For the first time in the 12-year history of the Wayland High School girls ice hockey program, a third school will join the cooperative team.
While there is a much-needed boost from bringing Newton South into the fold with Wayland and Weston, it will add competition for the three locals who don the skates and equipment for the Warcats.
Unfortunately, there was little choice. Weston’s four representatives, along with the three from Wayland, would make up only two forward lines and a goalie for the 2025-26 season.
Thankfully, the team from Newton South, a fellow Dual County school with Wayland and Weston, was available after Newton North ventured out on its own. Newton South brings loads of players (12) in addition to experience and success.
“The biggest thing coping with a third school is it allows Wayland and Weston to continue playing,” said coach Jess Boehmer, a Wayland native in her fifth year in the program, fourth as head coach. “It’s a big year across the board with lots of changes in the team and practices. But I think it is going to help the program.”
Drew Galizio, a sophomore defense-man from Wayland, welcomes the new players, even if it may cut into her ice time. During last year’s 6-13-2 campaign, she got consistent ice time despite being a freshman, though she’s well aware that it could change.
“It’s been really great having more players, especially in practices — it challenges us more,” she explained. “When we start playing harder games we should be more prepared.

”I’m not really concerned with ice time now that we have another school. I know the coaches will do whatever is best for the team. I think everyone feels the same.”

Boehmer noted that she has already seen improvement in Galizio’s game. She said her on-ice vision has improved and her confidence is higher. It may result in more than her one assist last year, but that isn’t her main job.
“She’s always ready to go and always gives 100% on every shift,” Boehmer said. “She played strongly and confidently as a freshman.”
Galizio has also shown leadership characteristics by being one of the first players to make friends with the Newton South girls while acclimating them to the program. Boehmer is excited to see her lead the team in the coming years.
Fellow sophomore Mackenzie Young saw significant ice time as a freshman, finishing with one goal and one assist as a center. She’s the type of player who wants to improve from shift to shift, and Boehmer describes her as “a great teammate.”
Adeline Marashio, the third player from Wayland, is a freshman defenseman who is still navigating her way on the varsity squad, The staff sees her as a very coachable player who learns from her mistakes.
So far, the influx of new faces has contributed to early-season success. With three wins in its first five games. While it’s still early, they may be on their way to their second winning season in a dozen years.
“I think a good start is going to be important for us as we push into the middle of the season,” said Galizio. “Last year started out losing and it brought the overall mood down in both practices and games.”
In addition to providing depth for this year’s team, having Newton South enables the squad to be successful while also cultivating young players like Marashio and the two freshmen goalies from the larger third school.
And youngsters who are playing in youth leagues, or are considering talking up the sport, will have something to strive for with a varsity program that will be around for some time.
“Good, younger players will know there’s somewhere to play,” Boehmer said. “A big goal for me and the program is to get the awareness out there and then kids at the elementary level can learn to play hockey and want to play for their high school team.”

November 21, 1939 – January 8, 2026

James Richard Spangler, 86, passed away on January 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 21, 1939, in Archbold, Ohio, and resided in Cicero. A humble man who lived his life with great love and loyalty, Jim led by example and inspired many throughout his life.

Jim was a loving and devoted husband to his wife, Carolyn Spangler. They were married on August 21, 1964, and their enduring bond was a testament to their love and commitment. He was a proud father to Curtis Spangler, Christopher Spangler, and Lisa Ward, and a doting grandfather to Evan Ward, Allison Spangler, Joel Spangler, Carlie Ward, and great-granddaughter, Lennox Ward. He is also survived by his siblings Eddie (Karen) Spangler, Sharon Hayes, and Mark (Karen) Spangler, and several nieces and nephews. James was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Virginia Spangler, and his brothers Roger and Michael Spangler.

In his professional life, Jim was a long-time employee for General Motors where he served in different aspects of manufacturing but ended his career as the UAW Health and Safety Trainer; he retired in 2003. Beyond his career, he was passionate about coaching youth sports at Mt. Vernon and Hamilton Heights Schools. His influence on young athletes was profound and long-lasting. An avid sports fan, he loved everything IU, Cubs, and Colts. Jim was also a regular at Starbucks on State Road 32, where he met with his morning coffee group. He was an avid golfer and hosted an annual golf outing in memory of his father. Above all, James was a family man who cherished time spent with his loved ones.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Hartley-Dunnichay Funeral Home, 209 W. Jackson St., Cicero. A memorial service will follow at 6 p.m. Services are under the direction of Hartley Funeral Homes – Cicero.

To remember James Spangler and celebrate his life, we encourage you to leave your memories and upload photos to his memorial page. His life was a testament to the power of humility, loyalty, love, and inspiration, and his legacy lives on in every life he touched.

Condolences: hartleyfuneralhomes.com

“It’s fun, but it’s also kind of hard,” Lumi said.

Being a child actor means constant travel and long hours. One time, he was on set for eight hours until 1 a.m.

Lumi said there’s a teacher on set during his acting gigs who communicates with his school to keep him caught up with his classmates.

He’s also in the gifted program and formerly played football for Smithfield Packers Youth Sports, which runs football, track and cheerleading programs for ages 5-14. He now plays for the 11-and-under Virginia Seahawks, a Virginia Beach-based youth sports team.

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate Lumi Oniyide on his recent accomplishments,” SPYS said in a social media statement. “Lumi is a former athlete of Smithfield Packers Youth Sports, and it’s amazing to see him continue to shine and represent excellence beyond the field.”

Through his acting gigs, he’s met celebrities like Jamie Foxx and Sterling K. Brown. Among Lumi’s idols is actor and producer Michael B. Jordan, who starred in Black Panther and the Creed series.

In addition to Abbott Elementary, Lumi will make a guest appearance in Season 2 of Paradise, a thriller starring Brown that premiered on the streaming service Hulu in 2025. Season 2 will debut Feb. 23.

Despite his rise to stardom, his day-to-day life at Westside hasn’t changed that much, his mother said.

“With his friends, he’s just Lumi and he loves that,” Shante’ said. “They are always excited for him, but he’s just Lumi.”

“I try not to tell a lot of people,” said Lumi, but since his appearance on Abbott Elementary, “I can’t keep it a secret now.”

Shante, a principal at Mary T. Christian Elementary School in Hampton, and her husband, Olumide Sr., are originally from Brooklyn, New York.

“My husband is a graduate of Hampton University, so that’s how we ended up in Hampton, Virginia,” she said. “Our friend had a wedding at The Smithfield Center and we thought the area was beautiful and decided to buy our home here back in 2015.”

Shante’ said Lumi just signed with a modeling agency in New York City, State Management, and is working on several projects that will be released this year and early next year.

Lumi said he plans to pursue acting as a career once he graduates and hopes to one day star in a recurring role on a TV series.

Copyright © 2026, Northwest Arkansas Newspapers LLC. (NWA Media)

All rights reserved.

This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Northwest Arkansas Newspapers LLC

Material from the Associated Press is Copyright © 2026, Associated Press and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. All rights reserved.

Civilian Employee Tammy Williamson of the Michigan State Police St. Ignace post is shown getting her 2025 Employee of the Year award from MSP Capt. Christopher Gerard. (Photo courtesy of Michigan State Police)

MARQUETTE — The Michigan State Police Eighth District, which encompasses the Upper Peninsula, has chosen the winners of the district’s 2025 Employee of the Year Awards.

The awards honor members who show strong character, dedicated service and a positive impact on the communities they serve.

This year’s recipients are Trooper Ryan Rossler of the Iron Mountain post, MCO Bruce Brown of the Sault Ste. Marie post and Civilian Employee Tammy Williamson of the St. Ignace post.

Each were recently presented with their awards at the MSP Eighth District Headquarters in Marquette.

Some information from MSP on the winners —

Eighth District Trooper of the Year: Trooper Ryan Rossler

Rossler is being recognized for work that goes above what is expected. Whether he is on general patrol, completing criminal investigations, or responding to emergency calls, Rossler does exceptional work.

In his canine handler capacity, Rossler is a leader and mentor for the other MSP and local law enforcement canine teams in the Upper Peninsula. Rossler has demonstrated success finding lost people and narcotics detection for criminal investigations. He often helps other canine teams and is known for responding to important calls with skill and care.

Rossler shows calm and steady leadership. He gladly volunteers to help other post staff members and other local police officers. He is well-respected by those he works with.

Outside of work, he supports his community by coaching middle school girls basketball, helping at school events, and taking part in youth activities. Many people in the community speak highly of him and appreciate how kindly he treats others.

Eighth District Motor Carrier Officer of the Year: MCO Bruce Brown

Brown is being honored for his excellent performance and strong leadership. He works hard to keep Michigan roads safe and is known for his careful attention to detail. Brown is diligent and effective in identifying hazardous drivers and unsafe vehicles, which helps to keep roadways safe and reduce commercial vehicle crashes.

His proactive work in construction zones has been notably important, and workers have thanked him for helping keep them safe. He often works with the Michigan Department of Transportation and county road commissions to help to identify high-risk areas and prioritize enforcement. This collaboration has played an important role in protecting Michigan’s transportation infrastructure.

Brown builds good relationships with others and teaches trucking companies how to follow safety rules. He also helps train fellow officers, offering guidance and support whenever they need it.

Brown is very active in the community. He leads the district’s coat drive each year, coaches youth sports, joins Special Olympics events and helps with local fundraisers. His dedication and positive attitude make him a role model for others.

Eighth District Civilian Employee of the Year: Tammy Williamson

Williamson is being recognized for her professionalism, kindness and support of her team. As the St. Ignace post secretary, she is known for being very helpful. She handles important office duties, keeps budgets organized, and helps staff with their administrative responsibilities. She takes on extra tasks without hesitation and helps to manage special events. Her coworkers trust her and often go to her for advice. She treats everyone with respect and truly cares about the people she works with.

Williamson is also very active in her community. As an example, this past year, she and her daughter helped organize suicide awareness and prevention efforts by raising funds and building two custom benches. One was donated to Pellston schools and the other to Veteran’s Memorial Park in Pellston. These benches serve as visible reminders of hope and support, and their efforts mark meaningful steps to promote suicide prevention and awareness in the community.

Each of these award recipients will now be considered for the statewide MSP Employee of the Year Award for their respective position, which will be announced at a later date.

The MSP Eighth District appreciates of the hard work, dedication, and community support shown by Rossler, Brown and Tammy Williamson. Their service reflects the MSP mission to provide the highest quality law enforcement and public safety services throughout Michigan. We thank them for their outstanding commitment to the people and communities they serve.