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MUSIC & ART FESTIVAL
June 10-12
Voice Vol. 13, Issue 6
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Strengthening the communities of Northeast Michigan Roscommon Baptist Church held a hunter’s safety course recently. Pictured (l-r) are Thomas Kelly, Michael Nowland and Conservation Officer Brian Olsen. See more on page B-9 -Photo courtesy of Michigan Ritchie
IN THIS ISSUE:
Kittle Road Shopping A-6 Rotary Auctions A 8-9 West Branch Wine Walk A-11 Hale Violinists A-13 Eagle Voice B-1 Laughing Buck B-5 Higgins Lake Shopping B-6
Spring miracles Lambs are a treat to watch and touch By Kristi Major HALE - Just south of Hale, down a dirt drive, inside the walls of an old red barn, one of Spring’s miracles is unfolding: baby Lambs! Around the first of May every year, lambs are born on the Barclay Ranch. Lots of lambs! Growing up, Eldon Barclay helped his mom and dad raise goats. Their herd grew to about 76 goats when Eldon was in the tenth grade. When Eldon’s grandfather retired, he began raising sheep, which Eldon's father (Eldon Jr), Eldon (the third) and his brother Jim would help with. In 1988, Lynn and Eldon Barclay formed a partnership with his parents, and brother Jim and his wife. That fall, Eldon's father started building a sheep flock purchasing a couple of small flocks
from some older gentlemen who decided not to keep them anymore. He also obtained breeding ewes from Michigan Livestock Exchange. The couple moved to the farm in 1994. Before they arrived, tenants from the farm’s rental homes helped with some of the livestock chores, baling hay, and unloading wagons. After they arrived it was an all-in-the family operation! In 2009 Lynn and Eldon bought out the partnership and the "Barclay Ranch" became official. Today, Lynn & Eldon get occasional help from son Jordan, Lynn’s brother Terry Ekkens,and brother-in-law Johnny Guy. As of this story, 110 lambs (from 73 sheep) are thriving in the barn, with 38 sheep yet to give birth. Eldon estimates they'll have about 150 in the end. Twins are common and 3 sets of triplets have been born so far. Eldon said he plans to keep 35 ewe-lambs (females) to be future Mamas. “We sell some of our lambs direct to customers ▪ See SPRING MIRACLES on page 14
June 2022
Warm weather, Summer events
NORTHERN MICHIGAN – As the weather finally breaks across the region, several summer events are set to kick off the season. Upcoming events include: • June 3 – Kirtland’s Warbler Festival at the CRAF Center in downtown Roscommon. Tours to Warbler breeding areas, kid’s crafts, vendors speakers and featured artist Kim Diment. • June 10 - Downtown Block Party sponsored by Grayling Main Street. 6-10 p.m. Cornhole. Hot dogs grilled by fire department. • June 10-12 – Nor’East’r Festival in Mio. Live music, vendors, food, crafts, camping and more. Bring a chair and listen to the music echo through the hills of Oscoda County. • June 30 – Music in the Park at Iron’s Park in West Branch. 7-9 p.m. See more regional events on page A-2.
Pictured (l-r) Johnny Guy, Eldon Barclay, Lynn Barclay, and Terry Ekkens. The Border Collie's name is "Jet.”