Hillman • Lewiston • Atlanta - Montmorency County

Hillman • Lewiston • Atlanta FREE!

A GUIDE TO THE MONTMORENCY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AREA 2009-2010

LAKE AND TRAIL MAPS • GOLF COURSES • HUNTING AND FISHING TIPS
TRAVEL INFORMATION • AREA EVENTS • DINING, LODGING AND SHOPS

Your Hosts: Lake 15
The Popour Family
89 Acres
OPEN BY MEMORIAL DAY 2 miles southwest of Atlanta

Open: May - October Lake 15 Road

8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 5' North
Closed Wednesday 20'

Reservations Advised 30'
40'
Over 80 miles of beautiful scenic canoe and
fishing water on the Thunder Bay River. 50'

12520 Airport Road Thunder Bay River
Atlanta, MI 49709

989-785-2187

www.thunderbaycanoeing.com

The Tribune provides its own Internet
Service with local access available in
Montmorency County as well as the rest of
Northeast Michigan. Enjoy the convenience
of working with a local company, including
easy to understand billing and helpful
technical support.

Basic: $10 per month
Unlimited: $19.95
On-site setup available
Simple monthly billing

Call 989-785-4214
1-800-929-5324
Or stop in
at the Tribune
office in Atlanta

2

COMMUNITY EVENTS Enjoy Atlanta, where nature abounds

June 13-14 DNR Summer Free Fishing Weekend The Atlanta area is elk country! About 1,200 of the
July 4 Independence Day Celebration large animals roam the woods north of Atlanta, and can be
Aug. 7-9 Bluegrass in the Park - www.bluegrassinthepark.com viewed in the many “rye field”
Aug. 18-22 Montmorency County 4-H Fair openings on public land. Our
Sept. 25-27 25th Annual Elk Festival lakes and streams offer habitat
Oct. 31 Halloween in Briley Township Park for many species of fish, and
Nov. 15 62nd Annual Buck Pole (opening day only) wildlife is diverse and plentiful.
Nov. 28 Band Boosters Christmas Bazaar (at the school) Golf at gorgeous Elk Ridge, en-
Dec. TBA Community Christmas Party, visit from Santa joy Clear Lake State Park and
Dec. TBA Holy Walk at Big Rock Church snowmobile our extensive trail
Dec. TBA
Jan. 23-24 Elk Pole - First two days only system. You will enjoy Atlanta
Jan. 29-30
April 3 Sled Dog Races at Clear Lake and we are happy to have you

Sno*Drift Pro Rally here.

Easter Party Atlanta Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 410 • Atlanta, MI 49709

Phone 989-785-3400

www.atlantamichigan.com

Lewiston, A Terrific Town — in All Seasons

All seasons are perfect for recreation and enjoyment in LEWISTON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL EVENTS
Lewiston, Michigan.
Spring awakens the Morel mushrooms and wildflowers. It’s a 2946 Kneeland Street - PO Box 656 May - Mother’s Day Weekend
great time to watch for deer and elk with their young, as they Lewiston, MI 49756 Morel Mushroom Celebration
wander the woods grazing. Trout fishing and turkey hunting w/Guided Hunts & a Craft Show
are enjoyed in the Spring also. Golfers converge on Garland PH: 989-786-2293 FX: 989-786-4515
Resort’s emerald green fairways for fun and relaxation. Email: [email protected] June – Father’s Day Weekend
Summer days entice boaters and fishermen to our many lakes. www.lewistonchamber.com Classic Car Show, Cruise & Swap
Autumn offers breathtaking scenes as Mother Nature paints
bright colors on the leaves. Duck, grouse and deer hunting July - Independence Day Parade
are enjoyed in Autumn, along with black bear and elk, if you Date to be Announced
are a lucky permit winner. Winter presents ice fishing,
snowmobile and cross-country ski trails for those that love August – The 1st Weekend
the outdoors. TimberTown Festival
Enjoy the many annual events in Lewiston to increase your and Arts & Crafts In The Park
leisure time pleasure. Visit Lewiston in any season.
October – First Saturday
Harvest Auction & Wine Tasting

October 1-31 - Scarecrow Contest

A-1 WOODS & WATERS Brush Creek Mill
Licenses and Sporting Needs
Downtown Hillman
7 Days a Week (989) 742-2527

Carhartts • Fishing Tackle/Marine History Unique
Equipment • Rifles/Hand Guns Education Handcrafted
Archery/Hunting Accessories Entertainment Items Available
in our Gift Shop
989-742-3878

141 North State Street • Hillman, MI 49746
www.a1woodsandwaters.com

3

Welcome to Table of Contents
Montmorency County!
Chamber of Commerce contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Elk Country Recreation is your guide to the services and Those “up north” feelings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
attractions of the Montmorency County area. Over half the Schedule of events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
area is public land and water for your recreational enjoyment. Mill River Days, grist mill in Hillman . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Trout planting efforts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
You will find a great variety of hunting and fishing, and Sled dog races in the area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
opportunities for many other sports on our trails and streams. Area festivals, events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
There is space for the quiet sports of canoeing, cross country Sno*Drift Pro Rally sports car race . . . . . . . . . . . 14
skiing or hiking, and we have marked ORV trails and snow- Sporting Clay Shooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
mobile trails for motorized recreation. Curling in Lewiston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
History of the elk herd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
And most of all, enjoy your time in Elk Country. Bump and Run car races . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Predator Calling and Hunting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Tassie’sGIFT SHOP Bluegrass Music in Briley Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Bird watching is varied here . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Lawn Ornaments Area golf courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Log Furniture Street drags, motorcycle trail riders . . . . . . . . . . 28
Sinkholes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
5 miles East of Atlanta, on M-32 Blessing of the bikes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Open 7 days a week Black River restoration efforts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
9 a.m. until dark A bit of county history . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
4-H Fair, Hillman V-J Day, Lewiston Car Show . 33
Birdbaths • Fountains • Benches Tracking Wounded Deer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Stepstones • Angels • Madonnas • Deer Morel mushroom hunting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Turtles • Rabbits • Seagulls • Raccoons Earth friendly vacations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Lewiston Timberfest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
• Log Furniture • Cedar Chests • Map: Snowmobile Trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Swings • Gliders • Arbors • Solar Map: Brush Creek ORV Trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Lighthouses • Windmills • Picnic Map: ORV Trails near Lewiston . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Tables • Wishing Wells • Bridges • Fish Species and Lake information . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Rivers and Streams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Bird Houses • Bird Feeders
George and Tassie DeVriendt Lake Maps:

17296 M-32/M-33 Lake 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Atlanta, MI 49709 Avery Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Tomahawk Creek Flooding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
(989) 785-4191 Crooked Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Fletcher Floodwater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Long Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Ess Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Clear Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
East Twin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
West Twin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Bear Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Little Bear Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Sage Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Lake Avalon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Grass Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
McCormick Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

4

The feelings we get when coming “Up North”

There is just something sort of magical about turn- truly meant to be. Good, kind, unpretentious, caring
ing your vehicle north and heading UP the highway, people. You hear about the many nice things they do
towards that beautiful place we call “Up North.” The for one another. When someone is ill, or needs help,
excitement is always the same, each and every time! they come together and help one another. They seem
Off to that place that soothes your soul, slows you to know what is really important in life.
down, and calms your spirit. Where the skies are
bluer, the stars are brighter and the snow is whiter. Up north, it doesn’t matter much what kind of a car
Whether be it camping, visiting Grandma, going to you drive, what clothes you wear, or how much you
your very own cabin, or renting a piece of the north have in your bank account. It goes much deeper than
country, you will find peace and serenity under those that, something that is really hard to explain until you
northern skies. experience it. Once you do, you’ll understand. And
you long to get back there, just as soon as you can!
Up North you will find so many wonderful things.
Beautiful scenery, wildlife, clean waterways, sandy --Rosalie M., a “downstater,” but someday...
beaches, marvelous sunsets, a choir of birds singing,
crisp mornings, the glow and warmth of a roaring
campfire. On a clear night, you can see more stars than
you have ever seen! You will experience all seasons to
their fullest potential, and even a thunderstorm or
getting “snowed in” seems wonderful when you are
up north.

You will also find that the people up north are so very
friendly. As you drive down those small town roads,
people will pass by and wave to you! At first, you might
be taken aback, wondering if you know the passerby?
Then you realize they are just being friendly. A nod or
a wave, as the two of you pass by one another. What a
nice gesture!

Time seems to go so much slower up north. People
are not in a big hurry there. It’s as if everyone has
stepped back in time, and is living life the way it was

Timbertown
Laundromat

(Across from Rite Aide) in Lewiston

786-3069

Wash and Press $2 per item
Drop-Off Laundry 99¢ a Pound

Spring Cleaning
Comforters and Blankets

SEASONAL HOURS

Northern Power Sports New To Hale Au Gres
Hillman
30 E. Kneeland Rd.
Mio, MI 48647 Area!

(3 miles north of Mio on M-33) M-32, PO Box 398 M-65, PO Box 190 US-23, PO Box 866
Hillman, MI 49746 Hale, MI 48739 Au Gres, MI 48703
989-826-3388 Phone: (989) 742-2299 Phone: (989) 876-7114
Fax: (989) 742-2531 Phone: (989) 728-2211 Fax: (989) 876-6691
*FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED* Fax: (989) 728-3766

Hillman E-mail: [email protected]
Hale E-mail: [email protected]

Au Gres E-mail: [email protected]

5

Area Schedule of Events 2009-2010

June 20 June October 3 October

June 20-21 Business Expo at the Mill - October 3 Applefest - A Fun Day At The
June 26-28 Hillman October 17 Mill - Hillman. Featuring hot
Lewiston Auto Show October 31 homemade apple dumplings.
3 Day Fly Fishing Schools at October 31 Antique Show
Pine Ridge Lodge, Lewiston Harvest Auction and Wine
Tasting – Lewiston
July 3 July Christmas in October –
July 3-5 Lewiston School
July 4 Hawaiian Luau at MediLodge - Children’s Halloweeny Party at
July 4 Hillman grade school - Hillman
July 15 Mill River Days - Hillman Halloween in Briley Park -
Independence Celebration – Atlanta
July 25 Atlanta
July 31 - Aug. 1 Parade in downtown Lewiston, November 8 November
Fireworks at Garland
Montmorency County Habitat November 15 Elk Country Animal Shelter
For Humanity Pancake November 15-30 Turkey Dinner – Hillman
Breakfast – Lewiston November 28 Community Center
Lewiston Garden Club Garden 62nd Anuual Buck Pole (1st day
Walks only) - Atlanta
Annual Timberfest – Downtown Chamber Buck Pole Contest at
Lewiston Hi Way Inn - Hillman
Band Booster Christmas Bazaar
August (Atlanta High School)

August 6 Miss Hillman Pageants at December 5 December
August 7-9 Community Center December 6
V-J Day Celebration - Hillman. December 12 Children’s Christmas Party at
August 7-9 Parade, Displays, Music at the the Mill - Hillman
Mill, Fireworks December - TBA Festival of Lights at the Mill -
Bluegrass in the Park – Atlanta Hillman
Briley Park December - TBA Elk Country Animal Shelter Pets
w/Santa Pictures – Wags to
September Whiskers, Gaylord
September 15 An Afternoon Affair - Hillman. A Elk Pole Contest (first 2 days
fun day for the women of the only - date to be announced) -
area. A tea featuring the hats Atlanta
and clothing of yesteryear. Community Christmas Party
(date to be announced) - Atlanta
September 21 Lewiston Garden Club Fall
Luncheon at St. Francis Church
11:30 a.m. - Lewiston Bingo

September 25-27 25th Annual Elk Festival

Please contact the local chamber of commerce for Comins Eagles Hall, Wednesdays, 11 a.m.
exact dates or further details on these events. Loud Township Hall, Mondays, 6 p.m.
Knights of Columbus Hall, M-32 and
Atlanta Lewiston Hillman
989-785-3400 989-786-2293 989-742-3739 Farrier Road, Hillman, Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.
Lewiston 50-Plus Club, Wednesdays, 6 p.m.
Atlanta Eagles, Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.

(Proceeds to General Fund, Social Fund,
or Community Projects)

6

Mill River Days festival in Hillman

The Village of Hillman, usually a THE BRUSH CREEK MILL and the community of Hillman will
sleepy little village settled on the sponsor Mill River Days July 3-5. There will be music events,
banks of the Thunder Bay River, a craft show, kids' events, elk viewing, fireworks and much
comes alive the first weekend of more.
July for the annual Mill River Days.
The mill itself sits on the site of the
Cook/Sabourin Mill that was built
in 1895, and was operated until
1945. It's a site for education, a
museum, and a meeting place.

Mill River Days was formed a few
years ago to celebrate Hillman’s
history as a rural community with
emphasis on lumbering and farm-
ing.

A variety of events is planned,
beginning with a Luau at
MediLodge Thursday, July 2. Fri-
day there's a Cruise-In at the Hi-
Way Inn.

On Saturday, there will be craft
booths set up at Brush Creek Mill.
The Elk Country Animal Shelter
will sponsor the annual pet show,
open to pets of almost all kinds and
"kids" of all ages. At noon everyone
is invited to walk the bridge. Don't
forget, this may be your final
chance to walk the bridge! Kids
games will be available, as well as
horse-drawn wagon rides at Thun-
der Bay Resort for your elk view-
ing pleasure.

Topping off the weekend's events
will be the annual drag races, lo-
cated on Progress Street, spon-
sored by Wheels of Northeastern
Michigan Car Club.

Anyone having questions may
call the Hillman Chamber of Com-
merce at 989-742-3739 or Brush
Creek Mill at 989-742-2527.

(989) 742-4123

The Hillman Motel

Open Year Round

14917 State St. Dwain & Gladys Berube
Hillman, MI 49746 Owners-Operators

7

Improved trout fishing in the
works on the Thunder Bay River

The DNR is hoping to make the Thun- READY TO PLANT: Pat VanDaele, from the Odin State Hatchery in
der Bay River a more attractive place for Petoskey, gets ready to plant 5,900 rainbow trout in the Thunder
trout fishermen. This year, the fisheries Bay River, just below the dam in Atlanta. This is the first fish
division will begin a five year stocking planting in an effort to improve trout fishing on the river.
program, concentrating on the 18-mile
stretch between the Atlanta dam and the
M-32 crossing east of the M-32/M-33 junc-
tion.

According to Tim Cwalinski, fisheries
biologist for northeast Michigan, the Up-
per Thunder Bay River has good poten-
tial as a trout habitat. Currently most of
the trout fishing occurs at the beginning
of the season, and the fish become rare
as the water warms up. Data suggests
that the trout are taking refuge in colder
areas of the river during the hot summer
months.

The river will be stocked with browns
and rainbow trout. The brown trout were
raised from a strain found in Gilchrist
Creek. Improved fishing is not expected
overnight, but Cwalinski is hoping to see
results in a few years. There is also some
concern as to whether the rainbows will
thrive in this habitat, and that side of the
plan may be evaluated after a sampling
study is done.

These fish stocking efforts are in addi-
tion to annual plantings of splake trout
at Lake Avalon and Clear Lake. This
year, a total of 33,000 yearling fish will be
planted at those two locations.

A NEW HOME: Thousands
of splake trout enter Lake
Avalon through a pipe from
the DNR fisheries truck on
Monday. The annual fish
planting helps make Lake
Avalon one of the better
fishing lakes in the area.

photos by Jim Young

8

Avery Lake Skyline Drive

180 Acres 10' 5'
5 miles south of Atlanta 20'
6 miles northeast of Lewiston

Shoreline Drive 5'
Avery Lake Road
10'
20'

30'

North

0 ¼½

Scale in Miles

KRISTIE’S KITCHEN

Hours: 11541 M-33
Sun. - 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Atlanta, MI 49709
Mon. - Closed
Tues. & Wed. - 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (989) 785-2900
Thurs. - 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fri. & Sat. - 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

9

A DOG howls Sled dog
while waiting for races held here
a race to begin. each winter

MUSH! Races at Clear Lake: Sled dog enthu-
siasts gather at Clear Lake State Park for a
series of races each winter, usually the last
weekend in January or first in February, as
snow conditions dictate. The Mid Union Sled
Haulers (MUSH) is a group of family-oriented
sled doggers. There are some other groups that
are more advanced or do long-distance races.
The event has a one-dog kids’ race, three-dog,
five-dog and seven-dog classes and weight pull
and ski-jouring (dog-pulled cross country
skier). The dogs are bred to run, and anxious to
go. It takes training and practice to get them to
stay on the trail, untangled, and not distracted
by wildlife or other things. Spectators are wel-
come, and the only cost is a state park sticker.

BRAD LOVE, of Portage, rounds a corner in one of the races. ALEX FRITZLER, of Clio, took first place in the one-dog, 100
He placed second in the seven dog competition. yard dash.

10

Tomahawk Creek Flooding Crooked Lake

15 miles north of Atlanta 46 Acres
2 miles south of Atlanta
North
North
10'

15' County Road 489
County Road 487
10'
5'

15' 20' 10'
10' 30'

40'

30'

0 ¼½

Scale in Miles

0 ¼½

Scale in Miles

Alpena Atlanta Lincoln • BAIT AND TACKLE Lyons
Ossineke Oscoda Tawas City • CONVENIENCE STORE Landing
• HUNTING AND FISHING
989-785-3800 www.aaacu.com • DNR LICENSE AGENT & Campground
• BOAT AND MOTOR RENTAL
• PONTOON BOATS ON FLETCHER’S
• KITCHENETTES FLOODWATERS
• MODERN RESTROOMS 8 MILES SW OF HILLMAN, MI
• ELECTRICAL HOOK-UPS
Craig & Cathy Lyons
Ph. 989-742-4756

11

Area festivals offer parades, food and fun
Area communities celebrate holidays and hold If you are a bluegrass musician and want to partici-
community festivals, and everyone is welcome to pate, contact Walt or Luanne Bungard at (989) 785-
join in on the fun. 3521 weekdays.

Memorial Day observances are held in most com- Also during the weekend of July 31 to Aug. 1,
munities, and veterans organizations usually know Timberfest will be held in Lewiston. There will be
the schedule for their particular ceremony. a lumberjack show, steam engine, carriage tours,
street vendors, games for all ages, and an arts and
The Nor-East'r Music and Arts Festival will be crafts show in the park.
held near Fairview June 12-14, 2009. Over a dozen
folk groups will perform, and many vendors will On August 7-9, Hillman is one of the few commu-
also be on hand. More information is available at nities that celebrates V-J Day, the end of World War
www.noreastr.net. II with victory over Japan. The local VFW has been
asked to organize a parade and other attractions for
Independence Day activities will be held in many that festival this year.
communities. Atlanta will have a parade, a bump-
and-run race, games and fireworks. Lewiston plans The Montmorency County Fair will be August 18-
a parade, too. Johannesburg offers an old-fash- 22, and has a carnival and many events at the
ioned celebration and fireworks. fairgrounds north of Atlanta on M-33.

Hillman will have Mill River Days July 3-5, with The Atlanta Elk Festival will be September 26-28,
arts and crafts, classic car cruise-in, special dinners, and offers a park full of booths, games, bump and
music, and their annual street drag races. run race and other activities. There’s a parade and
music and plenty of food and drink.
Bluegrass in the Park will be a musical gathering
set for Aug. 7-9 in Briley Township Park in Atlanta. Some area festivals and events make a fun day-
There will be competitions for guitar, banjo, fiddle trip, too.
and mandolin, and a competition for bands. There
will be performances and just casual music jams all The Farmfest Music Festival will be August 13-16.
weekend. The event has arranged to have camping This is a homespun folk festival held at a farm near
in the park for the musicians. It is free to spectators. Johannesburg. Onsite camping is available. More
information at www.farm-fest.com.

DEER are a common sight for local residents in Mont-
morency County. Barbara Albertson spotted these ones
in her front year on Hunt Creek Road last winter.

photos by Barbara Albertson

If you have a nature photo you would like to share with our readers, let us know. High
resolution images can be emailed to [email protected], or bring a CD,
memory card, or quality print by the Tribune office in Atlanta, next to the post office.

12

Fletcher Emil's Landing Rd. To M-32, just East of Hillman. Taylor Hawks rd.
Floodwater
³ A C

8,970 Acres Jack's Landing Rd. Moore's Landing Rd.
5 miles southeast of Hillman Rupinski Rd. Railroad Bed
H
3'
Stumps To M-65 ³

Hunt Rd. 9' 3' How to get to
Fletcher Floodwater
Black Creek6' Palmateer Rd. 6' 6' From the West:
3' 9' From I-75, use Exit
13 202 at Alger, north on
12' Stumps M-33, east on M-32
12' From the East:
3' St. Charles Creek 9' Tennis Rd. From I-75, use Exit
Riverbed 190 at Standish, east
6' D Public on US-23 and north
9' EFG Landing on M-65

12' Lodges and Resorts:

Railroad Bed Deer Creek A Thunder Bay Golf Resort
B Lyons Landing
9' 9' 9' C Paradise Lodge
Water D Killion's Landing
6' Depths E Brown's Northshore Resort
F Jack's Landing Resort
Connor's Landing Rd. 3' 6' 6' G Angler's Hideaway
H Moore's Landing
3'

³ To Farrier B
Rd., then Stumps
north to
M-32 Trees
3'

Turtle Creek

SNOW SWEEPS OVER one of the Sno*Drift Rally cars as
it slides through a curve at high speed during the 2008
race.
Photo by Bill Pinson

Sno*Drift Rally is skiddy winter event here

The Sno*Drift Rally is held on rural roads of morency County, Travis Pastrana won the 2009
Montmorency County in late January each year. Sno*Drift Rally, the first round of the 2009 Rally
The small, sporty cars skid around on snow and ice America National Championship Series season.
in an event sponsored by Rally America. This was a sweet victory for Pastrana, who was on
After two days of back-road racing through Mont- his way to winning the 2008 Sno*Drift last year,
when he struck a deer just 11 miles from
the event finish.
A road rally is a timed race, with cars
starting one minute apart, and they race
against the clock. They drive out to a
“performance stage,” closed to other
traffic, and go all-out. They travel at
legal speeds to the next stage, and do it
again. The Sno*Drift Rally starts in
Lewiston on Friday, has pits and a Sat-
urday start in Atlanta, and ends up with
an awards session Saturday evening in
Hillman.
Spectators are welcome, and spectator
areas are at hairpin turns or other fea-
tures where the action is fun to watch.
Spectators should dress warmly, since
they may be there a few hours until all
the cars pass that point.
The Sno*Drift is part of a rally circuit
MANY OF THE RALLY CARS sported unique paint and decals. This one seems to that has events in Missouri, Oregon,
blend in with the dirt and snow as it makes its way around a tight turn during the super Pennsylvania, Maine, Minnesota, Ne-
special stage. This short-course race was added in 2009 and can be viewed in its vada and Michigan. For more about it
entirety at a local gravel pit. see www.RallyAmerica.com.

14

Sporting clays attracts hunters to
the Lewiston Sportsmen’s League

by Yvonne Swager
Lewiston Sportsmen’s
League not only survived a
bottoming out of membership
in the mid 1980s, but it now
hosts one of the highest pay-
ing sporting clay competitions
in the state.
When first established in
1942, members met at a club-
house in downtown Lewiston.
They could play bingo, and the
club featured a buck pole dur-
ing deer season. Jerry Boron,
board member, said participa-
tion had dwindled to three by
1985.
“We had a membership
drive. Ever since that, it’s gone
up and up,” Boron said.
In 1995, the organization be-
gan purchasing property on
Sheridan Valley Road which
was once used for skiing. THIS YOUNG MAN was shooting a 20-gauge Beretta with some guidance from
his grandfather. Photos by Bill Pinson
Though the downtown build-
ing is still part of the club, the
primary attractions now are “It’s a lot of work,” Boron
the shooting opportunities said. “A lot of dedicated guys
nestled at the bottom of scenic keep it going. It’s done on a
slopes of forest and foliage. volunteer basis.”
The conservation club sits on
125 acres, and the members, Joe Henkle, president,
currently 140, enjoy ranges for moved to the area with his wife
sporting clays, skeet, trap and in 1996.
archery, including a 3-D
course. The club is open to the “After moving here, I saw an
public for shooting on Sun- advertisement in the paper. I
days through the winter with went over to the club and de-
Saturday hours available as of cided to join,” Henkle said.
May 1.
Sporting clays were intro- The popular sporting clay
duced into this country about range features 14 stations, he
18 years ago, Boron said, and said, and targets shoot out in
they are the most popular all directions. Some bounce
sport the club offers. He said along the ground like rabbits,
the sport most simulates real according to Henkle, while
hunting. others are launched from a
“It’s shotgun golf. You go to tower 40 feet overhead.
stations in your gun carts. You
get to see all the birds first “We have all the shooting
before you try to break them,” sports at out club. A lot just
he said. “It takes a lot of prac- offer skeet and trap,” he said.
tice to hit them.”
Maintenance of the equip- All shooting is done out-
ment and the facility depends doors, and Henkle said there
on the efforts of those willing are no current plans to con-
to donate hours to help pro- struct indoor ranges.

“We want to concentrate on
the courses we do have,” he
said. “It’s been reported we
have one of the nicest sport-
ing clay ranges in the state.”

vide impressive ranges and
perpetuate participation in
the sports.

15

Long Lake Clear Lake

294 Acres 133 Acres
5 miles northwest of Hillman 9 miles north of Atlanta

State Park
Campground

5' Beach 33
20' 40'
North
North 40' 90' Co. Rd. 459

20'
5'

30'

70' Pettijohn Rd.

Ess Lake 30' 10' 90'
20' 20' 40' 60' 80'
114 Acres 5'
Ess Lake Dr.5 miles northwest of Hillman Beach
0¼
10' 20' 30' 40' 50' Scale in Miles Day
Use Area
20'
County Road 622
70'
50'

0 ¼
Scale in Miles

Zanleys Henry F. Herlick D.D.S.

Jboa storr FAMILY DENTISTRY
Storage
In-Out Service Office Hours by Appointment
17600 Co. Rd. 459, Hillman • 742-3949
12551 Jerome St7.01 N. State Str. 701 N. State St.
P.O. Box 555 P.O. Box 156 P.O. Box 156

Atlanta, MI 497H0i9llman, MI 497H4i6llman, MI 49746
Phone: 989-78P5h-4o8n1e0: 989-74P2h-3o1n6e1: 989-742-3161

wwwww.wh.ehnenryryffhheerrlliicckkdddds.sc.ocmom

16

Curling CURLING is a Scandinavian winter sport, and the Lewiston Curling Club holds
is great “bonspiels” (tournaments) and has leagues, youth events and other curling
winter events each winter. It is a sport of defensive strategy, with winners knocking
sport the opposing team out of the “house” a target laid into the ice. The brooms can
sweep a thin film of moisture on the ice, causing the 42 lb. stones to curl around
one stone and into another.

Curling is a Scottish heritage winter sport that in- is exciting to see the house blocked for what looks like
volves sliding 42-pound stones at a circle in the ice. The an impossible shot, and have a well-thrown stone knock
Lewiston Curling Club offers a warm spectator area out the defending stone and curl right into the house to
and two lanes, and there are league events organized win the game!
each winter.
The sport has a history of courtesy and hospitality,
It is a game of strategy, mostly defense, as each team and spectators who have never seen curling before will
attempts to block the “house” from the other team’s receive a warm welcome and someone willing to ex-
stones. It takes more finesse than power to throw plain what is happening. The Lewiston Curling Club is
(actually slide) the stones, and team members sweep- on County Road 612, and if cars are parked around it, it
ing in front of the stone can cause it to curl, which is is probably open and active.
where the name of the sport comes from. In curling, it

BILL TOUROO, front left, and Doug Johnson, front
right, both of Gaylord, learn the strategies of curling
during a training session at the Lewiston Curling Club.
Bill Michaels, back left, also of Gaylord, directs his
teammates as Larry Marson, Lewiston, offers advice.
17

Michigan elk have colorful history

Elk were common to the Lower Penin-
sula of Michigan in presettlement times
and disappeared from Michigan soon
after 1875. Seven Rocky Mountain elk
were released in Cheboygan County in
1918. The herd grew to about 1,500 elk in
an area of 600 square miles during the
early 1960s. These elk caused crop dam-
age and reforestation problems which
prompted the first public hunts for
Michigan elk in 1964 and 1965, when 477
elk were taken by hunters.
Elk numbers stabilized in the late
1960s, but began to drop in the early
1970s, because of poaching and a
brainworm disease. By 1975, the herd
numbered approximately 200 animals.
The Department of Natural Resources
(DNR) increased elk protection through
expanded enforcement efforts and en-
listment of public support.
Michigan presently enjoys an elk herd
estimated at 1,100 animals before each
calving season. When the population
climbs over 1,400 or so, they migrate out
of the forest area and into farmland,
causing heavy crop damage. Recre-
ational hunting has helped keep elk BULL ELK bugling in September here. Rex Miller photo
populations in balance with the range,
while preserving a sizable herd for view-
ing opportunities. mothers graze elsewhere.
Split seasons for elk hunting were held in 1988-1995, Mature bulls spend the early summer in small groups
except for 1991. September and October hunts were of five or six. In August, bulls polish their antlers and
needed in those areas where it was difficult to attain are ready for the breeding season or “rut” in Septem-
hunting access to elk in December. The early hunts ber. Bulls form “harems” of 5 to 20 cows and drive off
were also designed to remove elk on private agricul- young bulls. Dominant bulls have larger harems than
tural lands near Johannesburg and Vienna, where elk bulls that are weaker. Bulls make a low whistling
were outside the desired range. The desired elk range sound or “bugle” during this time to challenge other
is wild land in parts of Cheboygan, Otsego, Presque bulls and to note their territories. Breeding in Michi-
Isle, and Montmorency counties. Elk outside of this gan ends in October.
area are not desired because of potential crop damage After the rut, elk form large wintering groups. Elk
and difficulty in controlling herd numbers. seem less susceptible than deer to winter starvation.
Although the elk management program is not de- Elk are about four times the size of deer and are less
signed to emphasize trophy animals, several spec- restricted by heavy snow. Browsing on young tree
tacular bulls have been taken by hunters. The dressed- shoots in winter, MSU studies have shown some
weight record for a bull was established in 1995. impact on the regrowth of aspen in the area.
During the September season, Steven Whittenbach of The Michigan elk herd, unlike those in many west-
Greenville shot a bull that weighed 830 pounds, field- ern states, contains a high percentage of bulls in the
dressed. The heaviest cow (508 pounds) was taken in fall. In some years, more than one-third of the fall herd
1988 by Mark S. Roodbeen. According to Commemo- may be antlered bulls. In some seasons, more than
rative Bucks of Michigan, Inc., the largest elk with one-fourth of the bulls taken by hunters will have 12
typical antlers was taken in 1991 by Matthew Bellamy, or more antler points. This high proportion of bulls
with a Boone and Crockett score of 348 7/8. The largest creates much summer enjoyment to forest visitors in
nontypical elk (375 2/8) was taken by Bob Solomon in northern Michigan. Elk viewing is especially good in
1993. Two elk taken in 1989 and aged by layers in teeth, mid-September when elk are bugling and forming
were found to be 22½ years of age. harems.
Elk calves are born in late May and early June. The Recreational hunting of elk is important to carefully
usual birth is a single calf, with twins being very rare. keep elk in balance with their range. The DNR will
Calves weigh about 25 to 30 pounds at birth. Cows stay continue to consider the interests of agriculture, for-
apart from other elk until the calf is two to three weeks estry, tourism, and nonhunting wildlife enthusiasts in
old. Then, cows, young bulls, and calves gather in managing elk to attain the goal of a “viable elk popu-
groups. In some cases, a few cows may act as “baby lation in harmony with the environment, affording
sitters” and watch as many as 20 calves, while their optimal recreational opportunity.”

18

BUMP AND RUN races are popular
events, and the Montmorency
County 4-H Fair, and the Atlanta
Sports Boosters co-sponsor events
at the fairgrounds north of Atlanta.
Onaway Speedway offers a full sum-
mer schedule of racing, both cars
and motorcycles. A number of the
area car buffs make the rounds to
events in other communities in
Northeast Michigan.

A few tips for spotting elk

The primary elk range is bounded by M-32 on the can be explored with slow and careful driving in
south, M-33 on the west, M-68 on the north and the most any vehicle. There are some sandy spots, and
I-75 freeway on the west. Somewhere in that square after rains there are muddy spots. One rule of
are about 800 wild elk, plus some beyond that thumb is to go anywhere you like in two-wheel-
square. drive, knowing you can always get out of trouble in
four-wheel-drive.
If you want to see elk in the wild, early morning
and late evening are better than midday hours. Even if you don’t know the roads or exactly where
Many of the two-track trails leading off rural roads you are, if you are in that square and have a
go into wildlife openings, rye fields put in to feed compass or sense of direction, you can always take
elk and deer. The many one-acre gas well sites also trails and roads until you hit a highway, and find
attract animals with the grass plantings. your way home.

If you pull your vehicle quietly into the edge of Bull elk shed their antlers in late March and into
those wildlife openings, the animals may stay and April. Porcupines love to chew on them, for the
graze. Getting out of the car or truck often spooks minerals in them, so if you want some without bite
them, and they leave. It is amazing to see the width marks or missing tines, you should get out and
of elk antlers, and see them go through trees and look for them early.
brush that would seem impossible for that width!
But they lay them back with their nose up, and go Also, stop by the Tribune office in Atlanta and
most anywhere. pick up a free Recreation Map. It shows local roads,
two-tracks, ORV trails, and elk viewing locations.
Most of the roads and trails are connected, and

19

Predator calling and hunting are gaining popularity

by Bill Pinson is a great calling challenge. The more common red fox
Predator Calling: The sport of predator calling has tends to inhabit open areas such as abandoned farms
and fields. While the grey tends to like the woodland
grown in the past few years. And with the expanding area. Foxes are often more catlike than dogs when
population of coyote and fox, Michigan hunters have coming to a call. They seem to use their hearing and
taken up the sport quite rapidly. eyes more than their sense of smell like the coyote.

Not a lot is needed to get started predator calling, Bobcat: the bobcat is one of the more challenging of
most of us have the basic equipment already: camou- the Michigan predators. Stealthy and with a great
flage clothing, rifle/shotgun, and a patch of woods. camouflage coat, they will sneak up on you without you
About all you need is a call to go with it. These can range even knowing. Hunting with exceptional hearing and
from a simple hand call for around ten bucks to more eyesight, bobcats tend to take their time coming to a
elaborate electronic calls running into the hundreds of call. I will generally make my setup about an hour or a
dollars. I starting out using hand calls and going to a little longer when calling the woodland feline. I use my
digital caller and now have come full circle to using a Johnny Stewart digital caller quite often when calling
few hand calls more often than the e-caller nowadays. bobcat, with the speaker set out away from me; one of
the distress bird sounds (woodpecker, flicker or tur-
Calls: There are two basic types of hand calls, the key) and the limited movement it provides, all I have to
closed reed and the open reed. For the beginning caller do is hit the button on the control. This makes a great
the closed reed is a bit easier to use out of the box. But way to set up and try to calling one of the best set of eyes
with some practice the open reed will give you a wider and ears in the woods.
tonal quality and variety of sounds. The calls imitate
the sound of a distressed rabbit or other small critter, Weapons: As for weapons of choice, the debate con-
which is a dinner bell for most predators thinking of tinues in the hunting circles, everything from the 22
stealing an easy meal from someone else. One of the long rifle to .30 caliber deer rifles have been used. But
most common mistakes is over-calling, usually less is most tend to stick with the 22 center fire family of
more. calibers though. The 22 long may be OK for fox and
bobcat; personally I would not use it on coyote. It just
Electronic callers offer another choice in calling. doesn’t have the knockdown to effectively and hu-
Hunters new to this sport will sometimes choose this manely dispatch a coyote. One should use a 22 mag-
option as a way to get started. One of the advantages of num at the very least. More popular choices are the
the electronic caller is sound quality, especially if the .223, 22-250, 22 Hornet. A 12 gauge shotgun is also a
caller has doubts in his calling ability. But there is the good choice.
downside of weight, batteries and speakers, though
some of the newer models offer a compact wireless unit Night Hunting: Michigan nighttime predator hunt-
that is lightweight, such as the Fox Pro caller. ing offers an exciting and productive hunting opportu-
nity. But remember, as with general hunting, care
When using an e-caller remember to start out with the must be taken to ensure safety. Greater care must be
volume low, and work up from there. Coyote, fox and taken while hunting at night. Knowing your surround-
bobcat all hear exceptionally well and it doesn’t take ings and where your bullet is traveling and what’s
much volume to get their attention. Too much may beyond your target is a MUST. Michigan’s nighttime
spook them and not bring them in. hunting season runs from October 15 to March 1. With
game or predator call only for fox and coyote. Bobcat
Set up: The first step is to get into the hunting area as cannot be hunted at night. Firearms may be loaded or
quietly as possible. This is one of the most important arrows nocked only when using call. And use only 22
and overlooked areas of predator calling. Letting them caliber or smaller rifle or pistol or shotgun with stan-
know you are there before you are set up will greatly dard shot. Slugs and buckshot are not allowed under
limit your calling success. Once situated, I spend about Michigan law for nighttime hunting.
five to ten minutes letting things settle and getting a
good look at the surroundings. Then I will start a short Michigan law allows the use of lights for night hunt-
series of calls, 20 - 30 seconds of calling. And then wait ing; only lights similar to the type ordinarily held in the
and watch. If nothing shows up within ten minutes, I hand or on the person may be used. An artificial light,
will do a second series of calls, slightly longer and including laser sights, of the type ordinarily held in the
louder and then wait another ten minutes. Most sets hand or on the person may be mounted on a person’s
last about 30 to 40 minutes, if a coyote or fox hasn’t clothing or firearm. Spotlights, floodlights, vehicle
shown by then chances are they wont. Time to pack up headlights and other artificial lights not similar to the
move on to another spot and try again. type ordinarily held in the hand or on the person are
illegal. The use of natural light, including night vision
The Prey: Coyote: the eastern coyote is one of the optics and scopes, is legal. Consult your Michigan
more popular predators for callers here in Michigan. Hunter’s handbook for additional rules and regula-
With their abundant numbers they can be found all tions or contact your local conservation office if you
over the state. Though they are not an easy target, by have questions.
any means. The coyote is probably one of the smartest
animals in the woods and will get the better of you more Michigan seasons and laws: Michigan seasons: Coy-
often than you will get the better of them. I have called ote can be hunted with a general small game license. If
in many that have come to my call, figured me out and you are going to try your hand at fox or bobcat, a
left without me even knowing…until I found their Michigan fur harvester’s license is also required. Please
tracks on the way out. Coyotes live by their nose, given check your Michigan Hunting Handbook for season
the chance and terrain coyotes will circle around and dates and bag limits.
try to come at you from downwind. So be mindfull of
the downwind side and try to set up where you have a So stop by your local sporting goods store and pick up
view of that area. a call or two and give predator calling a try.

Red and Grey Fox: The smaller of the wild dog family

20

A FINE SUMMER EVENING and "The Douglas Family" is providing some great bluegrass music.

Bluegrass in the Park

A YOUNG MAN with the ability to watch and Bluegrass in the A YOUNG GIRL dances to the music.
learn, and pick it up very quickly. Park will be a musi-
cal gathering set for
Aug. 7-9 in Briley
Township Park in
Atlanta. There will
be competitions for
guitar, banjo, fiddle
and mandolin, and
a competition for
bands. There will be
performances and
just casual music
jams all weekend.
The event has ar-
ranged to have
camping in the park
for the musicians. It
is free to spectators.
If you are a blue-
grass musician and
want to participate,
contact Walt or
Luanne Bungard at
(989) 785-3521 week-
days.

21

Bird watching is popular here

For the birdwatcher, the them alone, and allow THIS PILEATED WOODPECKER is a regular at
area has a number of unique people to enjoy their Barbara Albertson’s home on Hunt Creek Road.
and beautiful species to seek unique call and swimming She said that he was happy to pose since he is well
out. skill. fed. photo by Barbara Albertson
Canada, the bluebills, canvasbacks and
The Kirtland’s warbler is a Popular at bird feeders in other flight ducks stop over on their way
rare bird found only in young winter, the mourning south. Buffleheads, mergansers, grebes and
jackpines of Northern Michi- doves will gather in small other varieties add their unusual sizes, col-
gan. They nest on the ground, flocks. Blue jays are birds ors and shapes to the waterfowl scene. A few
and need the shelter of with an attitude, chasing swans have chosen nesting sites in the area,
ground-touching jackpine others away. Chickadees and add their beauty to the waterways with
branches to hide in. Tours are are often friendly, and will their white plumage.
organized out of the DNR of- visit a hunter sitting qui-
fice in Mio. etly in the woods. Gros-
beaks, both rose-breasted
Osprey are a fish-hunting and yellow types, bring
bird of prey and there have flashes of color your
been about a dozen pair on birdfeeders.
Fletcher Floodwater south of
Hillman for many years. A few Woodpeckers make use
nests have been established of the bugs in dead trees,
on Tomahawk Flooding north and a number of the large
of Atlanta. The white, grey pileated woodpeckers
and black birds, sized larger have been seen here. Other
than most hawks and smaller varieties, red-headed
than eagles, make large nests down to smaller species
of sticks over water. Nesting like the flicker, also make
platforms have been placed, our woodlands their home.
since wind often takes down
nests, destroying eggs or Canada geese abound in
young birds. the area, having made a
come-back to troublesome
There are about a dozen pair proportions in some areas.
of bald eagles that make their A few cranes can be found
home in the area, usually in here, and great blue heron
remote locations near water. and snowy egrets grace our
A number of other birds of shorelines.
prey can be found here.
Hawks, including red-tailed Mallards lead the local
hawks and other smaller vari- duck varieties, along with
eties, and owls can be found, bright wood ducks, helped
hunting on quiet wings. by the placing of nest boxes
by area clubs and resi-
Loons are popular area resi- dents. Teal, black ducks
dents, and they visit most and other species are
lakes in the area from time to found early in the season,
time. Boaters should leave and with cold weather in

We Cater To New Patients Are Abstracts • Title Search Services • Title Insurance
Always Welcome
MONTMORENCY ABSTRACT
Office Hours COMPANY
By Appointment
Cowards P.O. Box 212
Open (989) 786-2104 ATLANTA, MICHIGAN 49709

Monday through Thursday John P. Marconnit Phone: (989) 785-4889
D.D.S., P.C.
P.O. Box 170, 3051 Bay Street Fax: (989) 785-3689
Lewiston, MI 49756 General Dentistry BENJAMIN T. BOLSER
PATRICIA A. BOLSER

22

Area Golf Resorts

Elk Ridge Golf Course, off Rouse Road north of Gaylord Country Club west of Gaylord off Townline
Atlanta, is a Jerry Matthews designed par 72, 18 hole Road is an 18-hole par 60 course built in 1982. Phone is
course. Wildlife abounds in a setting that includes huge (989) 732-6006.
pines and a variety of terrain. Beautifully maintained. 18
holes with cart, phone 800-626-4355. The Alpena Golf Club on Golf Course Road, off U.S.
23 on the north edge of Alpena, is an 18-hole Warner
Thunder Bay Golf Resort on M-32 at Hillman is an Bowen design that has been there since 1939. Call (989)
18 hole, par 73 course in a setting of pines and hard- 354-5052.
woods. They offer lodging, an elk viewing hayride to a
gourmet dinner and more. 18 holes with cart, phone Stoney Links in Onaway is an 18-hole Rod Crawford
(989) 742-4875. design that opened in 1993. It’s east of town on M-68.
Call (989) 733-2683.
Garland Golf Resort, south of Lewiston, is one of
Michigan’s premier conference destinations with four Grayling Country Club is an 18-hole par 70 course
exceptional golf courses. The great log buildings, an that’s been around since 1923. You’ll find it at 100
airstrip large enough for business aircraft and other Charles Street, and their phone number is (989) 348-
amenities are all top quality. Phone (989) 786-2211. 5618.

Cedar Valley Golf Course south of Comins is an 18 Fox Run on West Four Mile Road south of Grayling
hole, par 71 course, with driving range, target greens is an 18 hole Jeff Gorney course new in 1989. It’s par 72
and pro shop. A beautiful, secluded setting for golf at all and you can book a time at (989) 348-4343.
levels. Phone (989) 848-2792.
Rogers City Country Club is an 18-hole par 70
Fairview Hills Golf Club is a nine hole par 36 course course built in 1971. The clubhouse is comfortable
between Fairview and Mio on M-33/72. The course is farmhouse style, and it’s out on Golf Course Road,
well maintained, and a challenge for any level of play, phone (989) 734-4909.
with seven ponds, sunny fairways and great greens.
Phone (989) 848-5810. Springport Hills Golf Course in Harrisville is an 18-
hole course designed by Bill LaForge, and built in 1971.
Treetops Sylvan Resort east of Gaylord off Wilkinson It’s par 72, and you can book a tee time at (989) 724-
Road offers five courses, lodging, convention facilities 5611.
and dining. They host a Michigan PGA Shootout event
each year. It is a winter ski resort, as well. Phone is (989) At AuGres, the Huron Breeze Golf and Country Club
732-6711. is an 18-hole Bill Newcomb course, par 72. Call them at
(989) 876-6868.
Marsh Ridge off Old U.S. 27 south of Gaylord offers
18 holes designed by Mike Husby and built in 1992. Fine Apple Valley Golf Course is off Maes Road in West
dining in the clubhouse is an attraction. You can call toll- Branch, and is an 18-hole par 72 course designed by
free to 800 743-7529. Alton LeDuc and built in 1982. Call (989) 345-2971 for a
tee time.
The Natural at Beaver Creek Resort is an 18-hole
Jerry Matthews course built in 1991. You can find it off West Branch Country Club is an early (1920) course
West Otsego Lake Drive south of Gaylord. Phone (989) that Jerry Matthews re-designed. It is 18 holes par 72.
732-2459. You’ll find it on South Fairview Road, phone (989) 345-
2501.
The Otsego Club and Resort on M-32 along the east
edge of Gaylord dates back to 1955, designed by Boyne Mountain Resort at Boyne Falls offers eight
William Diddle. Their Swiss chalet style clubhouse fea- courses, including the Alpine and the Monument. Phone
tures fine dining. Call for a tee time at 800 752-5510. number is (231) 549-6028.

Wilderness Valley Golf Resort offers two courses, On Mackinac Island, there is a nine-hole
the Black Forest and the Valley. They are off Mancelona Wawashkamo Golf Club that is semi-private, phone
Road south of Gaylord, phone (231) 585-7090. (906) 847-3871. And the Grand Hotel has 18 holes for
their guests, built in 1901 and re-designed by Jerry
Michawye Hills Golf Club south of Gaylord is an 18- Matthews. The hotel phone is (906) 847-3331.
hole par 72 course off Opal Lake Road. Call them at
(989) 939-8911. At beautiful Walloon Lake, the Springbrook Golf
Club is on Springvale Road, an 18-hole par 72 course
built in 1972. Their phone number is (231) 535-2413.

23

East Twin Lake Fleming Rd

974 Acres Twin
South end of Lewiston Lakes
Marina
Boat Access Notes:
The end of Buttles Road provides 5' Public
trailer access, however no parking Beach
is available there.
Smaller boats may be carried to the 10'
lake at the public beach. Ample
parking is available there. 15'
Twin Lakes Marina (between the
lakes) provides launch services to 20'
both lakes on a fee basis.

West Twin Lake North

1,313 Acres
Just west of Lewiston

Merdian Ln. Rd. County Road 612
Fleming Rd.
5'
10'
20'

30'

Twin
Lakes
Marina

30'

North 10' Cobb Road
20'
10' 0 ¼½
5'
Scale in Miles
24

FISHING is a great family activity. Noah Allen, of Hillman, shows off the 19½ inch brown trout he caught on the Thunder
Bay River near Atlanta this spring. The eleven year old was fishing with his grandfather, Harvey Ross, and hooked the 2¾
pound fish with a nightcrawler.

Family Practice ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
Primary
Open to the Public • Walk-In Clinic For Urgent Care Needs
Health Care
Discounts on Medical Services and Prescriptions
Hillman Clinic:
989-742-4583

Atlanta Clinic:
989-785-4855

Rogers City Clinic:
989-734-2052

Onaway Clinic:
989-733-2082

Thunder Bay
Pharmacy:

Located in the
Atlanta Clinic
989-785-5535

Helping Keep You and Your Family Healthy...

25

Little Bear Lake Bear Lk. Rd. State Park
Campground
135 Acres 0 ¼½

Scale in Miles

10' 20' 30' 40' 5'
5'
10'
North 20'
30'

30' 5'
20' 10'

Bear Lake

350 Acres
6 miles northwest of Lewiston

J&B’s Family Dining TRADING POST
(989) 786-3778
M-32 & MERIDIAN LINE
Vienna 1079 M-32 Vienna Corners MI 49751

989-786-2471 Groceries • Video Rental • Lottery • LP Station

Daily Specials

FULL LUNCH & DINNER MENU

Hardware • DNR Licenses • Wildlife Gifts
Fast Food To Go PTIrZyZoAu!r
BAR 'N' GRILL
Restaurant Burgers, Fries, Subs,
Pizza, Nuggets, Tacos
HOSTS: JUDY & BILL PAPPAS
Ice Cream and More
Now Serving Buckets of Chicken
Open 7 Days MARATHON
FUELMAN

6101 MASON & MILLS

NAPA AUTO PARTS

4553 Salling Ave., ( Co. Rd. 612)
LEWISTON • 786-3712
Auto Supply

- U-Haul Rental Now Available -
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. M-F • 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sat.

26

A REALLY IMPRESSIVE
whitetail deer came out to
pose for the camera of Rex
Miller of Hillman.

E. J. Paul Trout fishing note:
Agency, LLC
Michigan has gone to different size and creel
IS YOUR CABIN INSURED? limits for different classes of streams for trout
We have a competent staff to serve you. fishing. Please pick up a Michigan
Department of Natural Resources Trout and
Mike, Bob, Dawn, Gloria, Traci Salmon Guide at a license dealer to
determine the rules for the stream you
Atlanta • 989-785-4578 desire to fish.

Northland Mini Storage Proudly Serving A World In Motion
and Cabins Auto, Farm, Fleet and
Welding Supplies
Larger Storage Units
For Less Money Snowmobile & Marine Supplies

24682 M-33 12 miles north of Atlanta Hours: M - F 7:30 - 5:30 ~ Sat. 8 - 3
Atlanta, MI 49709 1-989-785-3975
27 FOCHTMAN CARQUEST

641 NORTH STATE ST., HILLMAN, MI 49746
989-742-4597 - 800-861-5888

HILLMAN STREET DRAGS will be
held Sunday, July 6 on Progress
Street again this summer. Anyone
can try the 1/8 mile drag, and the
event attracts first-timers and some
who have worked up a street-legal
drag machine. The Wheels of North-
east Michigan Car Club holds the
event, and looks for a good event
again this summer.

Pics by John Garavaglia

THE CONSERVATION CYCLE CLUBS OF MICHIGAN and affiliated chapters gather at the
Montmorency County Fairgrounds every spring. It is a family-style off-road cycle crowd, that
handled its own traffic control, taught safety classes and had a good time on the trails here.

28

Sage Lake 20'

51 Acres
7 miles east of Lewiston

36'

22' 5'
10'

18'

25' North

0¼ County Road 612

Scale in Miles

Hike the sinkholes

For an enjoyable hike around some geological
oddities, take a walk around the sinkholes just
north of the Montmorency County line east of M-33.
Take Tomahawk Lake Highway to Shoepac Lake,
and just beyond the campground there is a marked
trail-head. Sinkholes are created by underground
water making caves in limestone, which eventually
cave in to make sinkholes. Three lengths of hikes
are marked around sinkholes, and steps have been
built to go down into one. Shoepac Lake is a sink-
hole lake, created by an underground cave roof
falling in, and then filling with water.

Canoe, Raft and Kayak at

Gott's Landing
on the Beautiful, Historic AuSable River

989-826-3411 • 888-226-8748

M-33 at the Au Sable River bridge

www.gottslanding.com
[email protected]

29

BALD EAGLES have
made a comeback in
the area over the past
few decades. They
can be spotted near a
number of area lakes.
Photo by Rex Miller

Blessing of the
Bikes at Hillman

During the last weekend in May each year,
hundreds of motorcycles and riders will
gather in downtown Hillman for the annual
“Blessing of the Bikes.” They are one of the
earliest rides of the season, and the local
pastors bless the bikes and their riders for a
safe and happy season of riding.

Events include a cruise-in beginning at the
community center, a community tour, enter-
tainment, a judged bike show with awards, a
pig roast, a poker run, and musical entertain-
ment.

Blessing of the Bikes fills Hillman's downtown.

SINCE 1945
QUALITY CUSTOM BUILDING

HOMES, GARAGES,
ADDITIONS, REMODELING,
CUSTOM COMPUTER DESIGN,

WHOLESALE BUYING,
LEGACY CABINET DEALER

Bring your plans or we can start from scratch

Sheridan Valley Homes

Old Co. Rd. 612 • (989) 786-2355 • Lewiston, MI 49756

30

THESE TWO CULVERTS (top) at Johnson’s Crossing were LARGE, WOODY DEBRIS is placed along an erosion-
replaced with a wide, bottomless culvert (below) at a cost of prone bank on the Black River. This will help reduce the
around $15,000. This opened up a portion of the headwa- erosion of the hillside, as well as speeding up the water
ters for trout breeding habitat, and also solved some erosion and providing some habitat for fish.
problems at the road crossing.
Organization works to
31 improve the Black River

For 18 years the Upper Black River Restoration
Project has been working to improve fish habitat
on the Black River above Black Lake and its tribu-
taries. This group works in cooperation with many
private and public entities, including area conser-
vation districts, the Montmorency County Conser-
vation Club, DNR Fisheries Division, Tip of the
Mitt Watershed Council, US Fish and Wildlife Ser-
vice, NEMCOG, Trout Unlimited, Huron Pines,
area road commissions, and Canada Creek Ranch.

Some of their projects include:
Streambank Erosion Control: Erosion-prone
streambanks are improved with rock, vegetation,
or large woody debris. This reduces the amount of
silt in the water, and helps the stream run faster
and colder.
Road/Stream Crossings: Each summer a few
stream crossings are improved, typically with the
installation of new, wider culverts. When a small
culvert becomes clogged, fish cannot migrate up-
stream to spawn. Also, when a culvert slows down
the speed of the stream, the water upstream will
warm up to the point where trout cannot survive.
Beaver Management: In 2006, the restoration
project removed 30 beaver dams from the Upper
Black River watershed. These dams impede fish
migration and warm up the water. One exception-
ally large dam required the use of explosives to
remove. The organization is also working with trap-
pers in the area to manage the beaver population.

Welcome to Montmorency County, Michigan

A bit of history: Before Europeans arrived the more rustic settings, and you can pick up a wilder-
Chippewa tribes of the Ojibwa nation, a branch of ness camp permit from the DNR to camp out on
the Algonquin language family, inhabited North- public land (Leave it clean, please).
ern Michigan. Archeological finds indicate that
they lived along the Great Lakes most of the year, Montmorency County is home to Michigan’s
and made annual gathering and hunting trips into unique elk herd. An eastern variety elk was native
the interior areas. There were some mounds in the to Michigan, but was killed off as food for lumber
Lewiston area that university archeologists inves- camps. Rocky Mountain elk were brought in and
tigated years ago. got established in the northwest quarter of the
county, and have spread out from there. About 1000
Early Europeans arrived, and many were French elk is the target for wildlife managers, since any
explorers and trappers, exploring from the settle- less and they are not very easy to find, and any more
ments in Canada. Montmorency was the name of an causes them to spread out into farm areas and cause
early French Bishop of Canada, and he is believed crop damage. A limited hunt is held each year, to
to be the namesake of the county, although no maintain approximately that target population.
records exist to verify that. Montmorency is also a
variety of cherry, but cherry country is in North- The area has long been a popular place for white-
west Michigan. tail deer hunters. Wild turkey is a Michigan success
story, and those were re-established near Fairview
Before the county was chartered in 1881, it was and have grown in population in many areas of the
territorial Cheonoquet County, or “Big Cloud” in state. Ruffed grouse and woodcock are popular
Ojibwa. It was also part of other counties as the state game birds here.
developed during the 1800’s.
The area has black bear, bobcat and coyote, and a
The Homestead Act of 1812 created land grants, few wolves have been found, which migrated across
and some early farmsteads have those, signed by the ice from the Upper Peninsula one cold winter.
U.S. Presidents of the day. Early settlers often built There have been sightings of cougar here, but
a log cabin first, and later, as they cleared land and that’s a statewide controversy.
had time to saw boards and dry them, frame homes
and business buildings were built. Bald eagles have nests in tall trees near some area
lakes, and osprey were established in Fletcher
Atlanta was named after Atlanta, Georgia, when Floodwater and maintain their numbers. Many
Alfred J. West visited here, working on the Old ducks, geese and loons are favorites for people to
State Road from Alpena to Traverse City. He felt watch on local lakes.
the great white pine looked like the southern yel-
low pine stands in Georgia. He bought land here Up North Reading
and developed a number of businesses to get At-
lanta established. Burnt Records by E. Dan Stevens. A fictional account
of the fire that burned the Montmorency County
Hillman was named after John Hillman Stevens, Courthouse, with the names changed to protect the
who platted the town and gave it his middle name. innocent...or suspicious!
The combination of wood frame buildings and Stalking the Wild Pun by Gordie Charles. If you enjoy
wood-fired heating stoves was dangerous, and some the humor of puns, Gordie has them for you. "A stack of
of Hillman’s downtown burned several times, the toads, one on top of each other, is a toadem pole." And
worst in 1908. there's more!
Another Way To Live, and how and why it works by
Lewiston got its name from Lewis Jensen, the Maggie Clay is a discussion of human interaction and
company bookkeeper at the Michelson and Hanson how to understand it. She's a retired U of M psychologist.
Lumber Company. The company built three hotels, The Bois Blanc Island Affair by James Stenius Roberts.
two mills and helped create the town. Perhaps the A fictional account of people on Bois Blanc ("Bob-Lo")
loggers in the lumber camps came in to "Lewis’s Island next to Mackinac Island, cut off from the world
town" when they got paid, and it was quite a lively and coping with conflicts within the members of their
place on those paydays. community.

The county seat started in Hillman, was sort of These books have been proudly printed at
taken by Atlanta in an election, and another elec- Montmorency Press, Inc., corporate name of the
tion would have moved it to Lewiston, but ballot-
box fraud negated that election. Early railroads Montmorency County Tribune.
served the county for a short time, but as the Available for sale at the Tribune office.
economy changed when the pine was logged off,
the county became a tourism destination with a mix
of farming and light industry to support the com-
mercial businesses.

About 43 percent of the county is public land.
Clear Lake State Park is well appointed for RV’s
and travel trailers, state forest campgrounds are

32

The Montmorency County 4-H Fair
will be held August 18-22, 2008. The
fair features 4-H and open class exhib-
its, grandstand attractions, mini-shows
at the food stand throughout the run of
the fair, and carnival rides, conces-
sions, and other features. It is a pleas-
ant family event, with activities for
everyone. A bump and run car race is
the fair finale on Saturday night.

These young cycle enthusiast were part
of the V-J Day parade in Hillman, an annual
event that will be on August 7-9 this year.

The Lewiston Car Show is a pleasant Bolser and Kundinger, PLC
Fathers Day event each year on the
streets of Lewiston. Some gorgeous Benjamin T. Bolser
cars, like this copper-colored Chevy Vicki P. Kundinger
truck, are on hand each year. There are Attorneys at Law
other car shows, cruises and auto-
motive events in the area, too. Benjamin Bolser Vicki P. Kundinger
Atlanta Office: Lewiston Office:
12355 State St. 4260 Salling Ave.
P.O. Box 315 P.O. Box 586
Atlanta, MI 49709
989-785-4900 Lewiston, MI 49756
989-786-4400

33

CHUCK COLLIER, Hillman, owns one of the few blood tracking dogs in Michigan. He uses a special collar and lead when
it’s time for Moose to go to work finding wounded deer.

Dog helps hunters find wounded deer

by Yvonne Swager stop and look back at us,” Osmun said.
What Moose the dachshund lacks in size, he makes The dog led the men in a large circle. He said they

up for in talent. Dachshunds are a popular breed used were beginning to think the pup had lost the trail, but
for tracking deer, and the Hillman dog, owned by they followed him anyway.
Chuck Collier, is a shining example of why the small
dogs are preferred for such large tasks. “Moose walked us up to six feet short of the deer in
a bush,” he said. “We ended up finding it in the
Moose was just a few months old when he was called opposite direction in which it ran. We would have
in to find a buck for Adam Osmun, Grand Blanc, who never found that deer. It would have been a horrible
hunts with Collier in Presque Isle County. Osmun waste.”
knew his friend had a blood tracking dog and, when he
couldn’t find a seven point buck last fall, he gave the The pup tracked the doe 600 yards in the rain. After
pup a chance to show his stuff. repeated finds, Osmun said he and his fellow hunters
gained a new respect for the tiny dog.
Osmun said he and some fellow hunters were sur-
prised by the size of the dog and were somewhat “We stopped picking on Moose,” he said.
doubtful the dog would succeed in finding the deer. Born Nurmi von Moosbach-Zuzelek, the pup comes
from a line of German wirehaired dachshunds bred
“We were skeptical,” he said. for tracking. His mom is a tracker, and, though fe-
The dog tracked the deer for about 50 yards before males are regarded as better trackers, his father took
discovering his first find. Osmun was so impressed, he first place in a competition of 142 dogs in Georgia.
called Moose in to find a second and more difficult Collier said Moose has found nine of 28 deer, which
case. He said he had little hope of finding the doe he is a good record for any tracking dog. At a recent
had shot in the gut with his bow. United Blood Trackers (UBT) Trackfest in Pennsylva-
“With a gut shot with a bow, a deer can go a long way,” nia, Collier said the dog obtained scores average for an
Osmun said. “And, it started to rain two seconds after adult and superior for a puppy.
I shot it.” He doesn’t charge for his dog’s services, and said he
He said a small drop of blood was found every 10-15 hopes to keep the effort voluntary, taking donations
feet for about 30 yards, then the trail ended. for food and gas. He said he decided to have a blood
“We were kind of lost. We didn’t know where to go,” tracking dog because it fit well with his hobbies.
he said. “I love deer hunting, and I love dogs,” Collier said.
The dog was once again called in to do the job. “This is the perfect mix.”
“Moose was just running down the trail. He would The dogs are initially trained to follow deer livers

34

dragged across the terrain. According to ADAM OSMUN, Grand Blanc, was thankful when Moose helped him
Collier, dachshunds are ideal because they find his lost buck last October. As a reward, the dog is allowed to
can move in and out of thickets, are low to the chew on some part of the deer.
ground and close to the smell, can track by air
or ground and are easy to transport.

“Any dog has the capability, but some are
better at it than others,” he said.

Collier said he bought his dog from John
Jeanneney, author of Tracking Dogs for Find-
ing Wounded Deer. The five other Michigan
dogs registered through UBT are located in
Carsonville, Lake Leelanau, St. Johns, Gre-
gory and Eagle.

There is room for six dogs in Montmorency
County alone, according to Collier.

“I was getting three calls a day,” he said. “I
started to screen calls according to the prob-
ability of the find.”

He’s not as interested in finding trophies
for people as reducing animal suffering and
preserving meat, he said. Waiting to find a
deer the next day is inhumane, he said, and
you have to compete with coyotes. He said he
hopes to someday see more lenient rules
regarding mercy killings of downed deer.

Collier is a state trooper and said he could
have trained Moose to track anything, in-
cluding human scents. However, he said he
prefers to keep his activities with his dog
separate from work.

“My goal is to keep him in the realm of
hunting, because I do it for relaxation,” he
said.

Lake Avalon North Shore Dr. County Road 459

372 Acres
4 miles northwest of Hillman

North

10' 20' 30'
50'

70'

Avalon Dr. ¼ ½

0 Scale in Miles

35

Hunting the
delicious morel
mushroom

They hide under leaves, sneak up among wildflow- Lewiston Mushroom Club member Norm Beliger uses his
ers, and seem to blend in on the forest floor. You can knife to cut this find free. Club members are mandated
be close and never see them. Then, when you finally to cut mushrooms instead of pulling them, so the root
start finding springtime’s most prized and delicious networks won’t be damaged.
mushroom, that unique shape and texture seems
unmistakable. You look and see another, then an- photo by Yvonne Swager
other. The morel hunt is on.
lent of seeds. Most of the morel’s life is spent under-
Morels are a common mushroom found in spring ground, where it thrives as a mat of hair-like fibers
and early summer throughout the United States. So called a mycelium.
prized are the fungi for their nutty taste when sautéed
that they sell for up to $7 per pound fresh and up to So you’ve spotted a morel. Now what? Cut the stem
$150 per pound dried. As a result, mushroomers are just above ground level with a knife or pinch it off
often as secretive about their “’shroomin’ spots” as with your fingers. If you pull the entire morel mush-
anglers are about hiding a favorite fishing hole. But room up, cut off the base to get rid of attached dirt.
anyone can find morels if they know the basics of
when and where to locate the mushrooms, how to Once you get home and are confident that you have
avoid dangerous look-alikes, and how to prepare morels and not look-alikes, place them in a bowl of
them properly. lightly salted water for a few minutes to draw out any
bugs that might be living inside. Then rinse in fresh
Morels first appear in spring as the weather warms. water to clean out dirt caught in the crevices and dry
According to mycologists (mushroom experts), the thoroughly on a towel. The easiest, and many would
magic minimum soil temperature required for morel argue the best, way to prepare morels is to slice them
fruiting is 42.5 degrees. Rather than place thermom- in half lengthwise and sauté in butter. The morels
eters into soil, however, most morel hunters rely on will flatten out as they heat up. Eat as is, heap on
signs of spring to let them know when the fabulous venison steaks, or use in other recipes. The mush-
fungi are popping up. The time to search is when rooms have a nutty flavor and make a great stock for
trilliums and wild strawberries begin blooming. soups. They can also be dried or frozen (cooked or
Some consider the drumming of ruffed grouse as an partially cooked) for later use.
indicator of morel season. And others go out in May
and early June whenever rain is followed by two or As is the case with other wild mushrooms, morels
three warm, sunny days. should be well cooked. Allergies are another concern.
If you are trying morels for the first time, sample just
Small black morels come out first, and are delicious a few to see if you have an allergic reaction such as an
fried in butter and fixed a number of other ways. The upset stomach. Some people also experience prob-
larger white morels show up as the weather warms a lems when combining morels and alcohol, so be
bit more. cautious the first time consuming the two together.
Eating old morels can also cause a stomachache. Old
But it’s no secret that morels are typically found in morels appear shriveled and have hard, crusty edges.
woods and forests. Many hunters head for high
ground, and look beneath beech trees. Aspen groves —adapted from Montana magazine
and older coniferous forests all provide potential
morel hunting grounds. Anytime you make gener-
alizations about where morels should be, one shows
up where you don’t expect it.

Though forests are probably the best place to find
morels, they aren’t the only locales where the mush-
rooms pop up. Some "shroomers" picked them on
lawns and along garden paths and says the mush-
rooms can also appear in landscaping bark and old
orchards.

Morels are often found near dead trees. Some hunt-
ers look for burned-over areas from the previous
year, and find them popping up in the new growth.

And it’s sort of a mystery how morels, like many
mushrooms, can pop up overnight. The “mushroom”
is the reproductive or fruiting part of the fungus. Its
purpose is to produce spores, the mushroom’s equiva-

36

CHELSEA AND OWEN
MOULTON found these
morels last June. Their
parents are Tory and Darla
Moulton, of Hillman.

Know Your Fungus:

True! True morel mushrooms appear in a number of colors, False! False morels have a top
including black, yellow and gray. The top of the mushroom is that easily disconnects
connected to the stem. from the stem.

photos by Bill Pinson
37

Try an earth-friendly vacation

With the current emphasis on green power, less through prime elk range, whitetail deer country,
emissions and the environment, here’s some a wide variety of woods, meadows, open fields and
ideas on having an earth-friendly vacation in some challenging hill country. It is not for begin-
Northern Michigan. ners, and there are no stores along the way, so
• Take more time and get off the freeway. Ex- hikers need to plan carefully and carry every-
thing that will be needed.
plore the backroads coming north, at slower • Walk down a sinkhole, a depression made when
speeds that let you see the countryside. Route the roof of an underground cave caved in! The
13 out of Bay City was an old route north, and DNR has marked one and created wooden steps
there are a few remnants of the tourist courts down into it near Shupac Lake, which is north of
and cabins that were your grandfather’s vaca- Tomahawk Flooding off M-33 about halfway be-
tion stops. On M-65 in Iosco County, the tween Atlanta and Onaway. It must have caved in
“Lumberman’s Monument” is an interesting many years ago, because the forest has grown up
stop. There are Amish communities west of there now, but to imagine the size of the cave and
Gladwin and just north of Mio where some cave-in is a great experience in geology. Shupac
home-baked bread or other offerings can make Lake is also a sinkhole lake, and is 80 feet deep at
a great picnic. the middle of its depression!
• Camping clean: There are alternatives to • Learn about trees, plants and small critters.
jumbo cartons of pop cans, bags of snack chips There are pocket-size guides to flora and fauna
and fast food throw-away cartons. Go back to an that will help you identify many things in your
earlier day when people had to plan carefully natural surroundings. There are plants that were
the amount they carried. Dried foods, fruits, used as herbs and for healing, mushrooms that
vegetables and concentrated drinks can result are edible and inedible, a beautiful variety of
in healthy meals with very little trash. If you are butterflies, moths and other insects…all with
fishing, packing up a frying pan, flour, salt and fascinating differences in color and shape. Vari-
a bit of oil can result in a fresh fish shore lunch. ous trees like hemlock, ash, paper birch and
Or if you are unlucky with the hook and line, white pine have places in our area’s history.
better pack a little bologna! • Truly watch a sunset. We often notice a sunset at
• Discover the joys of quiet walking, and you its most beautiful, but seldom take the time to
will be amazed at the wildlife, birdlife and other really watch one. Find a good spot with a western
attractions you will find. Many birds and ani- view, perhaps in a still canoe on a lake. The blue
mals are found in early morning hours, and sky in early evening starts to turn color, then
seem to be less afraid then. Morning dew on clouds pick up new tints, and then the yellows,
spiderwebs, the variety of bird calls and beauty pinks and oranges turn vivid. In the long twilight
of opening flowers are all things to watch for. It this far north, the colors deepen slowly till the
is a whole new world out there, without the first stars appear in a blackening sky. Watching
noise of motors. quietly is like meditation or deep relaxation exer-
• For the long distance backpacker, the High cises, and can lower heart rate and blood pres-
Country Pathway is a marked trail that runs sure.
from near Clear Lake State Park west to the
Pigeon River Country State Forest. It runs

Lot Clearing • Septic Systems • Basements Corner of Co. Rd. 612 and 489 Indoor Swimming Pool
Demolition • Ponds • Limestone • Gravel • Topsoil P.O. Box 537, Lewiston, MI 49756 Sauna - Whirlpool
989-786-2226 FAX 989-786-2160 Air Conditioning
K-N-K Excavating Spacious Rooms
Inn
10844 M-32 West, Atlanta, MI 49709 Continental Breakfast
989-785-4562 Fax: 989-785-4182 38 Commercial Rates
WiFi
KEN & KIM WERNER
Snowplowing • Sanding

Grass Lake Grass Lk. Rd.
Sorenson Rd.
950 Acres
6 miles northwest of Hillman

12' North
Floating
Vegitation 0 ¼½

8' Scale in Miles

4'

A MOTHER LOON with a baby riding on its back. Terry Sorensen's
Comfort of Atlanta caught this scene. Many residents with
waterfront enjoy the passing seasons and all the birdlife GRASS LAKE
that water attracts. RESORT

HUNTING AND FISHING AT ITS BEST!
Clean Cozy Cottages
Shaded Campsites

With Electric and Water Hook-up
Boats • Bait • Motors

Surrounded by State Land

18680 Sorensen Road
Hillman, MI 49746
989-742-3412

39

Fun for all at Timberfest!

The Lewiston Timbertown
Festival will be held July 31 to
August 1 this year. Downtown
Lewiston will host many fun
family events including an
outhouse race, mechanical
bull, rock wall climbing, Gui-
tar Hero competitions, and a
battle of the bands. Historic
steam engines and other lum-
ber era demonstrations will
be on hand as well.

THE MORE ADVEN- TRACTOR RACES: Nick Ackerman
TUROUS FOLKS took from Eric’s Services (in the fore-
a turn on the mechani- ground) took first place in the trac-
cal bull. tor races at Ace Harware last year.
Robert Schultz (in background)
came in a close second in the final
heat.

DEL CURIO’S steam
powered sawmill at-
tracted many onlook-
ers.

40

Mc Bear Den Lake ahaFwlokoCdrinegek ARD HWY.
EAST BRANCH RD
Silver Little Joe Lake MILLERSBURG RD. KOENIG RD.
Lake MORROW RD.
Twin Rainy HUBERT RD.
Montmorency County Wildfowl Tomahawk River Ribble Lake EDGAR RD.
Bush Lake Lake Flooding
North Lakes Tomahawk Creek TOMAHAWK LK. RD. 451
Snowmobile Trails: Lake Upper
Geneva Tomahawk

Lake

BLUE LAKES RD. East Branch Black River KYES RD.

BRANDT RD.
01 2 4 Virginia Long Lake Creek
Lake RUHL RD.
Scale in Miles
MERIDIAN LINE RD. S. ENTRANCE WERNER

VOGT RD. ROYSTON RD.

BLUE LAKES RD. N. Branch Thunder Bay River

Blue Canada Creek 33 628 Cranberry 452 Truax Creek
Lakes Lake
628
Walled Lake SORENSON RD.
Town Corner Lake Black River EAST BRANCH RD. Bedore 628
Lake
BLACK RIVER RD. Foch Lake
LONG LK. RD.

Long Lake SNOW RD. DORA

PETTIJOHN

Clear Grass Lake
Lake
Horseshoe Lake
628 Anchor Lake
East Branch Black River
ROTH RD. 622 VOYER LK. RD. GRASS LK. RD. ANCHOR LK. RD.

RUSH LK. RD. Rush Lake ANGLING RD. Ess 459

Lake
Town Line Lks Town Corner Lks ESS LK. DR. N. SHORE DR.
Doty Lake
CAMP 30 RD. BEAVER LK. RD. Beaver LAKE AVALON RD. LISTER RD. COUNTY LINE RD.
Muskellunge Lake 624 Lake Lake Avalon
Pug Lakes
STEVENS SPRING RD. Little Brush AVALON DR. Anchor Creek 451
Packer Creek Valentine Lake Lake CADIEUX RD.
GROWLER CLUB RD. 622 ROUSE RD. Coopers
BRUSH CREEK TRUCK TRAIL Pond
Bear Den Lake Jackson Brush Creek
Lake

VOYER LK. RD. PINE OAKS NORTH LN. 459 CARRIER RD.

RACTTRLEEESKNRADK.E JESSE FUNK RD. Brush Creek Hillman

622 MILLS RD. HAYES RD. PLEASANT VALLEY RD.
HUFF RD. ISLAND HILL RD.
CAMP 8 RD. Rattlesnake Creek MEAFORD RD. DECHEAU LAKE RD. SUCKER LK. RD. Sucker CONNON
MANIER RD. Lake
ELK VALLEY TR. COOMBS
Sucker Creek
VOYER LK. RD. HUNT RD. 32

ORM RD. MILLER CR. RD. REA RD. EDWARDS

S. KELLYVILLE RD. DeCheau NICKERSON VAL. RD.HUNGRY 5 RD. Voyer SHIELDS BEHRING GROSINSKY
Lake Smith Creek Lake
LICHT RD.
SECRIST RD. E. KELLYVILLE RD. HAAS RD. EMILS LANDING RD.
HALL RD.
VALENTINE

ROBY RD. THORTON BAKER RD. Atlanta PLEASANT VALLEY RD. Miller Creek ULSHAFFER

OLD STATE RD. Haymeadow Creek REIMANN RD. Twin 33 32 OLE RR GRADE RD.
Lake
620 AIRPORT RD. JEWEL RD. BLACK RD.
Thunder Bay River
McMURPHY RD. BELL HUNT RD.
HERTON RD. Lake Inez HOSSLER RD. RUST RD.
BRILEY RD. MOUCH FARRIER RD.
LUTZ RD.
CAMP 8 RD. McCormick BELTZ Thunder Bay River BANKS

Gaylanta Lake BAKER RD. LK. 15 RD. COHOON RD.
Lake
BIG FILL RD. RYAN RD. MORNINGSTAR LK. RD. STURGIS RD. DEER LN.

IRWINMATTHEWS RD. Barger Creek IRWIN Lake Fifteen S. AIRPORT RD. HALL RD.
KATIE LN. Thunder Bay River DeWISE RD.
Adams L. MITCHELL RD. Fletch

es 487 SLIEFF CONNERS LANDING RD.
Double Lake
Lunden FRITZ 489 Crooked KLEIN RD.
Lake Lake

32
Vienna

McKEE RD. KASKY RD. CURRIE BASS LK. SKYLINE DR. Crooked Creek Thunder Bay River 451 FARRIER RD.
Bass Lakes
GAMBLE RD. McCORMICK HUNTERS KNIGHT
LK. RD.
RD. ANDERGOOD RD. SCHMALLERS RD. Weber Creek
g Bear Lake SCENIC RT. 3
MERIDIAN LINE RD. KING RD. SHORELINE DR. Avery TUhupnpdererSoBuatyhRiBrvaernch
ELSWORTH RD. SHERIDAN VALLEY RD. SAGE LK. RD.Lake
SAGE CR. RD.
AGREN RD. 489 AVERY LK. RD. Hunt Creek Gilchrist Creek LOCKWOOD LK. RD. KLEIN RD.
491 ORCHARD RD.
Hidden Lake WINDING RD. HARDWOOD HILLS RD. WEBBER CREEK RD.
Crystal Lake WOLF LK. RD.
McMullen Lake BUTTLES RD. AVERY HILLS RD. 487 FRANCISCO Lockwood Lake TURTLE LK. RD.

HARWOOD RD. HARWOOD RD. BEAUREGARD RD.
Sage Creek
PECTACLE LKS. TR. 33
AVERY LK. RD.
Spectacle AARONS RD. AIRPORT RD.KNEELAND VON DETTE RD. HUNT CREEK RD. Turtle Lake
Lakes
Lewiston 612 Blue Lake GREASY CREEK RD. Cole Creek
612
pectacle East Twin Lake Sage Lake
Lakes West Twin Lake

HILLTOP DR.

BIG ANTLER ANN ARBOR FISH LAB Hunt Creek BLUE LK. RD.
Big Wolf Lake JOHNSONS POND RD.
GRANHOLM SODEN RD.Fuller RD. HALBERG RD. EBERLY RD. McINTIRE RD.
Creek

Pond

COBB RD. FLEMING RD. TOWNLINE RD. UTphpuenrdSerouBtahyBrRiavnecrh

TR. OLD 612 489 W Fish Lake E Fish Lake Gilchrist Creek CAMPBELL
e Branch Big Middle Fish Lake
Creek Portwine Bog
Little Wolf
OAKWOOD RD Lake WOOD RD.

RD. Potts Lake

RD.

Abbe's First Choice P.O. Box 335
Backlot Real Estate 16670 M32/33
Atlanta, MI 49709
Greenhouse (989) 785-2808

HANGING BASKETS - CONTAINER PLANTERS ROSELYN "ROSIE" FERGUSON
ANNUALS - PERENNIALS - VEGETABLES - HERBS Owner/Broker

Open 7 Days a Week Office Toll Free Fax
9 a.m. - 7 p.m. 989-785-2808 877-785-2808 989-785-3194

4301 1st Street, Comins, MI 48619 [email protected]
www.firstchoice-realestate.com
Phone 989-848-2414

41

TOMAHAWK LK. HWY. Brush CreekHEALYHARDWOODRD.
ORV TrailsNorth of Atlanta
ToFmloaohdainwgk Creek W. Branch Upper Rainy River ROYSTON R
BONEYARD HWY.
Lake KOENIG RD
eneva MILLERSBURG RD. Rainy ORV Trail:
River ORV Route: HUBERT RD.
Flooding Ribble Lake
MCCCT: North
Upper
Tomahawk Creek TOMAHAWK LK. RD. Tomahawk 0½ 1 2

Lake Scale in Miles

S. ENTRANCE Twin SORENSON RD. EDGAR RD.
Tomahawk
Long Lake Creek
Lakes RUHL RD

33 628 N. Branch Thunder Bay River

Cranberry 628
Lake

PETTIJOHN Bedore
Lake
Clear Grass Lake
Lake LONG LK. RD.

628 Rush Lake Long Lake

624 Horseshoe Lake
Anch
Little Brush
622 RUSH LK. RD. Lake
VOYER LK. RD.
ANGLING RD. GRASS LK. RD.BRUSH CREEK TRUCK TRAIL Ess 459

Brush Creek Lake
ESS LK. DR. N. SHORE DR.

Muskellunge Lake BEAVER LK. RD. Beaver Lake Avalon
g Lakes Lake

Valentine Lake AVALON DR

ker Creek Jackson Coopers
Lake Pond
USE RD.
STEVENS SPRING RD. VOYER LK. RD.
Bear Den Lake PINE OAKS JESSE

MILLS RD. HAYES RD. PLEASANT VALLEY RD.

DECHEAU LAKE RD. VOYER LK. RD. ELK VALLEY TR. HUNT RD. SUCKER LK. RD. Sucker
Lake

Sucker Creek

HUNGRY 5 RD. ORM RD. MILLER CR. RD.

S. KELLYVILLE RD. DeCheau NICKERSON VAL. RD. Smith Creek Voyer SHIELDS B
Lake Lake
LICHT RD.
E. KELLYVILLE RD. HAAS RD.
HALL RD.
VALENTINE

BAKER RD. Atlanta PLEASANT VALLEY RD. Miller Creek ULSHAFFER

REIMANN RD.Haymeadow Creek Twin 33 32
Lake
AIRPORT RD. OLE RR GRADE RD.
Thunder Bay River
MOUCH RD. Thunder Bay River BEL
LK. 15 RD. McMURPHY RD. BAN
KER RD. RD.
CO
STURGIS RD. JEWEL RD. BLACK RD. DEER LN.

42

ORCHARD RD. S RD. SAGE Sage Creek

ORV Trails AVERY LK. RD. VON DETTE RD. HUNT CREEK RD.

East of Lewiston 612 Blue Lake

WOLF LK. RD. Sage Lake BLUE LK
JOHNSONS POND RD.
ANN ARBOR FISH LAB Hunt Creek

GRANHOLM SODEN RD.Fuller RD. HALBERG RD. EBERLY RD.
Creek

Pond

TOWNLINE RD. W Fish Lake E Fish Lake
Middle Fish Lake

G

EASTWOOD RD. Potts

HARDER RD. Whitabe

Lake
Oak Lake Perry Lake

HILL RD.

MATT Lunden Lake
Lake
ORV Trails Vienna GAMBLE
32
ASS LNKo.rTtRh.west of Lewiston McKEE RD.
KASKY RD.

DAGON RD. BEAR LK. RD.

Little
Bear
Lake

Big Bear Lake
WINDING RD. ANDERGOOD RD.
SPECTACLE LKS. TR.
LITTLE BEAR LK. RD. MERIDIAN LINE RD. ELSWORTH RD. KING R
DOUGLAS LK. RD.
Douglas Hidden Lake AGREN
Lake 491

Ell Crystal Lake BUTTLES RD. AIRPORT RD.
Lake

OLD STATE RD.

McMullen Lake

CRAPO LK. TR. ORV Trail: 1 2 North AARONS RD.
ORV Route:
Spectacle
MCCCT:

0Caulkins L½ake

EEK RD. Scale in Miles Lakes KNEELAND
. TR.

43

Fish Species in Area Lakes

Avalon, 372 acres, northwest of Hillman, has public Ess Lake, 114 acres, northwest of Hillman. Camp-
access off County Road 459. Very clear, clean lake, ground, public access, good Perch lake, with some
has been stocked with Rainbow Trout and Splake, also Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass and a few Walleye.
good Perch and Smallmouth Bass fishing. Access only off campground entrance road.
Avery, 175 acres, between Atlanta and Lewiston, has Fletcher Pond, 8,970 acres, south of Hillman. Public
public access (two) off Avery Lake Road, including access off Jack’s Landing Road, also access and ser-
state campgrounds. Good producing lake for Perch, vices at numerous resorts. Excellent Northern Pike
Bass and Pike, a few Walleyes. Year around successes fishing, good Perch fishing year around, with Large-
reported. mouth and Smallmouth Bass among the stumps and
Bear Den Lake, 11.8 acres, north of Atlanta west of flooded stream beds. An all-family fishing lake with
M-33. Very shallow lake, some pan fish and bass. pan fish and the big ones. Fletcher’s offers good duck
Big Bear Lake, 350 acres, Meridian Line Road south hunting in the fall, as well.
of Vienna. Has Tiger Muskie, Northern Pike, Walleye Foch Lake, 27.5 acres, northwest corner of Montmor-
and pan fish. Large state forest campground, beach ency County, access off Black River Road. Dam for
and boat launch. duck habitat combined a series of small lakes, and
Big Wolf Lake, 236 acres, southeast of Lewiston. good for Pike, Bass, Bluegills and Perch.
Shallow lake, with pan fish, Perch, Bass and Pike. Gaylanta Lake, 115 acres, west of Atlanta, public
Clear Lake, 133 acres, north of Atlanta, State Park access off M-32. Largemouth Bass, Bluegills and some
campground and access, also public beach and picnic nice Northern Pike.
grounds. Cold, clear spring-fed lake with stocking of Grass Lake, 950 acres, west of Hillman off County
Rainbow Trout, Splake and Largemouth Bass. Road 624. Has public access, good Pike, Perch, Crap-
Crooked Lake, 46.5 acres, south of Atlanta with pie, Bullhead and Largemouth Bass fishing. Good
public access off County Road 489 and public beach duck hunting in the fall. Reed beds, sandy bottom.
off County Road 487. Good for Bluegills, Crappies, Hidden Lake, 3 acres, off Winding Road north of
Pike, Bass and Perch. Some Walleye planting done. Lewiston. Public access, surrounded by public land,
Crystal Lake, 10 acres, public access off Winding shallow but has Largemouth Bass.
Road northwest of Lewiston, public land shoreline. Jackson Lake, 25.3 acres, public access and state
Popular Bluegill lake. forest campground, off M-33 north of Atlanta. Lots of
DeCheau Lake, 25.4 acres, north of Atlanta, access Perch, some Northern Pike, also Bluegills and Large-
and a small beach off DeCheau Lake Road. Pike and mouth Bass.
Largemouth Bass, Perch and Bluegill. Lake Fifteen, 89 acres, southwest of Atlanta. Public
East Town Corner Lake, 5 acres, off County Road 622 access off Ryan Road. Cold, clear water, good Trout
northwest of Atlanta, public access, public land shore- lake with Smelt, Rock Bass, Perch and Bass.
line. Numerous Pike, but often small. Largemouth Little Brush Lake (Hiawatha), off County Road 624
Bass and good Perch success reported. northeast of Atlanta. Some public shoreline, with
East Twin, 974 acres, in Lewiston, public park, beach Bluegills, Bass and Pike.
and access, large sandy-bottom lake, much of it shal- Little Wolf Lake, 92.5 acres, south of Lewiston, state
low, some deeper parts. Fished for Largemouth and forest campground. Some Pike, Bass and Bluegills,
Smallmouth Bass, Pike, Perch and Bluegills, with some abundant Perch, nice family fishing lake. Access by
Walleye and some Trout and Splake caught. foot only.

44

Fish Species in Lakes Continued... Townline Lakes, 7.6 acres, off Black River Road in
northwest corner of county. Public on north end,
Long Lake, 294 acres, northwest of Hillman. Public Largemouth and Bluegills in lakes connected by small
access off North Shore Drive, has been stocked with stream.
Rainbow Trout and has some Walleye, Large and Twin Tomahawk Lakes, 34 acres, off Millersburg
Smallmouth Bass, Perch and Bluegills. Clear water, Road north of Atlanta. Public land on much of shore-
sandy bottom, some deep areas, some reeds, sub- line for access. Pike, Largemouth and Perch, a few
merged stump habitat. Trout from stream running through. Has small rustic
Lower Tomahawk Lake, 9.2 acres, part of Rainy River campground.
Flooding on north county line. Flooded for duck Tomahawk Flooding, large flooding off M-33 north of
habitat, has some pan fish and Pike. Shallow, occa- Atlanta with Northern Pike, Bass and pan fish. Two
sional winter kill. campgrounds and two boat ramps.
McCormick Lake, 100 acres, northeast of Lewiston, Voyer Lake, 23 acres, good access off Voyer Lake
public access and some campsites off McCormick Road. Has Northern Pike, Perch, Rock Bass, some
Lake Road. Cold and deep, has Rainbow, Brook and Largemouth and has received stock of Walleye.
Brown Trout and Smelt for winter fishing. West Twin Lake, 1,313 acres, at Lewiston. Public
Morningstar Lake, 3 acres, secluded Bluegill lake on access off County Road 612. Stocked with Tiger
public land south of Atlanta. Muskies, also good Perch, Bass and Pike reported.
Mud Lake, 12.3 acres, north of Atlanta off M-33. Large lake, mostly private shoreline.
Southern part of the Tomahawk Flooding, has excel- OTHER LAKES: There are a number of lakes to which
lent Largemouth Bass among standing trees, along access is private land or club-owned land, and invita-
with Bluegills, Bullheads and Perch. tion or permission is necessary to reach them. Lakes
Rush Lake, 224 acres, north of Atlanta off County within Hunt Creek Fisheries Research Station are
Road 624. Two public sites, public land around much closed to fishing to make long-term study of trout
of it. Known for good size Northern Pike, Large and habitat possible.
Smallmouth Bass, Bluegills and Perch. A variety of
structure and weedbeds.

Sage Lake, 51.2 acres, east of Lewiston off SOME PEOPLE catch fish, others just like to pet them! HA!
County Road 612. Brookies and Rainbow. 45
Pan fish and Bass in the weeds and shallows.
Camping area not improved and usually
quiet, secluded.
Spectacle Lakes, 9 acres, north of Lewiston.
A series of small lakes in beautiful wooded
setting, some with access, and Largemouth
Bass, Bluegill and some Pike. Trout in con-
necting streams.
Sucker Lake, 11 acres, off County Road
487 southwest of Hillman. Surrounded by
public land, some Largemouth Bass, Blue-
gill and Trout from Sucker Creek.
Tee Lake, south of Lewiston, spring-fed
crystal clear lake with Bass, Bluegills, Perch,
Pike and a few Tiger Muskie.
Town Corner Lake, 15 acres, off Black
River Road northwest edge of county. Pub-
lic access, small campground at this pan fish
and Largemouth Bass lake.

Rivers and Streams McCormick Lake

Thunder Bay River: Upper reaches between 100 Acres
McCormick Lake and Lake Fifteen are Trout water, 5 miles southwest of Atlanta
with access points at various bridges. The flooding at 5 miles northeast of Lewiston
Atlanta is Perch, Bluegill and Northern Pike water, with
winter fishing above the dam. Between Atlanta and Lutz Rd.
Hillman there is a variety of water, with trout in deep
pools and in ripples, with bass, pan fish and pike else-
where. Emerick Park, Hillman, is a popular access site.
Below Hillman the river widens, still with a variety of
water and fishing, including walleye that escape from
a rearing pond east of Hillman.

South Branch of the Thunder Bay River, flows into 60' 50' 30' 10'
Fletcher Pond and connects with Cole Creek, Bullock 70'
and Webber Creeks. Trout water, but few access points
in hunting club area. North
North Branch of the Thunder Bay River, flows out
of Rush Lake and through farming country in north-
east corner of county. Trout in shady areas and deep
holes, many road access sites.

Gilchrist Creek, North Branch, south of Atlanta with
access at M-33 and adjoining roads has good Brook
and Brown Trout, with some Rainbows. Access points
at bridges.

Hunt Creek east of Lewiston has Brooks and Browns, 30' 50'
and a few Rainbows out of the Thunder Bay. Open to
fishing below the Fisheries Research Station, but not
within their study area.

Crooked Creek flows out of Avery Lake through public 0 ¼½
land to Crooked Lake. Brook Trout and other variet-
ies depending on habitat. Scale in Miles
East Branch of the Black River has numerous public
land access points, runs deep and dark in many places,
and has Brook Trout.

Canada Creek, access to upper reaches off County David Stouffer Phone: (989) 786-4137
Road 622, has good Brook and Brown Trout fishery. DJ Fax: (989) 786-7337
Other varieties where it runs through Muskellunge and Cell: (989) 350-9865
Valentine Lakes, although shoreline is private there MECHANICAL SERVICES, INC.
and through Canada Creek Ranch. PLUMBING - HEATING
Miller Creek, access at M-32 and on public land in AIR CONDITIONING
upper reaches, has Brook, Brown and some Rainbow
Trout. Some marshland, waders needed. GEO-THERMAL
Brush Creek, west of Hillman, with a number of ac-
cess points, has Brook Trout, but many marsh areas. P.O Box 1133 Licensed
Lewiston, MI 49756 Insured

46

TOM OESCH (left) speared this 44 inch, 21 pound northern pike in an Atlanta area lake last winter. He was fishing with
Kevin McMurphy (right).
Photo by Bill Pinson

J.D.'s Pizza Place

Pizza and Subs
Ice Cream

Open for lunch 785-4590 or
daily 11 a.m. 1-800-785-4590

11391 West Street, Atlanta

47

"I would recommend MediLodge
to everyone. It was like being on a
cruise ship without the water."

Sharon Berdasono,
Short Term Resident

Thank you for
recommending

Skilled Nursing Facility
& Rehabilitation Center

"What I enjoyed the most about "Words cannot fully express my
my stay at MediLodge of thanks and appreciation for all
that you and your entire staff at
Hillman is that the staff is so
nice and friendly and knowing the MediLodge did for my
that I am receiving good care." mother. Mom's MediLodge
"We want to thank MediLodge "family" will always be remem-
of Hillman for your kindness bered for the skilled nursing care
along with all of the staff that mom received, as well as for the
helped care for us. It was an hugs and kisses proffered."
enjoyable 14 week stay, for the "We are forever grateful to all of
love and care that was provided you for the wonderful care you
for us. The food was excellent gave our mother, and for all the
kindness and important little
and plentiful. We highly things you did for her to make so
recommend MediLodge for many of her days easier."
anyone who wants to place their

loved one there."

631 Caring Street • Hillman, MI 49746 • (989) 742-4581 • www.medilodgeofhillman.com