Friends Community Owosso Corunna

14/09/2025

While some 16-year-olds are just learning to drive, here is one that has been racing cars since she was 14.

Owosso, MI - Friends Community News Group, September 14, 2025, 12:30 am ET - Please meet Riley Jermigan, a senior in high school who has been racing against the big boys four times her age since she was fourteen.

In 2023, she started racing with her older sister, Kened, and her mother, Bobbi Jo, at the Owosso Speedway. It's a family business. All three race in the same class.

Most people don't understand that racing is old school. No one gives you breaks because of age or gender. You must prove yourself. Nothing comes easy or free. One has to want it and work for it.

And Riley has done that. We found out today that she wrapped up her Rookie of the Year Season as the highest-scoring rookie in points.

That is her car number 51 in the photo below.

Now, the racing season is wrapping up for us in the North Land. It is exciting to think about what she will be able to bring to the track in 2026, a year older and with that new confidence and wisdom.

By: Tom Manke
Courtesy Photos

14/09/2025

Owosso, MI - Downtown Owosso Merchants Invite You to ArtWalk Owosso, A Celebration of Art & Community

Downtown Owosso merchants will be rolling out the red carpet for free family fun during ArtWalk Owosso Friday September 19th 4-8pm.

This event will be held throughout downtown and there will be excitement at every corner.

This event is made possible by the hospitality of our downtown merchants and the amazing sponsors which include The Shiawassee County Convention & Visitors Bureau, John Hankerd, Cakey Cakes and Bagels, Murtle’s Handmade Chocolates, Kori Shook and Associates and Benefits Your Way.

Event maps may be picked up the day of the event at the starting points at Lebowsky Center, Main Street Plaza, Shiawassee Arts Center, First Congregational Church, Kori Shook Riverside, The Armory, Cakey Cakes and Bagels and Longevity Massage. The event map will also be available on the ArtWalk Owosso page.

During ArtWalk Owosso, Main Street Plaza will be full of activity including Corunna Living Statues, a live Pianist, Interactive Art Stations, Artists Displays, Chalk Art, Baked goods and more. The plaza is also a starting point where you can pick up ArtWalk Owosso event maps.

Our downtown area will be the host to over 60 local and regional artists. There will be amazing live music performances including Bath Market Minstrels, featuring folk and festive tunes, located in The Lebowsky Center lobby.

Mister Tim specializes in Solo Live Looping, Classic Crooning and Electro Funk and he will be located outside of Owosso Floral. Main Street Plaza will be featuring Pianist Joshua Voorhies and DJ Spins will be throwing out live beats at Kori Shook Riverside.

Special features include a K-12 Art Contest at Edward Jones, Glitter Glam-Spas Parties & Events will feature everything sparkling including hair tinsel, chalk and extensions as well as glitter tattoos, body glitter and much more.

Wine & Canvas Lansing will be offering free kids painting activity, giveaways and a $10 Paint and Take Glass Painting at The Armory, Workshop.

Shiawassee Arts Center has a beautiful exhibition featuring Great Lakes Plein Air Artists and they will also host artists in Curwood Castle Park. Along with their featured artist, Kori Shook & Associates will be hosting Ashleigh’s Dance Shack Flash Mob from 4-5pm, DJ spins will be pumping out great music and Ya Gotta Eat Brick Oven Pizza will be cooking up amazing brick fired Pizza.

Owosso Farmers Market Pop Up Market will be located on Ball Street next to Fountain Park. The market will be jammed packed with local and regional artists. Shiawassee Crazy Quilters Guild will be showcasing beautiful quilts in the historic First Congregational Church located next to the Owosso Post Office.

Main Street Plaza on the corner of Washington & Main Street will be full of fun artists, a live pianist, and Interactive Art Stations hosted by Corunna Schools.

Owosso School art students will be offering free face painting. Corunna Living Statues will be found around the plaza area.

The Great Start Family Coalition will feature a Story Book Trail on Artist Row East (100 block of Main Street). The Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest will be located throughout town. There will be fun at every turn!

This year’s feature artists, their medium and locations include AJ Beauty and Jade Nicole-Hair Tinsel & Feathers-The Soul Place,

Arthur Jones-forged and fabricated steel & bronze-Kori Shook Riverside,

Cameron Winacroft-Acrylic & Industrial Lamps-Itsa Deli Thing ,

Cindy Swain-Christmas wreaths made from vintage Christmas bulbs-Marketplace on Washington,

Corunna Living Statues-Main Street Plaza area,

CR Johansson-Acrylic on Canvas-Kori Shook & Associates,

Debrorah Jenrow/Just Being Me Designs-Handmade Crafts-MI Favorite Store,

DeDe Raffaelli/Just Love Art-Glass Fusion-Etcetera, Derek Sanderson-3-D Art-Gilberts Hardware and Appliance,

Dorothy Garcia-Crochet and Canvas-MI Turning Point Store,

Elijah Walters-Audio Visual Modified CRT-in front of Central Pharmacy,

Emma Lee Livingston-Face Painting-Cakey Cakes & Bagels,

Eva Passmore-Acrylic on Canvas-Main Street Plaza,

Shiawassee Crazy Quilters-First Congregational Church,

Hannah Gascho-Oil, Acrylic & Watercolor-Fosters Coffee,

Heather Sheridan/Infinite Wood Wonders-Wood Fractals-Rustic Owl Furnishings LLC,

Holly Holzhausen-Animal , Landscapes and abstract acrylic- J’s Tux & Bridal,

Jason Wilson-Color Pencil & Acrylic-Gilberts Hardware & Appliance,

Jessica VanDuser-Photography, painting & sculpture-Oak & Ivory Clothing Co.

Jill Doederlein-Stone, clay beads with wire and metal, Jo Anna Smith/Blind Date & A Book-Rollin Blooms, Jordan Moore-Mixed Media-Freddie’s Party Store,

Kellie Cassel Raymo/Wine & Canvas Lansing-Free kids painting activity and $10 Paint & Take Glass Painting Workshop, Kayla Hayes/Just Buffy Pickled Moth-Digital traditional-Main Street Plaza,

Lori Anne Dickerman-Resign art, water and acrylic-Art Row East in front of Taphouse Meat Market,

Lily Walters-Counter Cross Stitch-Norm Henry Shoes,

Macey Splaney-Handmade Bracelets- Main Street Plaza,

Madi Broekhuizen/Mad Creation Studio-Taphouse Meat Market,

Maddie Keesler/Lady on the Moon Emporium-Cutting Edge Salon,

Marly Wallace-Face Painting-Owosso Cookie Company,

Mark Dehetre-Clay Pottery & Sculpture, Matther Hemp-Watercolor, Gouache & Acrylic-Cakey Cakes & Bagels,

Miranda Rowell-Aesthetic Artistry-Art Row West (200 Block W. Main),

Mister Tim-Solo Live Looping, Classic Crooning & Electric Funk-Owosso Floral,

Oliva Wiley-Nail Art-Longevity Massage, Pretties by Penny-Custom Handcrafted Earrings, Rebecca Deneen/Rebecca’s Tasty Treats- Baked Goods-Main Street Plaza,

Rebecca McCallum-Acrylic on Canvas & Wood-Owosso Floral,

Rach Williams-Acrylic & Oil-Art Row East (100 Block East Main), Rachel Curtis-Acrylics & Watercolor-Aviator Jayne,

Regina Moskal-Watercolor, Pencil & Acrylics-Itsa Deli Thing,

Shiawassee Crazy Quilters-Homemade Quilts-First Congregational Church,

Tarry Smith-Mixed Media & Unique Crafts-Racks and Rattles, Thelma Lousie Bignell-Canvas & Reclaimed Saw Blade Acrylic-Gilbert’s Hardware & Appliance,

Tricia Rogers/Kinnection Infinity Jewelry-Permanent Vintage & Fine Jewelry-Rollin Blooms,

Wendy Cummings-Custom Glitter & Acrylic Pens-MI Favorite Store, Whitney Helfrich-Canvas, Acrylic & Photography.

ArtWalk Owosso is a unique celebration of local and regional artists, downtown businesses and attractions.

The collaboration of artists and merchants along with the art and architecture of our beautiful downtown promises to make a great evening of conversations, discovery, happy taste buds and pride for the community we call home.

Event maps will be available on the day of the event at the previously mentioned welcome stations. The map will also be posted to our ArtWalk Owosso page. For more information you may contact Kim Springsdorf at 989-723-1199.

13/09/2025

SRF Project. LIVE @ Shiawssee Conservation Association.

The Anmual Shiawassee Firefighter's Memorial Pig Roast is underway at the Shiawassee Conservation Association. Only $20 ... 4 bands and dinner.

Owosso, MI - The SRF Project is playing at the 2025 Annual Firefighters Memorial Pig Roast. Shiawassee Conservation Association. September 13, 2025RAW Video...

13/09/2025

OWOSSO SPEEDWAY ANNOUNCES ....
After qualifying, Darren Burton has officially clinched the 2025 Michigan Paving & Materials All-American Trucks Championship!

13/09/2025

Live at The Firefighters Memorial Fund Raiser.
Saturday... Shiawassee Conservation Club Owosso 4247 N. M- 52
Pig Roast, 4 Bands, only $20 donation.

13/09/2025

Corunna High School Equestrian Keiana White - Lauderdale is the District “Division D” Champion and advanced to the Regional Championships

Corunna, MI - Friends Community News Group, September 13, 2025, 1:45 pm ET - With its rolling fairgrounds and equestrian tradition, Shiawassee County has become a friendly host to one of Michigan’s oldest and most vibrant youth horse-riding competitions: the Michigan Interscholastic Horsemanship Association (MIHA).

Each fall, high school teams from across the county regularly gather to compete, improve their skills, and deepen their love of horses.
This year, the MIHA held an event at the Shiawassee County Fairgrounds; they are holding one this weekend and will return on September 26.

This week, 47 athletes are competing for 13 schools.

What Is MIHA

The Michigan Interscholastic Horsemanship Association (MIHA) is the governing body organizing interscholastic equestrian competition for junior high and high school students across Michigan. MIHA sanctions multiple classes of riding events, hosts district, regional, and state championship meets, and serves as both a competitive and educational forum for young riders.

MIHA’s origins go back to 1968, when a group of parents in Oakland County noted over 10,000 horses in the area and proposed a school-sponsored horsemanship program. Ed Cheyz, Kelly Lawerance, and Carmi Edwards were pivotal.

The first official show was held in 1972 (a “Father’s Day Show”) at Milford High School. It had large participation & audience: around 600 entries and 1,200 spectators.

Through the ’70s, more schools joined. By 1976, the organization had expanded beyond its original “Huron Valley” region and officially became the Michigan Interscholastic Horsemanship Association.

That same year, its first State Championship meet was held at Oak Ridge Stables in White Lake Township.

Over subsequent decades, MIHA grew in number of riders, teams, and districts. They introduced divisions based on team size (“A”, “B”, “C”, “D” divisions) so that smaller teams could compete fairly.

A Junior division (for 6-8 grade) was formally added in 2006; later on, 5th graders were included.

MIHA’s stated purpose is:
“to promote continuous growth in programs fostering horsemanship education; sponsor activities to encourage interscholastic participation; and to have cooperative adult-supervised leadership (coaching) for all students in grades 5 through 12 who are desirous to participate regardless of race, creed or national origin … Throughout Association leadership and coaching, it is our goal that the student members derive whatever enjoyment and benefits possible as a result of participating as riders in horsemanship education programs and interscholastic competition.”

Thus, it’s not just about competition, but also education, character development, and inclusion.

Structure and How Competition Works:

MIHA is divided into Districts (19 at last count) with District Chairpersons.

The High School season happens in the fall. (The junior high season is in the spring.)

At each District, schools compete in multiple meets. The top teams in each division from each district advance to Regional competition, and from there, teams can qualify for the State Championship.

A variety of “classes” or event types are offered: showmanship, equitation, riding over fences, western riding, trail, speed events (e.g. relays, flag races), etc. Riders often must have access to a horse—own, lease, or borrow.

Shiawassee County’s Role & High Schools

Shiawassee County plays an essential role in MIHA, as host for regional or district meets and as home to participating high school equestrian teams.

Shiawassee County Fairgrounds (2900 Hibbard Rd, Corunna) is repeatedly used for MIHA High School Equestrian Team meets and Regional meets.

High Schools in Shiawassee County with teams or involvement include Owosso, Ovid-Elsie, Perry, and Corunna (Corunna Equestrian Team), among others.

Corunna’s Equestrian Team has been reported as the District “Division D” Champion and advanced to the Regional Championships; its riders compete in various classes.

Over the years, MIHA has had long-serving executive members (e.g. Jean Husted, Annette Thelen, Bill Tingley) that helped stabilize and grow the organization.

The program not only develops riding and competition skills, but also responsibility, teamwork, caring for animals, sportsmanship. Many students report lifelong friendships and leadership skills. (While I didn’t find a published survey for Shiawassee specifically, these themes often appear in MIHA’s communication.)

By: Tom Manke
Photos: Owosso Equestrian Team, and
Friends Community News Group, Shiawassee County Fairgrounds, September 13, 2025.

13/09/2025

High School Football Scores - Shiawassee County - Sept.12, 2025

Shiawassee County High School Football Scores, Friday, September 12, 2025.

Byron 22 - St. Patrick 62

Corunna 22 - Clio 46

Durand 0 - Montrose 45

Laingsburg 27 - Perry 15

Morrice 52 - Alcona 0

New Lothrop 35 - Chesaning 7

Ovid Elsie 38 - Lakeville 12

Owosso 38 - Lake Fenton 35

Perry 15 - Laingsburg 27

13/09/2025

The Midland Center For The Arts wants you to know.... Help is on the way, dear! The musical that reminds us of the importance of family, Mrs. Doubtfire comes to the Center this winter! Tickets for the musical comedy for the family go on sale SEP 26!

🖥️/ midlandcenter.org/doubtfire

Psst! 🤫 Sign up for our E-Club to get early access! ➡️ bit.ly/CenterEclub

13/09/2025

Williamston Theatre Presents..
EVERY BRILLIANT THING
By Duncan Macmillan
With Jonny Donahoe
Directed by Tony Caselli
October 2 – October 26, 2025

Based on true and untrue stories, Every Brilliant Thing is a life-affirming story of how to achieve hope through focusing on the smallest miracles of life.

13/09/2025

Corunna High School King and Queen Candidates, September 12, 2025.
Top photo:
Back Row L-R, Clark Cody, Pablo Chandler, Nathan Carr
Bottom Row L-R, Marlee Princinsky, Gracie TerMeer, Rachel Steinacker, Lizzie Dettman, Isla Sule.
Bottom Photos: L-R
Zac Plowman, Isaac Jacobs
Photo: Tom Manke

13/09/2025

In A Huge Upset, Clio Beat Corunna on Corunna's Home Field on Friday, September 12, 2025. 46 - 22

13/09/2025

Meet Corunna's Home Coming Queen and King
Queen Lizzie Dettman
King Clark Cody