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LatestHorner House Interiors throws shade
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Charlotte
Charlotte
LatestShyness to Artisan, a long journey
Douglas Hoy Contributing Writer (Photo provided) I recently reacquainted myself with an old...
Charlotte
Featured Story

Shyness to Artisan, a long journey
Douglas Hoy
Contributing Writer
(Photo provided)
I recently reacquainted myself with an old friend, one Darryl Miller. A simple living man, common if you will. A painter and sculptor; an artist. A gentle man who followed his given talent, his passion, possibly to ends others, with weaker substance, would have shunned. A resounding affirmation of loyalty to an aptitude. There are awards, accolades, and acknowledgments which he does not promote but rather, unpretentiously cherishes.
Darryl Miller is an artist. Limitless passion. A sculptor whose works can be observed and appreciated in various locations throughout the state and country. Charlotte is his home town. You can find an example of his most personal statues in the courthouse museum. He truly never sought notoriety or grand prosperity. Not his way. This would not be true to his passion for art, for art’s sake.
A quiet unassuming man, his exceptional talents have taken him to storybook locations in other countries. Darryl is a devotee of the mentoring/encouraging system. From the early years of structured schooling and beyond Darryl has absorbed, passed onto others, his insight and knowledge sought by wanting creative apprentices.
After studying with Steve Davis at LCC Darryl was off to Salt Lake City to pursue stone cutting with Andrew Fairbanks, a renowned U.S. sculptor. Darryl quickly understood; to know good sculpting, one had to know what was underneath the skin, i.e., muscles and tendons. This most intensive, and imperative, instruction is the basis for all else to come. Soon, Darryl obtained a Master of Fine Arts Degree at Eastern University under the direct tutelage of sculptor John Nick Pappas EMU. As quoted by Mr. Pappas, “In his 25 years of instruction Darryl was one of the best, ever.” Yet, his true education in sculpting lay ahead. Darryl was off to Italy to study with Jacques Lipchitz in the art of marble sculpting. Then back to Detroit to the College of Creative Studies where, after five years of intense study, Darryl graduated in 1980. A very long journey to be an overnight, widely known, successful sculptor.
Sculpting is a multi-level, multi-step process. It is not a simple matter of carving figures out of clay. It includes a framed structure, layers upon layers of clay process, forming muscle configurations. If the process is to go to bronze, then Darryl uses the Loss Wax Process. A laborious process using wax coating to form a mold. Later, when cooled, the mold will be removed, filled with molten bronze at approximately 2000 degrees, cooled, cleaned and finished. I tried to make the entire process sound simple, it is not! Nor is it a quick process. Darryl showed me two of his honored and prized figures both taking over 6 to 10 weeks.
Currently, some of Darryl’s work are on display in various museums. Other works have become part of private collections of prominent families. Darryl is most proud of being judged 1st in Excellence by the eminent realist painter Phillip Pearlstein at Birmingham’s Bloomfield Art Association Exhibition. Lofty landings for a shy young man from the 70s who admired, held in reverence, icons such as Michelangelo, Rodin, and the world acclaimed contemporary sculptor Marcello Tommasi whom Darryl met in 1970. It’s been a long way from early days of encouragement from his 6th grade teacher to recreating the Sistine Chapel on the ceiling of the art room in his senior year of high school. Yes, a long way indeed.
After 30 years, walking the same halls of the giants of sculpting, honing his talents in the shadows of the great masters with passion and undeniable skills, Darryl is not finished, but a bit weary. As with most of us, time and age begin to take its toll. Darryl, for all of his skill, is not immune to mother nature. He has slowed down his work, but not his desire. Will we see some new work from him soon, only Darryl knows. Until then feel fortunate we can see samples of his work locally or in his encompassing book highlighting much of his work. A Renaissance man, maybe. A man who followed his true love and talents with passion, appreciation, and reverence; definitely. We can only marvel at his talent and say, Thank You Darryl.
Olivet
Olivet
LatestOlivet girls basketball team reflects on successful season
Ben Murphy Contributing Writer (Photo provided – The Olivet girls basketball team poses with...
Olivet
Featured Story

Olivet girls basketball team reflects on successful season
Ben Murphy
Contributing Writer
(Photo provided – The Olivet girls basketball team poses with the district trophy after defeating Vicksburg 48-33 on March 4.)
The Olivet girls basketball team lost their Division 2 regional semi-final game 46-42 to Plainwell on Tuesday, March 7 in a contest held at Three Rivers. The Lady Eagles still had quite the season though, finishing with a 19-5 record and winning Greater Lansing Activities Conference and district championships along the way.
“As always we spent a lot of time in the summer working on basketball, strength and agility training,” head coach Anna O’Dell said. “But, unlike the past few seasons, we brought back most of the playing group from the previous year. We had four returning starters, which meant we weren’t starting from scratch in June. We had offenses and defenses in place, which allowed us to master some things earlier than usual.”
The Lady Eagles last won a district championship in 2011 and they last won the GLAC in 2017. Ending both droughts was a special feeling for the squad.
“These two titles have been our season goals for years, even though we were not favored to win either this year, we all felt like something special was taking place,” O’Dell said. “When we beat a strong Springport team in the first game of the season, I think we all started to believe we could do it. I wasn’t a fan of opening conference play with Leslie, because I considered them the team to beat, but we took that game convincingly, and that provided extra motivation.”
There was more on top of that to be happy about too.
As for the post-season run, the Eagles were able to pick up convincing wins over Three Rivers and Vicksburg in district action.
“Our defense was the main factor in our district title,” O’Dell said. “We knew Three Rivers had numerous shooters, so our objective was to make it difficult to get their offense set up. We ran four defenses against them, which resulted in deflections, steals, and points off turnovers. Against undefeated Vicksburg, we knew we couldn’t run with them. I decided we would not press them. Their guards are too good and too fast to press. Our extended zone caused a lot of trouble for them, and without their ability to transition they struggled to score. We countered every run Vicksburg put together. I credit my girls and their athleticism, endurance, and grit. It won that game for us.”
The coach added a special thank you to seniors Drue Allen, Morgan O’Dell and Payton Otto.
“We had a historic season, we put two trophies in the trophy case,” O’Dell said.
And as for next season?
“Despite huge shoes to fill, the returners and JV girls provide a promising future,” O’Dell said. “The new conference will provide many challenges. As a coach, it feels a little like starting over. Building scouting reports from scratch on teams I don’t have a lot of knowledge of is concerning, but we will be prepared when the time comes and should compete with nearly every team in the new conference.”
Bellevue
Bellevue
LatestThe Tractors Are Rolling In Bellevue
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer The tractors will be rolling in for the 18th Annual Bellevue...
Bellevue
Featured Story

The Tractors Are Rolling In Bellevue
Deb Malewski
Contributing Writer
The tractors will be rolling in for the 18th Annual Bellevue Antique Tractor Show on August 13 and 14. It will be held at Washington Park in downtown Bellevue. Admission is free. Kids and adults alike will enjoy seeing the wide variety of old tractors and implements in the park.
One of the highlights of the event is the Friday and Saturday night Tractor Parades. This year it will be led by Phil Vahs, the 2021 Grand Marshal and a long-time participant of the event. The tractors will travel 10 to 12 miles around town and the trip will take about an hour.
The parade will involve twenty to thirty tractors, according to David Shumaker, one of the organizers of the event. “It’s great to be cruising the city on a tractor,” he said.
Shumaker owns 14 tractors himself and has been participating in the event for many years. This is his first time being one of the organizers, however, and his excitement is showing. “It’s a big weekend for Bellevue,” Shumaker said. “It’s a great event for the whole family.”
A wide variety of tractors are expected to attend the event, including a 1928 John Deere GP. The GP in the name stands for General Purpose. This tractor was built from 1928 to 1935 with a total production of about 36,000.
On Saturday at 10 a.m. the tractor games begin. There will be games of skill for those with tractors, such as putting a chain in a box, the slowest tractor race, dropping balls in buckets, and more.
Vendors will be open on Saturday in Washington Park. Tractor and wagon rides will be available, and there will be kids’ activities starting at 1 p.m., including a pedal pull, face painting, and more.
Two children, one boy and one girl, will be the lucky winners of a new bike if their name is drawn on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Entering the contest is easy; just drop your name in the box and a winner will be drawn. The winner must be present to win.
At noon there will be the presentation of the Grand Marshal plaque and various trophies to participants, including People’s Choice, the oldest tractor, and the tractor which was driven the farthest. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the day.
A Silent Auction will be held all day on Saturday. Money raised from the sale goes to the club to cover the expenses of the event.
The event wouldn’t happen without the help of many people, Shumaker stated. Helpers are always needed for the event.
Tractors are welcome to participate for just a day or for both days. Security will be provided both Friday and Saturday nights
For more information or to volunteer contact David Schumaker at 269-763-3457, or Darold or Carol Cheeseman at 269-758-3130.
Eaton County
Eaton County
LatestShyness to Artisan, a long journey
Douglas Hoy Contributing Writer (Photo provided) I recently reacquainted myself with an old...
Eaton County
Featured Story

Shyness to Artisan, a long journey
Douglas Hoy
Contributing Writer
(Photo provided)
I recently reacquainted myself with an old friend, one Darryl Miller. A simple living man, common if you will. A painter and sculptor; an artist. A gentle man who followed his given talent, his passion, possibly to ends others, with weaker substance, would have shunned. A resounding affirmation of loyalty to an aptitude. There are awards, accolades, and acknowledgments which he does not promote but rather, unpretentiously cherishes.
Darryl Miller is an artist. Limitless passion. A sculptor whose works can be observed and appreciated in various locations throughout the state and country. Charlotte is his home town. You can find an example of his most personal statues in the courthouse museum. He truly never sought notoriety or grand prosperity. Not his way. This would not be true to his passion for art, for art’s sake.
A quiet unassuming man, his exceptional talents have taken him to storybook locations in other countries. Darryl is a devotee of the mentoring/encouraging system. From the early years of structured schooling and beyond Darryl has absorbed, passed onto others, his insight and knowledge sought by wanting creative apprentices.
After studying with Steve Davis at LCC Darryl was off to Salt Lake City to pursue stone cutting with Andrew Fairbanks, a renowned U.S. sculptor. Darryl quickly understood; to know good sculpting, one had to know what was underneath the skin, i.e., muscles and tendons. This most intensive, and imperative, instruction is the basis for all else to come. Soon, Darryl obtained a Master of Fine Arts Degree at Eastern University under the direct tutelage of sculptor John Nick Pappas EMU. As quoted by Mr. Pappas, “In his 25 years of instruction Darryl was one of the best, ever.” Yet, his true education in sculpting lay ahead. Darryl was off to Italy to study with Jacques Lipchitz in the art of marble sculpting. Then back to Detroit to the College of Creative Studies where, after five years of intense study, Darryl graduated in 1980. A very long journey to be an overnight, widely known, successful sculptor.
Sculpting is a multi-level, multi-step process. It is not a simple matter of carving figures out of clay. It includes a framed structure, layers upon layers of clay process, forming muscle configurations. If the process is to go to bronze, then Darryl uses the Loss Wax Process. A laborious process using wax coating to form a mold. Later, when cooled, the mold will be removed, filled with molten bronze at approximately 2000 degrees, cooled, cleaned and finished. I tried to make the entire process sound simple, it is not! Nor is it a quick process. Darryl showed me two of his honored and prized figures both taking over 6 to 10 weeks.
Currently, some of Darryl’s work are on display in various museums. Other works have become part of private collections of prominent families. Darryl is most proud of being judged 1st in Excellence by the eminent realist painter Phillip Pearlstein at Birmingham’s Bloomfield Art Association Exhibition. Lofty landings for a shy young man from the 70s who admired, held in reverence, icons such as Michelangelo, Rodin, and the world acclaimed contemporary sculptor Marcello Tommasi whom Darryl met in 1970. It’s been a long way from early days of encouragement from his 6th grade teacher to recreating the Sistine Chapel on the ceiling of the art room in his senior year of high school. Yes, a long way indeed.
After 30 years, walking the same halls of the giants of sculpting, honing his talents in the shadows of the great masters with passion and undeniable skills, Darryl is not finished, but a bit weary. As with most of us, time and age begin to take its toll. Darryl, for all of his skill, is not immune to mother nature. He has slowed down his work, but not his desire. Will we see some new work from him soon, only Darryl knows. Until then feel fortunate we can see samples of his work locally or in his encompassing book highlighting much of his work. A Renaissance man, maybe. A man who followed his true love and talents with passion, appreciation, and reverence; definitely. We can only marvel at his talent and say, Thank You Darryl.
Vermontville
Vermontville
LatestVisit Vermontville Day
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer It’s summertime, COVID-19 worries are reduced, and the festivals...
Vermontville
Featured Story

Visit Vermontville Day
Deb Malewski
Contributing Writer
It’s summertime, COVID-19 worries are reduced, and the festivals and events we look forward to are returning to Eaton County. The fifth annual Visit Vermontville Day will take place on August 7 in the village of Vermontville. It promises to be a fun day with lots of activities for the whole family, including a flea market, kid’s games, a farmers’ market, a pancake breakfast, musical entertainment, and more. Vermontville is jumping back into living life after the pandemic and is hosting several exciting events this summer. The Visit Vermontville Day team is busy making all the final arrangements for a lot of fun events for all ages. The team is composed of members of the community and the events are not sponsored by the Vermontville Village Council and/or their employees. The summer events kicked off with a new event; an Amish Visit Vermontville Day was held on June 26. The Vermontville Amish community offers a wide variety of businesses that many are not aware of, so this event was initiated to help everyone realize that they are there. They include bakeries, gift shops, groceries, bulk stores, cabinetry, and fencing installers, and much more. Nineteen businesses participated, and from all accounts, everyone had a great day despite the rainy weather, with many visitors, with groups of five to ten people at a time. Maps are still available at Sunset Bakery on Vermontville Highway, JoLei’s Diner in Vermontville, and the M-79 Grocery on the corner of M-79 and Ionia Road for those interested in visiting the businesses. Coming up soon are community garage sales on July 15, 16, and 17 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. To sign up for your sale visit their Facebook page #VisitVermontvilleDay, by email hammondslois@yahoo.com, or call 517-231-5629. Due to some work being done involving gas main and water works, it may require a little extra walking, but all sales will be accessible. Visit Vermontville Day is happening on August 7. There will be a flea market, kid’s games, and lots of entertainment. There are still spots available for flea market vendors on Main Street; call or message #VisitVermontvilleDay on Facebook to get more information or call 517-231-5629. The Maple Valley Band Boosters will be serving up pancakes with pure maple syrup from 8 a.m. until noon at the Community Center. The Vermontville Town Library will be in the park with activities, including a story walk. They will be joined by the Farmers Market. Those with tractors are invited to bring them to share with the public during the event. Always a favorite, there will be a Pedal Tractor Pull for kids at noon. Even more exiting will be the bike give-away for kids ages two to fifteen. The last giveaway had 20 bikes to give to children, and the Team is hoping to repeat that again this year. They are still seeking donations of new bikes, from tricycles up to adult size. Contact the Team if you can help. Music will be provided for Visit Vermontville Day by the Voodoo DJs. There is a dancing area in front of the stage, along with benches to just sit and watch. There will be a car cruise on Saturday, September 25. It’s the second annual Classic Car Cruise and will also feature a street dance. No registration is required; just cruise in and join the party. Music at the Car Cruise will be provided by Blind Ambition.
Potterville
Potterville
LatestCommunity Support key to student success
Lisa Lee Contributing Writer (Photo by Lisa Lee – Viking Bucks winners: Back row: Ty...
Potterville
Featured Story

Community Support key to student success
Lisa Lee
Contributing Writer
(Photo by Lisa Lee – Viking Bucks winners: Back row: Ty Carlton, Chris Hicks, Da’Marion Hicks, Jordan Caudill, Mackenzie Harris. Front Row: Thomas Bisset, Doughlas Stillwagon, Lalyana Bustillos and Kelsey Stiver.)
Potterville High School staff and students are upping their focus on positive behavior thanks to the help of local businesses and the leadership from school behavioralist, Jessica Leopold, and teacher, Selena Bliesener. The school has been using a program called Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) for a while, but Mrs. Leopold wanted to recharge the program to see if it could improve certain behavior trends, such as peer to peer interactions and peer to staff interactions. Mrs. Bliesener sent 100 letters to local business asking for donations of funds or prizes that could be given to students that are caught exceling in the PBIS target areas.
The new phase of the program was kicked off in January, and Mrs. Bliesener reports seeing marked improvements in student behavior. The improvements include simple acts of kindness such as holding a door open for someone, using “Please” and “Thank you,” and greeting people to make everyone feel valued. She said that when the students take time to notice and extend a simple kindness, the positive energy, or joy, is felt throughout the schools. Students are more relaxed and feel more comfortable being in school. When this happens, tardies go down, office referrals are reduced and there is less stress in the school, and with less stress, the school is a more positive learning environment.
Here is how PBIS works: the student handbook explains the behavior objectives and gives specific examples of those expectations, which are broken down into five categories: Positivity, Respect, Integrity, Determination and Empathy. The first letter of each category forms the acronym PRIDE. Students who are randomly caught fulfilling the PRIDE expectations are given a PRIDE card, which is marked for which expectation they were exhibiting, thus giving them immediate positive feedback for the good thing they were just caught doing. The students turn in their cards each week and a drawing is held for each of the four grade levels at the high school. Winning students get to pick a prize from the community-filled donation cart, or to pick an in-school prize such as getting a pass to be first in the lunch line. Bimonthly events and activities are created for students that actively participate in the PRIDE program. Recently, they held a dance to celebrate students earning PRIDE cards.
Eaton Rapids
Eaton Rapids
LatestHorner House Interiors throws shade
Christine Terpening Contributing Writer (Photo by Christine Terpening) A home is a haven....
Eaton Rapids
Featured Story

Horner House Interiors throws shade
Christine Terpening
Contributing Writer
(Photo by Christine Terpening)
A home is a haven. Shouldn’t this space be the most welcoming environment in your world? Horner House Interiors has been making homes a beautiful refuge since 1987. Owner Cathy Cowles began her business specializing in window treatments, for shade, privacy and beauty, but has since grown into whole house renovation. “I specialize in window treatments, but I sell everything for the interior,” says Cowles.
Cowles began her business in 1987 with window treatments, incorporating her mother to help sew. Having outgrown her original space, she took a chance and purchased her current location. The move came one Thanksgiving when she had years of craft belongings to move. With the help of family already gathered for the holiday, Cowles relocated.
That move was a turning point, but also a financial risk. “I had no real money to work with,” she explained. The new location at what was the old VFW post was spacious and had plenty of parking, but the new building had no furnace, no functional windows and was in deep need of renovation. Cowles was in need of hiring contractors to make her space customer ready and thought, “Oh my gosh, why don’t I do this,” and so she did. In order to advance her business to offer full interior design Cowles needed to hire a kitchen designer, buy a line of cabinets, special software and numerous other materials which was a huge investment. That emboldened move has served her and her community well.
Horner House Interiors also sells countertops, wall coverings, flooring, kitchen and bathroom cabinets, tile, and rugs. Another service provided is custom upholstery. “It’s hard for people to find a service like that,” said Cowles, who has a large selection of upholstery fabric. No matter the service needed, when Cowles gets the call, she runs right out with her tape measure and gets down to business.
Everything Cowles sells gets installed, from hanging blinds to laying tile. Free estimates and free design service is an added feature that comes with doing business with this creative talent. Start to finish restoration is a part of ensuring happy, repeat customers.
Cowles says she has had many repeat customers during her career. Often, people who remodeled their home decades ago are doing so again in their 70’s and 80’s. Knowing the value of a fresh space at any age has them coming back to Horner House Interiors. “It’s never too late to freshen up your home,” she said.
Homes are not her only workspace. Cowles has had her work hung in the Michigan State Capital during Governor Rick Syder’s term. “They wanted to use a small business, so we were commissioned to make window treatments for the governor. That was a big thing to do. It felt important,” Cowles humbly offered. They also had her make a custom tablecloth for the conference room table. This was a feather in the cap of this small businesswoman.
Though she has been known to travel 80 miles away for a job, Cowles prefers small town people. “Everyone has a little story and I love that part of it. I should write a little book,” she quipped. Having raised her family here and being raised here herself, Eaton Rapids fits her like well-made drapes.
Horner House Interiors is located at 123 N. Main St. in downtown Eaton Rapids. To make an appointment to spruce up your space, call Cathy at (517)231-7226.
Sunfield
Sunfield
LatestSunfield Museum Mini Carnival is Major
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer The Welch Museum in Sunfield is truly the motherlode of local and...
Mulliken
Mulliken
LatestEaton County Sheriff’s Office has a new K9
Welcome your K9 Roscoe. We can’t thank you enough for the overwhelming response. It was wonderful....
Dimondale
Dimondale
LatestParadise is Anywhere in a Kayak
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer Bright blue sky, wispy clouds, balmy temperatures—it’s summer,...