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Museum elevator opens new doors
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer (Deb Malewski/TCJ – The grand opening of the new, long...
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Charlotte entrepreneur, mom, athlete, leads eggs-cellent life
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer (Deb Malewski/TCJ – Farm stand operator, runner, wife, mom...
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Museum elevator opens new doors
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer (Deb Malewski/TCJ – The grand opening of the new, long...
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Eaton Rapids
Eaton Rapids
Latest
Hamlin Fire Truck, Car Show funds cancer awareness
Dan LaLone Contributing Writer (Photo provided – The first annual Hamlin Fire truck and car...
Eaton Rapids
Featured Story
Hamlin Fire Truck, Car Show funds cancer awareness
Dan LaLone
Contributing Writer
(Photo provided – The first annual Hamlin Fire truck and car show raised funds for Neighbors United #WalkForThe Red, which advocates for firefighters affected by cancer and the risk to firefighters from toxic exposure.)
The Hamlin Township Firefighters Association partnered with the Hamlin Township Fire Department and Neighbors United #WalkForTheRed to host its inaugural Fire Truck and Car Show, raising funds and awareness for firefighters battling occupational cancer.
The event raised $250 for Neighbors United, in addition to donations made directly to the organization by attendees.
Neighbors United #WalkForTheRed advocates for firefighters affected by cancer and raises awareness about the risks firefighters face from exposure to carcinogens and toxic substances encountered during fires and hazardous materials incidents.
Several fire departments from Eaton and Ingham counties participated in the event, including Eaton Rapids, Olivet, Windsor Township, Charlotte, Onondaga and Leslie. Eaton Rapids firefighters raised a large American flag over the show grounds.
The event also featured a variety of classic and specialty vehicles. Among them were a 1941 Dodge COE, a 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle, several Chevrolet Camaros and a 1989 Nissan Skyline GT-R.
Awards were presented in both the classic car and fire truck divisions.
David Wood received the Best in Show award in the classic car division for his 1931 Chevrolet Coupe. Steve DeKett of the Leslie Fire Department earned Best in Show honors in the fire truck division with a 1949 International fire engine.
Organizers said they collected feedback from participants and spectators throughout the day and are already considering improvements for next year’s event.
“We received a lot of great ideas and suggestions,” organizers said. “We hope to continue building on this year’s success and make the event even bigger next year.”
The association also thanked the Eaton Rapids Area Historical Society for loaning former Hamlin Township Fire Department Engine 3 for display during the event. Organizers said they hope the historic apparatus can continue to participate in future community events and parades.
The Hamlin Township Firefighters Association extended a special thank you to everyone who attended the event, entered vehicles, purchased raffle tickets, made donations and supported the cause. Organizers also expressed their appreciation to the firefighters association members, fire department personnel and volunteers whose efforts helped make the event possible.
“The support from the community exceeded our expectations,” organizers said. “We are grateful to everyone who helped make our first car show a success.”
Those interested in providing feedback or suggestions for future events can submit them through the contact form at HamlinFireRescue.com.
Anyone interested in supporting the Hamlin Township Firefighters Association or Neighbors United can visit HamlinFireRescue.com or follow the Hamlin Township Firefighters Association on Facebook for upcoming events and opportunities. Association members are also planning to participate in the Eaton Rapids Community Market on June 20, where they will offer homemade breads, soaps, jams, jellies, supporter apparel and other traditional farmers market items.
Organizers described the event as a successful first-year show that brought together firefighters, classic car enthusiasts and community members in support of an important cause.
They hope it becomes an annual tradition that continues to grow in the years ahead.
Editor’s Note: Dan LaLone is a part-time volunteer member of the Hamlin Township Firefighters Association.
Mason
Mason
Latest
Vietnam Veterans Annual Picnic
Christi Whiting Editor (Photo Provided) This year’s picnic is planned for August 26 at...
Mason
Featured Story
Vietnam Veterans Annual Picnic
Christi Whiting
Editor
(Photo Provided)
This year’s picnic is planned for August 26 at noon at Bennett Park in Charlotte. All Vietnam vets and their spouses are invited and should bring a dish to pass. Whistlepig BBQ in Charlotte will be furnishing pulled pork for the group, with water and place settings also provided. “As long as you guys meet, I’ll help you out,” Whistlepig BBQ owner Jason Strotheide told Jerry Taylor, one of the organizers of the now-annual event. “The guys appreciate this very much,” Taylor added. The last picnic was held in 2022 with 38 people attending.
Many veterans remember some tough stuff about their experience in the military during the Vietnam war. How they were treated when they returned home is especially painful. There were no parades or welcoming parties. Many were treated disrespectfully due to the war being so unpopular. They learned to hide their veteran status, and many have refused to discuss their experience in Vietnam over the years because of the attitudes that were directed toward them.
Jerry Taylor, Dave Smith, Fred Meyers, and Darrell Gingrich – all Eaton County Vietnam veterans – decided to do something about it and started this back in 2017. They set out to bring as many Eaton County Vietnam veterans as possible together, as a kind of reunion, to talk, share stories, and reminisce about their mutual experiences. They organized a Vietnam veterans’ picnic and invited everyone that they knew to be a veteran of the conflict. “The stories and the camaraderie are what keep many vets coming back,” Taylor said. Taylor is the last man still alive from his unit, so there’s no chance of a reunion with those with whom he served. “We don’t want to see it end,” said Taylor. “We look forward to it.”
In addition to the annual picnic at Bennett Park, a group of Vietnam veterans also meets at the Charlotte Big Boy restaurant about 8 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. They have breakfast, and sit and talk about a little of everything, Taylor said, and they welcome others to join them.
They also utilize the services of Thomas Lewis, Veterans Service Officer for Eaton County. Lewis provides services for veterans and their spouses. “He’s great at helping folks out,” explained Taylor, “whether it’s death benefits, housing, education, insurance, pensions, or medical care, he’s there for us.”
For additional information about the veterans’ events contact Jerry Taylor at 517-242-3048.
DIMONDALE
Dimondale
Latest
Hamlin Fire Truck, Car Show funds cancer awareness
Dan LaLone Contributing Writer (Photo provided – The first annual Hamlin Fire truck and car...
Dimondale
Featured Story
Hamlin Fire Truck, Car Show funds cancer awareness
Dan LaLone
Contributing Writer
(Photo provided – The first annual Hamlin Fire truck and car show raised funds for Neighbors United #WalkForThe Red, which advocates for firefighters affected by cancer and the risk to firefighters from toxic exposure.)
The Hamlin Township Firefighters Association partnered with the Hamlin Township Fire Department and Neighbors United #WalkForTheRed to host its inaugural Fire Truck and Car Show, raising funds and awareness for firefighters battling occupational cancer.
The event raised $250 for Neighbors United, in addition to donations made directly to the organization by attendees.
Neighbors United #WalkForTheRed advocates for firefighters affected by cancer and raises awareness about the risks firefighters face from exposure to carcinogens and toxic substances encountered during fires and hazardous materials incidents.
Several fire departments from Eaton and Ingham counties participated in the event, including Eaton Rapids, Olivet, Windsor Township, Charlotte, Onondaga and Leslie. Eaton Rapids firefighters raised a large American flag over the show grounds.
The event also featured a variety of classic and specialty vehicles. Among them were a 1941 Dodge COE, a 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle, several Chevrolet Camaros and a 1989 Nissan Skyline GT-R.
Awards were presented in both the classic car and fire truck divisions.
David Wood received the Best in Show award in the classic car division for his 1931 Chevrolet Coupe. Steve DeKett of the Leslie Fire Department earned Best in Show honors in the fire truck division with a 1949 International fire engine.
Organizers said they collected feedback from participants and spectators throughout the day and are already considering improvements for next year’s event.
“We received a lot of great ideas and suggestions,” organizers said. “We hope to continue building on this year’s success and make the event even bigger next year.”
The association also thanked the Eaton Rapids Area Historical Society for loaning former Hamlin Township Fire Department Engine 3 for display during the event. Organizers said they hope the historic apparatus can continue to participate in future community events and parades.
The Hamlin Township Firefighters Association extended a special thank you to everyone who attended the event, entered vehicles, purchased raffle tickets, made donations and supported the cause. Organizers also expressed their appreciation to the firefighters association members, fire department personnel and volunteers whose efforts helped make the event possible.
“The support from the community exceeded our expectations,” organizers said. “We are grateful to everyone who helped make our first car show a success.”
Those interested in providing feedback or suggestions for future events can submit them through the contact form at HamlinFireRescue.com.
Anyone interested in supporting the Hamlin Township Firefighters Association or Neighbors United can visit HamlinFireRescue.com or follow the Hamlin Township Firefighters Association on Facebook for upcoming events and opportunities. Association members are also planning to participate in the Eaton Rapids Community Market on June 20, where they will offer homemade breads, soaps, jams, jellies, supporter apparel and other traditional farmers market items.
Organizers described the event as a successful first-year show that brought together firefighters, classic car enthusiasts and community members in support of an important cause.
They hope it becomes an annual tradition that continues to grow in the years ahead.
Editor’s Note: Dan LaLone is a part-time volunteer member of the Hamlin Township Firefighters Association.
Eaton County
Eaton County
Latest
Museum elevator opens new doors
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer (Deb Malewski/TCJ – The grand opening of the new, long...
Eaton County
Featured Story
Museum elevator opens new doors
Deb Malewski
Contributing Writer
(Deb Malewski/TCJ – The grand opening of the new, long anticipated elevator at the Courthouse Square Museum was held June 5 with major donor Richard Trumley doing the ribbon-cutting honors.)
What began as an ambitious vision became a reality on June 5 when Courthouse Square Museum in Charlotte recognized the donors whose generosity helped fund a nearly $500,000 elevator project in the historic 1885 courthouse.
During a ribbon-cutting ceremony, supporters gathered to celebrate not only a new addition to the landmark building, but also a shared commitment to preserving local history while making it accessible to everyone.
“I’m sure my very beautiful wife, Bev, was smiling tonight,” said Richard Trumley after the dedication of the elevator to the “loving memory of Beverly Trumley.” Trumley is a World War II veteran and was the principal donor behind the elevator project. Trumley also presented the museum with an additional check that evening, bringing his total contribution to more than $300,000. Other donors recognized during the ceremony included the Joe Pray family, John Hotchkiss, and Will Pitylak, along with many others from the community.
Trumley also paid tribute to the late Edward Morey, whose efforts in the mid-1970s helped save the courthouse from demolition. After Eaton County moved its governmental offices to the new courthouse on Independence Boulevard in 1976, officials debated whether the aging building should be razed. According to Trumley, Morey almost single-handedly ensured its survival, traveling to Washington, D.C., to oversee the courthouse’s nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The successful designation protected the building and paved the way for its future as a museum, preserving an important piece of Eaton County history for generations to come.
“The historic building would be all lawn without him,” Trumley said.
Morey’s sons, Lance and Gary, traveled across the country to attend the event.
“Dad would be so proud. It’s grown so much more than he ever expected,” Lance Morey said. They brought their father’s military uniforms to add to the collection at the museum. Morey was a US Army veteran of both World War II and the Korean War. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel before retiring.
Julie Kimmer, former manager of Courthouse Square and the driving force behind the project, declared, “I will be perfectly honest. I didn’t think we’d ever be here.”
Rod Weaver, Courthouse Square Board president, praised Kimmer for the “amazing job” she did in both fundraising and overseeing the installation of the elevator. There were many ups and downs during the project, he said, but Kimmer helped ensure everything stayed on track in the historic building.
Cody Newman, the architect from Driven Design came up with a “simple” elevator, one that was less expensive and that is installed on the exterior of the building to avoid damaging any of the historic features inside the building. The community stepped up and contributed to the efforts.
All three floors of the building are now fully ADA accessible. Weddings and other public events are frequently held in the restored third-floor courtroom, which can now be enjoyed by visitors of all abilities.
Plan a visit by checking out the museum’s Facebook page or the website at csamuseum.net. The museum is located at 100 West Lawrence. Call 517-543-6999 for information.
Onondaga
Onondaga
Latest
Hamlin Fire Truck, Car Show funds cancer awareness
Dan LaLone Contributing Writer (Photo provided – The first annual Hamlin Fire truck and car...
Onondaga
Featured Story
Hamlin Fire Truck, Car Show funds cancer awareness
Dan LaLone
Contributing Writer
(Photo provided – The first annual Hamlin Fire truck and car show raised funds for Neighbors United #WalkForThe Red, which advocates for firefighters affected by cancer and the risk to firefighters from toxic exposure.)
The Hamlin Township Firefighters Association partnered with the Hamlin Township Fire Department and Neighbors United #WalkForTheRed to host its inaugural Fire Truck and Car Show, raising funds and awareness for firefighters battling occupational cancer.
The event raised $250 for Neighbors United, in addition to donations made directly to the organization by attendees.
Neighbors United #WalkForTheRed advocates for firefighters affected by cancer and raises awareness about the risks firefighters face from exposure to carcinogens and toxic substances encountered during fires and hazardous materials incidents.
Several fire departments from Eaton and Ingham counties participated in the event, including Eaton Rapids, Olivet, Windsor Township, Charlotte, Onondaga and Leslie. Eaton Rapids firefighters raised a large American flag over the show grounds.
The event also featured a variety of classic and specialty vehicles. Among them were a 1941 Dodge COE, a 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle, several Chevrolet Camaros and a 1989 Nissan Skyline GT-R.
Awards were presented in both the classic car and fire truck divisions.
David Wood received the Best in Show award in the classic car division for his 1931 Chevrolet Coupe. Steve DeKett of the Leslie Fire Department earned Best in Show honors in the fire truck division with a 1949 International fire engine.
Organizers said they collected feedback from participants and spectators throughout the day and are already considering improvements for next year’s event.
“We received a lot of great ideas and suggestions,” organizers said. “We hope to continue building on this year’s success and make the event even bigger next year.”
The association also thanked the Eaton Rapids Area Historical Society for loaning former Hamlin Township Fire Department Engine 3 for display during the event. Organizers said they hope the historic apparatus can continue to participate in future community events and parades.
The Hamlin Township Firefighters Association extended a special thank you to everyone who attended the event, entered vehicles, purchased raffle tickets, made donations and supported the cause. Organizers also expressed their appreciation to the firefighters association members, fire department personnel and volunteers whose efforts helped make the event possible.
“The support from the community exceeded our expectations,” organizers said. “We are grateful to everyone who helped make our first car show a success.”
Those interested in providing feedback or suggestions for future events can submit them through the contact form at HamlinFireRescue.com.
Anyone interested in supporting the Hamlin Township Firefighters Association or Neighbors United can visit HamlinFireRescue.com or follow the Hamlin Township Firefighters Association on Facebook for upcoming events and opportunities. Association members are also planning to participate in the Eaton Rapids Community Market on June 20, where they will offer homemade breads, soaps, jams, jellies, supporter apparel and other traditional farmers market items.
Organizers described the event as a successful first-year show that brought together firefighters, classic car enthusiasts and community members in support of an important cause.
They hope it becomes an annual tradition that continues to grow in the years ahead.
Editor’s Note: Dan LaLone is a part-time volunteer member of the Hamlin Township Firefighters Association.
Charlotte
Charlotte
Latest
Museum elevator opens new doors
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer (Deb Malewski/TCJ – The grand opening of the new, long...
Charlotte
Featured Story
Museum elevator opens new doors
Deb Malewski
Contributing Writer
(Deb Malewski/TCJ – The grand opening of the new, long anticipated elevator at the Courthouse Square Museum was held June 5 with major donor Richard Trumley doing the ribbon-cutting honors.)
What began as an ambitious vision became a reality on June 5 when Courthouse Square Museum in Charlotte recognized the donors whose generosity helped fund a nearly $500,000 elevator project in the historic 1885 courthouse.
During a ribbon-cutting ceremony, supporters gathered to celebrate not only a new addition to the landmark building, but also a shared commitment to preserving local history while making it accessible to everyone.
“I’m sure my very beautiful wife, Bev, was smiling tonight,” said Richard Trumley after the dedication of the elevator to the “loving memory of Beverly Trumley.” Trumley is a World War II veteran and was the principal donor behind the elevator project. Trumley also presented the museum with an additional check that evening, bringing his total contribution to more than $300,000. Other donors recognized during the ceremony included the Joe Pray family, John Hotchkiss, and Will Pitylak, along with many others from the community.
Trumley also paid tribute to the late Edward Morey, whose efforts in the mid-1970s helped save the courthouse from demolition. After Eaton County moved its governmental offices to the new courthouse on Independence Boulevard in 1976, officials debated whether the aging building should be razed. According to Trumley, Morey almost single-handedly ensured its survival, traveling to Washington, D.C., to oversee the courthouse’s nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The successful designation protected the building and paved the way for its future as a museum, preserving an important piece of Eaton County history for generations to come.
“The historic building would be all lawn without him,” Trumley said.
Morey’s sons, Lance and Gary, traveled across the country to attend the event.
“Dad would be so proud. It’s grown so much more than he ever expected,” Lance Morey said. They brought their father’s military uniforms to add to the collection at the museum. Morey was a US Army veteran of both World War II and the Korean War. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel before retiring.
Julie Kimmer, former manager of Courthouse Square and the driving force behind the project, declared, “I will be perfectly honest. I didn’t think we’d ever be here.”
Rod Weaver, Courthouse Square Board president, praised Kimmer for the “amazing job” she did in both fundraising and overseeing the installation of the elevator. There were many ups and downs during the project, he said, but Kimmer helped ensure everything stayed on track in the historic building.
Cody Newman, the architect from Driven Design came up with a “simple” elevator, one that was less expensive and that is installed on the exterior of the building to avoid damaging any of the historic features inside the building. The community stepped up and contributed to the efforts.
All three floors of the building are now fully ADA accessible. Weddings and other public events are frequently held in the restored third-floor courtroom, which can now be enjoyed by visitors of all abilities.
Plan a visit by checking out the museum’s Facebook page or the website at csamuseum.net. The museum is located at 100 West Lawrence. Call 517-543-6999 for information.
Potterville
Potterville
Latest
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...
Olivet
Olivet
Latest
Hamlin Fire Truck, Car Show funds cancer awareness
Dan LaLone Contributing Writer (Photo provided – The first annual Hamlin Fire truck and car...
Vermontville
Vermontville
Latest
Junior Teegen McDonald scores 1,000 points and then picks up a pitcher’s glove
Joanne Williams Editor (Joanne Williams/TCJ: The night they will all remember, – 1,000...
