By Mark Constance

WEST BRANCH — Antique tractors, vintage engines and early farm equipment will be on display during the Pioneer Power Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Show from Thursday, July 16, through Saturday, July 18.

The annual event will be held at the Pioneer Power showgrounds, 302 M-55 in West Branch.

The three-day show celebrates the machines and people that helped shape Michigan’s farming communities. Visitors can see restored tractors, gas engines and other historic farm equipment.

Activities are expected to include tractor parades, tractor pulls and demonstrations of early farming methods. Past shows have also featured threshing, corn shelling, plowing, sawmill demonstrations and blacksmithing.

Many of the machines on display were once used on farms across Michigan. Club members and exhibitors spend time restoring and preserving the equipment so future generations can learn how farming has changed.

Visitors can meet collectors, learn about different tractor brands and hear the stories behind the machines. The event is open to longtime collectors, history fans and families.

The show also traditionally includes a flea market, craft vendors and food vendors. Children can get a close look at the equipment while learning how farmers planted crops, harvested fields and powered machinery before modern technology.

The Pioneer Power Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Show has become a summer tradition in the West Branch area, bringing together farmers, collectors, families and history fans.

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OGEMAW COUNTY– Teacher Alyssia Proulx was surprised with the MAEO Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award during the Michigan Alternative Education Organization conference on May 1st. 

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60 Seconds with Ron Vittitow of West Branch

Q: What’s your “day job” in 10 words or less?

At 80+, I do more advising and consulting but am still a pretty good resource for our technicians and installers.

Q: What pulled you into the work you do now?

I started driving fuel oil and gasoline trucks for Restiner Oil Company. John asked me if I would attend a six-week school on fuel oil furnaces. I said yes and began working as a service tech.

Q: Tell us about your family.

Our grandson will be taking over our business. Our other three grandsons are all working in the trades. We now have one great granddaughter. We are also involved with our church family.

Q: What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?

After I worked with Restiner doing service work on fuel oil furnaces, I entered the Marine Corps. Afterwards using the GI Bill, I attended Ferris State University. Because of John Restiner, I have a bachelor’s degree from Ferris in technical education; along with 9 Military MOS’s in construction oriented and heating and refrigeration licenses and much more.

Q: What’s the most “Northern Michigan/Small-town” moment you’ve had?

Walking into any function is almost like a reunion. I am related to many people. The younger generations that we do business with have grandparents, aunts and uncles that I went to school with. I can often relate stories of the past.

Q: Coffee or tea? (And where’s your go-to place?)

Coffee – My back porch in the morning, rain, shine, cold or warm, I spend 15 minutes or more enjoying my life and thanking God for my blessings.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you were ever given—and by who?

My Dad – Don’t lie, cheat or steal. If your word is your worth, who determines your value?

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Fifteen chili entries, from mild and savory, to full-on five-alarm creations, filled the hall with mouthwatering aromas as attendees sampled, judged, and celebrated local culinary creativity. 

The family-friendly event also offered a variety of activities, including the lively “Bail Out / Free Local Members from Jail” fundraiser, a classic cake walk, face painting, and more, keeping visitors of all ages entertained throughout the day.

In addition to the fun, the event provided a valuable opportunity for residents to tour the Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services’ recent improvements and upgrades. Volunteers were on hand to answer questions and showcase the enhanced equipment and facilities made possible through community support.

The festivities continued into the evening as The Clear Lake Bar hosted the official Awards Ceremony, complete with live music by local favorite Michael Schulz. With so many outstanding chili entries, judges said choosing winners was no easy task—yet three cooks ultimately earned top honors:

• Kid’s Choice: Sheri

• Chief’s Choice: Josh

• People’s Choice: Julie

Julie’s celebrated recipe even earned a special place of honor, featured at The Clear Lake Bar on the opening day of rifle season.

Organizers extended heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed including participants, tasters, donors, and especially the dedicated volunteers who made the event possible.

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Every year on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, the Peterson’s hold a customer appreciation day filled with free food, games, and a visit from Santa. Children and teens are welcome to write a letter to Santa and register to be a part of the support system. There are around 250 participants every year and each child receives about 8-10 gifts all catered around items on their list. 

The Peterson’s also help around 100 families fill their pantries for Thanksgiving and Christmas with their holiday food boxes.

“This year we have had the highest demand for our seasonal food boxes, but also the highest amount of food donations from the community, “said Jean Peterson. “It brings me so much joy to contribute to our community in such an impactful way.”

These incredible programs are entirely funded by generous donations and ran by a handful of volunteers. One of the primary fundraisers for the Santa support system is a witches’ night out event held annually at Kenyon’s Lakeside Resort in Lupton. Over $750 and 109 toys and teen gifts were donated this year.  

If you are interested in contributing to these incredible programs, donations of nonperishable and frozen/meat items, toys, toiletry items, socks, blankets, clothes, and gift certificates for teen activities are currently being accepted at Lovewell’s. They are always accepting volunteers looking to help sort and wrap gifts and organize food boxes. You can also donate directly to them via PayPal and Venmo under @LovewellsCorner. 

Lovewell’s Corner Store is located at 1005 Wiltse Rd. in Lupton, their current winter hours are 7 a.m.- 6 p.m. daily. They carry a wide selection of liquor and are known for their 300 mini shot wall. You can follow them on Facebook to learn more about the food boxes and Santa support system. 

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Becoming a Veteran of the Year is a prestigious honor for a veteran whose life is filled with service, to both the U.S. military and their community.  

Randy Alan Huyck was born on January 04, 1955, and raised in East Tawas. Randy enjoyed school until his high school days became filled with bullying. In 1971, when Randy had had enough bullying, he quit high school and headed to the Army recruiter’s office.  

At first, he was told because he was only 16 years old his mother would have to sign a waiver for him. No problem there.  He officially joined the Army on January 07, 1972.

He had told the recruiter he wanted to be a driver but soon found out he’d have to work his way into that position as he didn’t know how to drive a stick shift at the time.

Randy was off to basic combat training in Ft. Knox with a clean-shaven head and his assigned clothes and boots. There he learned shooting, marching, did bivouac, and learned to make a bed military tight. 

After basic training was complete, Randy headed to St. Leonard Wood, MO. Randy learned to drive an Army Jeep; stick shift, four-on-the-floor and a Duce-and-a-½ (2 ½ ton truck). The Duce was a big White built, general purpose truck, with a 5-speed transmission and 6-wheel drive.

In June 1972, Randy was sent to Ft. Ord, CA, to drive an ambulance. 

“Wounded, mostly from Vietnam, would be flown into Monterey Airport and I’d transport them to Silas B. Hayes Hospital,” recounted Randy.

Next up was Ft. Bragg. Randy would finally be near family as his brother, Jim, was nearby at Camp Lejeune. 

“At Ft Bragg I learned Secondary MOS (Military Occupational Skill). Which means I was here, there, everywhere, and listed as TD4, (Temporary Duty). That means I was loaned out to other units because I could read a map, not get lost and get somewhere quicker than most drivers. Because of my skills Special Forces wanted me, but I didn’t want them, wanted no part of that, so I went AWOL for 10 days.” said Randy. 

“During that 10 days the Special Forces unit picked up Randy Hayes out of my unit thinking they were getting me. So, by the time I got back, Special Forces had dropped interest in me.” 

Randy was taken off the TD4 list and was put working in a motor pool, learning how to be a mechanic.

He met and married Diane (she was in service too) and they had their first born, Randy Jr., in Fayetteville, NC. 

In December of ’75, Randy was sent with the 590 Transportation Company to Mannheim, Germany, where he was mechanic and driving truck. He drove over 26,000 miles accident free near Munich, hauling everything from decommissioned Ack-ack guns (anti-aircraft guns) to atomic bombs, moving them all over Germany.

Randy and Diane’s second son, Douglas, was born, during Randy’s two-tours (5 ½ years) in Germany. January 10, 1985, after his 2nd tour, Randy got out of service. In 1987, Randy and Diane divorced.

In 1997 Randy, living in Whittemore, married Karen Weaver from Hale. Nowadays they make their home in the Sage Lake area.

He has served as the 2002 Commander of the Disabled American Veterans, Ogemaw Hills #73, and served 17 years as Commander. He has been a member of the 370 American Legion for 15 years, participating in various activities, such as fundraising for helping brethren vets.

Thank you Randy Huych, for your dedicated service and we give recognition to the honor you were awarded as the 2025 Ogemaw County Veteran of the Year.

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Special thanks to Community Financial Credit Union and Top Tire of Houghton Lake for sponsoring the event.

Centerpieces, created by survivors, reflected the contrast between outward appearances and inner emotions. Each table included description cards explaining the mask-making process and its meaning.

As always, handmade hearts were shared with attendees—a reminder of their logo, “a heart in a house,” and their mission to be a safe home filled with love.

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This 306-page sci-fi novel takes the reader on a journey of extraterrestrial intervention with humans on earth. These intelligent aliens come to help humanity evolve into a world without pain and sickness. They provide insight on advancements including renewable energy and technical marvels to level up human existence. Challenges are faced when world authorities try to prevent the spread of this new knowledge.

Project Earth was published this March, and is 63-year-old Fiondella’s 3rd book he has authored. In 2012 he wrote But Dad, a memoir commentary centered around raising his 2 daughters and son. His second book, Quirky Bathroom Book for Men Over 60 was published in 2024 and highlights the funny quirks relating to the various challenges that come with unwanted aging. 

“Project Earth has all the aspects to make it believable and interesting. There is character depth and relatability, I really set the bar high for myself in hopes other people enjoy it,” said Fiondella. 

Fiondella worked in the Detroit area as a union electrician and is remaining quite busy in retirement. When he isn’t writing, he spends his time drumming and plays for the band Crossing Woodward. He is currently in the preliminary stages of a sequel to Project Earth, where the salvation of planet Earth will be revealed.

You can follow Fiondella’s creative endeavors at jayfiondella.com or purchase his books through https://books2read.com/u/mlxn0P. 

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During her stay, Hinako had the opportunity to explore some of Michigan’s highlights and traditions. One of the most memorable experiences was showing cattle at the Ogemaw County Fair, where she embraced a hands-on look at the agricultural community.

Thanks to the Laier family’s generosity and hospitality, Hinako was able to gain an authentic perspective of Michigan life while sharing her own culture in return. Programs like this highlight the power of 4-H in building lifelong connections, fostering cultural understanding, and creating memories that last a lifetime. 

If you are interested in hosting for the 2026 States’ 4-H International exchange program, please contact the Ogemaw County Program Coordinator, Stephanie Stephens at steph544@msu.edu or 989-345-0692.

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