The 11th Annual Tour De S.I.N.S. is about to get underway once again.  This year we've made a couple of changes.  The Tour is a little later this year (July 28-31) and is being combined with the heretofore much smaller gathering known as "Russfest".  So, the Chicago-based crew will feature some new faces from years past but a lively crowd, nevertheless. Planned activities look to remain largely similar to past tours: Thursday morning round of golf at St. Ives for the early-arriving folks.  Thursday evening sees a twilight round at Tullymore followed by some relaxation over at Gregory's.  By Friday, most of the participants will have arrived, taking part in the traditional lakeside bean-bag tournament, taking a boat cruise or two, and enjoying the first poetry slam.  Friday night sees a ... 07/15/2011

This morning I attended a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Morton Township Library Expansion Project on Monday, May 16, 2011 at 10:00 a.m at 110 S. James St., Mecosta. Even the brisk winds couldn't stop the crowd from gathering. The State Director of USDA Rural Development and a representative from Senator Stabenow's office spoke as well as many local speakers who have made this construction project possible.   In addition to the speakers a group of students were present to join in the ceremony by singing a couple of songs. Phil Potvin was also there. Always a good day when a library makes the news. We will keep you posted on the progress. Best of luck in all you do and thanks for reading. 05/16/2011

Wednesday, June 23rd marks the start date for the 10th Annual Tour De S.I. N.S (St. Ives Northern Shores- named for the locales in which the early years of the Tour were centered ). The tour began 10 years ago with 12 hearty souls who departed Chicago for a multi-day adventure in Mecosta. It has since evolved into a series of "events" starting with their arrival in the area this Wednesday night and concluding at their departure back to the Chicago area next Sunday morning.  Over the years these events have seen them stopping at various locations throughout the region mostly in and around Mecosta and Stanwood but occasionally heading as far north as Big Rapids.  While the core of the Tour continues to be mostly Chicago-based residents, more and more Mecosta-area residents have joined in ... 06/22/2010