MONROE — The Monroe Wrestling Club (MWC) successfully hosted its 2nd Annual Golf Outing Fundraiser on Saturday, June 21, at the Monroe Golf Club. This year’s event proved to be an even greater success for the non-profit organization, with all funds raised dedicated to enhancing opportunities for young wrestlers in the thriving program.

“We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support we received at our golf outing,” said Heidi Witt, MWC Secretary. “The funds raised will directly impact our ability to provide valuable experiences and resources for our dedicated young athletes as they grow within the sport.”

MWC extends its sincere appreciation to all the generous sponsors who made this event possible: Richard & Rebecca Beem Foundation, Blackhawk Quarry Products, Davis Foundations, E & N Hughes, Kundert Construction, Larse Trucking, TUGS, Eckdhal Family Dentistry, Schuh Shop, Titan Tire, Woodford State Bank, Deb & Dan Krattiger, and Klondike Cheese. Their commitment to the club’s mission is invaluable.

In addition to the successful fundraiser, the MWC proudly awarded scholarships to two deserving high school seniors who have been integral to the wrestling program: Delaney Sweeney, a dedicated wrestling manager, and Carson Menehan, a talented wrestler. Delaney will continue her education at UW-River Falls, pursuing a career as a Veterinarian. Carson will attend Loras College, where he will also continue his wrestling journey.

We’re almost halfway through the summer, and are nearing the time when we think about going back to school.

One of the concerns that often gets raised relates to how some young people lose knowledge during the summer months. They might be performing at grade level in the spring and then be behind when they get back in the fall.

It might be because they don’t get time on task with reading and math. They aren’t sitting at their desks doing work sheets or skill building exercises.

Even so, I don’t think year-round school is the answer. Children need a break in the action, something different that can get them to go beyond the classroom. Many teenagers need summer work to save up for college or for a car.

There’s no shortage of learning opportunities in the summer. I had many of them back in the 1970s and 1980s. There’s even more available in 2025.

One of my first summer learning opportunities centered around the upstairs children’s department at the downtown Marshall Lyon County library.

Mrs. Doyle always had interesting class sessions. She knew how to make sure that everyone learned something at story hour and that we read the books we took home. From what I’ve observed, that’s still the case at the current library next to the middle school.

I remember the Wednesday night summer band concerts at Liberty Park, which have traditions such as Sousa marches and a kids march that have continued over the years. Summer was a time for many of my friends to take band lessons.

The Marshall Area Stage Company has done a great job of having a summer musical every year. There are plenty of parts for children, and it doesn’t require any special musical gifts.

I recall attending the Lyon County Fair each year. I walked through the animal barns to see farm animals that I rarely saw at other times of the year. I could tell there was something for everyone in 4-H. That’s still true.

We have summer camps at Lake Shetek and the Marshall Area YMCA. My main memory of camps was a spring trip for 6th graders to Camp Foley in northern Minnesota. I learned how to paddle a canoe and made an attempt to shoot arrows.

Sports camps and leagues have grown larger and more competitive in the past 50 years. I remember when we had tee-shirts rather than uniforms, ribbons instead of trophies.

In youth baseball I had a couple of memorable moments. I once hit a foul ball that rolled into my mother’s purse. I made an unassisted double play one year to end the final game of the season.

I remember swimming lessons, when I cruised through the programs until I had to blow up clothes in the Swimmer’s class. I decided that lifeguarding probably wasn’t right for me, but learned enough to enjoy pools and lakes.

Summer jobs still usually offer excellent chances to learn. I found my seasonal college job in the late 1980s very rewarding. I was part of the city’s playground staff that planned a program called Adventure Center. We did games, crafts, sports and field trips.

Many families take advantage every year of the chance to travel. My family took several trips to San Antonio, Texas to visit my aunt and uncle. I saw a lot of the United States. both in Texas and by taking car trips through the heartland of America. We also made many shorter trips to the Twin Cities to visit relatives.

Sometimes really good learning happens at home. I remember cooking, gardening and looking things up in the World Book Encyclopedia.

My sister and I also played school. We each had a classroom in back rooms of the basement. We’d use the workbooks we’d brought home at the end of the year and pretend to teach the reading and math. It definitely helped as far as retaining knowledge.

I think parents play a big role in whether students benefit from summer activities. They should take an interest, help their children choose from the many possibilities. It shouldn’t all be left to activities staff and daycare providers.

Summer could be boring toward the end or potentially an adventure that lasts the full three months. It all depends on how families approach it.

— Jim Muchlinski is a longtime reporter and contributor to the Marshall Independent

The hardest part of Thursday for 9-year-old Kaiden Smith was figuring out what to do with the $10 he had left to spend at Dick’s Sporting Goods. 

Seeing Smith pause to think about what to do with the remaining money, the employee assigned to guide him around the store stopped pushing the shopping cart – which was loaded down with new football equipment such as gloves, a mouth piece, a back plate, a reusable Gatorade bottle and even a new pair of Nike shoes – to let him think. After all, Smith didn’t have to worry about anyone telling him what he could get.

Picking up the bill was Jeffrey Simmons, a Macon native and two-time All-Pro defensive lineman who signed a $94 million contract extension with the Tennessee Titans in 2023.

Smith was one of 10 lucky youth players randomly selected out of the 650 enrollees of Simmons’ football camp being held in Starkville on Friday and Saturday. All 10 were brought to the Dick’s Sporting Goods in Columbus where each had $300 to spend on anything in the store.

Thursday was the third time Simmons and his Give Em A Reason foundation partnered with a sporting goods store for the shopping spree. The idea comes from his turbulent upbringing where Simmons and his four other siblings were all raised by his mother as a single parent.

“Nothing was handed to me,” said Simmons, who posted 41 solo tackles, five sacks and forced two fumbles for the Titans last season.

So today, it’s his mission to give back to the youth to try and provide a beacon of hope to those that may need it.

“You just never know whose day you could make and whose life you could save or change,” Simmons said. “This doesn’t get old. That’s the reason why I still enjoy playing this game. Being able to wake up and do what I do; God blessed me to be in a position on a professional level, and I feel as if it’s my job and responsibility to use my platform to touch (the lives of) our youth, because we know our youth are our future.

“Just to be a light in the community and make someone’s day. You never know what these kid’s families are dealing with. Being able to come back and just be that light. That’s my biggest goal. It’s not just about giving back the money, it’s about trying to make someone’s day.”

Simmons definitely made Smith’s day when he learned he was selected. He said he started “zooming around the house” in excitement. Smith took a calmer approach to solving his pesky financial situation though, opting to put his hand on his face and quietly ponder. With a little help from Smith’s guide, he decided the rest of the remaining money should be spent on snacks and drinks and scurried off to the front of the store to make his picks.

“It’s really cool because I have never, ever done this before,” Smith said of the shopping spree, pausing a moment to look around the store and take it all in. “This is my first time ever doing this before. It’s so surprising. I didn’t even know I got picked. … I’m probably very lucky to be here and meet new people.”

His favorite item he got was his new shoes. He said he planned on wearing them during P.E during school at New Hope but decided against it.

“Well, I’m not going to ruin my nice shoes,” he said, explaining his thinking.

Wesley Dodd, a 15-year-old offensive lineman at Starkville High School, filled up his shopping cart with new workout shirts and shorts, a new pair of cleats and shoes and a water bottle. 

“I was excited just for the camp at first, and then once I learned that I got to do the shopping spree, I was definitely excited,” Dodd said.

Simmons, who made sure to walk around the store and chat with the kids, stopped by when Dodd was picking out the shoes and talked with him.

“It was fun and interactive,” Dodd said of talking with Simmons. “Just all-in-all a good time.” 

Thursday was a reminder to Simmons why he created his foundation in the first place. Seeing all the smiles and excitement from the kids. He hopes their new gear will empower them to succeed in sports and in life.

“When I talk about ‘Give Em A Reason,’ that’s what it’s about. Give people a reason to give you an opportunity. Give people a reason to give you a scholarship. It doesn’t have to be football. That’s what I tell the young athletes at the football camp. They know that not all of them are going to play professional football, but it’s the same message that I try to give to everybody.”

Daylan Shanklin, a 9-year-old student at Earl Nash Elementary who loves to play football, snagged some shirts, a new football, a new pair of shoes, a Gatorade bottle, athletic tape and a few other items during his trip through the store. 

Shanklin’s mother, Angelica Shanklin, said she’s appreciative of Simmons’ generosity.

“Well, I’m very excited, because being a single mom – it’s hard,” Shanklin told The Dispatch. “We are very thankful for the opportunity”

She hopes that through the new football and shoes, Daylan sees Simmons’ message of working hard to one day provide a moment of light to the community.

“I told (Daylan), ‘Make sure you get things to make sure one day you’ll be able to give back,’” Angelica said. “Hopefully. One day.”

HILLMAN — The 16th Annual Teeing Up for Kids 18 Hole Golf Scramble will be held Sunday at Thunder Bay Resort in Hillman. All proceeds will benefit the Brush Creek Mill Children’s Fund, supporting the youth of Montmorency County.

Registration and a putting contest will both be held from 7:45 to 8:45 a.m., and the tournament will start at 9 a.m.

Prizes will be awarded for men, women, couples, mixed teams, and individual events.

There will be a bucket raffle and a 50-50 raffle, as well as hole-in-one prizes donated by Alpena GMC.

The fee is $75 per non-TBR member or $60 per TBR member. The fee includes 18 holes of golf, cart, lunch, and prizes.

This is a rain or shine event.

For more information, call Thunder Bay Resort at 989-742-4875 or visit www.brushcreekmill.org.

 
 After months without representation following former Monroe County Commissioner Mark Brant’s federal indictment, Monroe County Commission, District 2 has three candidates vying for the seat at the upcoming Primary.

By the final election in November, the residents of District 2—which includes the Monroe County side of Milan, the Village of Maybee, plus London, Exeter, Milan and Raisinville Townships—will have been without a commissioner to voice their concerns at meetings for more than a year.

Brant, who had been the chair of the county commission, was sentenced to 18-months in prison for maintaining a drug-involved premise. Despite his conviction, he still won the election in November 2024, the same month he headed to prison. Navigating a situation that Commissioner David Vensel, the current chair, said had no precedent, the county commission has been relying heavily on the advice of their lawyers. 

County attorney Phil Goldsmith, of Lennard, Graham and Goldsmith, said they interpreted the law as the seat was automatically vacated since Brant was incarcerated for a felony and not a qualified elector when he was to assume his duties starting Jan. 1, 2025.

Goldsmith said due to the nature of the situation once the upcoming election is certified the winner will immediately take the oath of office and their seat, rather than waiting for Jan. 1, 2026, to begin their term. 

Current candidates include:  Dale Biniecki (Republican) of Monroe; Dwayne Dobbs (Republican) of Monroe; and Danielle Hoover (Democrat) of Milan. 

To help District 2 voters choose who will be their voice, as part of our 2025 election coverage, The Sun Times News invited all County Commission, District 2 candidates to respond to the same set of questions about key issues. All candidates responded and answers are provided below.

1. Why did you decide to run for County Commission, District #2?  
 
Dale Biniecki:  I decided to run for the county commission when the need arose for the citizens of District 2 to have representation. With the removal of the current commissioner, I wanted to make sure the needs and issues of the district were addressed.
 
Dwayne Dobbs:  I decided to run because our community deserves someone who shows up and speaks out. When it became clear that District 2 wouldn’t be represented, I started attending every commissioner meeting to ask the tough questions. I’m not a politician. I’m a regular guy who cares deeply about this county and wants to make sure the people here are heard.
 
Danielle Hoover:  To borrow from the NASW MI Code of ethics, primarily to bring service to others.  Also, to bring the values of community, and equality to all people living in this District and beyond.
 
2. How long have you lived in Monroe County? What are your qualifications for this position, including previous involvement in politics and community service? What boards, commissions, etc. have you served on?
 
Dale Biniecki:  I am a 70-year-old lifelong resident of Monroe County and District 2.  I am a retired Truck Owner-Operator and a former farmer who now leases my farm land to local farmers. I have been a member of the Monroe County Republican Party Executive Committee and a Precinct Delegate for 15 years.  I have also been a member of the Lenawee, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties Executive Committees since 2022.  I ran for a seat in the Michigan House of Representatives District 31 in 2022 and lost by 4 percent and in 2024 losing by 1.2 percent.

Dwayne Dobbs:  I grew up in District 2 and now live next door to the house I was raised in. I served in the U.S. Army and retired after 30 years with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department. I’ve never run for office before, but I’ve always been involved:  coaching youth sports, organizing fundraisers for local kids, and stepping up whenever the community needed a hand.
 
Danielle Hoover:  12 yrs.  Both kids go to Milan Area Schools K-present.  Licensed social worker for 14+ yrs.  Gold Star Family Member. AFSCME member/steward & delegate to Huron Valley Area Labor Federation.  Also recording secretary there.  MI Board of Social Work member since 2020, vice chair since 2022.  Medical Reserve Corp. member in Washtenaw & Monroe Counties.  St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, breakfast program, 2020 to present.  NASW MI member; Monroe Co. NAACP member. When not working or with my family, I’m likely volunteering.
 
3. What are the most important issues facing Monroe County Commission District #2, and how would you address them? What are your top priorities, if elected?
 
Dale Biniecki:  Local control of zoning by the four townships in District 2 I feel is the most important issue. With at least 78 percent of the residents opposing the takeover of wind and solar zoning by the state, our state representative (Reggie Miller) was the deciding vote to allow the state to take over our zoning.  The residents of District 2 felt betrayed.  I want to be their voice at the county level to minimize the attacks on their rural lifestyles.
 
Dwayne Dobbs:  Right now, accountability and trust in leadership are top of mind for a lot of people, and they should be. We need representatives who are present, honest, and working for the people. I’ll also focus on supporting public safety, maintaining our infrastructure, and being smart about growth. I’ll be at every meeting and keep communication open with the folks who live here.

Danielle Hoover:  Right now, the most important issue facing Monroe Co. District 2 is having an appropriately qualified person elected to that seat.  That person is me.  If elected, I would love to work on areas such as mental health, unions, and veterans. My brother Spc. Hoover was kia in Iraq in 2007.  That was what made me a Gold Star Family Member.  Veterans have a special place in my heart.  All that love has to go somewhere. District 2 is a good place to practice that.
 
4. What is your background and approach to budgeting and finance?
 
Dale Biniecki:  As a small business owner for over 47 years, I know the importance of budgeting. Economies ebb and flow and provisions must be made to minimize impacts on government finances.  We must take into consideration our aging population.  These citizens are living on a fixed income and we must keep that in mind when generating budgets.
 
Dwayne Dobbs:  Throughout my career in law enforcement and community work, I’ve always been careful about how resources are used. Whether it was making sure a fundraiser stretched every dollar or helping manage daily operations at the sheriff’s department, I’ve learned the value of smart, responsible spending. I believe taxpayer money should be treated with respect and used where it does the most good and keeping spending focused on what really matters to families, without waste or politics getting in the way. Budgeting should always be transparent and done with the community’s needs in mind.
 
Danielle Hoover:  As a parent and social worker, I understand budgeting in a unique way.  As someone with both of those roles, I am cognizant of people across socioeconomic spectrums.  Additionally, I would help the most amount of people with minimal risk to others while being responsible with taxpayers’ dollars.
 
5. Monroe County includes a large number of communities. How will you meet the needs of the most residents possible when covering such a large area?
 
Dale Biniecki:  Monroe County includes many communities.  District 2 includes Milan, Raisinville, Exeter and London  Twps.  It is mostly rural with the Village of Maybee and the south side of the City of Milan.  Some of these areas have some of the poorest resident in the county.  It will be important to address their needs and requirements.
 
Dwayne Dobbs:  I’ve always believed that showing up matters. Whether it’s a township meeting, a ballgame, or just talking with folks at the hardware store, I’ll be there and I’ll listen. Each corner of District 2 is unique, and I’ll do the work to understand what each area needs and how I can help. You’ll always know where to find me.
 
Danielle Hoover:  As a social worker with over 14 years of experience, I am adept at communicating with and engaging with many different groups of people.  I have to do that work professionally and would continue those behaviors as an elected official.  For example, I’d really enjoy meeting with constituents face-to-face  when they have concerns.

 
Find more election information at the following links:  

Election Overview

Milan Mayor Race

Milan Library Board Race

WISD millage

Candidates’ answers to questions posed by the League of Women’s Voters have been posted at:  https://www.vote411.org/ballot.