In every successful community, there are people who work hard and volunteer harder. These are the movers and shakers who work their day jobs, and then go on to serve on boards or committees, secure grants, mentor our youth, or quietly place flags where our war heroes have been laid to rest. They build on our shared foundation and continue to enhance our community. Several more will publish randomly. Send us the names of the faces you'd like to see here.

BERNIE BLACKMORE (1949-2015) Bernie and his wife, Susan, opened the Pizza Shoppe downtown Mancelona in 1980. He was a Mancelona School Bus driver for 21 years, Antrim County Commissioner for 23 years, and served with Mancelona Chamber of Commerce and directed the Mancelona Buck Pole for 35 years. Bernie was an advocate for education, community development, and mentoring the youth. He volunteered countless hours during his life in Mancelona, created opportunities for kids, and was loved by all the children who rode his school bus. His love for his home town, business community and school system were positive impacts that helped shape Mancelona into what it is today. Bernie took great pride in the Buck Pole. There were no shortcuts. He was consistent, outgoing and social - traits that brought hunters back to Mancelona’s buck pole each year. Today, the Buck Pole tradition continues on, in his memory.    /2023