Hale News - February 2026

Hale News

More than a meal Supporting our seniors

By Kristi Major

HALE- Nearly 13 million older Americans struggle with hunger every year. Meals on Wheels America supports the nationwide network of communitybased programs dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. The program provides daily nutritional meals, friendly visits, and safety checks. Across the nation, 224 million meals are provided annually.

Closer to home, area seniors are supported through the Iosco County Commission on Aging (ICCOA). Located in the Plainfield Township Library building in Hale, Dale Evilsizer has worked for the commission for 22 years; 12 as Executive Director. “The most rewarding

aspect of my job is the incredible people I get to work with; not only in the commission but those in the community we serve.”

The commission oversees the local Meals on Wheels program (MOW) which relies on federal funds through the Older Americans Act, along with state funds, local funding (millage) and private donations. Every fall, the commission is notified of the amount they will be getting for the following year.

Unfortunately, the government shutdown in 2025 put a kink in the system and as of December, funding for 2026 had yet to be received. “Without federal funding, we will begin using the appropriated millage, but that won’t last the

entire year.” noted Evilsizer. “Federal funds have now been received but if there’s another government shutdown, we will be right back in the same position.”

HONORING HEROES- On January 9, the Hale American Legion Post 422 proudly honored 42 veterans residing in five local nursing homes. Each veteran received a formal military salute, heartfelt gifts, and hand-made cards created by Hale grade school students, celebrating their service and reminding them they are remembered and appreciated.

Pictured at Lakeview Manor; Back (l-r) Auxiliary Treasure, Linda Otey, Auxiliary Chaplain, Marlene Polishak, Lakeview Director, Mitzie Harmon, Legion Commander, John Memo, and Past Commander Chuck Carroll.

Middle (l-r) Veterans Bill Mott, Lenny Stevenson, Jay Jolly, and Greg Stewart. Front (l-r) Tom Segar and Tom Hurd.

HALE STUDENTS OF THE MONTH- This month these students were picked based on their character and academic performance!

Alyssa Rettelle, Jackson Jameson, Aleah View, Keigan

and Jonah Barclay. Middle

Brayden

Hainley, Raygan Chrivia, and Edward

More than a meal

Continued from the previous page

Nutritional hot meals for delivery are prepared every morning at the Hale Senior Center kitchen, supervised by Head Cook Carrie Gregg. Volunteers deliver those fresh meals along three routes’ MonFri in Hale, Whittemore and Sand Lake. On Friday, recipients receive one hot meal plus two frozen meals to get them through the weekend.

Currently, 82 residents are served along those three routes.

It should be noted that this service is not just about food. The visits provide personal support and companionship. It’s also a wellness check and in many cases the only person that resident sees. Daily visits by drivers offer crucial social interaction as well as a safety check.

and

law, background checks are done on anyone who comes in contact with a client” explains Evilsizer. Besides the meals delivered to homes, an additional 100 congregate meals are served daily in the area Senior Centers. Those meals are available to anyone (no age restriction) for a very small fee. A menu of daily meals is posted monthly on the Senior Centers Facebook page, in their monthly Newsletter, and on www. ioscocoa.org.

Fresh nutritional meals are prepared every morning by (l-r)

Head Cook Carrie Gregg and Assistant Cooks Crystal and Jackie. ~ Photo courtesy of Senior Center

The ICCOA wants to resurrect is the Senior Companion Program. Evilsizer is working with Heidi Powers in Region 9 to restore funding for it. That program will identify and support those needing social interaction, whether they are receiving Meals on Wheels or not.

Requirements for MOW is simply to be 60+ years in age. There is no income requirement. In most circumstances, the recipients are homebound and/or unable to shop or prepare meals. There is always a need for more drivers. “As required by

ICCOA staff will be happy to answer any questions and review your specific needs. For more information on Meals on Wheels or any other program offered by ICCOA, visit www.ioscocoa. org or call 989-728-2206 (Hale, Whittemore, National City, South Branch) or 989-739-3781 (Tawas, Oscoda, AuSable).

Participants in the Kitty Cat timed event (l-r): Teddy Blain (7) 5th place, Hudson Padgorski (8) 3rd place, Silas Cain (6) 2nd place, Calvin Blain (9), 1st place, Shelby Eno (8) 4th place, and Samantha Chinchak (4) 6th place.

Classic sleds shine in Hale

HALE- The Hale Antique, Vintage and Classic Snowmobile Show roared into Plainfield Township Hall on Sat., Jan. 3, drawing enthusiasts for a free, family-friendly day celebrating classic machines.

Red sleds took center stage, with morning registration, hot coffee, food and drinks available, and a popular Kitty Kat timed course for kids 9 and under. Children’s awards followed the youth ride, with show awards wrapping up the event later in the afternoon.

Co-organizer

Michalle Meyers and the list of sponsors of the event. "Raffles, 50/50, concessions and individual donations help fund each year’s event,” said Meyers.

Winter fun awaits

HALE- The Ice Jam is coming back to Long Lake in Hale on Sat., Feb. 7! Families can enjoy a Polar Plunge, free skating and drop-in hockey, snow sculpting, games, a decorate-and-race chair contest, and music from DJ Mark. The community celebration runs from 12- 5 p.m., with prizes and winter fun for all ages.

Unlock scholarship opportunities

HALE- Seniors and their parents are invited to attend Scholarship Night on Wednesday, February 11, at 6 p.m. in the school cafeteria. This informative event offers a chance to meet local scholarship providers, pick up applications, and ask questions. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by Friday, February 6, by calling 989-728-3551 ext. 102 or emailing ahowell@haleschools.net

THANK YOU, SCHOOL BOARD! - January is School Board Appreciation Month. We would like to recognize our Board of Education for all the support and time they give our students, staff, and school community. Our Hale Board of Education Members are Karol Shellenbarger, Valarie Cryderman, Cindy Sheldon, Jeremy Spaw, Tara Lynch, Michael Reilly, and Paul Olmstead. Thanks for all you do!

The Hale News is looking for freelance writers. If you have interest in local events, interviews with community members, and have a passion for writing, we want to talk to you! Please email alicia@upnorthvoice.com for more information.

Where to Find Us in Print! Hale News

HALE

Corky’s Party Store

4997 E Main St, Long Lake

J & M County Fair Store

415 W Main St, Hale

Forward’s (Shell)

103 N Washington St, Hale

Forward’s (Marathon) 101 W Main St, Hale

Big Bob’s Restaurant & Pizzeria

306 S Washington St, Hale

Hale Flower Shop

201 North Washington , Hale Rogers 3195 M-65, Hale Bear Store

6787 M-65, Hale

Plainfield Twp Library M-65, Hale

Alwards Market

118 S. Washington PO Box 442, Hale

Dad’s Place Bakery 3112 M-65, Hale

Hale Creek Manor 3191 M-65, Hale

Main Street Pizza 3150 M-65, Hale

Scofield Real Estate 102 E Main St, Hale

Main Street Taco Express 118 E Main St, Hale

Mikey’s Pizza 221 N Washington St, Hale

Bob’s Auto 3590 N M-65, Hale

Eagle’s Club 5971 M-65, Hale

Giving dogs a second chance

New Pet Rescue in Hale

By Kristi Major

Raising Rank Rescue is a new pet rescue center in Hale, owned and operated by Shana and Michael Brandt. Shana, originally from Gladwin, has a 15+ year career in nursing and Michael is a 10-year Army Veteran. The business is federally licensed and opened in November 2025. They rescue dogs in need, provide medical care, vaccination, spay/neuter and place them in pre-approved foster-to-adopt homes.

Raising Rank Rescue was born from firsthand experience with the powerful emotional and therapeutic effects of rescue dogs. “We saw how they help people cope with stress anxiety, and grief and depression” their flyer states.

Because the business is run out of their home, all visits are by appointment only. The couple explains, “We have kids and family pets so for the safety of all, we work by appointment.” This also prevents people from “dumping” animals off.

The rescue focuses primarily on dogs and works with several different vets.

Michael chose the name of the business. As a veteran, the idea of “rank” comes naturally indicating growth and progress. The rescue explains that a dog with even basic training has a much better chance of adoption.

Adoption, finding that Forever Home, is the ultimate goal for each animal Shana takes in. “I have a soft spot in my heart especially for senior, special needs dogs.” The price of adoption is on a caseby-case basis, depending on what medical treatments and/or socialization time was required. Private donations plus the sale of home baked breads, and eggs support the rescue.

Raising Rank Pet Rescue is open 24/7, 7 days a week. Visit their Facebook page (Raising Rank Rescue) and for more information or an appointment, call Shana at 989-395-8609.

SAND LAKE

Lake Breeze

3985 Saginaw St, National City

Nessy’s Marathon 1975 Indian Lake Rd, National City

SOUTH BRANCH

Jose Lake Store & Resort 7065 Jose Lake Rd, South Branch

South Branch General Store

6330 E County Line Rd, South Branch

WHITTEMORE

Crossroads Citgo 30 M-65, Whittemore

Whittemore Fire Department

508 S Bullock St, Whittemore

Whittemore Library

483 S Bullock St, Whittemore

Calvin and Nicole’s Pit Stop

302 S Bullock St, Whittemore

Lauria’s Hardware

220 S Bullock St, Whittemore

Sportsman’s Lounge

200 S Bullock St, Whittemore

Whittemore Chamber

405 E Sherman St, Whittemore

Farm & Pet Veterinary Care 1240 M-65, Whittemore

Sherrie’s Candies 35 M-65, Whittemore

Reilly Outdoors 106 M-65, Whittemore

Throughout the year, the commission also hosts free public programs and events, including presentations like The Pioneers of Plainfield Township: Isaac Nunn, delivered last October by

Preserving Plainfield’s past

By Beth and Bruce Thayer HALE- The Plainfield

Township Historical Commission and Museum, located at Eagle Pointe Plaza in Hale, is open during winter hours on Tuesdays from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. (closed noon–1 p.m. for lunch).

Commission members are happy to help answer questions or assist with research on local history or ancestry, and appointments outside regular hours are available on request. The museum features a wellcurated collection of local artifacts, photographs, books, and military displays.

Looking ahead, the commission is placing a new emphasis on preserving

community memories by gathering historical information from long-time residents of Plainfield Township and the Sixty Lakes area of Iosco County. They hope to record family histories, childhood memories, stories of daily life, farms, schools, and the challenges and joys that shaped the community. Information about homes, cottages, or properties is also welcomed. What may seem like a small detail can be an important piece of the larger historical picture, especially as memories are lost when they are not written down.

To share your stories or learn more, stop by the museum or contact the Plainfield Township offices at 989-728-2811.