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Eaton County

Eaton County

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Eaton County

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Auxo Winery grows out of owners’ love for fruit farming, event planning

Posted by Design | March 12, 2026

Joanne Williams
Editor

(Joanne Williams/TCJ – Earth tones, a grass-green bar and black tables and chairs at Auxo set off a comfortable gathering space, surrounded by tall glass windows and a working fireplace. Opening day was March 13. The facility also includes a retail shop.)

Nick and Alison Barc have got to love spring. As local farmers, they are eager to put on the mud boots, survey the soil, prune the fruit trees, and open a new winery, Auxo, at Five Point Highway and Cochran Road.

Auxo (Awk-soh) is the name of the Greek goddess of growth. The word means grow in Greek. Auxo is also the personification of spring.

The Barcs have worked more than four years to make their new winery, eatery, shop and event center blossom. They have had a hand in every detail each step along the way.

Who would have thought two students from Detroit, studying wildlife rehabilitation at Michigan State University, would end up tried and true Eaton County farmers?

Alison said they came to this decision together. Nick told her they were “kindred souls,” and after 16 years of growth, much has sprouted from their marriage, including four children, two boys and two girls.

The other roots belong to fruit trees, some pumpkins, vegetables, mums, and a few animals thrown in for good measure. The Barcs began their lives in Vermontville with an old brick farmhouse. The first year, they planted 150 apple trees, then hundreds, and then a thousand or so. “It was easier when we got a tractor,” Alison said.

That became Cherry Barc Farm, an orchard, barn and wedding venue. The 12.5 acres are the first fruits of this family’s farming.

Oh, the trees they grow now, from blueberry and raspberry bushes to peaches, apples, raspberries, grapes.  This venue is Atlas Orchards, on Maurer Road, another 12.5 or so acre farm, which offers you-pick blueberries in season.

As if that weren’t enough, Nick’s love of apples, especially his love of heritage variety fruit, led them to Auxo, which opens Friday, March 13. The date does not scare Alison. Barely hours before opening, she was sitting in the winery, planning for her staff to join her the next day. 

“We love wineries,” Alison said of herself and Nick and her family. She said her family has made wine for four or five generations.

And what do they do with all the farm cider at season’s end?! It now becomes wine, from red to whites to sweet to sparkling, as well as hard cider.

The venue will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 7 p.m. It is available for parties, weddings, etc., and bookings are already coming in.

Outside, there are two patios, a ramped entrance and views of the orchards and the 60 acres that surround the winery. The production room is in the basement and can be viewed from outside. It’s been four-long years, paperwork and permits with 12 agencies or more, and the ins and outs of building a winery, from foundation to fruition.

Inside, a tall wood-planked ceiling, three big metal chandeliers, a working fireplace, black tables of various sizes, a bar seating 16 or so, a retail area, and a kitchen, in addition to two bathrooms are housed in earthy tones.

Alison and Nick designed the building and saw it for “people like us,” who want to sit with friends and enjoy refreshments and company in a comfortable setting. The only artwork is the Auxo logo, designed by Alison and a friend, mounted on a lacquered wood piece.

What makes it all flow are the windows, towering, open and church-like sans stained glass.

Food will be appetizer-like, in addition to panini sandwiches and desserts. The product area will feature a variety of items, from food to gifts.

And guess who likes to split the wood for the fireplace? 

Charlotte

Charlotte

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Charlotte

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Charlotte City Council talks infrastructure, housing, and administrative updates

Posted by Design | March 12, 2026

Dan LaLone
Contributing Writer

(Courtesy photo – Charlotte City Council recently gave the go ahead for the Charlotte Junior Orioles youth football program to begin fundraising for a new press box at Gobel Field.)

 

The Charlotte City Council reviewed several administrative updates, approved infrastructure improvements and authorized multiple grant applications during its meeting Monday, March 9.

Interim City Manager Vincent Pastue confirmed the city already has a policy governing the use of license plate reader cameras from Flock Safety. 

The system is operated by the Charlotte Police Department, and Police Chief Paul Brentar presented a brief overview of the policy to council. Councilman Justin Brummette encouraged council members who have concerns about the technology to visit the police department to better understand how the system works.

Pastue also discussed oversight of the city’s tax increment financing districts. Monitoring is typically handled by the community development director or city manager working alongside boards such as the Charlotte Downtown Development Authority and Charlotte Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. 

Pastue said turnover has been an issue for some boards and noted required reports may not have been filed in recent years with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. 

He said the city will work to establish a clearer process to ensure monitoring and required filings are completed.

Council members also received a written update on a $200,000 housing repair grant awarded through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. 

The program provides health- and safety-related repairs to qualifying homeowners. Consulting firm McKenna reported that inspections and contractor estimates are ongoing, and two homes have already completed repairs and passed inspections.

Committee reports included an update from the Charlotte Planning Commission, which elected new officers at its March 3 meeting. 

The Commission also approved a temporary use permit for TNT Fireworks at Meijer and a site plan submitted by Commonwealth Development Corporation for an income-based workforce housing development at 440 Spring St.

The development would include four buildings with apartments for residents earning roughly $21,000 to $75,000 annually. Developers plan to submit a funding application April 1.

Councilman Joseph Chin reported that the Eaton Transportation Authority is working with students from the University of Michigan to develop promotional material supporting a transportation millage renewal expected on the November ballot. 

Brummette also reported progress on trail development toward Vermontville and Nashville, and improvements underway at Oak Park.

The council approved its consent agenda, including claims and expenditures totaling $499,572.08 and a 2026 Arbor Day proclamation.

Among business items, the council authorized the Charlotte Junior Orioles youth football program to build a new press box funded through donations. 

The project is expected to cost about $50,000.

The council also approved hiring Pivot Group to facilitate the search for the city’s next manager.

Additional approvals included an amendment to the police union collective bargaining agreement, authorization of advanced metering infrastructure to replace aging water meters and grant applications for economic development and fairground improvements.

Officials said about 2,200 of the city’s 4,100 water meters are more than 30 years old and may not be reading accurately. Replacing them could cost just over $1 million.

Meeting materials are available on the city’s website. The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 23 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

Olivet

Olivet

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Olivet

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Former Olivet student earns teaching recognition in Georgia

Posted by Design | February 19, 2026

Joanne Williams
Editor

(Courtesy photo- Teacher of the Week honors went to Olivet College graduate and stellar softball player Jessica Davenport Creager (right), shown here with her mother, Ponja Dye.)

“By their fruit you shall know them.”

Life seldom provides a straight path to adulthood. It is often the people along the way that make the journey worthwhile – a teacher, a parent, a coach.

For Jessica Davenport Creager, it was all three.

The path in life brought her to Olivet College in the late 1990s. Mother, Ponja, began work at the College (now The University of Olivet), and Jessica dove in to all things college, rather, she pitched in.

A stellar softball player, she won admiration in Michigan and at tournaments and play across the land. A member of the Olivet Athletic Hall of Fame, she was “the first woman in school history to earn Most Valuable Player honors from the MIAA (Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association). You earned first team All-MIAA honors in 1999 and 2000 and first-team All-Region honors in 2000.”

It was not all sports for Jessica, who was also a solid student, member of the prestigious insurance chapter of Gamma Iota Sigma, a member of the Sigma Beta Sorority, and, of course, 1999 Homecoming Princess.

Her accolades continue, “After graduating from Olivet in 2000, you taught in the Lansing School District for five years and were the varsity softball coach at Everett High School.”

 A life move spirited her to Savannah, Georgia, where she has spent more than 20 years of teaching while raising her two sons.

Recently, she was recognized as teacher of the week by the local media.You can be sure her first-grade students at Spencer Elementary in the Savannah/Chatham County School District, cheered her on.

In an interview, Jessica quoted storied Olivet wrestling coach and mentor Jare Klein, who often told his students about teaching others, “They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Bellevue

Bellevue

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Bellevue

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Ch-ch-changes in Charlotte area businesses, locations just this year

Posted by Design | February 9, 2026

Joanne Williams
Editor

(Photo by Joanne Williams/TCJ: Once Mike’s Automotive, then home to Eaton Clothing and Furniture Center, now a business hub, anchored by Valhalla Value and Liquidations, 135 S. Washington St., Charlotte.)

 

Who cares what Punxsutawney Phil says about winter! Dairy Queen opens Saturday, February 7 in Charlotte.

And there is a lot going on in the surrounding area in terms of small business news.

Dan Riedy retires with a farewell party on February 8 at Riedy’s, 219 S. Cochran. The restaurant closes its doors after 46 years – once with three locations.

B’s Artistic Studio is now in downtown Charlotte at 111 W. Lovett. The move took place just after the holidays. 

Bella Grande clothing and more consignment boutique closes in March after almost two decades of success. Until the doors are locked, there are sales and deals inside 227 S. Cochran. Current owner Angel Fulkerson took over from founder Betsy Smith and has created lasting relationships with customers and consignment providers.

Deadtime Stories: The Sequel, opened in the Courthouse Square Museum in June 2025. Despite being open during festivals and concerts, there was not enough traffic for it to remain. The store closed before the new year, but the original Deadtime Stories flourishes in Lansing.

There is a new director at the Eaton County Humane Society Danielle Constant, who was recently a manager at the Northland Animal Hospital in Rockford.

The former Soldan’s pet supply, recently sold to Feeders Pet Supply, closed at the end of October 2025 in the Charlotte Plaza. A former manager wrote on Facebook that the staff was great, sales were underperforming, costs of brick and mortar were a factor, and other Soldan locations remain open.

Yes, it’s true, the former Reflections store at 129 S. Cochran is now Vikings’ Edge, an axe-throwing venue. Sneak a peek during the Wine Walk on February 12 (tickets required), or wait for the opening, February 27. As the Wood Turns owner John Laupp and neighbor from the Groomery, Capri Brown Dixon, are owners. Six lanes and unique designs are featured.

Richard’s Appliance, a mainstay in Charlotte at 630 W. Lawrence Ave.,  since 1983, is now Morton’s Appliance, offering appliance sales and repairs. Longtime owners Robin and Janice Richards retired and sold the building to Brad and Terri Morton.

The Riverside Café, a grand community spot, has been closed for about a year in Bellevue. Asking price is $300,000 for a spot by the riverside.

The former Bellevue Car Wash is now Steph’s Buff and Wash, and since owners Justin and Stephanie Keiffer took over in November 2025, changes and upgrades have been in progress.

It is hard to believe the transformation of the Windwalker Gallery front on 125 S. Cochran in Charlotte. Once an art, design and musical showplace, the Marketplace Studio Gallery is chocked with an eclectic mix of items from local folks, from herbs to clothing, mugs to jewelry. The back is still set up with a piano and stage and has been used for musical events. The Windwalker Antiques and Underground Gallery was started by the late Richard Turbin and his son, Rick, in 2012 and operated as such until Richard died in 2024. 

Also a part of the Marketplace is The Corner Market and Pantry, moving in from just down the road from its former location at Lovett and Cochran.

Seasonal Inspirations was a charming gift shop and community support for Olivet. Jamie Kita was the owner and operator, as well as one time Olivet Chamber of Commerce president. Ill health has forced her to close her shop.

When one business leaves a building, another moves right in. That’s the prosperity of the WestEnd Hub in Charlotte. Natural Journey to Health moved in with Agape Salon on Lawrence Avenue, leaving space for the newest West End Hub occupant, RK’s Unique Boutique to move right in at 517 W. Lovett. The shop should be up and running soon, says owner Randi-Kay Stine.

And still more moves in the West End, where Valhalla Value and Liquidations, which has done nothing but grown since its beginnings about four years ago, moves to 135 S. Washington, as Eaton Clothing and Furniture moves out and into space on 520 S. Robinson St., next to SIREN/Eaton Shelter.

Valhalla will not be alone in the budling as it is large enough to house multiple businesses, many fostered under Valhalla’s roof.

Vermontville

Vermontville

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Vermontville

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85th annual Vermontville Maple Syrup Fest continues to grow

Posted by Design | February 26, 2026

Joanne Williams
Editor

(Courtesy photo – This year’s 85th Festival will include a drone show in place of a traditional fireworks display.)

Can you imagine what those 1940s farmers who sat around, in a barbershop, jawing about some sort of syrup festival would say today?

Sweet!

The festival, concocted to help area farmers earn money for much-needed spring seeds, was a no brainer. Maple syrup flowed in the Maple Valley area, and early settlers from Vermont knew how to tap the natural bounty. The rest is history.

A town of about 750 swells to more than 20,000 the last full weekend of April to host the three-day event, which some Michigan event planners call the “granddaddy” of all such Michigan Festivals.

Festival Presidents Mary Ann and Steve Hayes know the history and promise the occasion presents. That’s why, this year, they have added an extra piece: a drone show.

Fund-raising has been going on since the beginning of the year, Mary Ann said. “We’re down to the bits and pieces” of the $10,000 needed. “It’s been quite an endeavor.”

Mary Ann learned about the growing popularity of drones versus fireworks at a state fair and festival planners gathering. She thought it would add a special kick to this year’s event.

She also explained to volunteers that they would not have to get up a “5:30 Saturday morning to pick up shrapnel,” she said. That, and the more environmentally friendly aspects of drones, made the decision easier.

Funds are still appreciated for the spectacle, which happens April 24, 25 and 26.

The weekend schedule and all things Festival are on the website syrupfest.org.

Other aspects of this year’s event include some fund-raising opportunities for the dancers from Step in Time of Nashville, who will be traveling to Disney this June. There is also going to be a designated food truck area.

There are not many obstacles that festival planners have not overcome, from finding parking space for visitors as well as space for vendors in a small town, to providing handicapped accessible porta-johns.

The first big tapping of trees happened at the start of February, as well as the crowning of this year’s Festival Court: Queen McKenzie Soper, Aubree Roth and Kiylee Kirby.

Next, the naming of the grand marshal for the parade, and a full schedule of events. Information can be found at syrupfest.org.

Potterville

Potterville

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Potterville

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Potterville boys seeing growth under ‘new’ coach Kemp

Posted by Design | February 12, 2026

Ben Murphy
Contributing Writer 

(Photo provided – Coach Kyren Kemp is happy to be back in Potterville.)

The head coaching gig for the Potterville boys basketball team has been a bit of a revolving door in recent years. Kyren Kemp is in his first year leading the Vikings, and he is their third different coach in the last three years. 

“That’s going to be tough on any program,” Kemp said. 

The coach is hoping though, that the way he does things can start to make a difference.

“(We have) different expectations and higher standards than most of them were accustomed to,” Kemp said. “We had success early, have been faced with a lot of adversity since then but the light at the end of the tunnel is bright. We’re being transformational instead of transactional in our leadership. It’s heading in the right direction.” 

The Vikings are 4-13 overall this season (as of February. 4). They began the season with three straight wins: 70-67 over Eaton Rapids, 68-59 over Lansing Christian, and 57-45 over Dansville. Since that time, they’ve added one more victory –  when they topped Saranac 69-46 in the middle of January. They’ve run through a tough stretch of games, but Kemp believes his group is still getting to where they need to be. 

“Handling adversity (is key),” he said. “We’ve struggled and lost more than a fair share of games because of it. There’s a mental toughness that we have to display, and we are working every day to get there. (We’re showing them) that nothing is given; if you want something you have to earn it, take it and protect it. To be winners you have to do the things that winners do. It’s a sacrifice that’s not for everybody. Standards must be upheld, no one person, no one coach, no one player is bigger than the program. That’s how we will be successful.”

The coach mentioned a few players that have helped through things in what has been a bit of a transitional year.

“Tooker Harris is amazing kid and great leader,” Kemp said. “He is what I call the ‘puppy’ of the team being only a sophomore. He leads by example and always makes sure guys are in the right spot. Andrew Morales leads the way as our starting point guard, which I’m very transparent in saying is the hardest position to play for me. He has taken his bumps and hard conversations and really matured in that role over the season. Blake Collern is the most unselfish and hardest working player we have. He’s versatile simply because he’s willing to be. He never knows how many minutes he’ll play or what he’ll be asked to do but he is going to do it 100-percent and never complains. These guys are examples of exactly what we want our program to be.”

The coach is hoping that by learning through their adversity this season, they can end the year on a high note.

“We want to finish the season strong while creating a solid foundation. I think a lot of the people on the outside have counted us out, but there’s a lot of belief in this program and a lot of hunger,” Kemp said. “We want to be clicking on all cylinders leading into district play and make our run.”

From there, the coach is banking on building a program that churns out productive teams year after year.

“The future is bright here, but greatness won’t happen overnight,” Kemp said. “You have to go through the dark to appreciate the light. We are building over here, and I am proud of the young men I have here and happy to be back in Potterville.”

Eaton Rapids

Eaton Rapids

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Eaton Rapids

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McDaniel’s Barbies are a dream

Posted by Design | March 12, 2026

Stacy Holbrook
Contributing Writer

(Stacy Holbrook/FAN – Vanessa McDaniel’s Valentine’s Day display)

Barbie is loved by girls of all ages, including Vanessa McDaniel.  

As a little girl, McDaniel enjoyed every Barbie and Ken she received.  As a woman, McDaniel has evolved her childhood enjoyment to a creative outlet. Owning more than 400 Barbies from every vintage, she restores, recreates and designs. Using her imagination, she also tells stories with staged dioramas.

Every outfit is hand designed and hand stitched. Occasionally a Barbie may need a new hairdo, and McDaniel has the skills to stitch new hair for that Barbie.  Props and accessories are crafted from recycled items.  If McDaniel can imagine it, she will design it.  

McDaniel said, her husband is one of her biggest supporters, and that her mother is her promoter, and her sons encourage her as they grow in creativity and imaginations of their own.  

Her friend, Mary Lynn Pettit, suggested she put up a Valentine’s display at the Pettit Hardware store. McDaniel created a love story for Barbie and Ken. Every item on display was created through imagination, hand crafted with recycled props, right down to the chocolate candies in the heart boxes.  This display brought joy to many visitors at Pettit’s Hardware store.

When asked what is next, McDaniel said, “Next will be an Easter display that will be arranged on March 18 or 19 at Pettit’s Hardware on Main Street, Eaton Rapids.  

This story will have an egg hunt in the display; it will be curious what story the community will create.”   

Another story for the future will include an Airstream display: Barbie will have a handmade, special designed Airstream of her own.  

McDaniel has other ideas forming in her thoughts, with a possible booth at the Eaton Rapids Farmer’s Market or other locations around town.  Maybe, there will be a search and find activity for a fun community event. 

There will be more displays and more stories to tell as McDaniel is open to creating more stories for people and for businesses. Send an email to McDaniel at  Nessmcdaniel06@gmail.com. 

Remember, this year America celebrates 250 years, now that would be a great store front design.

Sunfield

Sunfield

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Mulliken

Mulliken

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Dimondale

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