About Osceola County

[Harrison]

http://www.infomi.com/county/osceola/county.gifhttp://www.infomi.com/county/osceola/spring1.jpg http://www.infomi.com/county/osceola/autumn1.jpg
Osceola County was named after Seminole Indian warrior, Chief Osceola, who fought the U.S. in the Second Seminole War in 1837. After defeating U.S. troops in several battles, he finally agreed to Gen. Thomas Jesup’s request to meet under a flag of truce to discuss peace. But Jesup captured him there and imprisoned him at Fort Moultrie, SC, where he soon died. Due to Jesup’s deception, Osceola’s name grew highly respected. Many towns and counties in the U.S. were named after Osceola as a protest.
Regarding local history, The first white settler to the area was Nathan Hersey, a fur trapper, who arrived in 1840, where later the town and river were given his name. Delos A. Blodgett, a lumber baron, also settled in Hersey, contributing much to the area's growth. Another well-known figure of the area was Rev. George Bennard, author of the famous hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross."
Osceola county contains the highest point in the lower peninsula and is also known for trout fishing, with 5 rivers running through it: the Muskegon, Hersey, Pine, Middle Branch and Chippewa. Osceola County is fast on the grow, with tourism, auto and electronics manufacturing, oil and dairy production, and with the recently discovered potash vein - purported to be the richest in the world. Yet, Osceola County still retains its tradition, celebrating at Evart (http://www.infomi.com/city/evart/) the Dulcimer Festival in July, County Fair in August, and Draft Horse Show on Labor Day Weekend. And the Sheriff’s Posse is still active too, marching in parades but ready to go where autos can’t.
C’mon up 'n visit 'n see Osceola County for yourself - and experience a big chunk of Michigan’s great "Up North!"

[Harrison]

Chamber of Commerce



Evart Chamber of Commerce (http://www.evart.org/) 758 West US-10, Evart, MI (231)734-5555
Evart has been in existence since 1871. Today, Evart maintains its small town charm with a progressive outlook. Evart is located in the heart of Northern Michigan's outdoor recreational paradise and is home to the annual Dulcimer FunFest, the Summer Musicale series, the Wood Carvers Roundup, the Osceola County 4-H FFA Fair, and the Michigan Travel Trailer Club convention.
ddaldfa@evart.org (ddaldfa@evart.org)

LeRoy Area Chamber of Commerce (http://www.leroymi.com/) 4760 North Mackinaw Trail, Leroy, MI (231)768-4558
Welcome to LeRoy, Michigan online! Whether you visit or live here we hope to be your source of information about our area.
lcoc@leroymi.com (lcoc@leroymi.com)

Marion Chamber of Commerce 115 East Main Street, Marion, MI (231)743-2461
Welcome to Marion, Michigan!

Reed City Chamber of Commerce (http://www.reedcity.org/) 780 North Park, P.O. Box 27, Reed City, MI (231)832-5431
Welcome to Reed City, Michigan! Whether you visit or live here we hope to be your source of information about our area.

Community Information and Links



Evart Downtown Development Authority (http://www.evart.org/) 127 North River Street - P.O. Box 668, Evart, MI (231)734-6119
The Michigan legislature approved Public Act 197 in 1975, creating Downtown Development Authorities. The Act provides for the establishment of a downtown development authority; prescribes its powers and duties; seeks to correct and prevent deterioration in business districts; encourages historic preservation; authorizes the acquisition and disposal of interests in real and personal property; the creation and implementation of development plans in the districts; promotes economic growth; creates a board of directors; prescribes the Board's powers and duties; authorizes the levy and collection of taxes; authorizes the issuance of bonds and other evidence of indebtedness; and authorizes the use of tax increment financing.
ddaldfa@evart.org (ddaldfa@evart.org)
Education



4-H Group - M.S.U. / Osceola County Extension Office 301 West Upton Avenue, Reed City, MI (231)832-6143
Call for more details.

Chief Osceola Wood Carvers (http://www.evartroundup.com/) Trailways Community Room, 105 East Railroad Avenue, Evart, MI (231)734-5125
The Chief Osceola Wood Carvers is an informal group of all ages promoting and encouraging the art of wood carving and wood burning. Everyone is welcome, no experience is necessary and there is no cost for the sessions. Meetings: Thursday Evenings all year 7-9pm, Monday mornings from May to November 9am - Noon. In June we also participate in the Wood Carvers Roudup, for more information, click on our name and go to our website.
civildee@netonecom.net (civildee@netonecom.net)

RCAPS Community Education (http://www.reedcity.k12.mi.us/community_ed.htm) 202 West Slosson Street, Reed City, MI (231)832-5517
Please contact the Community Education Director, Lou Stieg with any questions or comments.
lstieg@reedcity.k12.mi.us (lstieg@reedcity.k12.mi.us)

Reed City Area Public Schools (http://www.reedcity.k12.mi.us/) 829 South Chestnut Street, Reed City, MI (231)832-2201
The Board of Education meets the second Monday of every month, with a work/study session scheduled at 6:00 p.m. and a regular monthly meeting at 7:00 p.m. The meetings are held in the Reed City Middle School/High School Library, and are open to the public. Minutes of meetings and notices of special meetings and committee meetings are available at the Office of the Superintendent, 829 South Chestnut Street, Reed City, Michigan 49677.
swenger@reedcity.k12.mi.us (swenger@reedcity.k12.mi.us)

Reed City Community Education (http://www.reedcity.k12.mi.us/) 202 West Slosson, Reed City, MI (231)832-5517
Has programs for you! We are here to serve a wide range of your needs with programs such as adult and alternative education, enrichment, recreation, preschool, and adult travel.
sbaker@reedcity.k12.mi.us (sbaker@reedcity.k12.mi.us)
Employment



Michigan Works! West Central 122 South Chestnut, Reed City, MI (231)832-3131
Jobs for Workers! Workers for Jobs! Your Work Force Connection.

Michigan Works! West Central (http://www.michiganworks.org/page.cfm/146/) 240 East Church Street, Reed City, MI (231)832-3131 or (800)981-2620
Jobs for Workers! Workers for Jobs! Your Work Force Connection
westcent@wmis.net (westcent@wmis.net)
Family Help



Mason County Family Independence Agency 915 Diana Street, Ludington, MI (231)845-3238
Also serving: Lake Osceola, Missaukee and Wexford Counties.

Family Independence Agency - Osceola County Office 220 East Church, Reed City, MI (231)832-4100


Wexford County Family Independence Agency 10641 West Watergate Road ** P.O. Box 309, Cadillac, MI (231)779-4575
Also serving: Osceola County

Historical Society



LeRoy Historical Society (http://www.all-leroynews.com/historical.html) coming soon, Leroy, MI (231)768-5127
The LeRoy Historical Society announces the release of their new book "The Chronicles of LeRoy - a 125 year history of the Village of LeRoy, Osceola County, Michigan and LeRoy's surrounding area". Lots of information and many pictures, 347 pages. Shipped to you directly for only $20. Please write to LeRoy Area Historical Society, P.O. Box 356, LeRoy, MI 49655. The Museum construction is complete!!! We are now in the process of setting up displays and settling in.
pjhall@enertechcorp.com (pjhall@enertechcorp.com)
Library



Reed City Public Library 410 West Upton, Reed City, MI (231)832-2131
Hours: Mon.- 9am to 5pm, Tue. - 11am to 8pm, Wed. - 11am to 5pm, Thur. - 11am to 8pm, Fri. - 9am to 5pm, Sat. - 10am to 2pm (Labor Day to Memorial Day). Internet access to the public. Story Hour on Wednesdays from 10am to 11am.
rclib@hotmail.com (rclib@hotmail.com)
Museum



Old Rugged Cross Historical Museum 780 North Park Street, P.O. Box 27, Reed City, MI (231)832-5431
The Old Rugged Cross Historical Museum is an outgrowth of a memorial cross erected and dedicated on September 14, 1954, north of Reed City, Michigan, near the Home of Rev. and Mrs. George Bennard. Rev. Bennard was the author of the well-loved hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross, " written in 1913.

Schools



GT Norman Elementary (http://www.reedcity.k12.mi.us/gtnorman_main.htm) 338 West Lincoln Street, Reed City, MI (231)832-5548
Our mission for all students is to promote and support a lifelong love of learning, and the desire to do their personal best, in order to prepare them for the challenges of tomorrow's world.
smoritz@reedcity.k12.mi.us (smoritz@reedcity.k12.mi.us)

Pine River Area Schools (http://www.pineriver.k12.mi.us/) 17445 Pine River School Road, Leroy, MI (231)829-3141
Welcome to Pine River Area Schools. Home of the Bucks!

Reed City High School (http://www.reedcity.k12.mi.us/high_school.htm) 225 West Church Street, Reed City, MI (231)832-2224
The faculty and administration of the Reed City High School believe that all students can learn and achieve personal success. The school's mission is to provide educational opportunities to challenge and to motivate students to perform at high academic levels while fostering positive growth in social/emotional behaviors. There is a commitment to prepare each student for the responsibilities of life and to function within an ever-changing global society.
bmiller@reedcity.k12.mi.us (bmiller@reedcity.k12.mi.us)

Reed City Middle School (http://www.reedcity.k12.mi.us/middle_school.htm) 233 West Church Street, Reed City, MI (231)832-6174
We are committed to challenging students and staff to reach their highest potential by promoting academic excellence, nurturing positive self-esteem and reinforcing responsible behavior.
twebster@reedcity.12.mi.us (twebster@reedcity.12.mi.us)

Reed City Upper Elementary (http://www.reedcity.k12.mi.us/upper_elementary.htm) 238 West Lincoln Street, Reed City, MI (231)832-5572
See our website for "El Powerpoint" and "Nextday Project".
pmoerdyk@reedcity.k12.mi.us (pmoerdyk@reedcity.k12.mi.us)
Service



Reed City Lions Club 343 West Slosson, Reed City, MI (231)832-2406
Call for details and how to join.

Snowmobile Club



Pere Marquette Snowmobile Club (http://peremarquette.freeservers.com/) P.O. Box 1153, Evart, MI (231)734-3370
Our trails have many trestles, tunnels, and beautiful scenic views. The Pere Marquette Snowmobile Club was founded in 1988 with a goal of promoting snowmobile trails in Central Lower Michigan. Our Club has grown to include over 100 members in the past 9 years . We currently have 102 miles of trails which include the White Pine and Pere Marquette Snowmobile trails. The Pere Marquette Snowmobile Club is a proud member of the Michigan snowmobile Association. We promote snowmobiling safety and encourage all of our members to ride responsibily. Our club sponsors many activities, including a summer picnic held on the 4th of July, poker runs and races during the winter, color tours during the fall, hay rides, bonfires, ect.. We are also co-sponsors of the Mecosta County Winter Festival.
snowpmsc@msn.com (snowpmsc@msn.com)
Social Services



Eagle Village Inc. (http://www.eaglevillage.org/) 4507 South 170th Avenue, Hersey, MI (231)832-2234
A Total Family Support System.
eaglevillage@eaglevillage.org (eaglevillage@eaglevillage.org)

Substance Abuse Counseling and Educational Services 8625 South Mackinaw Trail #2, Reed City, MI (231)832-2254 - Fax: (231)832-9389
A nonprofit corporation licensed by the State of Michigan. Accredited by the American Ostepathic Association.

Sports



American Jin-do Karate Norman Elementary, Reed City, MI (231)832-4746
Reed City Club - Featuring traditional Karate with Soft-form defense. Meeting Tuesday through Thursday 6:30-9:00pm.

Reed City Youth League Baseball 202 West Slosson, Reed City, MI (231)832-5642 or (231)832-5517
Sign-up in April. Ages 5-17 eligible.

Volunteers



Volunteer Coordinator 20 East Church Street, Reed City, MI (231)832-4128
Call Department of Social Services for more information.

[Harrison]

About 22 years ago, I spent the summer in Marion, which is a very small town in Osceola County. The population was 800!!!! Some nice people there.

[Harrison]

Campgrounds


Rose Lake Youth Camp LeRoy, MI (231)768-4923
Rose Lake is located in 48 acres of beautiful pine and hardwood trees. 160 modern campsites offer water and electricity at each lot. Three modern bathhouses provide showers and flush toilets. With approximately 1300 feet of beautiful sandy beach on the north shore, Rose Lake offers a swimming beach, playground, and a boat launch facility. There is adequate parking for those inclined to fish, boat, swim, or lie in the sun. Located at Rose Lake Park is a store, a mini-golf, and a dump station. Group camping is available by reservation, and two pavilions are available for reunions or other events.