Weekly Choice

12/11/2025

Maybe the most unique basketball game in high school sports is next Tuesday, December 16 at Ga***rd High School. The Blue Devils now coached by Justin Johnson will play against TC Central, coach by Luke Johnson. The 3 referees for the game will be Dave Johnson, Steve Johnson and Tom Johnson who is entering his 50th year of refereeing Basketball. Story is in this week's (12/11 issue) Weekly Choice and Charlevoix County News. Mike Dunn did a great job of putting this story together.

12/11/2025

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06/20/2025

The Eat, Stay & Play book is inside this weeks (6/19 issue) Weekly Choice and Charlevoix County News. Great ideas for some of the top places and ideas to enjoy the best of Northern Michigan this summer

06/02/2025

Each year at graduation time I publish a letter in the paper that I gave to oldest son when he graduated from high school. It is in the May 29 issue of the Weekly Choice and Charlevoix County News.
Here is the letter
Congratulations Graduates
By Dave Baragrey 1
This is an exciting time of year for graduating seniors and their families as they complete one portion of their life moving on to the next step anticipating what life holds next for them.
We congratulate the Class of 2025 and wish them a bright and successful future.
As the father of four sons I took the opportunity to use graduation as a time to challenge my boys. I first wrote this letter to my oldest son when he graduated high school in 1994. Most of the advice in the letter can be applicable to sons or daughters but I am experienced in raising sons, not daughters, so this letter is directed at boys.
You are beginning your journey into becoming a man. New experiences are in front of you. New responsibilities are just around the corner. New challenges are also coming. Along with the reward of becoming an adult comes the responsibility of being an adult. You are an intelligent young man and I am confident you will handle the experiences, responsibilities and the challenges very well.
Let me offer you some guidance on how you can prepare for what is ahead.
• Do the right thing – When given a choice, do what is right. You know right from wrong. Do the right thing. Don’t cheat. Don’t steal. Don’t do things that will hurt you or those around you. Do what is legal and morally right.
• Treat people like Jesus would – Jesus died for me and you and others because he loved us. He gave his life so we wouldn’t have to give ours. Be willing to give your life for those you love. Hopefully, it never comes to that but that is the attitude a man should have for his family. Treat everyone with respect. People you like, people you don’t like and even people you don’t even know. You never know when you, will run into these people again. They might be a co-worker (or maybe your boss) someday. Let others go first. Open the door for other people. Let them cut in front of you when waiting in line. Be nice. You do this by smiling, greeting and treating people like you would like to be treated regardless of how they treat you. Follow the Golden Rule.
• Contribute – Give of your time and your money to help others in your community. Support charity and give of your time to make your community a better place to live and help others.
• Work hard – Give all you have while at work. Be proud of putting in a better than good day’s work. Do more than your share at work. You will feel good about yourself and you will advance your career.
• Build up your wife – Consistently build up the self-esteem of your wife. Never attack her character or her person. Never let any harm come to her. Help her create self-confidence and independence. Tell her how beautiful she is and how much you love her everyday. Always treat her with love and respect and you will always get that back from her. Never let your anger get in the way of loving your wife. Never betray her trust.
• Always think with your head, not your emotions – Don’t let your emotions control your brain. Use common sense in all things. If you let your emotions control the way you act and think you will do some stupid things. Be smart. Think before you act.
• Pay your debts – Always be on time with your payments when you are establishing credit. Bad credit will follow you for a long time. Bad credit can restrict you from borrowing money in the future for a house, car or anything. If you owe it, pay it and pay it on time.
• Have fun – Don’t waste your life doing something you hate. Love your work and enjoy your family. Take the time to do things with your wife and children. Spend some time doing some hobbies or activities you enjoy.
• Know you are loved – Mom and I love you without conditions. We have since before you were born and we always will. More importantly, know that God loves you. He will always be there to support you, comfort you and guide you in everything you do.
During the next few years you will have various situations to face. Some will be pleasant and some will be difficult. Keep these things in mind as you continue to grow and mature and you will become a good man.

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12/24/2024

All-Area 11-man Football Dream Team in this week's (12/24/24) Weekly Choice & Charlevoix County News. Congratulations to Petoskey Coach Jim Webb and co-players of the year Petoskey's Korbin Sulitis and Boyne City's Ryan Spate. Players from all over Northern Michigan are recognized for their great football seasons. This recognition is MUCH more than all conference. Our all-area team recognizes players from all over the Northern part of the state. It is a Big Deal! The Weekly Choice and Charlevoix County News are on newsstands early this week and next week. Normally published on Thursday, these two weeks we are publishing on Tuesday. Early Deadline for advertising and news for next week's (12/31) paper is Friday, December 27

09/19/2024

GAMEDAY Fall Sports Program for Grayling and Indian River Inland Lakes inside this week's (9/19 issue) Weekly Choice. This sure is an exciting time of year with high school sports in full swing now. Our gameday programs feature all the fall sports including Football, Volleyball, Cross Country, Sideline Cheer, Girls Golf, Boys Soccer for Varsity, JV and Freshmen teams.. On newsstands now. Last Week we distributed Ga***rd and Mancelona GAMEDAY Programs. We can find copies around town or at all home games.

08/06/2024

Remember to vote Tuesday August 6 in the primary election. I published endorsements for Otsego County and explained reasons why in the the 8/1 issue of the Weekly Choice. No unfounded wild claims just facts. Good solid info. Most places are probably out of papers but I will load up the red box outside my office if you need a copy, 112 East Sixth St in Ga***rd (across from United Way)

07/18/2024

Pick up this week's (7/18 issue) Weekly Choice for the All-Area BOYS Baseball Weekly Choice Dream Team. The best players from 30 schools in our coverage area. Lots of great athletes from all around the north. On Newsstands now.

07/11/2024

Pick up this week's (7/11 issue) Weekly Choice for the All-Area Girls Softball Weekly Choice Dream Team. The best players from 30 schools in our coverage area. Girls Softball was the most exciting sports this year. On Newsstands now.

07/04/2024

All-Area Girls Soccer Dream Team in this week's Charlevoix County News and Weekly Choice. The best soccer players from all around Northern Michigan including Boyne City, Charlevoix, Petoskey, Ga***rd, Grayling, Cheboygan, Alpena. Congratulations to these great athletes. In this week's (7/4) Charlevoix County News and Weekly Choice. On newsstands now.

06/19/2024

Hillman High School Softball made to the final 4 in MHSAA Division 4 state softball tournament and are featured in this week's (6/20) Weekly Choice. Tons of photos and game reports leading to their final 4 appearance. This issue will be very popular. On News Stands now.