 “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” — Mignon McLaughlin Wow, no truer words. Ask anyone who remains happy in a long term marriage. After all,people change. Who we are at different stages of our lives evolves and adjusts with time and circumstances and events. The person you marry will not be the same person 10 years down the road whether you tie the proverbial knot at 20 or 50, but having the ability to fall in love with the person they are becoming, to appreciate and celebrate rather than fear or resent their changes is part of what long term love is about. Here are the most recent couples who signed on for the long term. Destiny Bartomaleoli, Holton & David Pelton Jr., Holton Lori Osborn, White Cloud & Keenan Fuller, White Cloud Laurie Kooistra, Greenville & Phillip Ottinger Jr., Newaygo Matthew Milan, Grant & Hannah Joan McMartin, Spring Lake Kyle Clark, Jenison & Lauryn Patterson, Muskegon Lexie Green, Cedar Springs & Allen Sied, Sparta
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 Buffy Murphy with an Elm Street neighbor Over the years we have not only enjoyed getting a good scare from the Trail of Terror Holton but have also been beyond impressed by the organizational skills it takes to put on an event such as this. With ToT Holton celebrating their 20th year of frightening folks, we thought it would be a good time to chat with its founder Buffy Murphy. How did this start? A young couple moved across the country from Clearwater Beach Florida to Newaygo County with their new baby Dakota Dean Murphy to begin their new life as a family and to be in a great community near family. They bought land, built a home and a few months before the new home was complete along came baby # 2, Shawn Memphis Murphy the brother Dakota asked Santa for. Ironically, we moved Halloween of 2002 and spent our 1st winter getting our home in order with our 2 beautiful children. Summer came, our first at home, and July 19th 2003 my Husband was in a disabling motorcycle accident. With a new baby, a 4 year old and an unexpectedly disabled husband, all the walls came crashing in and I honestly thought we were going to lose everything including our new home. Really needing a break I went for a weekend trip with a close friend to her parents and went to a wine tasting at a corn maze in Indiana run by a lawyer. He said it was an annual tradition and always packed. The lightbulb went off. We decided on a haunted trail to raise the money I needed to save my home and family. With a lot of help on infrastructure primarily from wisner electric and a lot of friends, we were able to get it built. With my previous employment in radio and newspaper I was able to get some help advertising the event and it was an overwhelming success. It carried my family for the time needed to restructure our life and survive and each year after we did various fund raisers for different organizations and scholarships. It started from a family in need and a community who supported an event to help that family and since then it has supported various organizations in need How many workers does it take to make it go? We only run about 25% volunteer at this point, and 75% payroll, we have approximately 70 people total for overall operations annually. Are many the same as years past? Timothy Telfor is our one staff member who is head of security and he is the only one other than me who has been here all 20 years. Next would be our original Michael Myers, Jim Harrington who has been here 19 of the years, and then we have several "LEGENDS", To be legend you must have been involved over 10 years. To be veteran you must have over 5 years., Less than 5 you are still NEWBIE status. It's been 20 years. A long time. What keeps you motivated to every year take on what must be a ton of work to organize? Yes it has been a long time and yes it's a ton of work. This is a story in itself. We ran the Trail of Terror Holton from 2005 to 2014 originally as stated to help my family and then so many others over the years, well in 2014 it came back full circle. We lost our son Dakota Dean Murphy at 17 years old May 11th om Mothers day morning in a fatal roll over accident a little over a mile from home. There are no words to describe what this did to our family, home, business, life. The trail always officially started the first Thursday after Labor Day, with it only being a few months. I was not prepared mentally to take on the magnitude of work to do the trail nor did I have the emotional capacity so I let the management team know there would be no show. There was a knock on the door, not realizing what day it was, I opened to see management. I was perplexed and said we are not doing the show I just can't. Then I was told I needed to come outside. To my surprise all the years of staff and volunteers were there waiting and they had gathered and said Dakota was so passionate about the trail and he always helped with Lions club and TrueNorth and Muskegon Rescue Mission and so many things he knows how much we do and how many we help and he would be so upset if you just closed. "We will do everything please let us run a 1-night show as a Tribute to Dakota Dean Murphy!!" And so, we did a one weekend show in honor of Dakota and intended it to be the last to get closure for all of us. The following summer we were approached and there was a need with another organization who dealt with abused children. They asked why would we close? Why would we stop this when so many love it so many support it so many care about it and knowing how many we help every year not only from a monetary standpoint but also from a mentoring standpoint as a large amount of the kids or young adults we have out here are at very pivotal points in life and the connection out here is amazing. The unconditional acceptance, the chance to be part of something worthwhile. Some have rough home lives, and some are just looking for something fun to do and it has become a refuge from August thru November as well as a year-round connection for many of them. So, we decided as long as the community wants it and continues to sponsor and support our efforts and the staff returns, we will allow the show to go on as long as our health allows. Best memory from past events? I would have to say both the 1st year with my husband's accident and Dakota's year, the overwhelming love and support of the community coming together to help through a now annual family fun Halloween tradition. Why should people come? Well, its fall, its Halloween, its fun and it is an amazing group of people who care and put a lot of work into the event. The Trail of Terror Holton has been voted the scariest place in West Michigan.  Front row: Coach Emeritus Tony McHattie, Assistant Coach Adam Fitzmaurice, Kristy Irwin, Ayla Faulkner, Gabriella Ball, Connor Wonch, Payten Wolters, Leah Vining, Adriana Alvarez-Smith, and Alice Hyde Middle row: Assistant Coach Cameron Karnes, Coach Stephen Smith, Annabelle Bird, Kacie Kailing, Landon Edwards, Arsyn Balke, and James Elliott Back row: Charlotte Karnes, Mason D’Lamater, Captain Liam Povey, and Brian Loveless By Coach Stephen Smith The recipe for success started early for the White Cloud Quiz Bowl teams as they journeyed down to the 19th Annual Holland Invitational on October 11, 2025. Mixing careful preparation, quick reflexes, and a dash of competitive spirit, each squad found its rhythm. Gaining simmering confidence as the day continued, the Cloud showcased a strong autumnal performance, exemplified by outstanding teamwork and tenacity. Serving up a full menu of victories, White Cloud Varsity A (6-3) sizzled in their performances against Ionia B, prevailing in both contests (285-90 and 295-110). Cooking with confidence, the courageous contingent scorched Roscommon B twice in contests (310-30 and 430-20). The eventual tournament champion, John Adams A boiled over with points in opposition to the Indians, who were able to muster up 90 points against the juggernaut. In the rematch, the Cloud plated a valiant effort with a tie at halftime, but the Eagles turned up the heat in the second half to claim another victory. With unrelenting determination, the sensational squad dished out victories over Interlochen (280-145) and fired on all burners against Kalamazoo Christian, winning (345-50). The valiant vanguard’s blistering attack cooled off in the final half against St. Joseph. and the Cloud faltered (135-170). Nevertheless, the fantastic four possessed the necessary ingredients to qualify for the state championship tournament, now for the 37th time and the national tournaments for the 29th occasion in school history. Stirring up the most trouble for the competition was Brian Loveless, who provided a feast of points with 350 in the best performance of his career. Senior Captain Liam Povey followed closely behind and torched the competition with 325 points. Whisking in a strong showing was Mason D’Lamater who whipped up 210 points. Charlotte Karnes added spice with 35 points for a commendable all-around team effort. The tenacious team amassed 2,355 total points and averaged 261.66 points per game. Meanwhile, the Varsity B team had marinated in preparation for this invitational and measured out victories against White Pigeon C (155-50 and 155-110). In bitterly tight contests the Indians fell to Holland (145-170), Kalamazoo Christian (120-125), and Roscommon A (180-185). Undoubtedly, these tough experiences will permit these phenomenal players to set the table for future success. Bouncing back, the fearsome five tasted victory once more against Ionia B (130-110). Leading these mighty minds in the academic fray was James Elliott, who cooked with 195 points. Following next, Landon Edwards blended accuracy with speed, acquiring 150 points. Junior Captain Arsyn Balke cranked up the burner with 70 points. Sprinkling in key answers was Annabelle Bird with 45 points, and Kacie Kailing turned up the temperature with 40 points, demonstrating the team’s outstanding potential. Preheating for competition on the junior varsity level, White Cloud featured two squads, who aimed to obtain a mixture of knowledge and experience. In a searing victory, the JV A squad executed with precision in a win over Holland B (50-20). Captain Leah Vining sizzled on the buzzer with 105, which was the highest total on her team. Following closely behind her leader, Adriana Alvarez-Smith stirred up more momentum with 100 more points. Alice Hyde grilled her adversaries with 45 points, and Payten Wolters simmered patiently, grabbing 20 points in her first outing. As for the JV B crew, they kept the mix steady through many close matches with Captain Ayla Faulkner spicing things up with 70 points. Adding in a pinch of brilliance, Gabriella Ball scored 30 points, the first in her career. Kristy Irwin folded in deep knowledge with 20 points, and Connor Wonch tossed in key contributions on bonus questions. Coach Stephen Smith and the entire White Cloud Quiz Bowl team would like to extend their gratitude to Coach Emeritus Tony McHattie and assistant coaches Arnie Baker, Kiranna Reynolds, Cameron Karnes, Jarrett Warlick, Adam Fitzmaurice, and Amber VanBoxel for their steadfast support. The team appreciates all parents for their invaluable assistance with transportation and meals. Their collective efforts make White Cloud’s success possible. In addition, the team would like to thank the teachers, administrators, board members, staff, alumni, financial donors, and community members who have supported the team as well. Next up, the Varsity A squad will compete at WCMU Quiz Central on Monday, October 27, 2025. All teams will square off again at White Cloud’s Jan Rademacher Memorial Quiz Bowl Invitational on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
The anticipation is building for National 4-H Week, during which millions of youth, parents, volunteers and alumni across the country will be celebrating everything 4-H. The theme of this year’s National 4-H Week is Beyond Ready which highlights how 4-H provides opportunities and encourages kids to take part in hands-on learning experiences in areas such as health, science, agriculture and civic engagement through experiential learning and prepares youth to be Beyond Ready for life and careers. The positive environment provided by 4-H mentors ensures that kids in every county ̶ from urban neighborhoods to suburban schoolyards to rural farming communities ̶ are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles and are empowered with the skills to lead in life and career. Newaygo County 4-H will observe National 4-H Week this year by showcasing the incredible experiences that 4-H offers young people and will highlight the remarkable 4-H youth in our community who work each day to make a positive impact on those around them. By engaging in innovative pursuits through 4-H projects and activities, field trips, and community service, youth get the opportunity of expressing themselves in a positive, tangible, and meaningful way while instilling a sense of achievement and pride, boosting their self-confidence all while developing life skills. 4-H, the nation’s largest youth development and empowerment organization, cultivates confident kids who tackle the issues that matter most in their communities right now. In the United States, 4-H programs empower six million young people through the 110 land-grant universities and Cooperative Extension in more than 3,000 local offices serving every county and parish in the country. Outside the United States, independent, country-led 4-H organizations empower one million young people in more than 50 countries. Newaygo County 4-H alone reaches 600 youth participants with over 104 volunteers involved in 40 community clubs annually. In addition, Newaygo County 4-H provides youth programming to approximately 2500 youth annually in Newaygo County, through the in-school and community programs. To learn more about the Newaygo County 4-H Program, visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/newaygo/4-h/ or call 231-924-0500. 4-H is open to all youth, ages 5 – 19. Age is determined on January 1 of the current year.   DHD#10 Announces Upcoming COVID/Flu Walk-in Clinics
District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) is announcing their upcoming COVID-19/Flu vaccination clinics. DHD#10 COVID-19 and Flu walk-in clinics are added weekly; however, residents can schedule appointments at DHD#10 over the phone (888-217-3904) or online by visiting https://dhd10.org/residents/immunizations/schedule/. DHD#10 is hosting public COVID-19 and Flu walk-in clinics at the following locations: Newaygo County Commission on Aging 93 S Gibbs St White Cloud, MI October 8, 9:30am-11:30am Newaygo Congregational United Church of Christ 432 Quarterline St Newaygo, MI October 16, 9am-11am  There is an old song by the group Firefall that goes, “When there's so much trouble that you want to cry When your world has crumbled and you don't know why When your hopes are fading and they can't be found Dreams have left you waiting friends have let you down Well just remember I love you And it'll be alright.” Man, if it was only that easy. Life can be pretty difficult at times. Knowing someone loves you in that ever exclusive spousal way can be a huge help, but it won’t make everything all right. And yet knowing you have a person in your life who can serve as a refuge from what can sometimes seem like a stressful outside world is immeasurably valuable. A partner in facing what day to day living can toss your way. Whenever confronted with a sticky situation or confusing conundrum an ongoing mantra spoken by my lifetime spousal companion and myself has always been, “Well, we’ll figure it out”. It’s simple and yet surprisingly reassuring. As is knowing you’re in it together and… in it for the long run. Here are the latest couples who have signed on to ‘figure it out’ together. Seth Hawkins, Newaygo & Megan Bates, Newaygo Nickolas Sanchez, Newaygo & Kalista DeJohn, Newaygo Kaitlyn Averill, Grant & Anthony Tindall, Highland, Mi Jeffrey Lotz, Hesperia & Barbara Grondsma, Pentwater Francis Bluer V, Newaygo & Jacqueline Ferguson, Newaygo |
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