Well-wishers lined Broad Street in downtown Chesaning on Sunday, November 11 for a parade in honor of Chesaning High School graduate and injured Iraq war veteran Sergeant Amanda Mikulka. Mikulka, shown here as she visited with those attending a reception at the Trinity United Methodist Church following the parade, is currently home on leave from her rehabilitation at Walter Reed Medical Center. (TCC Photos by Deb Miller)

The 25-year-old war veteran believes "I was just doing my job, like everybody else who does their job."

Mikulka doesn't believe she deserves the special attention she is getting, but her hometown community disagreed as it hosted its very own Veteran's Day parade to welcome home the injured Iraq vet.

As she passed, Mikulka saluted the members of Chesaning VFW Post 212 who presented the colors as they stood among the large crowd that lined downtown Chesaning as the Chesaning/Brady Fire Department and Chesaning Police Department escorted Mikulka through town to a reception at Trinity United Methodist Church where several presentations were made and well-wishers had the opportunity to visit with her.

State Representative Kenneth Horn presented Mikulka with a State of Michigan Commendation thanking her for her service and stating, "The ink on this piece of paper does not properly convey the awe and appreciation we have for Amanda and what she has given to this country and to each of us."

Bill Adams of State Senator Roger Kahn's office, Vice President of the Chesaning Union Schools Board of Education Dave Eickholt, and the American Legion Post also made presentations of appreciation to Mikulka.

A 2001 graduate of Chesaning Union High School, Mikulka serves with the 144th Military Police Company of the Michigan Army National Guard out of Owosso.

She lost her right foot in August during a rocket-propelled grenade attack while on patrol in Mosul, Iraq. Doctors found it necessary to amputate her leg just below the knee.

She is currently recovering and undergoing therapy at the Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Mikulka received the prestigious Purple Heart for injuries incurred while serving her country.

The daughter of Mike Mikulka of Bannister, and Jake and Paulette Fowler of Chesaning, she currently resides in Fenton.

Benefit for St. Charles Police Chief to be held Dec. 1

ST. CHARLES - A benefit dinner for St. Charles Police Chief Kevin McInerney, who was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in July, will be held Saturday, December 1.

McInerney, who has served Saginaw County as a police officer for over twenty years, will undergo a Stem Cell Transplant at the University of Michigan Hospital later this month. The dinner will aid in providing finances for the treatment.

The meal, which includes spaghetti, salad, bread, dessert and a drink, will be held in the Nativity Lutheran Church (625 W. Clinton, St. Charles) from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Dinner is $7 per person, children under age four are free. Takeouts are available.

Donations are welcomed and appreciated.

For more information, please contact Katie Woodrow at 989-865-8625 or Suzette Williams at 989-799-5649.

Art at the Depot returns Dec. 1

MONTROSE -- Art at the Depot will delight history buffs and art aficionados alike on Saturday, Dec. 1. Organizers are busily preparing for the 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. exhibition that will celebrate the season at the historic train depot in downtown Montrose.

Visitors will be able to view the stunning improvements to the interior of the charming depot, which was still being renovated last year when the first Art at the Depot event was held.

Many Montrose area artists will exhibit work in a variety of mediums. The displays will include china painting by Jean Clarkson, photography by Keith Ross, rug weaving by Fern Russell, wood carving by Jim Helfrich, and painting in oils and acrylics by Forest Eastman, Reva Helfrich, Loxi Hoskins, Rita Polzin, Wanda Tarrant and Mickey Taylor. Hill-McCloy High School art students will share their creations, and artist Sarah Bostwick will be doing on-site demonstrations as she creates one of her paintings.

Guests will be treated to music provided by Carter Elementary School music teacher Kelly Splear and her talented students.

The depot Christmas tree will once again feature hand painted ornaments designed by many local artists. The ornaments can be purchased as keepsake of the special event, with all proceeds going to the depot landscaping fund. Note cards suitable for holiday greetings and gifts will also be on sale.

An added attraction to this year's event is the sale of prints and paintings by Reva Helfrich. Art lovers may purchase several different sizes of her "My Town," or "The Church on the Hill," with sales benefiting the depot landscaping fund.

Admission is free but donations are appreciated.