalf. The visitors were able tograb a double-digit lead after oneperiod 18-8, and stretched thegap to 35-22 at halftime.
The second half was relative-ly close, but the hosts were neverable to get the deficit under eight
points.Jilli Sitkiewicz paced Homer
with 17 points. Makenzie Van-Meter added eight points, CaseyPassmore had seven, ToreyWinchell six, Jacalyn Hoyt four,Autumn Cole and Karleigh But-ler each had two, and KaylaBryant added a free throw.
The Trojans converted 18-of-34 free throws.
Easy win - Homer had notrouble with Vermontville MapleValley last Tuesday, as they werethe ones to jump out to a quickstart. The hosts led 17-2 after thefirst quarter en route to a com-fortable 51-6 win.
The Trojans held their visi-tors without a point in the secondquarter, as the cushion grew to38-2 at halftime. Maple Valleywas able to add just two points ineach of the last two quarters, andManis was able to empty hisbench early.
“This was one of those gameswhere it is easy to coach,” hesaid. “I’m not sure we got any-thing out of it, but the girls got alot of playing time.”
Eleven Homer players madeit into the scoring column, withPassmore leading the way withnine points.
Sitkiewicz added eightpoints, while Bryant and Butlereach finished with seven points.
Rounding out the scoringwere Winchell with six points;VanMeter with four; JessyO’Dell had three; Cole, AnnaWillis and Raelyn Bussing eachhad two; and Lilly Butler made afree throw.
Homer was 12-of-27 at thecharity stripe.
Homer was scheduled to takea 4-2 record into a home contestTuesday at noon with JacksonNorthwest, their final contest be-fore the holiday break.
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by Bill MullalyThe Litchfield girls varsity
basketball team has opened theseason with a five-game stretchagainst some of the top teams inthe area.
The rugged schedule ofgames continued Friday whenthe Terriers fell to Camden-Frontier 57-8 on the home floor.Three nights earlier at home, theTerriers lost to Climax-Scotts56-19.
“There is no quit in thesegirls; the effort is always there,”said coach Bill O’Dell. “We arelacking in experience. We areusing three freshmen as keyplayers. Add in the fact that weare playing some of the toughestteams in our conference right outof the gate to start the season,and it makes things even moredifficult.”
The Terriers sit at 0-5 overallon the season; 0-4 in the SCAAand 0-1 in the SCAA Blue Divi-sion.
Redskin rout - The Camden-Frontier squad jumped all overthe Terriers, to lead 22-2 afterthe first period.
By halftime the Redskin ledreached 39-6.
“We couldn’t handle theirpressure defense, which led toplenty of difficulty for us in run-ning our offense,” said O’Dell.
The scoring slowed in thethird quarter, as Camden addedjust eight points, while the Terri-ers failed to score at all, making
it 47-6 after three quarters of ac-tion.
C-F added 10 points in thelast frame, and the Terriersscored two to end the gameunder a running clock situation.
“I have got to credit Camden-Frontier as they didn’t try to runup the score,” said O’Dell.“They ran their offense andslowed the game down and tookoff their pressure defense. Notall of our opponents have beenso kind, but the way Camden-Frontier played us was good tosee.”
Four Terriers scored, as LizHelgesen, Brittany Frick, OliviaLewis and Hayley Jones eachhad two points.
The Terriers were 0-2 at thefoul line and C-F hit 11-of-24.
Frick led the rebounders withthree, while Kailey Gamble hadfour steals.
“Hayley was really held incheck by their defense, as theywere determined to keep a closeeye on her,” said O’Dell abouthis top scorer. “Our girls hustledand worked hard. We did turnthe ball over a bit more than Iwould like to see, but overall wejust faced a much better team.Camden-Frontier was the bestteam we have played this sea-son.”
Panther pounding - TheTerriers hung close for the firstquarter, down just 15-7 after thefirst eight minutes.
A 19-2 edge in period two
propelled the Climax-Scotts unitto a lead of 34-9 at intermission.An advantage of 16-5 in the thirdquarter put the Terriers in a 50-14 hole.
One positive was that C-Snever reached the 40-pointmercy rule running clock sce-nario, as the Terriers added fivepoints in the last quarter to justsix for C-S.
“They never really let up onus, and had some starters in therefor most all of the game, but thatis the way it goes sometimes,”said a philosophical O’Dellabout the lopsided loss in theTerrier’s home opener.
Jones led the Terrier scoringwith 11 points, including onethree-point shot.
Frick scored four points,while Lewis drained a 3-pointer,and Taryn Richards made a foulshot.
Litchfield converted three-of-eight free throws.
Richards had five rebounds,while Jones had the team’s loneassist. Jones and Frick each hada steal.
“We just are kind of stagnantat times on offense. We don’t runthe offense the way we do inpractice, so getting the shots wewant is not happening oftenenough,” said O’Dell.
After a two-week break fromcompetition, the Terriers hit thefloor on Tuesday, January 6, atBattle Creek St. Philip.
Litchfield’s Kailey Gamble streaks past Climax-Scotts’ Evelyn Lamb in SCAA action last week. (Photo by
Kelly Gampel)
Offensive woes continueto plague Litchfield girls
Bailey Manis posted 25 points and a late 3-pointer that gave Homer the lead over Jonesville Friday, but
the Trojans fell when the Comets converted a basket in the game’s final moments. (Photo by Mike Warn-
er)
Homer JV girls drop first game
Litchfield’s Taryn Richards tries to get by a Climax-Scotts player in varsity action last week. (Photo by Kelly
Gampel)
Cyan Magenta Yellow Black
SportsThe Homer Index
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Page 3B
by Mike WarnerWith their shots not falling,
the Homer boys junior varsitybasketball team had to turn tohustle and solid defense Thurs-day to ensure they would startthe Big Eight Conference slatewith a win.
The Trojans held the visitingJonesville Comets to 27 points,as the hosts prevailed 37-27.
Homer led 9-5 after one peri-od and 19-16 at halftime. Thethird quarter proved especiallychallenging for both offenses, asthe host Trojans scored just fourpoints, but increased their lead,as the Comets managed just onebasket in the stanza.
Leading 23-18 starting thefourth quarter, the Trojansscored the first four points of theperiod to increase their advan-tage to 30-20.
A pair of Caden Konkle bas-kets, sandwiched around a freethrow from Cody Drumm Turn-er, made it 35-24 with 1:15 left,to safely secure the win.
Homer enjoyed a 30-17 ad-vantage on the boards, as theycapitalized on getting multipleshot opportunities, which helpedcompensate for the poor shoot-ing.
Homer also created 18 stealsto limit the Comets’ scoringchances.
“It was another one of thesegames where we had great effort,we just didn’t finish offensively,”said coach Frank SanGregory.
“We did a great job of jump-ing passing lanes on defense,creating steals,” he added. “I’lltake 18 steals any day.”
The coach believes the of-fense will be fine by the end ofthe year.
“I’m looking forward to theholiday break,” SanGregorysaid. “We really need the prac-tice time. With this many play-ers, it takes a little longer to geteverything in.”
Seth Spence paced the Tro-jans with 10 points and seven re-
bounds.Jordan Sherman added five
points. Caleb Chamberlain andKonkle each finished with fourpoints, with the former grabbingsix boards.
Turner, Bryce Bender andZane Fleming each had a trio ofpoints, while Joe Roth andLogan Sizemore each had two,and Jeremy Hall added a freethrow.
Road loss - Homer traveledto Battle Creek Pennfield lastTuesday and fell 53-43.
The Trojans dug a big holeearly, falling behind 16-5 afterthe first quarter. They were ableto narrow the gap to 26-20 at theintermission, but the hosts usedan 18-10 scoring advantage inthe third stanza to pull away.
“The guys coming off thebench in the second quarter did agreat job keeping us in thegame,” the Trojan coach noted.“Pennfield has a good team, withgood ball handlers. We stayedwith them, we just couldn’t everget even.”
Homer trailed by six with1:42 left and were at the free-throw line with an opportunity tocut the gap to four, but came upempty.
“Who knows what mighthave happened if we convertthere,” SanGregory said. “Theyjust made a couple more playsthan we did.”
Turner’s eight points led theTrojans. Konkle added six pointsand Bender and Sherman eachhad five.
Rounding out the scoring forthe Trojans were Peyton Schrad-er and Fleming each with fourpoints, Roth and Hall each withthree, Chamberlain and Spencewith two each and Kyle Klepperwith a free throw.
Homer takes a 2-2 overallmark, and a 1-0 Big Eightrecord, into the holiday break.They are off until Monday, Janu-ary 5, when the host Hanover-Horton at 6 p.m.
The Homer wrestling team held their first home match - and Big Eight Conference contest - last week when Jonesville visited. Above, Austin
Yeakey controls a Comet wrestler, while Bryton Warrens tried to escape the grasp of an opponent, below. Homer fell 40-30 in the meet. (Pho-
tos by Kelly Gampel)
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by Bill MullalyThe Litchfield boys junior
varsity basketball team had trou-ble putting the ball in the basketThursday evening against Belle-vue on the home floor, and theresult was a 42-3 loss.
“We are not a team that canscore a lot of points. We struggleto get the ball in the basket,” saidcoach Wayne Gamble. “We aregoing to really have to focus onthe fundamentals and go back towork on the basics, especiallyshooting the ball.”
Belleuve jumped out ahead27-0 after the first period of ac-tion. A swarming and pressingdefense was too much for theTerriers to handle, and just get-ting the ball down the floor to geta shot was the major challengefor the out-manned Terriers.
The halftime score balloonedto 31-2, as the lone Terrier bas-ket came from Michael Gamble.“We have some size with two bigguys, but we can’t get them theball consistently to get some de-cent shots,” said Gamble.
The Broncos stayed out infront, leading 37-3 after three pe-
riods, as the lone Terrier pointwas a free throw by Gamble.
The final quarter saw Belle-vue add on five points to zero forthe Terriers.
Rebounding was one brightspot, according to coach Gam-ble. Braden Baldridge led theway with nine boards, whileGamble and Kody Cares eachhad five boards.
Cavan McConnell addedthree rebounds.
For the game, the Terrierswere one-of-six at the foul line,while Bellevue was six-of-11.
“We will go to back to workand stress the basics, and try tokeep improving,” said Gamble.“We knew going into this seasonit would be a rebuilding year, sowe are a work in progress.”
Up next after the holidaybreak will be a game versusCamden-Frontier on the roadMonday, January 5. The firsthome game to begin the new cal-endar year will be Thursday, Jan-uary 8, as the Fighting Tigers ofBattle Creek St. Phil come toLitchfield. The Terriers are 0-2on the season.
Tough defensehelps HomerJVs post win
Terrier JVs struggle in loss
Index classifieds work!
area graduates playing college athletics
NamE high school/class collEgE sport class/Eligibility
Alex White Homer/2014 Kalamazoo College Football Freshman/Freshman
Alexis Salow Homer/2013 Spring Arbor University Softball Sophomore/Sophomore
Kasey Renshaw Litchfield/2012 Siena Heights University Track Junior/Junior
Ridge Tefft Litchfield/2012 Kuyper College Basketball Junior/Junior
Robbie Johnson Homer/2014 Olivet College Football Freshman/Freshman
Mallorie Konkle Homer/2013 Jackson College Softball Sophomore/Sophomore
Stephen Sykes Litchfield/2013 University of Michigan Track Junior/Sophomore
Destiny Carr Litchfield/2014 Spring Arbor University Track Freshman/Freshman
Molly Renfroe Homer/2013 Olivet College Softball Sophomore/Sophomore
Stephanie Osborn Homer/2013 Huntington University BB/Softball Sophomore/Sophomore
Kyle Winchell Homer/2014 Albion College Football Freshman/Freshman
Devon Conley Litchfield/2014 Kalamazoo Valley J.C. Basketball Freshman/Freshman
Kelsey Konkol Homer/2014 Kellogg Community College Softball Freshman/Freshman
Mallory Ray Homer/2014 Kellogg Community College Softball Freshman/Freshman
Matt Butler Homer/2014 Jackson College Baseball Freshman/Freshman
Amanda Reagle Homer/2014 Hillsdale College Cross Country Freshman/Freshman
Alexis Mestdagh Homer/2013 Jackson College Basketball Sophomore/Sophomore
Chaz Hopkins Homer/2014 Albion College Football Freshman/Freshman
Tyler Prater Homer/2013 Trine University Wrestling Sophomore/Sophomore
LLeeggaall NNoottiicceessPage 4B
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
The Homer Index
Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure SaleTHIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR
ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT.ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILLBE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE ATTHE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE INACTIVE MILITARY DUTY.
ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale maybe rescinded by the foreclosing mort-gagee. In that event, your damages, ifany, shall be limited solely to the returnof the bid amount tendered at sale, plusinterest.
MORTGAGE SALE - Default has beenmade in the conditions of a mortgagemade by Ryan M. Ferris, Husband andWife, Jamie L. Ferris, original mort-gagor(s), to Mortgage ElectronicRegistration Systems, Inc., Mortgagee,dated April 5, 2007, and recorded on April11, 2007 in Liber 3257 on Page 339, andassigned by said Mortgagee to SunTrustMortgage, Inc. as assignee as document-ed by an assignment, in Calhoun countyrecords, Michigan, on which mortgagethere is claimed to be due at the datehereof the sum of Seventy-EightThousand Two Hundred Ninety-Nine and97/100 Dollars ($78,299.97).
Under the power of sale contained insaid mortgage and the statute in suchcase made and provided, notice is herebygiven that said mortgage will be foreclosedby a sale of the mortgaged premises, orsome part of them, at public vendue, at theplace of holding the circuit court withinCalhoun County, at 10:00 AM, on January8, 2015.
Said premises are situated in City ofBattle Creek, Calhoun County, Michigan,and are described as: Commencing on theSoutherly line of Emmett Street 49 1/2 feetWesterly from where said Emmett Streetstrikes the Easterly limits of the City ofBattle Creek (in Section 5, Town 2 South,Range 7 West, Township of Emmett,Calhoun County, Michigan) thenceWesterly on said Southerly line of saidEmmett Street 92 feet; thence Southerlyon a line parallel with Easterly line of saidCity limits (same being the quarter Sectionline) 13 rods; thence Easterly parallel withsaid Southerly line of Emmett Street 92feet; thence Northerly on a line parallelwith the Easterly line of said City limits, 13rods to the place of beginning.
The redemption period shall be 6months from the date of such sale, unlessdetermined abandoned in accordancewith MCLA 600.3241a, in which case theredemption period shall be 30 days fromthe date of such sale.
If the property is sold at foreclosure saleunder Chapter 32 of the RevisedJudicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL600.3278 the borrower will be heldresponsible to the person who buys theproperty at the mortgage foreclosure saleor to the mortgage holder for damagingthe property during the redemption period.Dated: December 3, 2014For more information, please call:FC X (248) 593-1302Trott & Trott, P.C.Attorneys For Servicer31440 Northwestern Hwy Ste 200Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-5422File #446918F01
(12-03)(12-24)
Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure SaleTHIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR
ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT.ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILLBE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE ATTHE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE INACTIVE MILITARY DUTY.
ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale maybe rescinded by the foreclosing mort-gagee. In that event, your damages, ifany, shall be limited solely to the returnof the bid amount tendered at sale, plusinterest.
MORTGAGE SALE - Default has beenmade in the conditions of a mortgagemade by Brenda A Mayaka fka BrendaBuchanan, a married woman, joined byWilfred Mayaka, her husband, originalmortgagor(s), to Mortgage ElectronicRegistration Systems, Inc., Mortgagee,dated October 4, 2007, and recorded onOctober 22, 2007 in Liber 3319 on Page859, and assigned by said Mortgagee toWells Fargo Bank, N.A. as assignee asdocumented by an assignment, inCalhoun county records, Michigan, onwhich mortgage there is claimed to be dueat the date hereof the sum of EightyThousand Eight Hundred Seventeen and53/100 Dollars ($80,817.53).
Under the power of sale contained insaid mortgage and the statute in suchcase made and provided, notice is herebygiven that said mortgage will be foreclosedby a sale of the mortgaged premises, orsome part of them, at public vendue, at theplace of holding the circuit court withinCalhoun County, at 10:00 AM, on January8, 2015.
Said premises are situated in CharterTownship of Bedford, Calhoun County,Michigan, and are described as: Lot 15 ofOrchard Park No. 2, according to the platthereof as recorded in the Office of theRegister of Deeds for Calhoun County,Michigan in Liber 11 of Plats, Page 11
The redemption period shall be 6months from the date of such sale, unlessdetermined abandoned in accordancewith MCLA 600.3241a, in which case theredemption period shall be 30 days fromthe date of such sale.
If the property is sold at foreclosure saleunder Chapter 32 of the RevisedJudicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL600.3278 the borrower will be heldresponsible to the person who buys theproperty at the mortgage foreclosure saleor to the mortgage holder for damagingthe property during the redemption period.Dated: December 3, 2014For more information, please call:FC D (248) 593-1309Trott & Trott, P.C.Attorneys For Servicer31440 Northwestern Hwy Ste 200Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-5422File #446451F01
(12-03)(12-24)
Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure SaleTHIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR
ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT.ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILLBE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE ATTHE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE INACTIVE MILITARY DUTY.
ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale maybe rescinded by the foreclosing mort-gagee. In that event, your damages, ifany, shall be limited solely to the returnof the bid amount tendered at sale, plusinterest.
MORTGAGE SALE - Default has beenmade in the conditions of a mortgagemade by Trena Rothwell, original mort-gagor(s), to Mortgage ElectronicRegistration Systems, Inc., Mortgagee,dated May 25, 2006, and recorded onJune 2, 2006 in Liber 3147 on Page 133,and assigned by said Mortgagee to WellsFargo Bank, N.A. as assignee as docu-mented by an assignment, in Calhouncounty records, Michigan, on which mort-gage there is claimed to be due at the datehereof the sum of Eighty-One ThousandSix Hundred Thirty and 17/100 Dollars($81,630.17).
Under the power of sale contained insaid mortgage and the statute in suchcase made and provided, notice is herebygiven that said mortgage will be foreclosedby a sale of the mortgaged premises, orsome part of them, at public vendue, at theplace of holding the circuit court withinCalhoun County, at 10:00 AM, on January8, 2015.
Said premises are situated in City ofSpringfield, Calhoun County, Michigan,and are described as: Lot No. 268 ofSpringfield Annex, according to the Platthereof recorded in Liber 7 of Plats onPage 8 in the Office of the Register ofDeeds for Calhoun County, Michigan.
The redemption period shall be 6months from the date of such sale, unlessdetermined abandoned in accordancewith MCLA 600.3241a, in which case theredemption period shall be 30 days fromthe date of such sale.
If the property is sold at foreclosure saleunder Chapter 32 of the RevisedJudicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL600.3278 the borrower will be heldresponsible to the person who buys theproperty at the mortgage foreclosure saleor to the mortgage holder for damagingthe property during the redemption period.Dated: December 3, 2014For more information, please call:FC D (248) 593-1309Trott & Trott, P.C.Attorneys For Servicer31440 Northwestern Hwy Ste 200Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-5422File #401129F02
(12-03)(12-24)
Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure SaleTHIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR
ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT.ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILLBE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE ATTHE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE INACTIVE MILITARY DUTY.
ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale maybe rescinded by the foreclosing mort-gagee. In that event, your damages, ifany, shall be limited solely to the returnof the bid amount tendered at sale, plusinterest.
MORTGAGE SALE - Default has beenmade in the conditions of a mortgagemade by Michael L. Larson and Cathy E.Larson, husband and wife, original mort-gagor(s), to Mortgage ElectronicRegistration Systems, Inc., as nominee forQuicken Loans Inc., its successors andassigns, Mortgagee, dated August 2,2005, and recorded on September 19,2005 in Liber 3041 on Page 873, andmodified by agreement dated March 1,2013, and recorded on March 26, 2013 inLiber 3785 on Page 1, and assigned bysaid Mortgagee to Ally Bank as assigneeas documented by an assignment, inCalhoun county records, Michigan, onwhich mortgage there is claimed to be dueat the date hereof the sum of OneHundred Fifty-Four Thousand OneHundred Forty-Six and 84/100 Dollars($154,146.84).
Under the power of sale contained insaid mortgage and the statute in suchcase made and provided, notice is herebygiven that said mortgage will be foreclosedby a sale of the mortgaged premises, orsome part of them, at public vendue, at theplace of holding the circuit court withinCalhoun County, at 10:00 AM, on January8, 2015.
Said premises are situated in City ofBattle Creek, Calhoun County, Michigan,and are described as: Lot No. 3 of BeaverPlace, according to the Plat thereofrecorded in Liber 16 of Plats on page 11,in the Office of the Register of Deeds forCalhoun County, Michigan. Also beginningat the Northwest corner of the Plat ofBeaver Place, in Section 24, Town 2South, Range 8 West, as recorded in theOffice of the Register of Deeds forCalhoun County, Michigan, in Liber 16 ofplats on page 1; thence South 20 degrees40 minutes West, 85.00 feet; thence South90.00 feet; thence South 38 degrees 40minutes 33 seconds East, 48.00 feet tothe, Southwest corner of said Lot 3;thence North along the West line of saidLot 3, a distance of 207.00 feet to theplace of beginning.
The redemption period shall be 6months from the date of such sale, unlessdetermined abandoned in accordancewith MCLA 600.3241a, in which case theredemption period shall be 30 days fromthe date of such sale.
If the property is sold at foreclosure saleunder Chapter 32 of the RevisedJudicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL600.3278 the borrower will be heldresponsible to the person who buys theproperty at the mortgage foreclosure saleor to the mortgage holder for damagingthe property during the redemption period.Dated: December 3, 2014For more information, please call:FC J (248) 593-1311Trott & Trott, P.C.Attorneys For Servicer31440 Northwestern Hwy Ste 200Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-5422File #438144F02
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Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure SaleTHIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR
ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT.ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILLBE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE ATTHE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE INACTIVE MILITARY DUTY.
ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale maybe rescinded by the foreclosing mort-gagee. In that event, your damages, ifany, shall be limited solely to the returnof the bid amount tendered at sale, plusinterest.
MORTGAGE SALE - Default has beenmade in the conditions of a mortgagemade by Randy L. Hartlerode and SarahL. Hartlerode, Husband and Wife, originalmortgagor(s), to Mortgage ElectronicRegistration Systems, Inc., Mortgagee,dated February 9, 2007, and recorded onFebruary 22, 2007 in Liber 3240 on Page871, and assigned by mesne assignmentsto Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as Trustee forthe Certificateholders of Mastr Asset-Backed Securities Trust 2007-NCW,Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates,Series 2007-NCW as assignee as docu-mented by an assignment, in Calhouncounty records, Michigan, on which mort-gage there is claimed to be due at the datehereof the sum of Six Hundred Thirty-SixThousand Two Hundred Seventy-Five and76/100 Dollars ($636,275.76).
Under the power of sale contained insaid mortgage and the statute in suchcase made and provided, notice is herebygiven that said mortgage will be foreclosedby a sale of the mortgaged premises, orsome part of them, at public vendue, at theplace of holding the circuit court withinCalhoun County, at 10:00 AM, on January8, 2015.
Said premises are situated in Townshipof Newton, Calhoun County, Michigan,and are described as: A parcel of landlocated in the Northeast 1/4 of Section 13,Town 3 South, Range 8 West, Township ofLeroy and the Northwest 1/4 of Section 18,Town 3 South, Range 7 West, Township ofNewton, Calhoun County, Michigan, fur-ther described as: Commencing at theNortheast corner of Section 13, Town 3South, Range 8 West; thence along theEast line of said Section 13, South 02degrees 18 minutes 45 seconds East1920.32 feet, to the point of beginning;thence North 90 degrees 00 minutes 00seconds East 544.92 feet; thence South00 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds East340.00 feet; thence South 90 degrees 00minutes 00 seconds West 437.38 feet tothe centerline of 6 Mile Road, thencealong said centerline, North 38 degrees 30minutes 00 seconds West 255.99 feet;thence Northerly 162.78 feet along saidcenterline and the arc of a curve to theright with a radius of 590.54 feet, a centralangle of 15 degrees 47 minutes 35 sec-onds and a chord which bears North 30degrees 36 minutes 12 seconds West,162.26 feet; thence North 90 degrees 00minutes 00 seconds East 134.42 feet, tothe point of beginning.
The redemption period shall be 6months from the date of such sale, unlessdetermined abandoned in accordancewith MCLA 600.3241a, in which case theredemption period shall be 30 days fromthe date of such sale.
If the property is sold at foreclosure saleunder Chapter 32 of the RevisedJudicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL600.3278 the borrower will be held
responsible to the person who buys theproperty at the mortgage foreclosure saleor to the mortgage holder for damagingthe property during the redemption period.Dated: December 3, 2014For more information, please call:FC J (248) 593-1311Trott & Trott, P.C.Attorneys For Servicer31440 Northwestern Hwy Ste 200Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-5422File #387726F02
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Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure SaleTHIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR
ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT.ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILLBE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE ATTHE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE INACTIVE MILITARY DUTY.
ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale maybe rescinded by the foreclosing mort-gagee. In that event, your damages, ifany, shall be limited solely to the returnof the bid amount tendered at sale, plusinterest.
MORTGAGE SALE - Default has beenmade in the conditions of a mortgagemade by Clayton H. Holt and Sarah K.Holt, husband and wife, original mort-gagor(s), to Mortgage ElectronicRegistration Systems, Inc., Mortgagee,dated April 25, 2007, and recorded on May2, 2007 in Liber 3266 on Page 551, andmodified by agreement dated December16, 2013, and recorded on September 15,2014 in Liber 3907 on Page 303, andassigned by said Mortgagee to WellsFargo Bank, NA as assignee as docu-mented by an assignment, in Calhouncounty records, Michigan, on which mort-gage there is claimed to be due at the datehereof the sum of Eighty Thousand FiveHundred Thirteen and 14/100 Dollars($80,513.14).
Under the power of sale contained insaid mortgage and the statute in suchcase made and provided, notice is herebygiven that said mortgage will be foreclosedby a sale of the mortgaged premises, orsome part of them, at public vendue, at theplace of holding the circuit court withinCalhoun County, at 10:00 AM, on January8, 2015.
Said premises are situated in City ofBattle Creek, Calhoun County, Michigan,and are described as: Lot 23 and theSouth 22 feet of Lot 24, Assessor's Plat ofClearview, according to the recorded platthereof, as recorded in Liber 9 of Plats,Page 42
The redemption period shall be 6months from the date of such sale, unlessdetermined abandoned in accordancewith MCLA 600.3241a, in which case theredemption period shall be 30 days fromthe date of such sale.
If the property is sold at foreclosure saleunder Chapter 32 of the RevisedJudicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL600.3278 the borrower will be heldresponsible to the person who buys theproperty at the mortgage foreclosure saleor to the mortgage holder for damagingthe property during the redemption period.Dated: December 3, 2014For more information, please call:FC D (248) 593-1309Trott & Trott, P.C.Attorneys For Servicer31440 Northwestern Hwy Ste 200Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-5422File #396346F02
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Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure SaleTHIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR
ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT.ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILLBE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE ATTHE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE INACTIVE MILITARY DUTY.
ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale maybe rescinded by the foreclosing mort-gagee. In that event, your damages, ifany, shall be limited solely to the returnof the bid amount tendered at sale, plusinterest.
MORTGAGE SALE - Default has beenmade in the conditions of a mortgagemade by John A Robilliard, a married per-son and Susan E Robilliard, a married per-son, original mortgagor(s), to CendantMortgage Corporation, Mortgagee, datedSeptember 3, 1999, and recorded onSeptember 15, 1999 in Liber 2161 onPage 272, and modified by agreementdated August 24, 2007, and recorded onOctober 2, 2007 in Liber 3313 on Page839, and assigned by said Mortgagee toMidFirst Bank as assignee as documentedby an assignment, in Calhoun countyrecords, Michigan, on which mortgagethere is claimed to be due at the datehereof the sum of Seventy-Two ThousandThree Hundred Sixty-Four and 95/100Dollars ($72,364.95).
Under the power of sale contained insaid mortgage and the statute in suchcase made and provided, notice is herebygiven that said mortgage will be foreclosedby a sale of the mortgaged premises, orsome part of them, at public vendue, at theplace of holding the circuit court withinCalhoun County, at 10:00 AM, on January8, 2015.
Said premises are situated in Townshipof Sheridan, Calhoun County, Michigan,and are described as: The North 1/2 of theSouth 1/8 of the Southwest 1/4 of theSouthwest 1/4 of Section 25, Town 2South, Range 4 West, Township ofSheridan, Calhoun County, Michigan
The redemption period shall be 6months from the date of such sale, unlessdetermined abandoned in accordancewith MCLA 600.3241a, in which case theredemption period shall be 30 days fromthe date of such sale.
If the property is sold at foreclosure saleunder Chapter 32 of the RevisedJudicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL600.3278 the borrower will be heldresponsible to the person who buys theproperty at the mortgage foreclosure saleor to the mortgage holder for damagingthe property during the redemption period.Dated: December 3, 2014For more information, please call:FC S (248) 593-1304Trott & Trott, P.C.Attorneys For Servicer31440 Northwestern Hwy Ste 200Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-5422File #005844F02
(12-03)(12-24)THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR
ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT.ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILLBE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
NOTICE OF MORTGAGE SALEDefault having been made in the condi-
tions of a certain Mortgages made byFRANK DELEBAUGH, a single person,233 E. Leroy Street, Burlington, MI 49029to SMB MORTGAGE COMPANY (n/k/aSOUTHERN MICHIGAN BANK & TRUST,2 W. Chicago Street, Coldwater, Michigan49036 dated July 12, 2005, and recordedin the office of the Register of Deeds forthe County of Calhoun and State ofMichigan, on August 19, 2005 in Liber3028 of Mortgages, on page 884, on whichMortgage there is claimed to be due at thedate of this notice, for principal and inter-est the sum of Thirty-Two Thousand NineHundred Six and 31/100 ($32,906.31)Dollars and no proceedings having beeninstituted to recover the debt now remain-ing secured by said Mortgage, or any partthereof, where by the power of sale con-tained in said Mortgage has become oper-ative;
Now Therefore, Notice is HerebyGiven that by virtue of the power of salecontained in said Mortgage and in pur-suance of the statute in such case madeand provided, the said Mortgage will beforeclosed by a sale of the premises there-in described or so much thereof as may benecessary, at public auction, to the highest
bidder, at the Calhoun County JusticeComplex, Sheriffʼs Administration Lobby inthe City of Battle Creek, and County ofCalhoun, Michigan, that being the place ofholding Circuit Court in and for saidCounty, on Thursday, January 8, 2015,at 10:00 oʼclock in the forenoon of saidday, and said premises will be sold to paythe amount as aforesaid then due on saidMortgage together with 4% percent inter-est on the Mortgage, legal costs,Attorneysʼ fees and also any taxes andinsurance that said Mortgagee does payon or prior to the date of said sale; whichsaid premises are described as follows, to-wit:
Land situated in Village of Burlington,County of Calhoun, State of Michigandescribed as follows:
Commencing at a point 53 feet from theEast side of the alley at the Southeast cor-ner of Block 8 of the Village of Burlington,running thence East along the North sideof highway to hotel lot; thence North 11rods 4 feet thence West to within 53 feet ofthe alley; thence South to the place ofbeginning
Now assessed as: Lot 4, SupervisorʼsPlat of Sanderʼs Farm, Village ofBurlington, Calhoun County, Michigan,according to the recorded plat thereof, asrecorded in Liber 8 of Plats, Page 46,Calhoun County Records.
Subject to the rights of the public and ofany governmental unit in any part thereoftaken, used or deeded for street, road orhighway purposes.
Property Address: 233 E. Leroy Street,Burlington, MI 49029
Tax ID: 13-42-090-004-00Pursuant to MCL 600.3240, the last day
to redeem the Sheriff's Deed will be July 8,2015, however, if an Affidavit ofAbandonment is filed with the Register ofDeeds, the last day to redeem will beFebruary 8, 2015, or until the time to pro-vide the notice was required by MCL600.3241a(c) expires, whichever is later.
If said property is in fact sold at theabove described foreclosure sale, pur-suant to MCL 600.3278, the above listedMortgagor will be responsible to the per-son who buys the property at the foreclo-sure sale or to Southern Michigan Bank &Trust Company for damaging the propertyduring the redemption period.
ATTN: PURCHASERS: This sale maybe rescinded by the foreclosing mort-gagee. In that event, your damages, if anyshall be limited solely to the return of thebid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. Dated: December 3, 2014SOUTHERN MICHIGAN BANK & TRUSTMortgagee.DRESSER, DRESSER, HAAS & CAY-WOOD, P.C.By: P. Joseph Haas, Jr. Attorney for SOUTHERN MICHIGANBANK & TRUSTBusiness Address 112 South MonroeStreetSturgis, MI 49091
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JONATHAN W. TAPPAN, PLLC, 2549Somerset Blvd, #102, Troy, Michigan48084, IS A DEBT COLLECTORATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT,ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILLBE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT(248) 622-0206 IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVEMILITARY DUTY. ATTENTION PUR-CHASERS: This sale may be rescindedby the foreclosing mortgagee. MORT-GAGE SALE – Default has been made inthe conditions of a mortgage made by,CELIA PEARL SMITH, a single woman,original mortgagor, to MORTGAGEAMERICA (IMC), INC., Mortgagee, datedMay 14, 1999, and recorded on June 8,1999 in Liber 2132, on Page 740, andassigned to HILLCREST ASSOCIATES,LLC, as assignee as documented by anassignment, in Calhoun County Records,Michigan, on which mortgage there isclaimed to be due at the date hereof thesum of THIRTY THREE THOUSANDEIGHT HUNDRED FORTY THREE AND12/100 (U.S. $33,843.12) Dollars, includ-ing interest at 10.25% per annum. Underthe power of sale contained in said mort-gage and the statute in such case madeand provided, notice is hereby given thatsaid mortgage will be foreclosed by a saleof the mortgaged premises, or some partof them, at public venue, Office of theSheriff, lobby of the Calhoun CountyJustice Center, 161 East MichiganAvenue, Battle Creek, MI 49014, at 10:00AM on January 15, 2015. Said premisesare located in the City of Battle Creek,Calhoun County, Michigan and aredescribed as: LOT 20, ASSESSORʼSPLAT OF ORCHARD PARK, CITY OFBATTLE CREEK, CALHOUN COUNTY,MICHIGAN, ACCORDING TO THE PLATTHEREOF AS RECORDED IN LIBER 8OF PLATS ON PAGE 6 IN THE OFFICEOF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS FORCALHOUN COUNTY, MICHIGAN.Commonly known as: 149 RednerAvenue, Battle Creek, Michigan 49017 TaxParcel I.D. #1300-6290-00-020-0. Theredemption period shall be 6 months fromthe date of such sale unless determinedabandoned in accordance with MCL600.3241a, in which case the redemptionperiod shall be 30 days from the date ofsuch sale. If the above referenced proper-ty is sold at a foreclosure sale underChapter 600 of the Michigan CompiledLaws, under MCL 600.3278, the borrowerwill be held responsible to the person whobuys the property at the mortgage foreclo-sure sale or to the mortgage holder fordamaging the property during the redemp-tion period. Dated: December 10, 2014HILLCREST ASSOCIATES, LLCMortgagee/Assignee For more informa-tion, please call: Jonathan W. Tappan,PLLC Attorney for Mortgagee/AssigneeHillcrest Associates, LLC 2549 SomersetBlvd., #102 Troy, Michigan 48084 (248)622-0206 700000305 (12-10)(12-31)
Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure SaleTHIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR
ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT.ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILLBE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE ATTHE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE INACTIVE MILITARY DUTY.
ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale maybe rescinded by the foreclosing mort-gagee. In that event, your damages, ifany, shall be limited solely to the returnof the bid amount tendered at sale, plusinterest.
MORTGAGE SALE - Default has beenmade in the conditions of a mortgagemade by Keith L. Morgan and Margot L.Morgan, husband and wife, original mort-gagor(s), to National City MortgageServices Co., Mortgagee, dated August 1,2003, and recorded on October 13, 2003in Liber 2722 on Page 817, and rerecord-ed on September 4, 2008 in Liber 3399 onPage 823, and assigned by saidMortgagee to PNC Bank, NationalAssociation, successor by merger toNational City Bank, successor by mergerto National City Mortgage Co. as assigneeas documented by an assignment, inCalhoun county records, Michigan, onwhich mortgage there is claimed to be dueat the date hereof the sum of Eighty-OneThousand Three Hundred Seventy-Nineand 41/100 Dollars ($81,379.41).
Under the power of sale contained insaid mortgage and the statute in suchcase made and provided, notice is herebygiven that said mortgage will be foreclosedby a sale of the mortgaged premises, orsome part of them, at public vendue, at theplace of holding the circuit court withinCalhoun County, at 10:00 AM, on January8, 2015.
Said premises are situated in City ofBattle Creek, Calhoun County, Michigan,and are described as: Lot(s) 494 and 495of Supervisor's Plat of West Highland No.1, according to the Plat thereof recorded inLiber 7 of Plats, Page(s) 26 of CalhounCounty Records.
The redemption period shall be 6months from the date of such sale, unlessdetermined abandoned in accordancewith MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the
redemption period shall be 30 days fromthe date of such sale.
If the property is sold at foreclosure saleunder Chapter 32 of the RevisedJudicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL600.3278 the borrower will be heldresponsible to the person who buys theproperty at the mortgage foreclosure saleor to the mortgage holder for damagingthe property during the redemption period.Dated: December 10, 2014For more information, please call:FC H (248) 593-1300Trott & Trott, P.C.Attorneys For Servicer31440 Northwestern Hwy Ste 200Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-5422File #429126F01
(12-10)(12-31)Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure Sale
THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTORATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT.ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILLBE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE ATTHE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE INACTIVE MILITARY DUTY.
ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale maybe rescinded by the foreclosing mort-gagee. In that event, your damages, ifany, shall be limited solely to the returnof the bid amount tendered at sale, plusinterest.
MORTGAGE SALE - Default has beenmade in the conditions of a mortgagemade by Jerry J. Ruddock, unmarriedman, original mortgagor(s), to MortgageElectronic Registration Systems, Inc.,Mortgagee, dated September 25, 2003,and recorded on October 29, 2003 in Liber2737 on Page 769, and assigned by saidMortgagee to The Huntington NationalBank as assignee as documented by anassignment, in Calhoun county records,Michigan, on which mortgage there isclaimed to be due at the date hereof thesum of Fifty-One Thousand Four HundredFourteen and 44/100 Dollars($51,414.44).
Under the power of sale contained insaid mortgage and the statute in suchcase made and provided, notice is herebygiven that said mortgage will be foreclosedby a sale of the mortgaged premises, orsome part of them, at public vendue, at theplace of holding the circuit court withinCalhoun County, at 10:00 AM, on January8, 2015.
Said premises are situated in CharterTownship of Bedford, Calhoun County,Michigan, and are described as: Lot num-bered 118 of the Plat of Frances Terrace,Section 28, Town 1 South, Range 8 West,Bedford Township, Calhoun County,Michigan, according to the Plat thereofrecorded in Liber 11 of Plats on Page 2, inthe Office of the Register of Deeds forCalhoun County, Michigan.
The redemption period shall be 6months from the date of such sale, unlessdetermined abandoned in accordancewith MCLA 600.3241a, in which case theredemption period shall be 30 days fromthe date of such sale.
If the property is sold at foreclosure saleunder Chapter 32 of the RevisedJudicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL600.3278 the borrower will be heldresponsible to the person who buys theproperty at the mortgage foreclosure saleor to the mortgage holder for damagingthe property during the redemption period.Dated: December 10, 2014For more information, please call:FC H (248) 593-1300Trott & Trott, P.C.Attorneys For Servicer31440 Northwestern Hwy Ste 200Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-5422File #445477F01
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Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure SaleTHIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR
ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT.ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILLBE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE ATTHE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE INACTIVE MILITARY DUTY.
ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale maybe rescinded by the foreclosing mort-gagee. In that event, your damages, ifany, shall be limited solely to the returnof the bid amount tendered at sale, plusinterest.
MORTGAGE SALE - Default has beenmade in the conditions of a mortgagemade by Christopher R. Verdon andRebecca Mardach-Verdon, husband andwife, original mortgagor(s), to MortgageElectronic Registration Systems, Inc.,Mortgagee, dated October 17, 2005, andrecorded on October 26, 2005 in Liber3060 on Page 284, in Calhoun countyrecords, Michigan, and assigned by saidMortgagee to Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLCas assignee, on which mortgage there isclaimed to be due at the date hereof thesum of Eighty-Nine Thousand FourHundred Twenty-Nine and 05/100 Dollars($89,429.05).
Under the power of sale contained insaid mortgage and the statute in suchcase made and provided, notice is herebygiven that said mortgage will be foreclosedby a sale of the mortgaged premises, orsome part of them, at public vendue, at theplace of holding the circuit court withinCalhoun County, at 10:00 AM, on January8, 2015.
Said premises are situated in Townshipof Convis, Calhoun County, Michigan, andare described as: All that part of theNorthwest quarter of the Southeast quar-ter of Section 11, Town 1 South, Range 6West, Convis Township, Calhoun County,Michigan lying Northwesterly of AckleyRoad.
The redemption period shall be 6months from the date of such sale, unlessdetermined abandoned in accordancewith MCLA 600.3241a, in which case theredemption period shall be 30 days fromthe date of such sale.
If the property is sold at foreclosure saleunder Chapter 32 of the RevisedJudicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL600.3278 the borrower will be heldresponsible to the person who buys theproperty at the mortgage foreclosure saleor to the mortgage holder for damagingthe property during the redemption period.Dated: December 10, 2014For more information, please call:FC H (248) 593-1300Trott & Trott, P.C.Attorneys For Servicer31440 Northwestern Hwy Ste 200Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-5422File #446914F01
(12-10)(12-31)Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure SaleTHIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR
ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT.ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILLBE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE ATTHE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE INACTIVE MILITARY DUTY.
ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale maybe rescinded by the foreclosing mort-gagee. In that event, your damages, ifany, shall be limited solely to the returnof the bid amount tendered at sale, plusinterest.
MORTGAGE SALE - Default has beenmade in the conditions of a mortgagemade by Keith E. Soraghan and KristinaM. Soraghan, his wife, original mort-gagor(s), to Citizens Bank, N.A. f/k/a RBSCitizens, N.A. successor by merger toCharter One Bank, N.A., Mortgagee,dated November 29, 2002, and recordedon January 15, 2003 in Liber 2566 onPage 816, in Calhoun county records,Michigan, on which mortgage there isclaimed to be due at the date hereof thesum of Fifty-Seven Thousand Six HundredSixty-Nine and 44/100 Dollars($57,669.44).
Under the power of sale contained insaid mortgage and the statute in suchcase made and provided, notice is herebygiven that said mortgage will be foreclosed
by a sale of the mortgaged premises, orsome part of them, at public vendue, at theplace of holding the circuit court withinCalhoun County, at 10:00 AM, on January8, 2015.
Said premises are situated in City ofSpringfield, Calhoun County, Michigan,and are described as: Lot 1 and the North1/2 of Lot 2, Block 13, of West Lawn,according to the Plat thereof recorded inLiber 7 of Plats, on Page 33, in the Officeof the Register of Deeds for CalhounCounty.
The redemption period shall be 6months from the date of such sale, unlessdetermined abandoned in accordancewith MCLA 600.3241a, in which case theredemption period shall be 30 days fromthe date of such sale.
If the property is sold at foreclosure saleunder Chapter 32 of the RevisedJudicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL600.3278 the borrower will be heldresponsible to the person who buys theproperty at the mortgage foreclosure saleor to the mortgage holder for damagingthe property during the redemption period.Dated: December 10, 2014For more information, please call:FC J (248) 593-1311Trott & Trott, P.C.Attorneys For Servicer31440 Northwestern Hwy Ste 200Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-5422File #445891F01
(12-10)(12-31)
AS A DEBT COLLECTOR, WE AREATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBTAND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINEDWILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.NOTIFY US AT THE NUMBER BELOWIF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY.MORTGAGE SALE - Default having beenmade in the terms and conditions of a cer-tain mortgage made by JEROME GRA-HAM and SADIE L GRAHAM, Husbandand Wife, Mortgagors, to MortgageElectronic Registration Systems Inc.(MERS) as nominee for MortgagesInvestors Corporation, Mortgagee, datedthe 14th day of August, 2004 and record-ed in the office of the Register of Deeds,for The County of Calhoun and State ofMichigan, on the 2nd day of September,2004 in Liber 2873 of Calhoun CountyRecords, page 127, said Mortgage havingbeen assigned to EverBank on whichmortgage there is claimed to be due, atthe date of this notice, the sum of Fifty-fourThousand Three Hundred Forty-two and91/100 ($54342.91), and no suit or pro-ceeding at law or in equity having beeninstituted to recover the debt secured bysaid mortgage or any part thereof. Now,therefore, by virtue of the power of salecontained in said mortgage, and pursuantto statute of the State of Michigan in suchcase made and provided, notice is herebygiven that on the 8th day of January, 2015at 10:00 AM oʼclock Local Time, said mort-gage will be foreclosed by a sale at publicauction, to the highest bidder, at the publiclobby of the Calhoun County SheriffDepartment Administration Offices, BattleCreek MI (that being the building wherethe Circuit Court for the County of Calhounis held), of the premises described in saidmortgage, or so much thereof as may benecessary to pay the amount due, asaforesaid on said mortgage, with interestthereon at 2.125 per annum and all legalcosts, charges, and expenses, includingthe attorney fees allowed by law, and alsoany sum or sums which may be paid bythe undersigned, necessary to protect itsinterest in the premises. Which said prem-ises are described as follows: All that cer-tain piece or parcel of land, including anyand all structures, and homes, manufac-tured or otherwise, located thereon, situat-ed in the City of Battle Creek, County ofCalhoun, State of Michigan, and describedas follows, to wit: Lot No. 130 of FairhomeAnnex, according to the plat thereof, asrecorded in Liber 4 of Plats, Page 44,Calhoun County Records, together with aneasement for Joint Driveway Purposesover the West 4 feet of said Lot 130 andover the East 4 feet of Lot 131, as set forthin a deed recorded in Liber 530, on Page123. During the six (6) months immediate-ly following the sale, the property may beredeemed, except that in the event thatthe property is determined to be aban-doned pursuant to MCLA 600.3241a, theproperty may be redeemed during 30 daysimmediately following the sale. Pursuantto MCLA 600.3278, the mortgagor(s) willbe held responsible to the person whobuys the property at the foreclosure saleor to the mortgage holder for damagingthe property during the redemption period.If the sale is set aside for any reason, thePurchaser at the sale shall be entitled onlyto a return of the deposit paid. ThePurchaser shall have no further recourseagainst the Mortgagee or the Mortgageeʼsattorney Dated: 12/10/2014 EverBankMortgagee FABRIZIO & BROOK, P.C.Attorney for EverBank 700 Tower Drive,Ste. 510 Troy, MI 48098 (248) 362-2600GTAZ VA GrahamJerome (12-10)(12-31)
FORECLOSURE NOTICE This firm is adebt collector attempting to collect adebt. Any information obtained will beused for this purpose. If you are in theMilitary, please contact our office at thenumber listed below. ATTN PUR-CHASERS: This sale may be rescindedby the foreclosing mortgagee for anyreason. In that event, your damages, ifany, shall be limited solely to the returnof the bid amount tendered at sale, plusinterest, and the purchaser shall haveno further recourse against theMortgagor, the Mortgagee, or theMortgageeʼs attorney. MORTGAGESALE – Default has been made in the con-ditions of a certain mortgage made by:Donald E. Wilson, an unmarried man, andBarbara E. Ansley, an unmarried woman,to Union Federal Bank of Indianapolis,Mortgagee, dated February 7, 2005 andrecorded February 15, 2005 in Liber 2947Page 823 and modified by agreementdated August 22, 2011 and recordedJanuary 9, 2012 in Liber 3671 Page 954Calhoun County Records, Michigan. Saidmortgage was assigned through mesneassignments to: CitiMortgage, Inc., byassignment dated January 26, 2011 andrecorded February 10, 2011 in Liber 3601,Page 211, on which mortgage there isclaimed to be due at the date hereof thesum of Seventy-One Thousand ThreeHundred Eighty-Two Dollars and Eighty-Eight Cents ($71,382.88) including inter-est 4.125% per annum. Under the powerof sale contained in said mortgage and thestatute in such case made and provided,notice is hereby given that said mortgagewill be foreclosed by a sale of the mort-gaged premises, or some part of them, atpublic vendue, Circuit Court of CalhounCounty at 10:00AM on January 8, 2015Said premises are situated in Township ofEmmett, Calhoun County, Michigan, andare described as: Lot 20, Assessor's Platof Lourin's Addition, according to the platthereof as recorded in Liber 7 of Plats,Page 49, in the Office of the Register ofDeeds for Calhoun County, Michigan.Commonly known as 515 Cliff Street,Battle Creek MI 49014 The redemptionperiod shall be 6 months from the date ofsuch sale, unless determined abandonedin accordance with MCL 600.3241 or MCL600.3241a, in which case the redemptionperiod shall be 30 days from the date ofsuch sale, or upon the expiration of thenotice required by MCL 600.3241a(c),whichever is later; or unless MCL600.3240(17) applies. If the property issold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961,under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will beheld responsible to the person who buysthe property at the mortgage foreclosuresale or to the mortgage holder for damag-ing the property during the redemptionperiod. Dated: 12/10/2014 CitiMortgage,Inc., Assignee of Mortgagee Attorneys:Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 811 SouthBlvd. Suite 100 Rochester Hills, MI 48307(248) 844-5123 Our File No: 14-13644(12-10)(12-31)
Cyan Magenta Yellow Black
CCllaassssiiffiieeddssThe Homer Index
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Page 5B
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Index
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE De-fault has been made in the conditions of acertain Mortgage, dated November 24,2008, and made by KIMBERLY M.STEVENS, a single woman (hereinafter“Mortgagor”), whose address is 282 El-dred Street in Battle Creek, Michigan49015, to POST COMMUNITY CREDITUNION (hereinafter “Mortgagee”), whoseaddress is 240 Cliff Street in Battle Creek,Michigan 49014, which Mortgage wasrecorded on January 12, 2009, in the Cal-houn County Register of Deeds, at Liber3426, Page 697. As of December 3, 2014,the amount due under the Mortgage, cor-responding Multi-State Fixed Rate Note(the “Note”) and related loan documentsmade by Mortgagor in favor of Mortgagee(collectively the “Loan Documents”) is thesum of Thirty-Eight Thousand Nine Hun-dred Sixty-One Dollars and 67/100($38,961.67), including interest on the bal-ance due under the Note at the interestrate set forth in the Note, and late fees,and which includes Mortgageeʼs attorneyfees to date. This sum will increase as ad-ditional interest, costs, expenses, and at-torneys fees accrue under the Loan Docu-ments and which are permitted underMichigan law after the date set forth below.Under the power of sale contained in theMortgage, and the statute in such casemade and provided, notice is hereby giventhat the Mortgage will be foreclosed bysale of the mortgaged premises at publicsale to the highest bidder at the publiclobby of the Calhoun County Sheriff De-partment Administrative Offices, RoomF225, 161 East Michigan Avenue, BattleCreek, Michigan 49017, that being theplace of the holding of the Circuit Court forCalhoun County, State of Michigan, onJanuary 8, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. The parcelsubject to the Mortgage which is beingsold is located at 282 Eldred Street, BattleCreek, Michigan, County of Calhoun,State of Michigan, and legally describedas follows: Lot No. 27 of Fairhome Annex,according to the plat thereof recorded inLiber 4 of Plats, on Page 44, in the Officeof the Register of Deeds for CalhounCounty, Michigan. Tax ID No.: 2910-00-027-0 The redemption period shall be six(6) months from the date of the foreclosuresale unless the premises is determined tobe abandoned under MCLA §600.3241a,in which case the redemption period maybe shortened pursuant to the Michiganstatutes. Dated: December 5, 2014MORTGAGEE: Post Community CreditUnion 240 Cliff Street Battle Creek, Michi-gan 49014 Drafted by: Jeffrey D. Swenar-ton Kreis, Enderle, Hudgins & Borsos, P.C.One Moorsbridge, P.O. Box 4010 Kalama-zoo, Michigan 49003-4010 Phone: (269)324-300 (12-10)(01-07)
Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure SaleTHIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR
ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT.ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILLBE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE ATTHE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE INACTIVE MILITARY DUTY.
ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale maybe rescinded by the foreclosing mort-gagee. In that event, your damages, ifany, shall be limited solely to the returnof the bid amount tendered at sale, plusinterest.
MORTGAGE SALE - Default has beenmade in the conditions of a mortgagemade by Patricia A. Sears, a singlewoman, original mortgagor(s), to MemberFirst Mortgage, LLC, Mortgagee, datedJuly 26, 2012, and recorded on August 7,2012 in Liber 3723 on Page 868, in Cal-houn county records, Michigan, on whichmortgage there is claimed to be due at thedate hereof the sum of Sixty ThousandNine Hundred One and 26/100 Dollars($60,901.26).
Under the power of sale contained insaid mortgage and the statute in suchcase made and provided, notice is herebygiven that said mortgage will be foreclosedby a sale of the mortgaged premises, orsome part of them, at public vendue, at theplace of holding the circuit court withinCalhoun County, at 10:00 AM, on January15, 2015.
Said premises are situated in City ofBattle Creek, Calhoun County, Michigan,and are described as: Lot No. 40 of East-aveland, according to the plat thereofrecorded in Liber 6 of Plats, on Page 8 inthe office of the register of Deeds for Cal-houn County, Michigan.
The redemption period shall be 6months from the date of such sale, unlessdetermined abandoned in accordance withMCLA 600.3241a, in which case the re-demption period shall be 30 days from thedate of such sale.
If the property is sold at foreclosure saleunder Chapter 32 of the Revised Judica-ture Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL600.3278 the borrower will be held respon-sible to the person who buys the propertyat the mortgage foreclosure sale or to themortgage holder for damaging the proper-ty during the redemption period.Dated: December 17, 2014For more information, please call:FC J (248) 593-1311Trott Law, P.C.Attorneys For Servicer31440 Northwestern Hwy Ste 200Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-5422File #447140F01
(12-17)(01-07)
Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure SaleTHIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR
ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT.ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILLBE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE ATTHE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE INACTIVE MILITARY DUTY.
ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale maybe rescinded by the foreclosing mort-gagee. In that event, your damages, ifany, shall be limited solely to the return
of the bid amount tendered at sale, plusinterest.
MORTGAGE SALE - Default has beenmade in the conditions of a mortgagemade by Michael L. Dilling and SuzanneM. Dilling, Husband and Wife, originalmortgagor(s), to FIRSTAR BANK, NA,Mortgagee, dated November 20, 2001,and recorded on December 12, 2001 inLiber 2390 on Page 515, and assigned bysaid Mortgagee to U.S. Bank National As-sociation as assignee as documented byan assignment, in Calhoun countyrecords, Michigan, on which mortgagethere is claimed to be due at the date here-of the sum of Seventy-Eight ThousandEight Hundred Thirty-Five and 61/100 Dol-lars ($78,835.61).
Under the power of sale contained insaid mortgage and the statute in suchcase made and provided, notice is herebygiven that said mortgage will be foreclosedby a sale of the mortgaged premises, orsome part of them, at public vendue, at theplace of holding the circuit court withinCalhoun County, at 10:00 AM, on January15, 2015.
Said premises are situated in City ofBattle Creek, Calhoun County, Michigan,and are described as: The North 1/2 of Lot1, except the East 32 feet, of Union Addi-tion to Battle Creek, according to the platthereof recorded in the Office of the Reg-ister of Deeds for Calhoun County, Michi-gan in Liber 2 of Plats, on Page 49.
The redemption period shall be 6months from the date of such sale, unlessdetermined abandoned in accordance withMCLA 600.3241a, in which case the re-demption period shall be 30 days from thedate of such sale.
If the property is sold at foreclosure saleunder Chapter 32 of the Revised Judica-ture Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL600.3278 the borrower will be held respon-sible to the person who buys the propertyat the mortgage foreclosure sale or to themortgage holder for damaging the proper-ty during the redemption period.Dated: December 17, 2014For more information, please call:FC S (248) 593-1304Trott Law, P.C.Attorneys For Servicer31440 Northwestern Hwy Ste 200Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-5422File #426378F02
(12-17)(01-07)IF YOU ARE NOW ON ACTIVE MILI-
TARY DUTY OR HAVE BEEN IN THEPRIOR ONE YEAR, PLEASE CONTACTOUR OFFICE AT 248-502-1400.
MORTGAGE SALE - Default has beenmade in the conditions of a mortgagemade by Jose Nunez and AvangelinaNunez, husband and wife, to MortgageElectronic Registration Systems, Inc., asnominee for lender and lender's succes-sors and/or assigns, Mortgagee, datedApril 30, 2008 and recorded May 8, 2008in Liber 3372, Page 282, Calhoun CountyRecords, Michigan. Said mortgage is nowheld by M&T Bank by assignment. Thereis claimed to be due at the date hereof thesum of Thirty-Three Thousand Two Hun-dred Thirty-Five and 79/100 Dollars($33,235.79) including interest at 7% perannum.
Under the power of sale contained insaid mortgage and the statute in suchcase made and provided, notice is herebygiven that said mortgage will be foreclosedby a sale of the mortgaged premises, orsome part of them, at public vendue at theplace of holding the circuit court withinCalhoun County, Michigan at 10:00 AM onJANUARY 15, 2015.
Said premises are located in the Town-ship of Bedford, Calhoun County, Michi-gan, and are described as:
Lot 64, Orchard Park No. 3 according tothe recorded Plat thereof, as recorded inLiber 11 of Plats, Page 17, Calhoun Coun-ty Records.
The redemption period shall be 6months from the date of such sale, unlessdetermined abandoned in accordance withMCLA §600.3241a, in which case the re-demption period shall be 30 days from thedate of such sale. TO ALL PURCHASERS:The foreclosing mortgagee can rescindthe sale. In that event, your damages, ifany, are limited solely to the return of thebid amount tendered at sale, plus interest.
If the property is sold at foreclosuresale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the bor-rower will be held responsible to the per-son who buys the property at the mort-gage foreclosure sale or to the mortgageholder for damage to the property duringthe redemption period. Dated: December 17, 2014Orlans Associates, P.C..Attorneys for ServicerP.O. Box 5041Troy, MI 48007File No. 14-017373
(12-17)(01-07)FORECLOSURE NOTICE This firm is adebt collector attempting to collect adebt. Any information obtained will beused for this purpose. If you are in theMilitary, please contact our office at thenumber listed below. ATTN PUR-CHASERS: This sale may be rescindedby the foreclosing mortgagee for anyreason. In that event, your damages, ifany, shall be limited solely to the returnof the bid amount tendered at sale, plusinterest, and the purchaser shall haveno further recourse against the Mort-gagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mort-gageeʼs attorney. MORTGAGE SALE –Default has been made in the conditions ofa certain mortgage made by: BrendaBartzen, a single woman and Sally L. Jew-ett, a single woman, to Mortgage Electron-ic Registration Systems, Inc., as nomineefor Flagstar Bank, FSB, its successors andassigns, Mortgagee, dated May 27, 2009and recorded July 14, 2009 in Liber 3475Page 3 Calhoun County Records, Michi-
gan. Said mortgage was assigned to: Ma-trix Financial Services Corporation, by as-signment dated November 4, 2014 andrecorded December 4, 2014 in Liber 3928,Page 515, on which mortgage there isclaimed to be due at the date hereof thesum of Seventy-Four Thousand ThreeHundred Sixty-Seven Dollars and Forty-Four Cents ($74,367.44) including interest5.5% per annum. Under the power of salecontained in said mortgage and the statutein such case made and provided, notice ishereby given that said mortgage will beforeclosed by a sale of the mortgagedpremises, or some part of them, at publicvendue, Circuit Court of Calhoun Countyat 10:00AM on January 15, 2015 Saidpremises are situated in City of BattleCreek, Calhoun County, Michigan, and aredescribed as: East 77 feet of Lot(s) 33 and34, Nichols' Plat, according to the record-ed plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 1 ofPlats, Page 36. Commonly known as 518& 520 E Emmett St, Battle Creek MI 49017The redemption period shall be 6 monthsfrom the date of such sale, unless deter-mined abandoned in accordance withMCL 600.3241 or MCL 600.3241a, inwhich case the redemption period shall be30 days from the date of such sale, orupon the expiration of the notice requiredby MCL 600.3241a(c), whichever is later;or unless MCL 600.3240(17) applies. If theproperty is sold at foreclosure sale underChapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Actof 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrow-er will be held responsible to the personwho buys the property at the mortgageforeclosure sale or to the mortgage holderfor damaging the property during the re-demption period. Dated: 12/17/2014 Ma-trix Financial Services Corporation, As-signee of Mortgagee Attorneys: Potestivo& Associates, P.C. 811 South Blvd. Suite100 Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 844-5123 Our File No: 14-12957 (12-17)(01-07)
Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure SaleTHIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR
ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT.ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILLBE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE ATTHE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE INACTIVE MILITARY DUTY.
ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale maybe rescinded by the foreclosing mort-gagee. In that event, your damages, ifany, shall be limited solely to the returnof the bid amount tendered at sale, plusinterest.
MORTGAGE SALE - Default has beenmade in the conditions of a mortgagemade by Randolph Johnson, an unmarriedman, original mortgagor(s), to Chase BankUSA, N.A., Mortgagee, dated July 19,2007, and recorded on August 30, 2007 inLiber 3304 on Page 131, and assigned bysaid Mortgagee to JPMorgan Chase Bank,National Association as assignee as docu-mented by an assignment, in Calhouncounty records, Michigan, on which mort-gage there is claimed to be due at the datehereof the sum of Sixty-Four ThousandFour Hundred Twenty-One and 88/100Dollars ($64,421.88).
Under the power of sale contained insaid mortgage and the statute in suchcase made and provided, notice is herebygiven that said mortgage will be foreclosedby a sale of the mortgaged premises, orsome part of them, at public vendue, at theplace of holding the circuit court withinCalhoun County, at 10:00 AM, on January22, 2015.
Said premises are situated in CharterTownship of Bedford, Calhoun County,Michigan, and are described as: Com-mencing at a point on the East and West1/4 line of Section 27, Town 1 South,Range 8 West, distant 305 feet East of theSouthwest corner of the West 1/2 of theEast 1/2 of the Northeast 1/4 of said Sec-tion; thence North 00 degrees 18 minutesWest 300 feet; thence East 140 feet;thence South 00 degrees 18 minutes East300 feet to the East and West 1/4 line ofsaid Section; thence West along said Eastand West 1/4 line 140 feet to the place ofbeginning.
The redemption period shall be 6months from the date of such sale, unlessdetermined abandoned in accordance withMCLA 600.3241a, in which case the re-demption period shall be 30 days from thedate of such sale.
If the property is sold at foreclosure saleunder Chapter 32 of the Revised Judica-ture Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL600.3278 the borrower will be held respon-sible to the person who buys the propertyat the mortgage foreclosure sale or to themortgage holder for damaging the proper-ty during the redemption period.Dated: December 24, 2014For more information, please call:FC S (248) 593-1304Trott Law, P.C.Attorneys For Servicer31440 Northwestern Hwy Ste 200Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-5422File #447594F01
(12-24)(01-14)
Notice Of Mortgage Foreclosure SaleTHIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR
ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT.ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILLBE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE ATTHE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE INACTIVE MILITARY DUTY.
ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale maybe rescinded by the foreclosing mort-gagee. In that event, your damages, ifany, shall be limited solely to the returnof the bid amount tendered at sale, plusinterest.
MORTGAGE SALE - Default has beenmade in the conditions of a mortgagemade by Nancy Konkle a/k/a Nancy Skin-ner, an unmarried woman, original mort-gagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registra-tion Systems, Inc., as nominee for Inves-
taid Corporation its successors and as-signs, Mortgagee, dated March 2, 2006,and recorded on March 13, 2006 in Liber3111 on Page 431, and assigned bymesne assignments to U.S. Bank NationalAssociation as assignee as documentedby an assignment, in Calhoun countyrecords, Michigan, on which mortgagethere is claimed to be due at the date here-of the sum of One Hundred Sixty-FourThousand Forty-Four and 63/100 Dollars($164,044.63).
Under the power of sale contained insaid mortgage and the statute in suchcase made and provided, notice is herebygiven that said mortgage will be foreclosedby a sale of the mortgaged premises, orsome part of them, at public vendue, at theplace of holding the circuit court withinCalhoun County, at 10:00 AM, on January22, 2015.
Said premises are situated in City of Al-bion, Calhoun County, Michigan, and aredescribed as: Lot Number Five (5) in BlockNumber Four (4) of Bunday's Addition tothe City of Albion, Calhoun County, Michi-gan, according to the Plat thereof, record-ed in Liber 1 of Plats, on Page 50, in theOffice of the Register of Deeds for Cal-houn County, Michigan.
The redemption period shall be 6months from the date of such sale, unlessdetermined abandoned in accordance withMCLA 600.3241a, in which case the re-demption period shall be 30 days from thedate of such sale.
If the property is sold at foreclosure saleunder Chapter 32 of the Revised Judica-ture Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL600.3278 the borrower will be held respon-sible to the person who buys the propertyat the mortgage foreclosure sale or to themortgage holder for damaging the proper-ty during the redemption period.Dated: December 24, 2014For more information, please call:FC S (248) 593-1304Trott Law, P.C.Attorneys For Servicer31440 Northwestern Hwy Ste 200Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334-5422File #426291F02
(12-24)(01-14)
AS A DEBT COLLECTOR, WE ARE AT-TEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT ANDANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILLBE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. NOTI-FY US AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOUARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. MORT-GAGE SALE - Default having been madein the terms and conditions of a certainmortgage made by Sue A Schuemann,Mortgagors, to Mortgage Electronic Regis-tration Systems, Inc., as nominee forAmerica's Wholesale Lender, Mortgagee,dated the 17th day of November, 2005 andrecorded in the office of the Register ofDeeds, for The County of Calhoun andState of Michigan, on the 12th day of De-cember, 2005 in Liber 3079 of CalhounCounty Records, page 829, said Mortgagehaving been assigned to The Bank of NewYork Mellon, f/k/a The Bank of New York,as trustee for the certificateholders of theCWABS, Inc., Asset-Backed Certificates,Series 2005-17 on which mortgage thereis claimed to be due, at the date of this no-tice, the sum of ($137,190.58), and no suitor proceeding at law or in equity havingbeen instituted to recover the debt se-cured by said mortgage or any part there-of. Now, therefore, by virtue of the powerof sale contained in said mortgage, andpursuant to statute of the State of Michi-gan in such case made and provided, no-tice is hereby given that on the 22nd dayof January, 2015 at 10:00 AM oʼclock LocalTime, said mortgage will be foreclosed bya sale at public auction, to the highest bid-der, at the public lobby of the CalhounCounty Sheriff Department AdministrationOffices, Battle Creek MI (that being thebuilding where the Circuit Court for theCounty of Calhoun is held), of the premis-es described in said mortgage, or so muchthereof as may be necessary to pay theamount due, as aforesaid on said mort-gage, with interest thereon at 7.630 perannum and all legal costs, charges, andexpenses, including the attorney fees al-lowed by law, and also any sum or sumswhich may be paid by the undersigned,necessary to protect its interest in thepremises. Which said premises are de-scribed as follows: All that certain piece orparcel of land, including any and all struc-tures, and homes, manufactured or other-wise, located thereon, situated in the Cityof Battle Creek, County of Calhoun, Stateof Michigan, and described as follows, towit: Lot No. 37, Lake Heights, according tothe plat thereof recorded in Liber 10 ofPlats, Page 21, Calhoun County, MichiganDuring the six (6) months immediately fol-lowing the sale, the property may be re-deemed, except that in the event that theproperty is determined to be abandonedpursuant to MCLA 600.3241a, the proper-ty may be redeemed during 30 days im-mediately following the sale. Pursuant toMCLA 600.3278, the mortgagor(s) will beheld responsible to the person who buysthe property at the foreclosure sale or tothe mortgage holder for damaging theproperty during the redemption period. Ifthe sale is set aside for any reason, thePurchaser at the sale shall be entitled onlyto a return of the deposit paid. The Pur-chaser shall have no further recourseagainst the Mortgagee or the Mortgageeʼsattorney Dated: 12/24/2014 The Bank ofNew York Mellon, f/k/a The Bank of NewYork, as trustee for the certificateholdersof the CWABS, Inc., Asset-Backed Certifi-cates, Series 2005-17 Mortgagee_________________________________FABRIZIO & BROOK, P.C. Attorney forThe Bank of New York Mellon, f/k/a TheBank of New York, as trustee for the certifi-cateholders of the CWABS, Inc., Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2005-17 700Tower Drive, Ste. 510 Troy, MI 48098(248) 362-2600 GTAZ SchuemannSue(12-24)(01-14)
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PhotosThe Homer Index
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Page 6B
Old West holiday
Last week Homer ElementarySchool held their annual Christ-mas program entitled “Christmasat the O.K. Corral.” Here aresome photos from the event.
Devin Warner adjusts his mus-
tache. Makinlee Packer gestures during a song. Ava Fetterman, left, and Anna Williford “lay down their sweet heads.”
From left, Vynden Wilson, Adara Fisher, Ethan Wilson and Sophia Lautzenheiser perform during the skit and songs.
Photos by Mike Warner
Scoop, the ice cream saloon keeper played by Xavier Hart, is concerned about Christmas at the O.K. Corral.
Ty Couch, left, and Preston Mann are enthusiastic about their singing
parts.
Maleah Grubbs, left, and Zachary Masternak intently follow music
teacher Melissa Parker’s instructions.