S

By Mike Dunn
PETOSKEY The Gaylord
girls of coach Frank Hamilla
won their second straight
game and the Petoskey girls
of first-year coach Adam
Dobrowolski saw their hopes
for the first win of the season
dashed on Thursday in one
of those down-to-the-wire
games thats a thriller for the
winners and a heartbreaker
for the ones who come out
on the short end.
Gaylord won 51-50,
improving to 2-2 on the sea-
son and 1-0 in the Big North.
Petoskey, a much better team
than its early record shows,
slipped to 0-3 and 0-1.
Gaylord sparkplug point
guard Sarah Polena drained a
pair of free throws with 25
seconds left to put the Blue
Devils on top 51-46.
The Northmen nearly
came all the way back in the
final seconds, courtesy of
junior Kelsey Ance, a second-
year varsity starter who
knows how to perform in the
clutch. Ance scored from the
lane to make the score 51-48,
then grabbed her own
rebound after a missed free
throw and banked the ball
home to make the score 51-
50.
Petoskey fouled on
Gaylords ensuring posses-
sion and when the Blue
Devils were not able to con-
nect on either free throw,
Ance drove the length of the
court and took a final buzzer-
beating shot and very nearly
went in to give Petoskey the
win.
This is a great win and
confidence builder, said
Hamilla, in his second year as
the Gaylord varsity coach
after a distinguished run as
the Boyne Falls boys basket-
ball coach. Our girls stayed
with the game plan, stayed
focused and did a nice job
defensively.
One big key for Gaylord,
Hamilla reported, was dou-
ble-teaming the dangerous
Ance to try to keep her under
wraps.
We talked about always
keeping two girls on Kelsey
and I thought we did a very
good job of that, he said.
She was able to find the
open girl sometimes but we
werent going to let her go
one-on-one. She had to sit
with foul trouble but she still
almost gave them the game
in the fourth quarter. Shes a
great competitor.
Dobrowolski was naturally
disappointed with the loss
but he credited Gaylord with
a solid effort, especially in
the second half.
Gaylord moved aggressive-
ly to the hole and drew fouls
and that proved to be a factor
in the outcome. The
Northmen were without the
services of star players Ance
and long-armed center
Megan Tompkins for long
stretches because of foul
trouble.
Were moving to the bas-
ket more and drawing fouls
and because of that we got
Petoskey into foul trouble,
Hamilla said.
Gaylord hit 19-of-32 from
the line and Petoskey made
3-of-12.
Gaylord junior wing
Mackenzie Edwards, a three-
year varsity starter, contin-
ued her strong play this sea-
son. Mac was sharper than a
honed knife from the floor,
making the twine dance to
the tune of a game-high 17
points, including 6-of-9 from
the charity stripe.
Point guard Polena, who
provided a power point pres-
entation in Gaylords back-
to-back wins over Petoskey
and Cheboygan during the
week, was 6-of-10 from the
line, including the timely free
throws that turned out to be
the game-winning points at
the end. Polena was also in
double figures with 11 points
to go with five assists.
Junior forward Alex
Simmons sank nine and
Lauren Mead scored four.
Center Allie Gooding pulled
down five boards for the Blue
Devils while sophomore
shooting guard Maddie
Hamilla hit for three with
four rebounds and was one
of the girls responsible for
guarding Ance. Chelsea Fox
scored four, including a
layup just before halftime to
put Gaylord ahead 29-28.
Were moving in the right
direction, Hamilla said.
The girls were very excited
after the game. Its nice to
win against a school with a
great program like Petoskey,
especially at their place.
Tompkins, who is develop-
ing into a powerful force
down low for the Northmen,
led in scoring with 15 points
to go with six boards and two
blocks. Ance still hit for 11 in
spite of the foul trouble and
she also grabbed four
rebounds.
Katelyn Crittenden tallied
eight and Alyssa VanWerden
was active in the backcourt,
scoring six and dishing off
four assists. Liz Fraser found
the net for five points.
Gaylord won the JV game
39-17, riding the hot shoot-
ing of Joslyn Rider and
Lindsey Zaremba, who
scored 14 and 11 points,
respectively. Abby Blanchard
scored five to pace the
Northmen while Asia Abram-
Craig and Jayme Larsen
pulled down 10 and nine
rebounds.
In the freshmen game,
Brianna Marshall made eight
points as Petoskey edged the
Blue Devils 28-27.
ON MONDAY, Dec. 11,
Petoskey earned its first win
of the season, outscoring vis-
iting Cheboygan 47-36.
Ance showed up big in the
first win, scoring a game-
high 18 points to go with six
boards and she hit a pair of
key baskets down the stretch
to help the Northmen protect
their lead after a late charge
from the determined Chiefs.
Tompkins was a tower of
strength down low, generat-
ing 12 points and going 4-for-
5 from the stripe. Katelyn
Crittenden stuffed the iron
for seven points with a 3-
pointer and sophomore Kati
Lewis landed six points with
a solid effort off the bench.
Kali Hancock hit for 10
with a pair of downtown con-
nections to lead the Chiefs
(3-2) of coach Jason Purcell.
Taylor Lopiccollo scored nine
and Katie Litzner hit for
eight, also hitting twice from
beyond the arc.
ON TUESDAY, Dec. 6,
Gaylord outscored
Cheboygan 56-37 as Edwards
attacked the iron for a game-
high 20 points to go with four
rebounds and Polena pound-
ed the nets for 14 points with
five assists, five rebounds
and four steals. Maddie
Hamilla, getting more com-
fortable on the floor with
each game, hit for eight
points, including a pair of key
3-pointers early in the game,
with three steals and three
rebounds. Alex Simmons
hauled in fire rebounds.
We shot well from the
outside and in turn that
opened up the lanes to drive
to the basket, Hamilla
reported.
The coach also noted
strong play off the bench
from Chelsea Fox and Jada
Johnson.
Athlete of the Week
(989) 705-8284
www.MainStreetGaylord.com
236 West Main, Gaylord
Real Estate One
Gaylord
would like to
congratulate the
Athlete of the Week
FOR WEEK OF DEC. 4-10
SARAH
POLENA
GAYLORD
HIGH SCHOOL
Sarah was super in Gaylords wins over
Cheboygan and Petoskey, hitting dou-
ble figures in both while generating 5
assists in each game and hitting the
eventual game-winning points from
the free throw line vs. Petoskey.
Polenas free throws with 25 seconds left
prove to be game-winning points
SECTION B
CALL - (989) 732-8160
FAX (888) 854-7441
EMAIL - MIKE@WEEKLYCHOICE.COM
Junior Liz Fraser of Petoskey, left, is guarded closely by Mackenzie Edwards
of Gaylord during Thursdays game.
Petoskey center Megan Tompkins uses her long arms to block this shot from
Gaylord point guard Sarah Polena.
Smooth Shelby Coon dribbles down the floor for
the Gaylord JV as Aly Will of Petoskey defends.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011
Blue Devils win in a thriller
PHOTO BY TOM BUTTRICK
PHOTO BY TOM BUTTRICK
PHOTO BY TOM BUTTRICK
Gaylord 51, Petoskey 50
Like a churning legs of Grayling senior
Riley Zigila, the annual Top Choice All-
Area football team is coming at you in
the Dec. 22 issue!
COMING NEXT ISSUE ...
SPORTS
LOCAL SPORTS
On-line at www.weeklychoice.com
Page 2-B Choice Publications ... The Best Choice! December 15, 2011
By Doug Derrer
TRAVERSE CITY -- The Bay
Area Reps finished as runner
up in their own tournament
over the weekend, powering
past the Northwest Warriors
in their opener on Friday,
then losing to highly skilled
Escanaba 5-2 in the champi-
onship game on Saturday at
Centre Ice.
Rep forwards Zach Hill,
Kevin Banducci and Nick
Fisher generated lots of fire-
power against Northwest,
scoring two goals each in
their Friday matinee with the
Warriors to lead the Reps to a
9-2 victory.
Luke Sowash gave the
Warriors a 1-0 lead 5 minutes
and 12 second into the open-
ing period, but Reps goals by
Hill and Adam Armour in the
last two minutes gave the
Reps a 2-1 advantage head-
ing into the first intermis-
sion.
The opportunistic
Banducci scored the only
goal of the second period
with assist from Nick Sicinski
and Armour and the Reps
had a 3-1 lead after two peri-
ods.
Corey Stanke scored 25
seconds into the final period
to get the Warriors within a
goal, but the Reps then
erupted for six straight goals
and skated away with a 9-2
win. Hill, P.J. Heger, Sicinski,
and Banducci all recorded
third period goals with Fisher
tallying two. Quinn Lymann,
Zack Bargy and Travis Kirk
each recorded two assist in
the final period.
Escanaba scored 2:26 into
the opening period to take an
early 1-0 lead in the champi-
onship game. The Eskymos
advanced to the finals by
beating St. Johns/Dewitt on
Friday.
Heger scored a goal for the
Reps with 8:18 remaing in the
first period with Bargy earn-
ing an assist and the period
ended even at 1-1. Lymann
struck with a laser blast on
the power play for the Reps
with 8:17 to go in the middle
period with assistance from
Armour, but that would be
the Reps only lead of the day
as the Eskymos scored twice
in the second and twice in
the third period for a 5-2
championship game victory.
The Reps record is now 2-3
for the year with games
Wednesday, Dec. 14, at
Traverse City West and
Saturday at Centre Ice with
Mattawan next on the sched-
ule.
Reps power past Northwest Warriors in
semifinals, lose to talented Esky in finals
Hockey
Reps runner-up
in own tourney
By Mike Dunn
MAPLE CITY The
Grayling boys rattled the iron
and put up the points Friday
in a non-league road contest
with Glen Lake.
Unfortunately for the
Vikings, they went cold from
the free throw line in the
fourth quarter, allowing the
Lakers to rally and outscore
them 21-12 in the final stanza
and claim a narrow 75-74 vic-
tory.
We played very well in the
middle of the third quarter
when we opened up a 15-
point lead, said veteran
Grayling coach Rich Moffit.
However, we stopped doing
the things that made us suc-
cessful, like sharing the bas-
ketball and playing hard-
nosed defense.
Our free throw shooting
was terrible in the fourth
quarter [2-for-9] and thats an
area where we need to
improve.
Grayling had five players in
double-digit scoring, led by
senior small forward Steven
Enos with 15, including three
connections from beyond
the arc. Senior sharpshooter
Scott Parkinson and long-
armed senior center Griffin
Dean both pounded the nets
for 13 points while shifty sen-
ior guard Zane Tobin hit for
11 and rugged Riley Zigila
put 10 on the board to go
with eight assists. Powerful
forward Tom The Beast
Burrell busted the nets for
seven points and Jake
Swander sank five.
Enos and Dean each
pulled down eight boards
and Burrell was also a bull
under the boards, grabbing
six. Enos, Burrell and Zigila
each made three steals and
Enos dished five assists.
Glen Lakes top scorers
Mike OBrien and Carter Lee
combined for 45 points in the
come-from-behind win, with
OBrien hitting for 25 and Lee
for 20.
Grayling, which opened
the season with a 76-43 win
at Roscommon on Tuesday,
Dec. 6, plays at Harbor
Springs on Friday in the Lake
Michigan Conference opener
before making its home
opener on Tuesday, Dec. 20,
against league rival Elk
Rapids.
Moffit expects to see a dif-
ferent Grayling team against
Harbor Springs.
We had better make this
loss a learning lesson and get
back to what has made us
successful in the past, play-
ing as a team, playing tough
defense and sharing the bas-
ketball, he said.
In the workmanlike win
over Roscommon, Enos (16),
Zigila (14) and Tobin (11) led
in scoring. Dean and Burrell
each brought down seven
boards and the ubiquitous
Enos had five steals and three
assists to go with five boards.
Tobin set the table like a chef,
notching six assists.
Lakers stage fourth-rally to edge Vikings by a point; 5 Vikings reach double figures
Basketball
Grayling boys fall to Glen Lake
Petoskey 73, Gaylord 50
By Mike Dunn
GAYLORD Senior guard
Jake Mullin provided the
long-range artillery while
senior captains Joe Robbins
and Zak Lewis put up the
points and pulled down the
rebounds from closer range
as Petoskey posted an
impressive 73-50 victory at
Gaylord on Friday in the Big
North Conference opener for
both teams.
Petoskey, beginning the
defense of its Big North title
under longtime coach
Dennis Starkey, improved to
2-0 and 1-0 in the league
while Gaylord slipped to 1-1
and 0-1.
Mullin had his inner range
finder working to perfection
in the early going, landing
one 3-pointer after another
to stake the visiting
Northmen, who are three-
time defending league
champs, to a lead they would
not relinquish.
Mullin had five downtown
connections in all in the con-
test and accounted for a
game-high 23 points.
The 6-foot-4 Robbins and
the 6-3 Lewis did the job
from the lane. Robbins
recorded a double-double,
notching 15 points and 10
rebounds and the lethal
Lewis, a scoring threat from
the inside and the outside,
very nearly had a double-
double, hitting for 13 points
with eight boards.
Hunter Pulakski also
helped the cause, hitting
twice from beyond the arc for
six points, and Quinn Ameel
made the twine twitch to the
tune of eight points, includ-
ing a trey.
Petoskey led 20-6 after one
quarter and still held a com-
manding lead at halftime but
the scrappy Blue Devils,
fueled by the strong play of
senior forward Troy Gahm,
rallied in the third quarter to
trim the lead to 13 points, 34-
21. That was as close as the
home team would get, how-
ever.
Gahm finished with a
team-high 17 points with two
3-pointers to his credit and 3-
of-5 shooting from the stripe.
Zach Lundell and Austin
Pearson both battled hard
under the boards and gener-
ated eight points apiece and
junior guard Tyler Frisch hit
for seven. Hustling senior
Craig Richardson brought
some energy off the bench,
hitting for six points and
playing hard at both ends of
the floor.
Gaylord coach Tim
ORourke commended the
scrappy play of Richardson
and speedy Chris Crenshaw
after the game.
Petoskey won the JV game
50-33 as Alec Shaw sank 13
and Shae Whitmore hit for
nine. Leland Huey landed 13
for the Blue Devils.
Petoskey opened at home
on Tuesday, Dec. 13, against
Cheboygan after this issue
went to press.
Gaylord is home on
Tuesday, Dec. 20, against Big
North foe Ogemaw Heights.
ON TUESDAY, Dec. 6, both
Gaylord and Petoskey
opened the season with vic-
tories. Gaylord, behind 16
points from senior captain
Gahm, outscored visiting
Cheboygan 63-53 and
Petoskey won on the road
against Charlevoix 78-49.
Lewis landed five 3-point
connections while scoring 29
to lead the Northmen in the
season opener and Robbins
was virtually unstoppable
inside, scoring 20 with a
dozen boards.
Mullin, Robbins and Lewis rock the iron for Petoskey; host
Gaylord unable to climb out of early hole
Hunter Pulaski of Petoskey prepares to fire in a
pass to teammate Jake Mullin during the Big North
game at Gaylord.
PHOTO BY DAVE BARAGREY
Mancy boys scrap and battle
Basketball
By Mike Dunn
LAKE CITY There was a
marked difference in height
between host Lake City and
visiting Mancelona on
Thursday, Dec. 8, in non-
league boys hoops action but
that did not prevent the
scrappy Ironmen from taking
the game to the wire.
Mancelona eventually lost
59-56 but had the ball in the
final seconds with the
chance to tie. It wasnt quite a
winning effort on the road for
the young Ironmen of coach
Rick Duerksen but it was cer-
tainly a game and notable
effort.
Im pleased with what we
got from the kids tonight,
Duerksen said after the
game. The kids did a good
job of executing the 2-3 zone
in the second half and pre-
venting them from penetrat-
ing to the basket. We played
well enough to stay close and
we had a chance to tie it at
the end and you cant ask for
more than that against a
team as big, athletic and
physical as Lake City.
Junior guard Kyle
Schepperley had an awe-
some game, canning a team-
high 19 points and hitting
buckets at key junctures,
especially in the second half.
Schepperleys trey with
1:37 to play put Mancelona
ahead for the first time in the
game, 56-55. Unfortunately
for the Ironmen, Lake City
came right back to score a big
three of their own when sen-
ior guard Caleb Davenport
connected from the wing.
Mancelona had the ball
trailing 59-56 with 6.6 sec-
onds left when Duerksen
called a timeout to set up a
play for Schepperley from
the corner. Schepperley got
the ball but Davenport was
draped all over him and the
Trojan defender managed to
get a piece of the ball as
Schepperley launched it
toward the hole. The game
ended with Mancelona and
Lake City players sprawling
on the floor for the loose ball.
Schepperley was not able
to connect on the potential
game-tying trey but he had a
big night from the floor and
he handled the ball well. The
smooth-flowing junior also
notched five steals in the
game.
Freshman guard Brandon
Dingman also put up some
nice numbers, collecting 13
points to join Schepperley in
double digits and generating
five rebounds and three
assists.
Senior strong man Austin
Spires was Mancelonas
physical presence in the
paint and he banged bodies
and exchanged bruises with
every Lake City big man that
entered the game, including
the Trojans 6-foot-4, 240-
pound center Adam
Williams. Spires scored seven
and grabbed five rebounds
and played a huge role in
keeping the game from get-
ting out of hand with his
physically intense play under
the bucket.
Sophomore guard Justin
Spires also hit for seven while
fellow sophomore guard
Logan Borst connected for
five points with five assists
and junior guard Wyatt
Derrer drilled the nets for five
points as well.
Mancelona kept the game
close in spite of losing the
rebound battle, 21-14, and
making 25 turnovers. The
Ironmen did it with aggres-
sive, scrappy play at both
ends of the floor and by gen-
erating a lot of turnovers
themselves.
Give Mancelona credit,
said Lake City coach John
McGiness. They played hard
and made it tough on us in
the second half with their
zone. They were very scrappy
and theyre obviously a well-
coached team.
The kids are coming on,
Duerksen said. Were young
and itll take a while but Im
pleased with what theyre
giving me. We played with a
lot of heart tonight and that
was nice to see after we got
smoked on Tuesday (in the
season opener).
Seniors Nolan Davenport
and Williams each scored 14
to lead Lake City.
Lake City won the JV game
56-34. Griffin Borst produced
eight points to lead the
young Ironmen.
Mancelona (0-2) opened
Ski Valley play on Tuesday of
this week after this issue
went to press.
Height mismatch ultimately too much to
overcome against host Lake City
December 15, 2011 Choice Publications ... The Best Choice! Page 3-B
LOCAL SPORTS
On-line at www.weeklychoice.com
Mancelona coach Rick Duerksen gives the troops direction between the third
and fourth quarter of the game at Lake City.
Gaylord boys frosh
edge Northmen
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PHOTO BY MIKE DUNN
PHOTO BY MIKE DUNN PHOTO BY MIKE DUNN PHOTO BY MIKE DUNN
Mancelona forward Justin Spires jumps straight
and high in a fight for a rebound with Lake Citys
Nolan Davenport.
Mancelona freshman guard Brandon Dingman
drives toward the bucket in the second half of the
Dec. 8 game
Sparkplug sophomore point guard Logan Borst
prepares to pass to an open teammate during the
Dec. 8 game.
Pellston off to strong start
Boys Hoops
Basketball
By Mike Dunn
PELLSTON So far, so
good for the Pellston boys
basketball team. The Hornets
of coach Cliff Hass kicked off
the 2011-12 campaign last
week with a pair of non-
league victories, defeating
Harbor Springs on the road
71-61 on Tuesday, Dec. 6, and
opening at home on Friday
with a lopsided 68-25 win
over game-but-outmanned
Mackinaw City.
Four-year varsity starter
Chris Hass began the final
year of his prep career with
typically strong numbers. In
the win over Harbor Springs,
the 6-foot-4 Hass led a bal-
anced scoring ledger with 19
points while generating 15
rebounds, eight assists and
five steals. In the win over
Mack City, Hass hammered
the nets for 23 points during
his time on the floor to go
with nine boards and five
assists.
What makes Pellston really
tough this year is that Hass
a rare blend of height, quick-
ness, pure shooting ability,
floor smarts and toughness --
is surrounded by talent and
all the players on the roster
are beneficiaries of excellent
coaching from veteran Cliff
Hass.
In the win over Harbor
Springs, crafty senior point
guard Zak Kruskie came up
with five steals to go with 12
points while Max Ketterer
scored 12 with seven
rebounds and Dale Stark also
hit for 12. Jake Friedenstab
struck for eight points from
the backcourt and hard-
nosed senior forward Andy
Hamlin tallied six and pulled
down eight rebounds to
complement the grunt work
of Hass and Ketterer inside.
Pete Lauer scored 15 to
lead the Rams, who put up a
good fight in the game, bat-
tling hard under the boards
throughout the contest.
They came out hungrier
than us, coach Hass report-
ed. We played better in the
second half and controlled
the fourth quarter.
Pellston led just 52-49
going into the final stanza
before pulling away.
In the win over Mack City,
the Hornets rolled to a 17-2
first-quarter lead and never
looked back.
Hamlin and Stark each
struck for 10 points and each
pulled down eight rebounds
and Ketterer was a Windex
wonder also, cleaning the
glass for six boards during his
time on the floor.
Coach Hass was able to
give everyone minutes and
was pleased with the contri-
butions he received from the
reserves.
Freshman Noah Morse tal-
lied 13 to lead the young
Comets.
The Pellston JV outscored
the Sault Ste. Marie freshman
in a competitive contest, 62-
56, as Jarrett Anderson
rocked the iron for 16 to lead
the way with Will Seldon
striking for 15 and cool
Connor Kintz collecting 14.
GAYLORD The Gaylord
boys freshmen team earned
an exciting 75-63 victory over
Big North foe Petoskey this
week.
Cole Butler served up 21
points to pace the aggressive
Blue Devils. Collin Watters
also fueled the offensive out-
put, pouring in 19 points
while Steven Fitzek fired and
found the net for 16 points.
Marcus ORourke and
Cotton Neff each had a
strong defensive game for
Gaylord coach Mike Neff.
Defensively we were
good, but we still have some
areas that we need to
improve on, Neff reported.
Hornets pick up where they left off last year; Hass kicks off senior campaign with solid numbers
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Visiting Ramblers display firepower
Boyne City 49, St. Mary 19
By Mike Dunn
GAYLORD The St. Mary
players and coaches knew
this would be a tough one
and it was. Boyne City, one of
the top teams in the Lake
Michigan Conference this
year, came to the Snowbird
gym in Gaylord on Thursday,
Dec. 8, and gradually pulled
away on the scoreboard, ulti-
mately posting a very
impressive 49-19 triumph.
The Snowbirds of coach
Ken Blust battled hard from
start to finish and managed
to stay with the talented visi-
tors in the early going. Over
the course of 32 minutes,
though, the high-pressure
tactics of Boyne exacted a
toll.
Boyne City, which was
playing its first game, led 11-
6 after one quarter and
pushed it to 34-10 by the half.
Senior captain Luke
Wisniewski paced the
Snowbirds with six points.
Gabe Nowicki, Charles Strehl
and Matt Spyhalski gave a
gritty effort in defeat. The
Snowbird players enjoyed a
mini-victory just limiting the
high-powered Ramblers to
less than 50 points.
Smooth-shooting Jay
Redman and Keegan
LeBlance each scored 17 to
pace the Ramblers. Redman
hit 9-of-10 from the line.
ON TUESDAY, St. Mary
opened the season with a
convincing 62-20 win at
home over non-league foe
Alanson.
Wisniewski put some of
the wallop into the Snowbird
offense, contributing 16
points and producing a dou-
ble-double with 10 boards.
Strehl struck for 16 points as
well and point guard
Spyhalski dished five assists
and recorded five steals.
St. Mary opened Ski Valley
play on Tuesday at Central
Lake after this issue went to
press.
St. Mary stayed with talented visitors in early going but
high-pressure defense took toll as game wore on
St. Mary senior captain Luke Wisniewski goes high
to hit for two of his six points against Boyne City.
St. Mary point guard Matt Spyhalski, left, is
guarded closely as he brings the ball up the floor
against Boyne City.
PHOTO BY VIC RUGGLES
PHOTO BY VIC RUGGLES
By Mike Dunn
GAYLORD Senior spark-
plug Spencer Bajko did his
part to make sure Gaylord
would not lose a game in the
annual Division 3 Hockey
Challenge at the Sportsplex
over the weekend, scoring an
unassisted goal on Saturday
night against Chelsea with
4:54 showing on the clock to
forge a 3-3 tie.
The Blue Devils, the host
team in the popular annual
challenge pitting Div. 3 teams
from the southern part of the
state against teams from the
north, defeated Gibraltar
Carson 7-0 on Friday before
the tie with Chelsea.
Going into Wednesdays
Big North clash on the road
against Petoskey, Gaylord
owned a 4-2-1 record. (That
game on Toys for Tots night at
Griffin Arena in Petoskey will
be reported in the next
issue.)
Gaylord led Chelsea 2-1
going into the third period of
the Saturday game but
Chelsea scored back-to-back
goals in a 10-second span to
suddenly pull ahead 3-2 and
grab all the momentum. The
scrappy, rawhide-tough
Bajko, a major thorn in the
side of opponents through-
out his career, struck less
than a minute later, making a
steal and going end-to-end
to score what turned out to
be the final goal of the spirit-
ed, seesaw contest. It was
Bajkos second goal of the
game and eighth goal of the
young season. He also assist-
ed on Gaylords other goal.
It was the Axe Man, dan-
gerous Derek Axford, who lit
the scoring lamp first for
Gaylord in the contest, regis-
tering his seventh goal with a
whistling wrister to tie the
score 1-1 in the second peri-
od with help from Bajko and
Nick Shear. Bajko followed
with a goal late in the period
off a pretty feed from Cole
Muzyl to make it 2-1.
Austin Sullens scored twice
for Chelsea and Taylor
Atchley had the other goal.
Peter Lawton stopped 19 of
22 shots directed his way and
held off a late charge by
Chelsea to secure the tie.
Lawton stuffed five Chelsea
power plays.
Chelsea goalie Chris Boyd
stopped 25 of 28 shots and
kept Gaylord off the board
during six power plays.
On Friday, it was the peppy
Bajko doing damage once
again, ringing up a pair of
goals in the 7-0 victory while
Anthony Tomaski, Jay
Lindgren, Trevor Raymond,
Harrison Quaal and Nick
Shear each had single goals.
Tomaski, who covered the ice
like a human zamboni, also
had two assists. Lindgren,
Shear, Axford, Josh Delaney,
Mitchell Lawton and
Sudden Sam Black each
had an assist. Gaylord con-
verted 3-of-4 power play
chances.
Tona Apa posted his first
career shutout, turning away
all 21 shots he faced.
Petoskey rolls at
Manistee
MANISTEE The
Northmen earned their first
victory of the young season
in impressive fashion Friday,
going on the road to outscore
Manistee 7-1. It was also the
first win for coach Brent
Ward.
Petoskey (1-4) played host
to Big North foe Gaylord on
Wednesday of this week in
the annual Toys-for-Tots
game and hosts its own invi-
tational tourney this week-
end.
Pat Gitre and Ken Forton
each found the back of the
net twice in the road victory
with Derek Smith, Kyle
Ruggles and Tanner Davis
also lighting the scoring
lamp. Hunter Stinger fed the
artillery efficiently, notching
a pair of goals along with
Kevin Hansen.
Forton had an assist in
addition to his two goals.
Chay Worden and Mike
Forton had lone assists along
with the Sky Pilot, Skye
Pieffer.
Breanna Merriam turned
in a solid performance in the
nets, stopping everything
directed at the goal until the
final minute of the third peri-
od.
By Mike Dunn
GAYLORD The St. Mary
girls of coach Kevin Foster
pushed their record to 4-0
overall and 2-0 in the Ski
Valley with a thoroughly
impressive 58-17 win at
Onaway on Friday.
The Snowbirds stayed
unbeaten and set up a huge
early-season Ski Valley show-
down with perennial cross-
county rival Johannesburg-
Lewiston on Wednesday of
this week. The game between
the league frontrunners was
played after this went to
press but well have a report
next week.
In the win over Onaway,
the Snowbirds broke open a
close game in the second
quarter, putting 22 points on
the board to take a 33-10 lead
into the locker room.
Scrappy sophomore guard
Kari Borowiak busted the
nets for 14 points. She and
backcourt mate Chrissy
Smith set the table like TV
chefs, dishing an amazing
seven assists apiece. Smith
also secured six steals and
she and senior Karli Jacob
each struck for 12 points.
Senior Michelle Samalik
was strong in the paint,
pulling down 14 rebounds
and junior Sarah Long lit it
up for nine points.
The win came on the heels
of a 59-42 victory at the court
of defending league champ
Central Lake on Wednesday,
Dec. 7.
Balanced scoring and
bark-tight defense helped
fuel the win on a night when
the Snowbirds hit nearly 50
percent from the field.
Mary Spyhalski made her
presence felt in a big way,
busting the nets for a team-
high 17 points, including 13
in the first half as St. Mary
surge to a 31-19 advantage.
Borowiak battled the
Central Lake guards tooth
and nail on defense and also
earned a double-double
from the point on offense
with 15 points and a whop-
ping 11 assists.
Jacob also delivered a dou-
ble-double with a typically
efficient performance,
notching 10 points and 11
rebounds and she also did
some nice dishing of her
own, collecting seven assists
on the night. Smith also fin-
ished in double figures for
the Snowbirds, putting 10
points on the board.
Johannesburg-
Lewiston 62
Wolverine 16
JOHANNESBURG The
Johannesburg-Lewiston girls
of coach Heather Huff
pushed their record to 5-0
overall with a lopsided 62-16
victory over non-league foe
Wolverine on the home floor
Monday.
The Cardinals, noted for
their frenetic assault on the
iron and their high-pressure
defense, limited the Wildcats
to single digits in each quar-
ter.
Junior Abby Schlicher (15),
Brittany Cherwinski (14) and
Hannah Huff (13) all reached
double figures on a night
when the starters saw limited
duty. Natalie Hamilton,
Tiffany Nickert, Miranda
House and Gabby
Coopersmith each scored
four.
The versatile Schlicher was
all over the floor like a fresh
coat of wax, recording nine
steals and nine rebounds to
go with her 15 points.
Cherwinski, a sophomore in
her second year on the varsi-
ty, also pulled down nine
boards and Nickert and Huff
each had eight.
In the JV game, Julie
Nieman and Sydney
McKenney each collected
eight points for the victorious
Cardinals and Maddie Ewing
made seven.
On Friday, the Cardinals
improved to 2-0 in the Ski
Valley with a workmanlike
60-30 victory over Forest
Area.
Schlicher, who would defi-
nitely have the lead role if
Pirates of Johannesburg
was ever produced on stage,
showed up big again, notch-
ing a triple-double with 16
points, 13 boards and 11
more steals.
Cherwinski churned out 14
points with seven boards and
Katelyn Weaver turned in a
solid performance, grabbing
nine rebounds to go with
even points. Junior Natalie
Hamilton hammered the
nets for six points.
In J-Ls JV triumph, twine
tamer Julie Nieman led the
way once again, this time hit-
ting for 10 points. Hailey
Weaver hit for nine and
Maddie Ewing for eight.
Grayling 62
Houghton Lake 54
GRAYLING Jo Hamlin
continues to put up big-time
numbers for the Grayling
girls this season. On Friday,
Hamlin hammered the nets
for 29 points and pulled
down 13 rebounds as
Grayling outscored
Houghton Lake 62-54 in non-
league action.
Mio 61
Hale 27
HALE Visiting Mio turned
on the afterburners in the
second half, pulling away to
an impressive 61-27 victory
over North Star League rival
Hale on Friday.
Nona Rhodes rocked the
iron for 12 points to lead a
balanced Thunderbolt scor-
ing ledger. Kalen DeFlorio
and Jordan Smith each struck
for 10 points and Connor
Smith stood tall under the
boards, pulling down a team-
high 10 rebounds.
Inland Lakes 62
Pellston 24
INDIAN RIVER Senior
Sandy Bischoff struck for 19
points and teammates
Katelyn Brendly and Morgan
Hanel hammered the nets for
15 and 10 points, respective-
ly, as host Inland Lakes took a
62-24 decision over visiting
Pellston in a Ski Valley game.
Emmah Dunham paced
the Hornets with seven
points. Tori Kirsch and Dana
Zulski made five points each.
Pellston won the tense JV
game 34-32 as Logan Spray
canned 11 points along with
Kelly Lewis. Alexi Provo pro-
duced 13 points for I-Lakes.
Hockey Report
Girls Hoops
Gaylord wins, tie in D-3 Challenge
St. Mary, J-L starting out strong
Host Blue Devils post shutout in challenge opener; Petoskey posts impressive first win at Manistee
Ski Valley frontrunners both look formidable in early going; Hamlin shines for Grayling; Mio tames
Hale; Bischoff leads I-Lakes to victory
photomichigan.com
B G Enterprises
Your photos on the web
Bob Gingerich
bob@danishlanding.com
989-348-5355
1923 Dansk Lane, Grayling, MI 49738
Page 4-B Choice Publications ... The Best Choice! December 15, 2011
Images from the
HARDWOOD
Here are some
photos detailing some of
the sweat, effort and
intensity of competition
on the hardwood from
the first week of the boys
prep basketball season
and the second week of
the girls basketball sea-
son. Photos are from Rob
DeForge, Tom Buttrick,
Mike Dunn and Vic
Ruggles.
LOCAL SPORTS
On-line at www.weeklychoice.com
December 15, 2011 Choice Publications ... The Best Choice! Page 5-B
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Northern Michigan Ski
Academy race training
sessions start Wednesday,
January 4th at Boyne
Mountain and Thursday,
January 5th at Boyne
Highlands. Training ses-
sions take place from 6:30
to 8:30 PM on Wednesdays
at Boyne Mountain and
Thursdays at Boyne
Highlands. A meeting for
parents will take place at
both locations during the
first sessions.
This year the Northern
Michigan Ski Academy
(NMSA) is celebrating its
33rd anniversary. The
NMSA is a non-profit
organization that is run by
a Volunteer Board of
Directors and Coaches.
The program is designed
to teach area youth the
fundamentals of ski rac-
ing.
Training sessions are
held for nine weeks begin-
ning in January. During
the Wednesday and
Thursday night sessions,
skiers ski in small groups
with a NMSA coach.
Skiers practice the funda-
mentals of ski racing with
racers of their own age
and capability. Friday
nights are open gate
nights only at Boyne
Mountain and Boyne
Highlands with courses
set that the skiers can run
as they desire. Coaches
are available at the top
and bottom of the courses
to provide feedback to the
skiers.
Each Sunday, from 2:00
4:30 PM club races take
place. On the first Sunday,
the race will be held at
Boyne Highlands and
offer timed gate racing in
which skiers ski against
the clock and themselves.
All of the Sunday club
races bring together the
Highlands and
Mountain skiers for
combined racing.
Throughout the season,
club races are scheduled
at Boyne Highlands and
Boyne Mountain. Two all
day races will be held at
Boyne Highlands this
year. Racers are ranked for
participation in the NMSA
Racing Team that partici-
pates in the Northern
Michigan Junior Racers
Cup which brings togeth-
er skiers from across
Northern Michigan. The
Championship Race will
be held on Sunday, March
4th at Boyne Highlands.
For registration forms,
pricing and additional
information on the
Northern Michigan Ski
Academy please refer to
the website, www.nmsa-
zone.org.
The 2011 snowmobile
season marks the next
stage of a new fee struc-
ture for snowmobile per-
mit fees. This season the
price for a permit is $45,
an increase of $10 over
last years price. The fee
will remain $45 through
the 2015 snowmobile sea-
son. A state law signed in
2008 provided for the
incremental increase in
snowmobile trail fees,
which support mainte-
nance and grooming of
the states snowmobile
trail network.
Michigans snowmobile
trail network is successful
because of the unique
relationship that exists
between the Department
of Natural Resources
(DNR) and partners. The
DNR provides grants to
local snowmobile trail
partners, who in turn are
responsible for the
grooming and mainte-
nance of the trails.
We have strong rela-
tionships with our part-
ners in the snowmobile
community, said Jim
Radabaugh, section man-
ager for the DNRs
Recreation and Trails
Program in the Forest
Management Division. It
is because of our partner-
ship with 68 snowmobile
trail sponsors that
Michigan is able to offer
over 6,400 miles of desig-
nated, groomed and
signed trails.
The fee increase is nec-
essary to offset the
increasing snowmobile
grant sponsor costs --
such as fuel, engineering
services and insurance --
to maintain the designat-
ed and groomed trail net-
work, and to fund long-
term trail infrastructure
needs, such as bridges
and culverts.
When it comes to
keeping Michigans trails
safe and groomed, a little
goes a long way, added
Lynne Boyd, chief of the
Forest Management
Division at the DNR. This
fee increase is a way for
every snowmobiler to do
his or her part toward pro-
viding season-long access
to miles and miles of mag-
ical Michigan trails.
GAYLORD Distinguished players and an unde-
feated team highlight the Greater Otsego Sports Hall
of Fames Class of 2012.
This years group includes Fred Davis and Marcus
Ewing from Johannesburg-Lewiston, Al Hagland and
Gary Scott from Gaylord High School and Charlie
Lovelace from St. Mary. The undefeated Gaylord High
1985 football team also will be inducted, and Bob
McNamara Sr. will take the Distinguished Service
Award.
This years banquet will take place at 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Gaylord Eagles Hall. Tickets are
$35 per person.
For more information or to purchase tickets, con-
tact Dan Smith at 732-1771 or Kim Samkowiak at 786-
2309.
Northern Michigan Ski Academy
Season Starts Soon
Snowmobile Trail
Permit Fee Increase
Increased Fee comes with Support from Michigan
Snowmobile Association and DNR
Page 6-B Choice Publications ... The Best Choice! December 15, 2011
LOCAL SPORTS
On-line at www.weeklychoice.com
HARBOR SPRINGS Seth
Purgiel stood tall in the paint
for Wolverine on Friday in a
Northern Lakes Conference
showdown at Harbor Light
Christian, knocking down 12
points and pulling down 13
boards as the Wildcats (1-1,
1-0) prevailed 56-36.
Tyler McCauley also
helped the cause, generating
14 points with pinpoint
shooting while leading a bal-
anced Wildcat scoring ledger.
Daniel Klevorn tallied 16
and Jake Ellis 10 for the
Swordsmen (0-3).
Alba 73
Skeels Christian 30
ALBA Gary Pawson and
Joe Dixon combined for
more than 50 points as Alba
prevailed over Skeels
Christian 73-30 in non-
league action Monday.
Pawson drained the nets
for 29 points and Dixon hit
for 22 as the Wildcats (1-1)
rebounded big time from a
defeat to powerful Burt Lake
Northern Michigan Christian
Academy on Friday.
Pawson scored 17 in the
82-48 loss to the Eagles.
NMCA 69
Engadine 36
BURT LAKE Northern
Michigan Christian Academy
of Burt Lake had too much
firepower Monday for
Engadine, powering to a lop-
sided 69-36 victory.
Sharpshooter David
Thompson tamed the nets
for a team-high 25 points to
pace NMCA and Paul
Chatfield totally controlled
play in the paint, pulling
down 21 boards while scor-
ing 18 points as the Eagles
improved to 3-0. Stephen
Thompson added 14 points.
In the 82-48 win over Alba
on Friday, Stephen
Thompson led NMCAs
assault on the iron with 25
points and Aaron Chatfield
generated 15 points, 11
assists and 10 steals for a rare
triple-double. Paul Chatfield
scored 13 and David
Thompson added 12.
Boys Hoops
Wolverine wins big in NLC opener
Otsego Hall
of Fame
2012 class
Purgiel shines for Wildcats; Pawson, Dixon drill nets in Alba victory; NMCA remains unbeaten
Gaylord High School 9th Grade Girls Basketball team was ringing the bell for
the Salvation Army last week in front of Wal-Mart Super Center. Each year,
Coach Terri Woods has the team involved in community projects.
ADOPTION
A LOVING wife, who was adopted
herself, and a devoted husband
dreaming of adopting a baby to
cherish forever. Promising uncondi-
tional love, security and happiness.
Expenses paid. Please call
Anastasia and Rich, 877-687-5510
PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOP-
TION? Talk with caring agency spe-
cializing in matching birthmother
with families nationwide. Living
expenses paid. Call 24/7 Abbys
One True Gift Adoptions 866-413-
6294
ANNOUNCEMENTS
DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING NICE TO
SAY? We would like to hear some-
thing nice you have to say about
businesses or people in Northern
Michigan. Send us a note in the
mail or by e-mail. Each week we will
publish positive comments from
our readers in the Weekly Choice.
Mail your note to Weekly Choice, PO
Box 382, Gaylord, MI 49734 or e-
mail to Office@WeeklyChoice.com.
Negative notes may be sent else-
where. The Weekly Choice... To
Inform, To Encourage, To Inspire.
Northern Michigan's Weekly
Regional Community Newspaper
GENTLE YOGA CLASSES. 6 Weeks,
$50. Downtown Gaylord.
Wednesday's: Jan 11 - Feb 15. Also
at Michaywe Clubhouse, $50.
Monday's: Jan 9 - Feb 13, Times:
5:30 - 6:45 pm. Gift Certificates
available. MC, Visa. 989-731-6400
PROFESSIONAL TAROT READER.
Available for in-home parties! Book
yours today: 989-731-6400
WEB SITE HOSTING as low as
$4.95 a month. Have your web site
hosted with a local business, not
someone out of state or overseas.
Local hosting, local service. Go to
www.MittenHosting.com. Safe and
secure. Small or large websites.
Your Classified ad in the Weekly
Choice is placed in the National
database of more than 200,000
classified ads with American
Classifieds for no extra charge.
Classified ads in the Weekly Choice
are just $2.00 for 10 words. Place
your ad on-line at
www.WeeklyChoice.com or call
989-732-8160.
APPLIANCES
Kenmore 17 cu. Ft. frost free refrig-
erator. Almond. $85. 989-732-
8160.
AUTO PARTS
Used tire sale. All 16 and 17 inch
tires reduced. Maxx Garage. 989-
732-4789
AUTOMOBILES
1995 Lincoln Continental, $2,000.
989-732-4724
I BUY CARS! Wrecked or in need of
mechanical repair, 1995 and up.
Gaylord area. 989-732-9362
ZERO DOWN on selected autos to
qualified buyers! No credit? Bad
credit? Buy here, Pay here. Tailored
Enterprises in Petoskey, call 888-
774-2264 or www.tailoredenter-
prises.com
WE FINANCE. You Are Approved.
2009 Chevy Impala, $9,949.
Petoskey Auto Group, 2215 North
US 31, Petoskey. 231-347-6080
CLASSIC AUTO
CASH FOR OLD CARS. Please don't
send to crusher. Michel's Collision
& Restoration 231-348-7066
FOR SALE: 1940 FORD PICKUP.
231-348-7066
COMPUTERS & OFFICE
COMPUTER GIVING YOU
HEADACHES? Call Dave the
Computer Doc at 989-731-1408
for in-your-home or business repair,
service, upgrades, virus and spy-
ware removal, training.
WEB SITE HOSTING as low as
$4.95 a month. Have your web site
hosted with a local business, not
someone out of state or overseas.
Local hosting, local service. Go to
www.MittenHosting.com. Safe and
secure. Small or large websites.
FINANCIAL
FREE BANKRUPTCY CONSULTA-
TION. Considering bankruptcy?
Overwhelmed by debts, garnish-
ments, repossessions and/or fore-
closure? At the law office of
Christine M. Brzezinski we can help
you determine if Chapter 7 bank-
ruptcy is the right option for your
financial situation and help you get
a fresh financial start. Call us today
for a free consultation at 989-348-
7777. We are a debt relief agency
and assist people in bankruptcy.
FIREWOOD & WOODSTOVE
Burt Moeke Firewood. Cut, Split,
Delivered. 231-631-9600.
FREE HEAT & HOT WATER.
Eliminate monthly heating bills with
Classic OUTDOOR WOOD FURNACE
from Central Boiler. Call today, 989-
733-7651
FIREWOOD & WOODSTOVE
Hardwood. 1 year old, Green -
Boiler Wood. 989-732-5878
WINTER DEALS ON FIREWOOD.
Mike Brown & Sons. 231-420-
1254
FREE ITEMS
HAVE SOMETHING TO GIVE AWAY?
Free items classified ads run free
of charge in the Weekly Choice. Call
989-732-8160 or e-mail your ad to
Dave1@WeeklyChoice.com.
FRESH FOODS
Fresh Turkey, all natural free range.
No antibiotics or steroids. Also
smoked turkey and breast. Circle B
Turkey Farm, Mancelona. 231-587-
9580
FURNITURE
GREAT ROOMS is now wholesaling
mattresses to the public. Prices
begin at $89. 148 W. Main St.
Downtown Gaylord, corner of Main
and N. Court St. www.greatrooms-
gaylord.com. Call 989-748-4849
HAY & STRAW
Hay For Sale 4x5 Round Bales. $25
each. Delivery available. East
Jordan, 231-735-2111
HELP WANTED
BOYNE CITY FARMERS MARKET
MANAGER. Boyne City Main Street
is accepting applications until 5:00
p.m., Friday, January 6, 2012, for
an independent contractor to serve
as Market Manager of the Boyne
City Farmers Market. The market
managers job description is avail-
able at www.boynecityfarmersmar-
ket.com or by contacting the Main
Street office at mainstreet@
boynecity.com. Please submit your
resume, letter of interest, and three
references to Main Street, 112
South Park St., Suite F, Boyne City,
MI. 49712. For more information,
email mainstreet@boynecity.com
or call 231-582-9009.
BOYNE CITY, CHARLEVOIX. We are
looking for a great Independent
Sales representative for advertising
sales in our newspapers. Work your
own schedule. Good commission
rate. Send resume' to Dave 1 at
Office@CharlevoixCountyNews.com
CHEBOYGAN. We are looking for a
great Independent Sales represen-
tative for advertising sales in our
newspapers. Work your own sched-
ule. Good commission rate. Send
resume' to Dave 1 at
Office@WeeklyChoice.com.
GRAYLING. We are looking for a
great Independent Sales represen-
tative for advertising sales in our
newspapers. Work your own sched-
ule. Good commission rate. Send
resume' to Dave 1 at
Office@WeeklyChoice.com.
HOMES FOR RENT
1 BEDROOM with loft. 2nd bed-
room or extra storage. Washer,
dryer, storage shed. $495 month.
$495 security. 989-732-3115,
989-614-6878
Downtown Gaylord 1 Bedroom.
$500 month. $450 security
deposit. Heat and water included.
No Pets. 989-370-5095
For rent: Condo for rent 2 Bedroom,
2 bath. Walking distance to town.
$600 month plus deposit. 989-
705-0911
LOOKING FOR ROOMMATE, $325
month, utilities included. Located
between Petoskey and Charlevoix.
Call 231-838-6220. Please leave
message.
WATERS AREA: Immediate
Occupancy Available, 3 Bedroom, 1
bath, 1 1/2 car garage, New
Carpet, fenced backyard, quiet
neighborhood. $750 month plus
deposit. 989-619-5388
HOMES FOR SALE
NORTHLAND HOMES We sell
Energy Star homes. Give us a call
for an appointment. 989-370-6058
HOUSEHOLD
GERTA'S DRAPERIES: Everything in
Window Treatments Free estimates
and in home appointments.
Established 1958. Call 989-732-
3340 or visit our showroom at
2281 South Otsego Ave., Gaylord.
LAND & PROPERTY
MANUFACTURED HOMES
For Rent or Sale on Contract. 3
Bedroom Manufactured home.
$500 down, $500 month. Gaylord
area MSHDA approved 866-570-
1991.
MANUFACTURED HOMES
FOR SALE BY OWNER:
Gaylord/Grayling area. 14x70
mobile home, 3 bedroom, 2 bath,
18x20 garage, 2 1/2 acres.
$35,900. $5,000 down, $500 per
month. 989-344-6093 or 989-
350-1996
NEW & REPOS: Double-Wides, 16's,
14's. Take anything on trade.
Financing available. Michigan East
Side Sales. www.michiganeast-
sidesales.net. 989-354-6867 or
866-570-1991.
MEDICAL & HEALTH
IHT Wellness Shop has Duerksen
Farms Turkey, Shetler Farms Dairy,
Shirley's Cafe Breads, local farm-
fresh eggs, bulk spices, flour, sugar
and more for the holidays. Now tak-
ing orders for holiday turkeys, fresh
pies and breads. Located next to
Brothers Coffee, 416 Main St,
downtown Gaylord. 989-448-4717
TRAMADOL 180 Tablets only $99.
Fast shipping from trusted U.S.
pharmacy! No hidden fees. C.O.D,
Mastercard. 866-562-8049
www.4Tramadol.com
MISCELLANEOUS
FREE CLASSIFIED ADS! Sell your
items for free at
www.MichiganMoneySaver.com.
Buy and sell in Northern Michigan.
Photo and text are free. Cars,
Homes, Furniture, Garage sales
and more.
Like new freestanding heater with
extras. Brown porcelain. Can be LP
or natural gas. $600. 989-350-
2373
LOWEST COST IN MICHIGAN! CLAS-
SIFIED ADS ARE JUST $2 for a 10-
word ad in the Weekly Choice. The
area's widest distribution paper
and the lowest cost for advertising.
Place ads on-line at
www.WeeklyChoice.com or call
989-732-8160. Distributed weekly
from St. Ignace to Roscommon.
Northern Michigan's best choice for
buying and selling.
New (used once) floor and stapler
combo with nails and case. $300.
989-350-2373
WEDDING GOWN. Never worn nor
altered Jasmine off white gown.
Hand sewn beads, cathedral train.
Size 14. $150. Call 989-939-8019
Women's 18-speed Lynx bicycle
and Electric powered Weed-whip-
per, both like new. Make offer. 989-
732-8160
YOU CUT, Blue Spruce Christmas
trees. All sizes, $15. 6 miles north
of Gaylord on Old 27. Mon - Fri:
Noon - 5:30. Sat & Sun: 10am -
4pm. 989-983-2405
MOTORCYCLES & ATV
WANTED JAPANESE MOTORCYCLES
Kawasaki: Z1-900, KZ900,
KZ1000, Z1R, Kawasaki Triples,
GT380, GS400, CB750, (1969-75)
Cash paid, Nationwide pickup, 800-
772-1142, 310-721-0726.
usa@classicrunners.com
NATIONAL CLASSIFIEDS
9 MILLION CIRCULATION across
the U.S. and Canada with a classi-
fied ad in our national network, just
$695. Call the Weekly Choice, 989-
732-8160 or e-mail
Dave1@WeeklyChoice.com
Reader Advisory: the National
Trade Association we belong to has
purchased some classifieds in our
paper. Determining the value of
their service or product is advised
by this publication. In order to avoid
misunderstandings, some advertis-
ers do not offer employment but
rather supply the readers with man-
uals, directories and other materi-
als designed to help their clients
establish mail order selling and
other businesses at home. Under
NO circumstance should you send
any money in advance or give the
client your checking, license ID, or
credit card numbers. Also beware
of ads that claim to guarantee
loans regardless of credit and note
that if a credit repair company does
business only over the phone its
illegal to request any money before
delivering its service. All funds are
based in US dollars. 800 numbers
may or may not reach Canada.
ASSEMBLE MAGNETS & CRAFTS
from home! Year-round work!
Excellent pay! No experience! Top
U.S. company! 860-482-3955.
ATTEND COLLEGE Online from
home. Medical, business, criminal
justice. Job placement assistance.
Computer provided. Financial aid if
qualified. Centura 800-495-5085
www.CenturaOnline.com
NATIONAL CLASSIFIEDS
AVIATION CAREER. Train for a
career with the airlines at campus-
es coast to coast. Housing avail-
able. Call AIM to apply 877-384-
5827 www.fixjets.com
DIVORCE $99 covers children, cus-
tody, property & debts.
Uncontested. Satisfaction guaran-
teed! Unlimited customer support.
Call 24 hrs. Free information! 800-
250-8142.
DRIVERS: CDLTRAININGNOW.COM
is now accepting applications for
driver trainees! 16 day company
sponsored CDL training now avail-
able! No experience or credit
required. 800-991-7531 #3130
www.CDLTrainingnow.com
EARN YOUR DEGREE 100% online.
Job placement assistance.
Computer available. Financial aid if
qualified. Enrolling now. Call
Centura 800-463-0685
www.CenturaOnline.com
HANDS ON CAREER. Rapid training
for Aviation Maintenance career.
Financial aid if qualified. Job place-
ment assistance. Housing avail-
able. AIM 866-430-5985.
www.AviationMaintenance.edu
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA. Graduate
In Just 4 Weeks! Free brochure!
Call Now! 800-532-6546 Ext. 440
www.continentalacademy.com
PAID IN ADVANCE! Make $1000
Weekly mailing brochures from
home! Guaranteed income! No
experience required. Start immedi-
ately! www.national-income.com
(Void SD)
THE OCEAN Corp. 10840 Rockley
Road, Houston, Texas 77099. Train
for a new career. Underwater
welder. Commercial diver.
NDT/Weld Inspector. Job place-
ment assistance and financial aid
available for those who qualify.
800-321-0298.
WANTS TO purchase minerals and
other oil & gas interests. Send
details PO Box 13557, Denver, Co
80201
PETS
6 F1B Labradoodle Puppies, non-
shedding, males and females,
white-golden curly coats, vet
checked, more info at www.lake-
viewlabradoodles.moonfruit.com.
Will hold for Christmas. Taking
deposits, flexible price from $400
and up 231-445-2500
DOG TRAX GROOMING. Downtown
Gaylord, 220 Michigan Ave. Call for
your appointment today, 989-705-
TRAX (8729)
SERVICES
DJ/KARAOKE SERVICE available for
weddings, clubs or parties.
References and information at
www.larryentertainment.com. 989-
732-3933
EFFICIENT HEATING AND COOLING.
Furnaces, Air Conditioning, Sales
and Service. Quality Workmanship
989-350-1857
FRED'S TV & APPLIANCE SERVICE.
32 years experience. In home serv-
ice. 989-732-1403
HANDYMAN SERVICE. Interior &
exterior. Professional Painting. 20
years experience. Licensed &
Insured. 989-731-6272
RIGHT-WAY PAINTING,: Interior,
Exterior. Free estimates. Chris -
989-217-1345
SNOW REMOVAL
8-10 Blizzard snowplow. Fits Dodge
1996-2002. Like new, $2,800.
989-983-4590
8HP Gilson 2 stage Snowblower.
Briggs & Stratton engine. Electric
start. $200. 989-732-2976
SNOWPLOWING, Gaylord area.
Commercial or residential. Call for
free estimate. 989-745-5184
SNOWPLOWING: Gaylord,
Vanderbilt, Wolverine areas.
Reasonable rates. 24/7. 989-983-
4590
STORAGE
BUCK PATH Mini Warehouses start-
ing at $15 month. 989-732-2721
or 989-370-6058
STORAGE
APS Mini-Warehouse of Gaylord
has 5x10 units available for just
$30 a month. No long term con-
tract necessary. In town, safe stor-
age. Larger units also available.
Call 989-732-8160.
Heated or Cold storage available
for Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall,
989-732-0724
WANTED
Wanted: Baseball, Football,
Basketball and Hockey cards. Older
than 1972. 231-373-0842
Wanted: BUYING STANDING TIM-
BER. Top prices paid, free esti-
mates. 989-335-0755
Wanted: OUTBOARD MOTORS, any
size, running or not. Call 231-546-
6000
Wanted: Used motor oil.
Transmission oil and hydraulic oil.
Maxx Garage. 989-732-4789
CLASSIFIEDS
Delivered to 40
Towns Each Week!
Run for
As Low
As
$
2
00
CALL: 989.732.8160 | EMAIL: classifieds@weeklychoice.com | ORDER ONLINE: www.weeklychoice.com
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
(Statewide Representation)
CRIMINAL MATTERS BANKRUPTCY
Free Consult on Above
JOHN P. S. MILLER ATTORNEY AT LAW
405 Lake, Roscommon, MI
989-275-4131 1-800-713-0077
OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
1 MILE NORTH ON OLD 27
GAYLORD
989.732.5136
HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 7:30AM TO 5:30PM;
SATURDAY 8AM TO 2PM; CLOSED SUNDAY
PRO-Build
December 15, 2011 Choice Publications ... The Best Choice! Page 7-B
WORK
FROM
HOME?
BE REWARDED
WITH A GENEROUS
COMMISSION?
WORK
FLEXIBLE
HOURS?
Sales Reps will be responsible for:
1. Contacting businesses for advertising in our Regional
Newspaper and other products we publish.
2. Maintain relationships with the businesses
3. Create marketing strategies for the area
!Generous commission!!
!Service anywhere in Crawford County
& surrounding area
!Sales Reps can work from home or from
our Gaylord office.
!Sales Reps make their own schedule.
!Part-time or full-time position, you decide.
!Reliable Transportation
!Cell phone
!Computer and internet connection
!Outgoing personality
!Professional appearance and demeanor
!Appreciation of Helping Local Businesses
!Ability and ambition to approach owners
and managers of area businesses about
advertising in our newspapers and
products.
Benefits Required
Part time position is ideal
for someone supplementing
their existing income.
If interested, email resume to Dave Baragrey at the Weekly Choice - Office@WeeklyChoice.com
You are only limited by your imagination
and how many ads you can sell!!!
SALES REP NEEDED FOR
GRAYLING AREA ADVERTISING SALES
WOULD YOU LIKE TO:
This is an Independent Contractor position.
Now
AUTO SALES
& Petoskey RV USA
We Finance
2215 US 31 NORTH
PETOSKEY, MI
231-347-3200
2004 HYUNDAI
ELANTRA
Rust free, clean, warranty
* plus tax, title, license
$
199
DOWN
*
Now
AUTO SALES
& Petoskey RV USA
We Finance
2215 US 31 NORTH
PETOSKEY, MI
231-347-3200
2004 CHEVY
IMPALA
Safety inspected, warranty
* plus tax, title, license
$
199
DOWN
*
Now
AUTO SALES
& Petoskey RV USA
We Finance
2215 US 31 NORTH
PETOSKEY, MI
231-347-3200
2000 FORD
RANGER XLT
Super Cab, 4x4
* plus tax, title, license
$
199
DOWN
*
Page 8-B Choice Publications ... The Best Choice! December 15, 2011
weeklychoice
.com
www.NorthernRealEstate.com
Office: 989-732-1707 Toll Free: 800-828-9372
1738 S. Otsego Ave., P.O. Box 641 Gaylord, MI 49735
WELL
MAINTAINED
RENTALS
CALL 732-1707
EYE
CATCHING CURB
APPEAL
3 Bed, 2 Bath Ranch
Close to Town. Rich,
Warm and Comfy
Inside with Vaulted
Ceilings,Tile Floors,
Natural Gas Fireplace
and Central Air. Newer
Roof, Hot Water Heater,
Appliances.Attached
Heated Garage, Storage Shed, Fenced in Yard and doggie door for Fideo.
Great Place...Great Price. $129,000. MLS #271016
NEWER HUGE HUD HOME
with 4 Beds, 2 Baths in Guthrie Lakes. Nearly 2,000 Square Feet Living
Space. Large Master Suite, Fireplace and Family Room. Some TLC Required.
Guthrie Lakes Offers Deeded Access to 2 Lakes, Clubhouse and Heated Pool.
$48,000. MLS #275830
HORSE LOVER DELIGHT!
Newer 3 Bed, 2 Bath Home. Plus 60x120 Indoor Horse Arena with Heated
Tack Room, Observation Room,Wash Rack and Bathroom. 7 Stalls with Room
to Add More. 60 Foot Round Riding Pen, Individual Turnouts with Run Ins.
Pasture Land and Additional Pole Bldg for Storage or Toys.
$229,000. MLS #274926
SPARKLING
3 Bed, 2 Bath Country Ranch
on 30 Acres. Spotless Country
Kitchen, Hickory Cabinets,
Center Island, 6 Panel Oak
Doors, Marvin Windows,
Vaulted Ceiling & Vermont
Castings Wood Stove for Up
North Feel. Recently
Completed Full Finished
Basement. 2 1/2 Car Garage,
60 X 40 Pole Bldg w/ 12Ft
Walls.All Surrounded by
Rolling Acres of Maple, Beechwood and Birch. $279,000. MLS #275255
$10,000 PRICE DROP!
Even More Affordable All Sport
Lake Front Cabin with Storage
Plus. Quaint 2 Bed, 1 Bath
Cottage with Tongue & Groove
Knotty Pine Interior,Wood
Burning Insert and Central Air to
Keep You Comfortable All Year
Long. 48 Feet of Frontage on
Synder Lake for Swimming,
Boating, Fishing. 2 Garages with
a Workshop for Toys. Paved Drive
and Whole House Generator.
$162,900. MLS #268065
NEW
PRICE!!!
Move-in
Condition
Newer 3 Bed, 2
Bath HUD in
Lake
Arrowhead.
Laminate and
Tile Floors,
Vaulted Ceiling,
Steel Roof. Nice
Play Fort for
Kids. On 3 Lots. Comes with Deeded Access to All Sport Lake plus Other Ammenities of
Lake Arrowhead Assn. (Clubhouse, Pool,Trails, Etc.) $59,500. MLS #275907
R
E
D
U
C
E
D
Featured Home
On the Market
Should you
Sell, or Turn
Your Home
into a
Rental
Property?
Compliments of
Ed Wohlfiel
Real estate owners have
many reasons to move.
Some of the time it's out of
necessity, other times it's
simply to move into a more
desirable home. In the cur-
rent economy, and with
mortgage interest rates as
low as they are, the best long
term financial decision is
probably to rent a house out
rather than sell it at a steep
discount.
With today's mortgage
interest rates as low as they
are, rental rates generally
exceed mortgage payments,
especially if you've owned
your home for a little while
and have some equity. By
renting out your hard to sell
house, not only can you
continue to build equity as
your house gets paid down,
but you might also be able
to generate extra cash flow
when rents exceed pay-
ments.
Plus, as the years pass by,
your property value, and
your rental income will
increase with inflation. Your
fixed mortgage will stay the
same, and eventually, it will
be paid off. By owning rental
real estate the renter pays
the expenses for a long term
asset.
Home loans for primary
residences are better than
rates for properties pur-
chased specifically for
investment. By living in a
home, and then converting
it into a rental property,
mortgage terms are more
favorable.
One obstacle many
potential landlords face is
that they can't qualify for
two mortgages. Even
though the rental revenue
exceeds the mortgage pay-
ments, lenders require sub-
stantial reserves (usually six
months worth of payments)
for rental property. They
also require that income
falls within their Debt to
Income guidelines.
Another roadblock many
people have with owning a
rental property is that they
just don't want to be land-
lords. They don't want to get
the phone calls in the mid-
dle of the night from tenants
who have leaky toilets.
4823 Tournament Drive, Gaylord
Contact; Wendie Forman, Smith Realty Group, Gaylord, (989) 732-2477
Real Estate
By Jim Akans
Situated in beautiful Loon Lake Estates just a few miles
south of Gaylord, this spectacular custom designed and built
home offers rear frontage on the championship caliber Loon
Lake golf course...truly a dream location for the golf enthusi-
ast. Backyard views offer a panoramic vista encompassing
the 15th green and 16th tee which can be enjoyed from the
two rear decks outdoors, and from the open great room, din-
ing and kitchen areas and master suite indoors.
The home features over 5,400 square feet of extraordinary
quality designed and constructed living space, with approxi-
mately 3,210 square feet on the main two levels, and the
remainder in the professionally finished lower level. That
includes four large bedrooms and three full baths, so when
friends and family come to visit for golfing weekend outing,
there will be plenty of room for first class accommodations
right at home.
As may be expected in a home of this caliber, the ameni-
ties are elegant to the tee. Those include gorgeous hardwood
and tile flooring, vaulted ceilings, central air conditioning, a
luxurious master bedroom suite with corner fireplace, huge
walk-in closet areas with built-in shelving, jetted tub and
separate shower, and even a private outdoor deck.
The gourmet kitchen is spacious and elegant, with top
grade appliances and beautiful white cabinetry contrasted
with black countertops. The adjoining dining and great
room areas feature dramatic golf course views, and a magnif-
icent stone fireplace flanked by arched topped window
serves as the focal point in the great room.
Additional highlights of this stunning Loon Country Club home include a a finished three-
car attached garage, outdoor hot tub, exquisitely landscaped grounds, and more.
This is an extraordinary home in a exceptional location. Listed at $299,000 - Call Wendie
Forman at Smith Realty Group today for a private showing at (989) 732-2477 or email
Wendie@WendieForman.com
Spectacular custom home
offers magnificent golf
course view
NEW LISTING
Call Cindy Clark at (989) 350-5520
cindyclarkred@charter.net
Well cared for home in desirable Crestwood Subdivision
(on a cul-de-sac)
1900 sq ft 3-4 bedroom home
2 full baths
2 fireplaces
Attached 2-car garage
Large lot
New hot water heater
New well pump
Heat pump (air conditioner
& heat source)
Listed at $147,500
For more pictures visit...
http://www.waterwonderlandboard.com/findahome.htm
and type in MLS#276341