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There’s a party going on in Nashville
Joanne Williams Editor (Courtesy photo – History will be celebrated in Nashville July...
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DDA banner program new initiative to honor veterans
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer (Deb Malewski/TCJ – The Charlotte banners honor veterans,...
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Eaton County
Eaton County
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For 171 years, Eaton County Fair spotlights agriculture, entertainment
Joanne Williams Editor (TCJ photo – In 2025, livestock exhibits continued to draw crowds,...
Eaton County
Featured Story
For 171 years, Eaton County Fair spotlights agriculture, entertainment
Joanne Williams
Editor
(TCJ photo – In 2025, livestock exhibits continued to draw crowds, including generations of past exhibitors, family, friends, and of course, buyers and sponsors.)
Anticipation.
It’s been in the air for almost a year since Eaton County budget cuts eliminated funding for the Michigan State University Extension – the backbone of 4-H Clubs in the county.
As the Eaton County Fair begins, sighs of relief and support have been heard as livestock events continue to draw exhibitors and buyers.
According to a Fairboard statement, “Despite not having 4-H involvement in Eaton County due to large budget cuts, the Eaton County Fair is thriving as we are ready to celebrate 171 years of fair fun this year. While 4-H historically played a role through the organization of clubs, the Eaton County Agricultural Society has always been the backbone of the Eaton County Fair, with the help of our many volunteers and the large amount of community of support.”
The week-long event is the work of the Eaton County Agricultural Society, a non-profit agency since 1855. Known as the Fairboard, Martin Fabrik is president, and with the help of other board members and volunteers, has answered some questions about this 171st event.
What are the benefits for the young people showing and caring for their animals?
Not only do the kids get to learn responsibility through caring for and working with their animals, but they also get to boost their confidence by showing all the hard work they put into their animals throughout the year. However, it’s not just about the kids and their animals; the fair itself becomes a community for the week. The kids work together, mentor each other, and build lifelong friendships and memories.
Do they have to be 4-H or Fair Members to show?
At the Eaton County Fair, exhibitors can be a part of a 4-H Club, an FFA Chapter, or exhibitors can form their own group of youth and show as an independent.
What is the age range of the youth?
Animal projects are for youth ages 8 through 19. Many have peewee shows for the youth under 8 years old. Arts, crafts, and food projects are available for youth 5 to 19. We also offer an open class for anyone from age 5 and all the way up, that way they can participate in the fair for as long as they would like!
Do they often continue year to year to participate?
Many kids show from age 8, all the way until the age out of showing at age 19. It is also not uncommon to see multiple generations seated in the stands to watch the youngest generation show.
Are there any new events or changes that people need to know about for this year’s fair?
This year we are excited to announce that we have added a motorhome class to our Bump N Run Derby on Tuesday, July 14 at 7 p.m. This is a grandstand event.
State Fair History
The Eaton County Fair shares in a grand history of early agricultural shows and competitions, begun in the mid 1800s. Syracuse, New York, was the site of the country’s first agricultural fair in 1841.
The Michigan State Fair began in Detroit in 1849, and was one of the first statewide fair events to take place in the United States. It was held in Detroit until 2009, when “it was discontinued by a resolution of the state government, due to ongoing budget issues,” according to fair sources. The Michigan State Fair is now a private entity, produced in Novi, Sept. 3-7 this year at Vibe Credit Union Showplace. This venture began in 2013. In 2020, the original fair’s Detroit home was sold and became an Amazon distribution center.
Fair Information
The Eaton County Fair takes place July 11-18 at the Fairgrounds, 1025 S. Cochran, with gates opening daily at 8 a.m.
The full schedule and more is available at eatoncountyfair.com. This will have the most up-to-date information.
Admission is daily or with a week pass. Children 5 and under are admitted free. There are costs for grandstand events as well as carnival rides from Elliott’s Amusements.
There are events for every age, from music to amusement rides to tractor pulls and more. Monday is Farm Bureau Day, Senior day is Wednesday, July 15, Toddler’s Day is July 16, and Kid’s Day is July 17.
Charlotte
Charlotte
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Craft throws Charlotte a party to mark 40 years in chiropractic health
Joanne Williams Editor (Courtesy photo – Doctors Dennis and Laurie Craft (center) in a...
Charlotte
Featured Story
Craft throws Charlotte a party to mark 40 years in chiropractic health
Joanne Williams
Editor
(Courtesy photo – Doctors Dennis and Laurie Craft (center) in a recent photo with their office staff. Recently retired is staff member Mary Shook, after 35 years with the center.)
Good health and wellness don’t just happen. Most folks have to work at it.
It’s what Dennis Craft has been doing all his life, especially since he discovered chiropractic medicine and made it his business and practice.
Craft, celebrating 40 years of Craft Chiropractic Creating Wellness Centers, was first a patient, then studied at the birthplace of chiropractic medicine, Palmer College in Iowa.
He has seen the healing and health benefits of the treatment first-hand, and through the thousands of patients he has seen in his decades of practice.
“Chiropractic medicine as a whole is geared toward health,” Craft said. “Patients stay because of the profound changes in their lives.”
When asked about the longevity of his practice, career and good health, Craft, an avid sportsman, credits staying active, good nutrition and exercise. Those time-honored guidelines, along with the “nervous system optimization” that chiropractic services bring.
“You are never too old to improve your health,” Craft said.
When Craft first came to Charlotte he and his staff crafted their office out of a building by Candy Ford. The first day they opened, he saw 70 patients.
In 1997 the move to the hill and a new building at 223 Lansing St., eventually led to his practice taking hold in Charlotte, in addition to a handful of other wellness centers.
“The community has been so strong in its support,” Craft said. He and his wife, Laurie, also a doctor of chiropractic medicine, have also given back to the community, from Frontier Days to the Eaton County Senior Center.
Now, Craft is giving back even more, offering a Sunset and Chill party celebrating his 40 years, inviting, friends, former staff, patients and the community. The party is Tuesday, July 14 at 7 p.m. at The Quarry, 3861 E. Clinton Trail, Charlotte. There will be music from Cooper Johnson, and more.
Craft has celebrated other milestones with friends and supporters. He refers to these events as “patient appreciation” and a “thanks to the community.”
What’s ahead? Craft just saw his son graduate high school. “I am still having fun,” he said, “I still feel good.” He hints of more vacation and family time off, especially with the addition of Dr. Carl Zies to the Charlotte staff.
For now, gathering with friends is just what the doctor ordered.
Olivet
Olivet
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Mason closes the door on decades of preschool work
Joanne Williams Editor (Photo provided – Carrie Mason (center) and four of her five...
Olivet
Featured Story
Mason closes the door on decades of preschool work
Joanne Williams
Editor
(Photo provided – Carrie Mason (center) and four of her five grandchildren. She is retiring after 35 years as program director and lead teacher at Wee Ones Preschool.)
How many times has Carrie Mason wiped runny noses, tied shoes, zipped up jackets or looked behind to make sure no little kiddos were lagging behind?
Who’s counting? Not this teacher, mom and grandmom, not even after 35 years. It’s just what she does.
Mason, of Olivet, is retiring from Wee Ones Preschool there, and a lifetime of working with other people’s children.
She started there in her senior year of high school and has not stopped since. She has been situated in the basement of the castle with generations of area children. The school is in the lower level of the Olivet Congregational Church, and the architecture reminds most youngsters of a castle, Mason said.
Working where she lives has given her career, as program director and lead teacher, a boost, knowing her parents and students beyond the classroom and in life, and working closely with the church, and The University of Olivet, which supplies teaching assistants and field trip opportunities.
“The church has been so community minded, so mission minded,” Mason said.
Mason is happy to say she has had her student’s moms and dads as preschoolers. The community “bubble” allows for Olivet graduating seniors to walk through the hallways of Wee Ones and Fern Persons Elementary School, in their caps and gowns, as folks cheer them on.
Mason had just held her last Wee Ones’ graduation, complete with white caps and gowns for the wee ones. It was an emotional evening. “I thanked the village,” she said of Olivet. “It’s been a great ride.”
She started at Wee Ones in 1991. Carrie Henry marred Perry Mason and they had a family in Olivet. Her daughter attended Wee Ones.
It was at that time she was asked to be an assistant there, and two and a half years later, the director. Along the way, she studied and received her professional credentials.
“I don’t know how we got here so fast,” Mason said. “I was so unsure back then, but they saw something in me.” She is quick to point out “great” assistants along the way, as well as support from the organization’s board and the parents.
Hanging out with 3 to 6-year-olds has to be exhausting. The preschool offers three sessions with up to 20 students in each time period, mornings and afternoons.
“It’s a reality check,” said Mason of the students. They are the best, and the funniest, and their honesty…”
She rejoices when she sees the lightbulbs come on in them and prides the preschool in its approach to life skills, conflict resolution and how to be kind.
Becky Britton and her husband Geoff, sent one of their children (who just completed her second year of college) and all 10 of their grandchildren.
She notes how lucky Olivet is to have Wee Ones in their backyard. Britton and Mason worked together years ago with the summer recreation program.
When she thinks of Mason, she said, “She is just fun, energetic, kind, just a wonderful person.” And, she certainly has a way with the little ones, Britton said.
“My parents, my mom, have always advocated for children. I always wanted to be a mom. I care about what kind of adults they become,” Mason said. Her parents are Tink and Shirley Henry.
Mason has also been a youth pastor and cheer coach. Whenever she works with youth, she sees their potential. “I am proud to see the kids grow, learn and discover.” She said it has been her “greatest honor that parents have entrusted their children to Wee Ones.”
Now, Mason looks forward to MeMe duty with her five grandchildren.
Bellevue
Bellevue
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Bellevue Fourth draws 3,000 to enjoy music, food and fireworks
Tracy Shick Contributing Writer (Tracy Shick/TCJ – Local favorite Justin Judge performed...
Bellevue
Featured Story
Bellevue Fourth draws 3,000 to enjoy music, food and fireworks
Tracy Shick
Contributing Writer
(Tracy Shick/TCJ – Local favorite Justin Judge performed with his girlfriend, Ann Marie, during the July Fourth party in Bellevue.)
Bellevue’s Second Annual Concert and Fireworks Celebration drew an estimated 3,000 people gathered to celebrate Independence Day with an evening of live music, food, and a fireworks display.
Hosted by the Bellevue Firemen’s Association in partnership with Countryside Armory, The event was also sponsored by Trevor Watson, and numerous local contributors.
The evening began with musician Justin Judge taking the stage at 7 p.m., followed by country artist Caitlynne Curtis, who performed through the evening until the fireworks lit up the night sky.
Watson, owner of Countryside Armory, coordinated this year’s musical entertainment.
This year’s celebration also featured several improvements, including a restroom trailer for attendees and an expanded selection of food trucks. The additional vendors helped keep lines manageable.
Watson expressed his appreciation to everyone who helped make the event a success: “Thanks to everyone for coming out and supporting a small-town event. We are already planning next year’s event with plans to keep growing the music side of the celebration.”
Bellevue Firemen’s Association President also reflected on what the event means to the community.:
“Still in complete shock how a small-town community can come together to have one of the best celebrations for our great Nation. The community and businesses may not know it, but they are putting Bellevue on the map and leaving a lasting memory on many that they will hold on to forever with this event.”
Plans are already underway for next year’s celebration; organizers hope to continue expanding the live music experience while preserving a hometown atmosphere.
Vermontville
Vermontville
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There’s a party going on in Nashville
Joanne Williams Editor (Courtesy photo – History will be celebrated in Nashville July...
Vermontville
Featured Story
There’s a party going on in Nashville
Joanne Williams
Editor
(Courtesy photo – History will be celebrated in Nashville July 11-12.)
There is a big celebration in Nashville, July 10 and 11.
How is this news? Nashville is the southern country-music mecca of the United States. There is always a party going on.
We are talking Nashville, Michigan, here.
The schedule for celebrating America’s 250th anniversary offers music and much more.
Supporters of the event include the Nashville Michigan Historical Society (NMHS), just 10-years in existence itself, but busy keeping Nashville memories and events alive.
From historical markers to celebrations, park restoration to cemetery maintenance, the historical society has been at work keeping Nashville history alive.
The village of Nashville was incorporated in 1869, named for one of its early surveyors, Garaudus Nash.
Since then, Nashville has taken advantage of the Thornapple River for mills, and the railroad, as a stop between Jackson and Grand Rapids.
Today, NMHS members work to preserve memories and are happy to help organize the two-day event.
Kermit Douse, society president, mentioned they were not going to advertise the celebration, as it was planned as a community-centered party. But the word got out, and the activities grew. Nashville has a population of about 1,600.
The schedule is packed:
Friday, July 10 – Food trucks starting at 5 p.m., youth bicycling for the parade; 6 p.m. a hymn sing at the Assembly of God, followed by a cornhole tournament, refreshments and music.
Saturday , July 11 – The parade kicks off at noon, and the day opens patriotically at Parade Park at 9 a.m. There will be activities and music all day.
With history in mind, the NMHS has scheduled a Saturday 3 p.m. special rededication of John Quick’s grave in the Quaker Cemetery. Quick was a young Revolutionary War veteran who rode across the Delaware River with General George Washington. He also fought at Valley Forge.
To top the afternoon off, at 6:15 p.m. there will be a flyover of The Holligans, a vintage aircraft group.
And did somebody say fireworks? They are on Friday, July 10, at dusk in Riverside Park.
Potterville
Potterville
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Gizzards aren’t the only things on the menu at the annual Potterville three-day festival
Joanne Williams Editor (Cindy Gaedert-Gearhart/TCJ – Crowds, food, music, rides, vendors, a...
Potterville
Featured Story
Gizzards aren’t the only things on the menu at the annual Potterville three-day festival
Joanne Williams
Editor
(Cindy Gaedert-Gearhart/TCJ – Crowds, food, music, rides, vendors, a parade, car show and so much more. What a great way to begin summer festival season, right here in Potterville.)
Do you know what a gizzard is?
They tend to “pop up” at Thanksgiving, when folks buy whole turkeys and discover a bag containing the bird’s organ meat – heart, liver, neck, and gizzard, which is found in the digestive tract of many animals and helps break down food. Some folks refer to it as a second stomach.
Gizzards are tough, so preparation requires time, unless you deep fry it, as Joe Bristol does at Joe’s Gizzard City in Potterville. Chicken provides the gizzard of choice.
Bristol’s restaurant, more than 65 years in the family, is famous for the dish, and is a destination for many summertime travelers.
This June 4-6, Potterville celebrates with Gizzard Festival, now nationally known because of its unique delicacy and a few choice television show spotlights.
It wasn’t always that way. The late spring, early summer festival used to be known as Potterville Days, and was more homegrown for a small, community celebration. Potterville’s population is about 3,100.
When the festival dwindled for lack of money and volunteers and took a COVID hiatus, it was resurrected as Gizzard Fest.
Today, three-day event, June 4-6, features vendors, amusement rides, contests, a pageant, entertainment, a parade, car show, and so much more. Crispy the Chicken will be there, too. The gizzardfest.org site spells it all out, including the parade on Friday at 6:30 p.m.
Now run by a community committee, Potterville hosts around 20,000 visitors.
This year’s theme is Beach Party. Next year’s, already set, is “Under the Big Top.”
Perhaps by then, more folks will learn of the lore of the gizzard.
They will also be treated well by the organizers, who, with the help of townspeople and Police Chief Richard Barry, make sure things run smoothly.
For example, there is parking at the high school, just across the street, with shuttles to take people to and fro, or an under-the-highway bridge to keep people out of harm’s way.
Barry also advised caution, as with any crowd situation. Keep your vehicles locked and valuables out of sight, he said, and, if the weather calls for it, stay hydrated.
Barry has been in Potterville for nine years, and says the police force, with reserves on hand, feel comfortable with the crowds.
The crowds are urged to give gizzards a try. If not now, when?
According to Dave Stoltzfus of Dutch Meadows Farms in Pennsylvania, “While the gizzard is not wildly popular in the United States (yet) it is considered a delicacy in other parts of the world. In places like Haiti, Mexico, Southeast Asia, Europe and Africa, it’s quite common to find the gizzard as mouthwatering street food, adorning a salad, or paired with your main meal as the perfect side dish.
In the south, you’ll often find them fried to a deliciously crispy texture or stewed for hours in a soup until melt in your mouth tender.”
He says it is “an excellent source of iron and zinc.”
Eaton Rapids
Eaton Rapids
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It wouldn’t be a parade without people like farmer Myrl Hawley
Joanne Williams Editor (Joanne Williams/FAN – As reliable as his tractors, Myrl Hawley will...
Eaton Rapids
Featured Story
It wouldn’t be a parade without people like farmer Myrl Hawley
Joanne Williams
Editor
(Joanne Williams/FAN – As reliable as his tractors, Myrl Hawley will be participating for the 49th time in Eaton Rapids Independence Day Celebration. Hawley is 89 and a farmer by trade.)
There may be no finer example of a proud American than Myrl Hawley, who lives just outside Eaton Rapids in Onondaga.
Hawley, 89, will be riding his John Deere tractor for the 49th time in the annual Eaton Rapids Independence Day celebration, Saturday, July 4, at 11 a.m. He’ll be the gentleman with the smile and a sign on his tractor to mark his years. In the past, he has been accompanied by his four children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He has also ridden in Charlotte’s Frontier Days Parade.
Normally, Hawley rises at 6 a.m. and goes about his farming chores and on his way to T&D Coney Island for a morning coffee with about eight to 10 other farmers. That’s just part of his life. When you ask him questions, he gives you the information, without boasting, and then sprinkles in some other gems, and a few stories and jokes as well.
His car is full of tools, just in case, he says. Hawley, can fix just about anything, especially things on wheels. The tools, by the way, are neatly arranged in the plastic shelf spaces of an old refrigerator door. Farmers know how to put everything to good use.
He and his late wife, Maida, who died in 2021 during their 65th year of marriage, were great Michigan State University Women’s Basketball fans. They only missed 16 games in 36 years, he said.
Once they even planned to see the team play in California, at the end of their own Hawaii vacation. The MSU team traveled to Hawaii the following season, and the Hawleys were with them then, too.
Oh, and then there are the marathons Myrl, a track star in high school, has run, including the Boston Marathon. He stopped running in 1997, when he was 60 years old.
The farming has been life-long, in addition to work with Oldsmobile for about 30 years. He lives on the farm where his mother was born, a centennial farm where wheat, beans, corn and more have been grown as Hawley continues to foster about 125 fertile acres. At one time, he oversaw about 1,900 acres.
And then, there are the tractors. John Deere since he can remember and always will be, in addition to his 137 peddle tractors. He recently acquired number 137 from a family just outside of Eaton Rapids. They recognized him as the tractor man in the parade – “You the guy,” they said.
People say that to him at T&D restaurant, too, including the owner, Gus, who swings by to chat with his regulars.
Waitress Nikita knows to pour Hawley’s regular half cup of coffee – hot and black. “He’s a sweetie,” she said.
As a farmer, Hawley has stayed active in championing family farms, including riding tractors in parades and rallies, one in Washington, D.C. It took him seven days to get there, by tractor.
Folks know where to find him the Saturday after Labor Day. He leads a parade of tractors from Eaton Rapids, sometimes two, sometimes 20, to the Mackinaw Bridge – it takes three days and then they join other tractors and cross the bridge together.
He has the whole route mapped out – the hotels, the places to stop for meals. A tractor runs all day on a tank of gas, Hawley said, but he needs three meals. He has seen prices rise over the years and meets people who remember and look forward to seeing the back-roads caravan.
As he leaves the diner, he shows off his peddle tractor, from the 1960s or so, Hawley said. He’s gone through four sets of tires.
He easily lifts the metal tractor into the back of his car and then shares some more parade photos from his cell phone.
“See you Saturday,” Hawley says, counting down the journey to next year’s 50th parade appearance at 90 years-of-age. Hawley indeed runs like a Deere.
Sunfield
Sunfield
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Recycle, reuse holiday items, including the tree, live garland
Joanne Williams Editor (Photo by Joanne Williams/FAN – Check with local recycling centers...
Mulliken
Mulliken
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Vietnam Veterans Annual Picnic
Christi Whiting Editor (Photo Provided) This year’s picnic is planned for August 26 at...
Dimondale
Dimondale
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Hamlin Fire Truck, Car Show funds cancer awareness
Dan LaLone Contributing Writer (Photo provided – The first annual Hamlin Fire truck and car...
