Community

Women in Standish learned a variety of self-defense tactics recently, thanks to a grant.The seminar was called Rape and Aggression Defense, or RAD, and was held Saturday, June 15 at the Arenac County Veterans Club, 3221 M-76 in Standish.The course is normally priced at $75, but women in Arenac County received it for free, courtesy of a grant awarded to the Mary Johnston Memorial Library in Standish.Mary Baker, a police officer and military veteran, led the session alongside Harold Dalton, a soldier, medic, VA nurse, and martial arts instructor.

Every voter knows about the “I Voted” sticker that is issued to voters after they cast their ballot during any Election Day.Now, an Au Gres-Sims student has thrown his hat in the ring as an artist, to have his highlighted design appear on this year’s Election Day stickers.As of July 2, Michigan citizens can vote online to help determine the final designs for the state’s official 2024 Presidential Election “I Voted” sticker.Michigan students and residents submitted drawings for the contest, which was launched in May by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.Wayne Freeman, an eighth-grade student from Au Gres-Sims School District, was selected by members of the Michigan Collegiate Student Advisory Task Force as one of the 25 semifinalists—in each entry category—out of over 480 submissions.Three winning designs will be chosen from each of the following categories: elementary/middle school (grades K-8), high school (grades 9-12), and general entry (available to Michigan residents of any age).

The winners of the Standish Historical Depot’s Annual Vintage Car Show, held Saturday, July 6, have been announced.

On Thursday, July 18, members of the Rotary Club of Pinconning and Standish heard a presentation on the history of the Kirtland’s Warbler and conservation projects undertaken to ensure its survival.Much of the information presented was taken from a book written by William Rapai of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, titled “The Kirtland’s Warbler—The story of a bird’s fight against extinction and the people who saved it.” In the absence of the author who could not attend due to a medical issue, a member of the club shared stories on apparently unconnected matters that have played a role in the warbler’s journey from its discovery in 1851 until today.