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Uncategorized Blog

Racine Case Kicks Off Football Filled Weekend on WRJN

The #3 Seed Racine Case Eagles start the football weekend on WRJN with a WIAA Playoff battle against #2 seed Mukwonago.  We’ll have live coverage starting at 6:30 Friday night, with Dick Graceffa on the call.  Last week, WRJN listeners heard a classic when Case came back to beat Oconomowoc in the first round of the playoffs.  Listen live on the airwaves or find WRJN on the Civic Media app.

Keep the app handy for Saturday night football with the Wisconsin Badgers.  College football can be heard through the Civic Media app, with pre-game on WRJN starting at 4:30pm.  The Badgers look to bounce back with a Big Ten matchup in Iowa.

You can hear the Green Bay Packers only on the airwaves, 1400AM, 99.9FM in Racine, and 98.1FM in Kenosha. Pre-game for the contest with Detroit starts at 1pm, with Wayne, Larry, Kuhn, and the kick-off at 3:25.  After it’s over, stick around for the post-game show, which includes interviews from the podium and the players. Post game runs for roughly two hours after the game ends. 

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Blog

It’s not “divisive” when calling out racism in political campaigns. It’s needed. Especially when it comes to Van Orden.

By Chad Holmes

This past weekend, like many of you, I tried to relax and get away from the work grind by getting in front of a television and watching some football. The Green Bay Packers on Sunday to be specific. However, with less than a month away from the election, it’s impossible to get away completely. Certainly when it comes to Congressman Derrick Van Orden.

Derrick Van Orden is not my congressman. I live in the 7th Congressional District, as does everyone who lives in Marathon County. My congressman (and I use the my very loosely) is Tom Tiffany. Derrick Van Orden represents the 3rd Congressional District. The reason why I have to sit through many Derrick Van Orden political commercials, and his oppenent Rebecca Cooke, is because the 3rd District has Portage and Wood County as part of it. The Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids media markets are served by TV stations out of Wausau. To get to voters in Point and Rapids the campaigns need to buy spots from Channels 7, 9, 12 and the FOX channel….what number that is I have no idea. So those of us in Marathon County and other counties not in the 3rd get to learn a lot about Van Orden and Cooke.

It wasn’t a surprise I saw many, many political spots when sitting down to watch the Packers face the Rams Sunday. It was expected. I have seen Derrick Van Orden’s “racial dog whistle” spots many times. Maybe I just saw it one time too many yesterday. Recently Van Order had a spot titled “One of Them.” It featured pics of the “liberal elite” such as President Biden, former Speaker Pelosi, Senate majority leader Schumer and California Governor Newsom. None mentioned by name. Then the spot claimed Cooke was “handpicked” to win back the House and “trusted to elect liberal heroes like Mandela Barnes.” Large photo Barnes. Looks darkened. Then they add another black face in House Minority leader Jeffries on the other side of Cooke to finish the spot with the words “she’s one of them.” Disgusting.

The latest Van Orden ad drops the white faces and focuses on linking Cooke strictly to Mandela Barnes. That’s the spot I kept seeing yesterday. It’s more “Us vs. Them”. The kind of stuff we saw over and over again in the 2022 Senate race between Barnes and Senator Ron Johnson. The biggest difference is in 2022 Johnson had the “sense” to let his 3rd party allies put out the most racist and disgusting of the ads, including darkening of the then-Lt. Governor’s picture. The Van Orden spots end with the words “I’m Derrick Van Orden and I approve this message.” Standing next to a bunch of old white guys who look like law enforcement. Nice little kicker there Derrick. He is trying to remind everyone he is “us” standing next to the white guys while Cooke is “them” pictured next to Barnes and Jeffries.

Van Orden isn’t the only GOP candidate ramping up the use of racial language. It goes right to the top. It was reported today that Donald Trump told right wing radio host Hugh Hewitt that you can tell whether migrants are predisposed to committing murder by “their genes.” “We got a lot of bad genes in our country right now,” Trump added. This is 2024. That’s the kind of thing said in the years post-Civic War. Pure racism.

We need stop seeing the media using terms like “sharpening attacks” and other passive language to avoid saying the truth: these are racist attacks on millions of our people. This is not a time to “both sides” what we are seeing and hearing everyday. Over and over again. Even when trying to get away from it all with a football game. It’s dangerous. It needs to stop but if it doesn’t stop it needs to be called what it is.

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Blog

Trying to figure out Tommy Thompson

By Chad Holmes

There are many things in politics that make sense and those that don’t. Earlier this week Donald Trump became the first Republican nominee for President to campaign in Dane County since Bob Dole in 1996. Among the state GOP dignitaries who were there to show their support of the former President were former Governor Scott Walker and 2022 Republican gubernatorial nominee Tim Michels. Senator Ron Johnson is one of Trump’s biggest state supporters. None of those names are surprising. The one state GOP leader that still makes me shake my head for his support of Trump is former four-term Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson. Not only does Thompson support Trump but he was the lead speaker introducing Trump this week in Dane County. Tommy even laughed at the call (and insult) Trump gave when he called to tell Tommy to “get the hell off the stage.”

Why? I keep asking why and finding little in my search for answers. Just a couple of weeks ago Civic Media had plenty of coverage from the Cap Times Idea Fest in Madison. Leading political figures were among the many types of folks who spoke at the event. One of which was Tommy Thompson. After reading what he told the audience at Idea Fest I am more confused on why Thompson, at the age of 82, would make one of his last political battles a fight to get Donald Trump back into the White House. In fact, the reasons he put out at Idea Fest make absolutely no sense.

From a story at civicmedia.us that discussed Thompson’s appearance at Idea Fest: “he noted his support for Trump was in part a push to urge his own party to work across the aisle to tackle the serious problems facing Wisconsin and the United States as a whole.” What? If Thompson wants a leader who will urge the current MAGA Republican Party to work across the aisle that person wouldn’t be Donald Trump in any way, shape or form. It’s crazy to think that Trump will change who he is at this late point in his life.

Thompson also, as Civic Media noted in it’s story of the event appearance, “At various points in the evening, Thompson endorsed a range of ideas that might strike the uninitiated as out of character for a Republican.” Some of the ideas Thompson pushed would be laughed out of a MAGA Republican Party meeting. Thompson proposed converting a state prison into a university to give inmates a path to success after incarceration and hiring retired judges to re-try cases within the correctional system with the hope of reducing sentences and freeing people earlier. The GOP and it’s 3rd party allies are putting out disgusting commercials right here in central Wisconsin against 85th Assembly District Democratic nominee Yee Leng Xiong saying he wants to open up all the jailhouse doors to release dangerous criminals. If Yee Leng Xiong made the same proposal as Thompson (which is very much worth consideration) the Republican Party would be spending many thousands of dollars calling him “soft on crime.”

Thompson also finished with a very reasonable statement that would have no favor in Trump’s Republican Party: “There are good ideas from Democrats and good ideas from Republicans,” he said. “In this state and this country … I want you to work as hard as you possibly can for your candidate, Kamala. I’m going to work for my candidate, Donald Trump. But at the end I want to come together because this country has serious, serious problems and we cannot afford to continue to be so partisan and so political that we don’t talk to each other.”

I am still as confused as ever on why Donald Trump is Tommy Thompson’s candidate. Thompson has to know of Trump’s dictatorial tendencies, his racist history, his felony convictions and more. Is it a desperate attempt at relevance? I don’t know. However, I do know that Tommy Thompson has to be held to account for his work, his hard work, to put a dangerous demagogue back in office. Saying he worked with Democrats in the past doesn’t cut it. Thompson is putting party, and maybe himself, above country and it’s a disgrace that should stick to him now and forever.

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Blog

Too much hubris, not enough humility in Wausau ballot drop box controversy.

By Chad Holmes

Throughout Tuesday, like any storm, the winds started to blow harder and harder. At first the thought was “did Mayor Diny really dress up as a DPW employee to move a ballot drop box on a Sunday?” Yep, it really happened and there were pictures and video to prove it. On the surface it appears the mayor has overstepped his bounds in moving the drop box to his office. There are a lot of upset constituents, city hall workers and public officials. There will be plenty of investigation and decisions to be made on what happened on Sunday and much more to be said. However, at this point, I want to talk about a trend I have seen for a while in candidates and officials: hubris.

Self-confidence can be a good thing. It can also lead to problems. Reading some of the mayor’s comments concerning his decision to unilaterally remove the ballot drop box it comes across as a person who has no doubt he thinks he’s right. The mayor also said the people who he talked to don’t like drop boxes. It reminded me of an interview I had a couple of months ago on my program with a Republican candidate for the state assembly where he said everyone he had talked to agreed with his positions. My first thought was “everyone”? There are more than a few things I believe I am correct about. However, I am not delusional enough to think “everyone” agrees with me. It seems as though, in recent years, many on the right are certain of their beliefs and that “everyone” or at least every “real American” agrees with them. Whether Trump, Cory Tomczyk, and even radio personalities it can lead to some dangerous situations thinking you are right about everything.

According to public reports, Mayor Diny did have conversations with the clerk about the drop boxes. Apparently, in the end, the mayor’s suggestions were not heeded and the drop box was not removed. Sometimes you win some, sometimes you lose some right? Not in this case. The mayor decided not to take no for an answer. He “knows” he is right. Hubris. That’s not the way our government works. One point that council president Lisa Rasmussen made really caught my eye. Rasmussen said to the Wausau Pilot and Review: “One concern I have heard from people so far is worry that there could be no accountability for this action, that if any other citizen had done the same thing, they would have been immediately answering to the police, and or facing some consequences.” There has been many examples in recent years where it appears that the rules are different for different people. Whether because of social status, economic status, race or other factors people aren’t treated equally under the law or under the rules of our society. That is a problem.

We will learn more about what happened and whether or not the mayor broke any rules or laws by his actions on Sunday. However, a little less “hubris” and a little more “humbleness” by everyone might go a long way.

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Blog

Wausau Pilot and Review wins again in court vs. Cory Tomczyk. That is a win for the press and community.

By Chad Holmes

Last week, for the second time, a court dismissed a defamation case filed by State Senator Cory Tomczyk against the Wausau Pilot and Review. Last year a Marathon County Circuit Court judge dismissed Tomczyk’s suit and now it’s an appeals panel that told the Mosinee businessman turned state Senator his claims have no merit. Whether this is the end of this sad tale is to be determined as Tomczyk says he will be determining his options after the latest ruling.

If the goal is justice, then this case should be over. If the goal is to bankrupt one of the few journalistic options the people of central Wisconsin has to get information about their governmental representatives and policies then Tomcyzk may keep tilting at this windmill. In the ruling written by appeals judge Lisa Stark it was stated that Tomczyk failed to provide evidence to buttress his claims of “actual malice” and “reckless disregard” in the Pilot’s reporting of Tomczyk using an anti-gay slur during a 2021 meeting where the “Community for All” issue was being discussed.

After becoming a major voice in the “CFA” debate, Tomczyk ran for the state Senate and won the Republican primary over Mosinee mayor Brent Jacobson by positioning himself as a Donald Trump-like MAGA candidate who truly represents the people of the 29th District and then defeated Democrat Bob Look in the very-GOP leaning district. During a joint appearance at UWSP at Wausau in October of 2022 Tomczyk ran as an election denier, comparing our elections to “Putin’s Russia”. He talked about the lack of integrity of the justice system, wanting 2020 protesters jailed while January 6th defendants were just “supporting their candidates”. Talked about the radical policies of Governor Evers and Mayor Rosenberg and the horrible “Democrat” policies and how “average citizens” and “average Americans” hate those policies. “Average Americans” = conservatives. Then called Democrat policies “treasonous” and that Democrats “don’t want law and order and safety. Democrats want chaos. Democrats want confusion. Democrats want instability. They want this so they can they try to convince the ‘sheeple’ that they have the only solution. They can fix the problem. It’s b—s–t.” Can see why he has been continuing this suit for the last couple of years. Don’t cross him.

So on one side there’s a journalist who has covered the news for years in our area. The other is MAGA state Senator who throws verbal bombs at people who are left of him on the political spectrum. The courts have now, multiple times, said his suit has no merit. One would think that a media source, one that claims they believe in “law and order” would see the merit of standing with the Pilot and the courts. Nope, the operations manager/morning show co-host of the right-wing radio station down the street puts out a commentary titled “A Eulogy for American Journalism.” He stands with Tomczyk and against the Pilot. Wow. The people that want to kill American journalism aren’t the ones who won in the courts last year and last week. The costs of this crusade of Tomczyk’s have nearly bankrupted the Pilot, and would have, except for the support of their readers.

I look forward to discussing this case and whole story with Wausau Pilot and Review editor/founder Shereen Siewert later in the week.

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Those Were The Days

1984 Air Guitars

A recent poll confirmed that parents and grandparents greatly embarrass their children when they play air guitar. There was a time when playing air instruments was cool. Back in 1984 we had contests to see who the best imaginary players were. I remember being the m.c. for a big contest at Reedsburg High School. They also had a competition for the best ‘flying v kick’ like David Lee Roth from Van Halen. This week in ’84 that group’s song Jump was the number one tune on radio. It was an exciting time to grow up. The social network was the family home phone. Sometimes we were still on a party line. Up to eight families would sometimes be on the same circuit. Long distance rates were cheaper after 6:00 pm. If I wanted to call a young woman from Bear Valley, I had to call late. I needed to coil the long phone cord to the other side of the file cabinet so that I could have a little privacy when I was talking to my lady friend. It was the early years for MTV and pop culture was totally influenced by the styles that we saw on video. There were many British artists that became instant stars because of the 24-hour exposure that the network provided. Some of my faves from March of 1984 include Talking in Your Sleep-Romantics, Back Where You Belong-.38 Special, Middle of the Road-Pretenders, Radio Ga Ga-Queen, Nobody Told Me-John Lennon, They Don’t Know-Tracy Ullman, The Language of Love-Dan Fogelberg, New Moon on Monday-Duran Duran, and That’s All-Genesis.

Saturday night during Those Were the Days, I will be spinning the hits from early 1984 and music from all of the eras that we play. Trivia games return and we will be cranking out the hits until the midnight hour. I hope you enjoyed our archived flashbacks last weekend following local sports. It was great to spend some time with my darling granddaughter, Oaklee, as she turned four. She seems to like vinyl records! Perhaps someday she can cohost Those Were the Days on WRCO FM 100.9 and WRCO.com!

Phil

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Blog

The return of the 90s/00s horror- from Scream to Scary Movie

The very first Scream movie came out in 1996 and four years later Scary Movie (2000) spoofed it. Scream 7 (2026) just opened with a franchise best $64 million domestically and about $97 million globally. It becomes one of the biggest openings of the year.

Now, Anna Faris and Regina Hall are back for the latest Scary Movie 6 (2026) which will come out June 12th. And they’re about to spoof it again.

Ghostface from Scream won’t be the only scary movie villain to appear in the upcoming Scary Movie 6 though. The Wayans brothers had 18 years to gather material for this new movie and boy, they did! They’ll also spoof: Weapons (2025), Get Out (2017), the M3gan movies, Sinners (2025), Final Destination: Bloodlines (2024), Smile (2022), Longlegs (2024), The Substance (2024), the Terrifier movies, and I’m sure I missed a few. You’ll also see Leatherface from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise (or Ed Gein- the Leatherface inspiration- depending how deep in horror lore we’re talking).

The trailer for Scary Movie 6 is officially out but definitely not safe for work or for the easily offended (which is exactly what fans of the franchise would expect). I’m willing to bet when it comes out, it’ll set some records, too.

What’s your favorite scary movie? Email anytime: Laura.McKenna@civicmedia.us
And tune in weekdays starting at 10am to St. Croix Country & WCFW!

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Obituaries

Mary Jo Hietala,68, Hancock

Mary Jo Hietala, age 68, a resident of Hancock, Michigan passed away on Wednesday February 25, 2026 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital in Wausau, Wisconsin.
A funeral for Mary Jo will be held on March 14, 2026 at Laurium Shining Light Church at 11:00 a.m. There will be a visitation at the church prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
A full obituary will be published at a later date.
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com

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Obituaries

Raymond Robert Dezotell Jr., 84,

Raymond Robert Dezotell Jr., age 84, passed away on January 7, 2026, surrounded by family.

Raymond was born on July 25, 1941, to Raymond Sr. and Leona (Fredricks) Dezotell. He spent much of his life in northern Wisconsin and was known as an easygoing man with a strong work ethic and a willingness to help anyone who needed it.

Raymond proudly served as a member of the Army National Guard.

He worked for many years in logging and construction, including employment with Koshak Construction, Singer Logging, and Carden Brothers Logging. His work reflected his love of the outdoors and his appreciation for honest, physical labor.

Raymond enjoyed hunting and fishing, cutting firewood, and spending time outdoors. He valued time with his family and especially treasured the many hours spent with his brother, Richie. He was known as a hardworking man with a generous heart and a calm, steady presence.

He is survived by his children, Wayne Dezotell, Kurt Dezotell, Jean (Paul) Kronberger, and Lisa (Todd) Nelson; his grandchildren, Jodie, Sasha, Joshua, Rachel, Alyssa, Jacob, Jenelle, and Frankie; eighteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by his former wife, Helen Dezotell; his daughter-in-law, Lorraine Dezotell; his brother, Richard Dezotell; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Sr. and Leona Dezotell; his infant sister, Linda; and his sister, Ruth Barland.

Raymond will be remembered for his kindness, his love of the outdoors, and the steady care he showed to those around him.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday March 7, 2026, at Birch Street Funeral Service Chapel in Park Falls. Military Honors under the auspices of the Park Falls Americal Legion Post 182 will follow.

A visitation will be held from 11:00am until the hour of the service at the funeral home.

Birch Street Funeral Service is assisting the family.

Categories
Blog

Do social media influencers influence you?

If you spend 30 seconds on the internet you’ll probably come across a “social media influencer”. You know, someone who’s job it is to influence you into buying or trying something or clicking a link to try or buy something. There’s nothing wrong with it, but you do need to be careful. You still need to trust that person and hope they’re being honest with you about what they’re trying to “influence” you about. You may not realize this but us radio people have been “influencers” long before the internet was around and we still are, telling you about businesses and what services they offer you. There is one big difference, we’re here with you day in and day out and not some random “internet” person. As always, thanks for listening!

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Obituaries

Donald Mattson, 97, South Range

Donald Mattson, 97, a resident of South Range, and Leesburg, FL, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Leesburg, FL.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Mt. View Chapel of South Range is assisting the family with the arrangements, which will be announced at a later time.

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Obituaries

Elizabeth “Chiz” Charlotte Matthews, 82, Zeba

Elizabeth “Chiz” Charlotte Matthews, age 87, of Zeba, Michigan, passed away on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Bayside Village in L’Anse.

She was born January 3, 1939, in Zeba, Michigan, the daughter of George and Charlotte (Blaker) Matthews. Chiz graduated from L’Anse High School in 1957 and went on to work for 18 years as a switchboard operator for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. She had the tribe at her fingertips.

Chiz was deeply involved in her community and culture. She was a member of the Church of God, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, and the Ojibwa Seniors. She also served for 12 years as a KBIC council member and on the KBIC Culture Committee and was among the first members to help organize the KBIC Pow Wow. Chiz cherished time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren-and found great joy in attending Pow Wows.

To know unconditional love was to know Grandma Chiz! A woman that no matter what roads you took in life was always there with knowledge, words of encouragement, and wisdom. A woman who was more like a place of comfort and solitude. Whose door was always open. A woman who yielded such profound compassion for her family, community, and traditions.

Surviving are her children: Michael (Sherrie) Sherman of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan; Mark (Catherine) Sherman of Crivitz, WI; Loring Sherman of Baraga; Lori Ann Sherman of Pelkie; and Elizabeth Sherman of Baraga; her brother, Albert (Elsie) Matthews of Wisconsin; ten grandchildren, Eddie, Mark (Emily), Nathan (Jacquilin), Tanya (James), Matthew (Karli), Michael (Misty), Jacob (Bekka), Kirsten, Breanna, Charlotte; and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Charlotte; husband Loring Sherman; and her siblings, Amos Whetung, Sarah Shelifoe, Donald Whetung, Theodore Whetung, Matt Whetung, Glen Matthews, Myrtle Tolonen, and baby sister Whetung.

The family will greet friends at the Zeba Hall starting Saturday, February 28th at 5 p.m. and will continue until Monday, March 2nd, with visitation from 9-11 AM. A Traditional service will start at 11 AM with a feast to follow. Burial will be in the spring in the Pinery Indian Cemetery. Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Friends may sign Chiz’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com

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Obituaries

Michael “Mike” Goudge, 78, Quincy Hill

Michael “Mike” Goudge (78) of Quincy Hill died unexpectedly Thursday, February 26, 2026 at UP Health System Portage surrounded by his loving family.

Born on November 11, 1947 in Hancock, MI to the late Harry and Angelina (Balma) Goudge. Mike attended the Quincy and Hancock schools and graduated with the Class of 1966. He worked at the Quincy Market, Jim’s Foodmart, Econo Foods, and most recently, Horner Flooring until his retirement.

In 1974, he was united in marriage to Patricia (Rose) who preceded him in death in October 1999.

He was fortunate to find love again and married his current wife, Jean (Whittaker) DeRoche on September 2, 2017 and resided in Pewabic Location on Quincy Hill.

Mike was a devoted husband and stepfather. He was loved by all who knew him and will be missed dearly by all his family and friends. He was an avid Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, and Green Bay Packers fan. He enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, traveling, casino trips and spending time with his family.

In his younger years, he played softball with the Monte Carlo and fire department teams. He was a member of the Quincy Franklin Hancock Township Fire Department, serving his community for 30 years. He also served Quincy Township as clerk for a time.

Through marriage, he became a father and grandfather, in which he treated and loved as his own.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Harry and Angelina Goudge; sister, Mabel Liimatta; brother, Robert “Bobby” Goudge; sisters- in- Law, Joan Whittaker and Ruth Montgomery-Patch; brothers- in -laws, James O’Connell, Nicholas Mandoli, and Daniel “Roach” Dulong, Sr.; and stepson, Donald Archambeau.

Mike is survived by his loving wife and best friend Jean; stepdaughters: Linda (Bill) Hill, Michelle DeRoche, and Nicole Hebner; stepson: Barney DeRoche; grandchildren: Eric Archambeau, William Hill, Danielle DeRoche, Christopher DeRoche, Brandon DeRoche, Kayla DeRoche, Ashley Huuki, and Cameron Huuki; and great grand-children: Rylie, Jake and Joe Archambeau; siblings: Marion O’Connell, Elizabeth Mandoli, William (Marlene) Goudge, Josephine (Richard) Kangas, and Ruth Ann Dulong; and sisters-in-law: Wanda Ollanketo and Janet Whittaker. He also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews, as well as several close friends, most especially Jake Skewes.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 from 10 until 11 am with a celebration of life service at 11:00 am at the Church of the Resurrection in Hancock with Rev. Father Corey Litzner to officiate. Spring interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Houghton.

The family is requesting in lieu of flowers, to make a donation in Mike’s memory to the Quincy Franklin Hancock Township Fire Department, 20457 Sunshine Road, Hancock, MI 49930 or charity of your choice.

The family of Mike would like to thank the First Responders, Mercy Ambulance and staff at the emergency department at UP Health System Portage for all their compassion and support through this difficult time.

The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock is assisting with the arrangements. To leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.

Categories
Obituaries

Susan M. “Sue” Sullivan, 71, Alston

Susan M. “Sue” Sullivan, age 71, of Alston, MI passed away suddenly on Thursday, February
26, 2026. She was born in L’Anse on October 12, 1954, the daughter of the late Walfred B. and
Betty J. (Connor) Sullivan.
Sue graduated from L’Anse High School in 1972. She attended Northern Michigan University,
where she received her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree in 1974. She later attended Suomi
College, earning her Registered Nurse (RN) degree in 1989. Sue was employed at Baraga
County Memorial Hospital in L’Anse for 44 years, retiring in 2018.
Sue was a faithful member of Mission United Lutheran Church in Pelkie and the Alston VFW
Post #7646 Women’s Auxiliary. She especially enjoyed making pasties at the Alston VFW,
crocheting, baking, cooking, traveling, and catering with her brother, Jim Sullivan. Sue was a
caring and loving person who would do anything for anyone, particularly her family, to whom
she was deeply devoted.
Sue is survived by her loving family: brothers Louis Sullivan of L’Anse and James (Brenda)
Sullivan of Nisula; sisters-in-law Charlene Sullivan of L’Anse and Judy Sullivan of Alston;
along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers David “Mike” Sullivan and Walfred “Wally”
Sullivan; and sister-in-law Connie Sullivan.
Funeral services for Sue will be held at 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Mission
United Lutheran Church, Pelkie, MI with Pastor Kelly Ylitalo officiating. The family will greet
friends at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until 11 a.m. The National Nurses Honor
Guard will conduct a service at 11 a.m. A luncheon will be served immediately following the
funeral service.
Spring interment will take place in Alston Cemetery.
Sue’s obituary may also be viewed and condolences sent to the family at
www.reidfuneralservicechapel.com.
The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel in L’Anse has been entrusted with the funeral
arrangements.

Categories
Obituaries

Raymond Bosley Sr., Painesdale

Raymond Bosley, Sr., a resident of Painesdale, passed away Wednesday,
February 25, 2026.

Ray was born on February 3, 1936 in Sault Sainte Marie Michigan, to
Carl and Elizabeth (Oberlin) Bosley. He had five brothers and one
sister. He was a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa
Indians. While growing up in the Sault, Ray enjoyed music and
participated in weekend gatherings of friends and family where music
was played and dancing ensued. He also liked to remind his children
that he once attended a concert in the Sault in his youth where he saw
Jerry Lee Lewis open for Johnny Cash. Ray played high school football
for the Sault High Blue Devils and was voted All-U.P. playing
offensive guard. He recalled taking a ferry boat across the Mackinac
Straits when his team played in Petoskey, which was prior to the
construction of the Mackinac Bridge.

 Following high school, Ray enrolled in the U.S. Army and honorably
served two years while stationed in Alaska. He continued to play
football in the Army, traveling to other army bases to compete with
other teams. After being discharged from the Army, he attended
Northern Michigan University in Marquette. While there, he met Ruth
Quaal, a student from Ishpeming. They later were married on August 19,
1961 in Ishpeming and resided in Hancock early in their marriage. Ray
and Ruth moved to South Range and then to Painesdale where they
continued to raise their family of four children. Ray began a 38-year
teaching career at Jeffers High School in 1961. He taught primarily
Industrial Arts, Drafting, and Driver’s Education. He is remembered by
his students for his humor and his expectation that they apply
themselves to the skills and to the creative opportunities he
presented during his classes.

Early in his career, he had the clock removed from over his classroom
door, substituting it with one of his many inspirational plaques. That
particular plaque read, “Time will pass. Will you?” Another of his
many mantras for students was, “There are two ways to get to the top
of an oak tree: Sit on an acorn. Or climb it.”

Ray was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Painesdale and
Holy Family Church in South Range. He sang in the church choir with
many good friends. Ray and his wife Ruth were both dedicated to their
Catholic faith.

 Throughout his life, Ray’s talents for furniture building, home
remodeling, and building intricate model ships and small wood projects
and games were always evident. He enjoyed building and using
radio-controlled boats, and later on built and flew radio-controlled
airplanes. Ray was also a life-long Green Bay Packer fan, eventually
attending a memorable game at Lambeau with his sons. He also enjoyed
attending the Experimental Aircraft Association Fly-In in Oshkosh,
Wisconsin annually, for many years. In his later years, his
grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a special place in his
heart and in his life—always appreciating his time with them.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife Ruth; his parents; his
son-in-law Michael Clouthier; and his brothers and sisters: Teddy,
Donna, Carl, Larry, and Rick.

 He is survived by his children: Ray (Kriss) Bosley, Michael (Anita)
Bosley, Marie (Cliff) Dessellier, and Patrick (Jennifer) Beausoleil.
Grandchildren: Elizabeth (Will) Williams, Andrew (Jennie) Clouthier,
Sarah (Seth) Keller, Jacob (Elle) Dessellier, Gabby (Jake) Brenke,
Bruce (Jennifer) Dessellier, Eric Dessellier, Shannon (Bob) Matson,
and Lindsay (Justin Dueweke) Clouthier. Great-grandchildren: Adalene,
Michael, and Ben Williams; Gunner, Teddy, Alex, and Bodie Clouthier;
Tristan and Owen Keller; Gordy and Wren Vaskey; Gavin, Chase, and
Brooks Dessellier; Mialy (Carley) Frauenhoff; Abby Brooks; and Donovan
Dueweke. He is also survived by a brother Walter (Nancy) Bosley,
sisters-in-law Sandy Bosley and Cheryl Bosley, and numerous nieces and
nephews and other family members through marriage.

For the past few years, Ray received supportive care from the At Home
Companions home-care staff and from Copper Shores Meals on Wheels. He
also appreciated the assistance provided by many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Ray will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday,
March 2, 2026, at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church of Houghton.
Spring burial will be in the Mt. View Cemetery of South Range.

Friends may call on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 5 to 7:00 pm at St.
Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church of Houghton.

To view this obituary or to send condolences online to the family,
please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Mt View Chapel of
South Range is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Categories
Sports

Butternut Girls Toppled in Regional Semi-Final

The season came to a close Tuesday night in Laona, but not without a fight.

In WIAA Division 5 Regional Semi-Final action, Butternut traveled south to take on the Laona-Wabeno Rebels, knowing they would have to weather both an intense defensive battle and a raucous home crowd. From the opening tip, it was clear points would come at a premium.

Both teams dug in defensively, contesting every pass and every shot. The Rebels’ physical presence began to show as the first half unfolded, and despite a determined effort by the Midgets, Laona-Wabeno carried a 19-7 lead into the locker room.

Butternut’s defense was good enough to win on most nights. The Midgets battled on the boards, challenged shots, and forced tough possessions. But offensively, they could never quite find their rhythm. Laona-Wabeno’s size, strength, and depth disrupted Butternut’s flow all evening, forcing turnovers and hurried shots. The Midgets managed just 16 percent shooting from the field, and each defensive stop that could have sparked a rally was undone by missed opportunities on the other end.

Early in the second half, the Rebels delivered the decisive blow. Four straight three-pointers stretched the lead and opened the game up for good. From there, Laona-Wabeno cruised to a 48-20 victory.

Still, the young Midgets never stopped competing.

Senior Caitlynn Bebeau, playing in her final game in a Butternut uniform, turned in a gritty, all-around performance. She led the team with 9 points, pulled down 8 rebounds, dished out an assist, grabbed 2 steals, and swatted away 4 shots. It was a fitting effort for the team’s lone senior — all heart, all hustle, to the final buzzer.

“It was a great effort,” said Coach Troy Scherwinski. “We could match them in talent, but they had a definite advantage in size, strength, depth, and experience. We never gave up. I’m proud of our effort, and our season.”

Butternut closes the year with an impressive 17-9 record. While the regional run ended sooner than hoped, the fight, growth, and resilience shown by this young squad promise that the future remains bright for the Midgets.