Joe Mishler

One hundred and fifty years ago was the turning point of the Civil War.  While the war lasted another year and a half, the events of 1863 proved to be the difference-maker.

 
Over 120 Holly Area men served in the Civil War.  Nearly 100 are buried in Lakeside Cemetery.  At least 20 of those men lost their lives during battle.  Several died in the notorious southern prison and Andersonville.  Many veterans settled in the Holly Area following the War.  Michigan men and those from Holly participated in those significant events of 1863.

The Civil War cost the lives of more than 620,000 soldiers, and a considerable number of civilians.

The year 1863 started with President Lincoln issuing the Proclamation Act which in effect, freed the slaves in areas not held by the Union.  While the Act was not wildly popular at the time, it was a political and military necessity.  The North had to do something to tear at the South from the insides.  The Act was also greatly misinterpreted, but once the door was opened, there was no going back on the slavery issue.

Mary Ann Vergith

Warning kids about smoking pot used to be as straightforward as, “It’s an illegal drug. It can do terrible things to your body and compromise your future. Don’t do it.” But since the 2008 passage of Michigan’s medical marijuana law, talking to our children and teenagers about the substance comes with blurred lines, ambiguity and challenges. There are so many new caveats.  Yes, it’s illegal, most of the time, but legal as a medication. It can adversely affect the developing brain, irritate airways and lungs and negatively impact decision making and academic performance. But, for someone suffering from a disease, it could be helpful, despite the physical effects. An issue this dualistic is bound to send mixed messages to impressionable kids.

Compounding matters is a decision looming in Michigan’s Supreme Court, which, if approved, would legalize medical marijuana dispensaries in our state. In fact, if the measure passes, a dispensary will be opening here, in the village of Holly.

Kent Barnes, Superintendent fo...

Today, at approximately 5 a.m., I made the decision to cancel school. Several individuals have asked why I cancelled school for the day.

Most assuredly, this decision requires a response as to how did I come to the conclusion that I should cancel school for the day.

The following bulleted items share the process that went into this morning’s decision:

Gail Innis

HOLLY, Michigan - Yesterday was Delivery Day, when Santa’s helpers come to local children’s homes with gifts from the Jacobson/Quinn Toy Project.

On behalf of Holly Area Youth Assistance and its Jacobson/Quinn Toy Project Committee, we express our sincerest “thank you” to the Greater Davisburg and Holly Area Community for your fabulous teamwork, collaboration and volunteer efforts to bring gifts and happiness to local children this holiday season. School groups, youth organizations, businesses, civic groups, government offices, HAYA’s local sponsors, families, faith communities and individuals banded together in a BIG way to enlighten the spirit of Christmas within our community and in the hearts of children.