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News Summary - September 9, 2026 Edition
Tigers struck down by Thunderbolts
The Hillman Tigers used both running and passing strategies against the Mio-AuSable Thunderbolts in Hillman on Sept. 3. The Thunderbolts scored first, but the Tigers were quick to take the lead.
Hillman’s Eli Schulze backed the T-bolts up to a second down and 12 on the first possession for Mio, but the Thunderbolts were already too close to the end zone. Mio’s Landyn Fritz reached to put the ball over the line as he was being brought down, putting the Thunderbolts up by six early in the first quarter.
Mio tried an onside kick, but Hillman’s Richard Savone fell on the ball, setting the Tigers up on Mio’s 47-yard line. The Tigers were eating up yardage, and Eddie Prue kept the ball for a first down. A pass to Maison Tracey took the Tigers to first and goal on the 10, and Schulze scored a touchdown. Prue kept the ball for the extra to put the Tigers up by two going into the second quarter.
The T-bolts started a drive from their own 17 late in the second, and a 38-yard pass play from Logan Fox to Cory Fox put Mio in Tiger territory. Mio’s Atreyu Burden sprinted all the way to the end zone, and a two-point conversion put the Thunderbolts up by six at the halftime break. Unfortunately for the Tigers, Mio would have possession to start the second half.
A big kick from Prue sent the ball to the six-yard line, but the T-bolts returned to the 26. They passed and carried their way to the Tiger side of the field, and a pass to Garrett Fox scored. The extra two left Hillman trailing by 14. Tiger Elliot Mousseau recovered a Mio fumble early in the fourth quarter, but the T-bolts returned the favor. Another Mio score and extra two left Hillman with a lot of ground to make up.
The Tigers started from the Mio 47, and Prue was on the run until he was brought down by his shoelace at first and goal from the three. Tracey scored, and a pass to Cameron Nowak was good for the extra. However, time was running out for Hillman. The Tigers regained possession after Mio touched the ball on an onside kick, but a pass intercepted by Mio ended the game at 30-16, Thunderbolts.
Thompson ordered to report to jail
Scott A. Thompson, 57, Hawks, was ordered to report to jail after a hearing in 26th Circuit Court in Atlanta. Thompson was previously found guilty of charges related to animal cruelty and neglect. The Aug. 31 hearing was for restitution regarding costs associated with securing rescued animals, but the restitution hearing was postponed after Thompson requested a change of counsel.
Thompson and his attorney, Nick Somberg, each confirmed there was a breakdown in their relationship, and William Pfeifer, attorney with the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, has agreed to represent Thompson at the restitution hearing rescheduled for Sept. 14. Pfeifer served as Thompson’s court-appointed attorney earlier in the case.
An original restitution hearing was scheduled for Aug. 17, but that hearing was adjourned until Aug. 31. However, Vicki Kundinger, prosecutor, pointed out Thompson was to begin serving a six-month sentence following the hearing scheduled for Aug. 17. Judge K. Edward Black ordered Thompson to report to jail the evening of Aug. 31, and witnesses in the restitution hearing were dismissed.
“You can report to jail tonight,” Judge Black told Thompson. “If you fail to do so, it will be contempt of court, which is subject to ninety days.”
Rain doesn’t stop St. Augustine festival
The 5th Annual St. Augustine Catholic Church Festival on Aug. 30 was moved to the Hillman Community Center because of rain, a perfect venue for a live auction, raffles and food as well as activities and crafts for children. The fundraiser celebrated the 129th anniversary of the church.
Pork was generously donated for the meal which also featured corn on the cob, summer salads and desserts, including an ice cream sundae bar. About 200 dinners were served, and the festival was open to the public. Guests were treated to the bluegrass music of the Roughnecks of Truckey Road.
The live auction raised more than $6,500. Among the desired auction items were groups of 10 homemade turkey pot pies, coolers filled with beef and chicken, a pedal tractor for kids, sports baskets, a handcrafted harvest dinner table, a kids’ picnic table with a wheelbarrow of toys, and a wagon of beach accessories.
A lucky winner from Atlanta took the top cash prize of $5,000. Additional cash drawing prizes were $2,500 for second, $1,000 for third and $500 for fourth. Ten winners took home $100 each. The festival raised a total of $51,779 before expenses and prize payouts, which represents a decrease compared to previous years. The proceeds help fund the daily operations of the parish as well as religious education programs.
In a press release, Father Ben Martin, who is in his first year at St. Augustine, said he is blessed to be part of the Hillman community and that he has been welcomed with open arms.
“The community gathered in celebration with food, fun, festivities and prayer,” Father Martin said. “As your new pastor, I want to express my thanksgiving to all who provided of their time, talent and treasure to make this parish festival a success.”
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