Robert Walter Dyer

    Robert Walter Dyer, 90, passed away on October 15th, 2026. He was born on December 13th, 1935 in Detroit, Michigan, to Clifford and Aritta Dyer. Robert (Bob) married the love of his life, Karen Bronson, on June 28th 1958 in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. They were happily married for 68 years.

    Bob was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His life was filled with family, church, and friendship. His love of the Lord Jesus guided him and was reflected in every aspect of his life. He loved adventure, traveling, camping, and searching for new rocks to add to his collection. Above all, Bob treasured spending time with family, finding his greatest joy holding his newborn grandchildren and great grandchildren, with some of his last words, “Keep 'em coming.”

    He was an amazing teacher with degrees from Central Michigan University and the University of Michigan. He loved sharing the knowledge he gleaned from his formal training and his tenure as a middle school biology and earth sciences teacher in the City of Detroit for 33 years with anyone who would listen and learns about rocks, plants, animals, and such. The grandkids were always mesmerized!

    Bob had a lifelong passion, that sometimes became an obsession, with the University of Michigan football and basketball. GO BLUE!

    He will be missed by his wife Karen; his children Marc (Mary) Dyer, Penny (Mike) Moran, Mike (Catherine) Dyer; his brother Dick (Linda); his 10 grandchildren and spouses; his 11 grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and many friends.

    His family and friends will gather for a celebration of life Thursday, October 29th, 2026 at 11 am (10 am receiving) at Heart of the Shepherd Lutheran Church, 228 N. Burkhart Rd, Howell, MI 48843, with lunch at the church to follow. An interment of ashes will follow at the church's memorial garden. Please leave a message of comfort for Bob’s family at 1-887-231-7900, or sign his guestbook at www.borekjennings.com

    In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Heart of the Shepherd Lutheran Church (Memorial Garden Refresh) (https://www.heartoftheshepherd.church/) or Family Impact Center of Fowlerville, Michigan (https://familyimpactcenters.com/).

 Livingston Audubon Naturalists to discuss beavers at Nov. 12th meeting

    “Beavers in the Burbs” will to the topic at the next meeting of the Livingston Audubon Naturalists on Nov. 12th. Doors open at 6:45pm to 8:30pm.

    North America’s largest rodent is alive and well and has been seen in the Detroit area. Beavers were hunted almost to extinction in the 1800’s, but over the last century they have made an amazing comeback. Retired Sterling Heights naturalist Gordon Lonie spent two summers photographing a family of beavers that made their den along the Clinton River. With videos, photos and entertaining stories, Gordon will bring you into the world of these nocturnal creatures. Be prepared to learn, laugh and wonder at these industrious animals. Join us at First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Grand River Ave, Brighton. Meetings are free and open to the public. All are welcome. For more information, follow us on Facebook at Livingston Audubon Naturalists, or our website www.livingstonaudubon.org

 Livingston County Genealogical Society to hold meeting on     Nov. 5th

    The Livingston County Genealogical Society will hold an in-person meeting, Thursday, Nov. 5th at 7pm at the First United Methodist Church in Howell, 1230 Bower Street. We will also offer a zoom link to this meeting; the link may be found on our Facebook page the week of the meeting. Laressa Northrup will present– “Religious Groups in Colonial Pennsylvania.”

 Veterans Day Banquet being held at Williamston Senior Center on Nov. 10th

    The 5th Annual Veterans Day Banquet will be Tuesday November 10 at the Williamston Area Senior Center, 500 Williamston Center Rd. The event is $50 and is a fundraiser for the Williamston Museum at the Depot. Doors open 5:30; dinner 6pm, program 7pm.

    The speaker is lifelong Williamston resident, Chris Hemminger. Chris will present a program featuring his photos and letters home during his tour in Vietnam 1968-69. For reservations: visit the Depot Wed 1-6pm 369 Grand River, Williamston; Go to museum website williamstonmuseum.org; Venmo: WilliamstonMuseum; or call 517 974-1853.

    Great event, Great cause. Honoring all who served. Can’t attend? Make a reservation for a veteran.

 Nov. 3rd General Election features local, county, state & federal races

By Steve Horton

    The Nov. 3rd General Election that is now underway features a number of local, county, state and federal races, plus two statewide ballot propositions.

    The Fowlerville Board of Education has three four-year seats that are on the ballot with five candidates. They include John Belcher, Diana Dombrowski, Brandon Mohs, Karen Pfau, and Jason Reed. Belcher and Dombrowski are incumbents.

    Two candidates are running for the Fowlerville Village President office. They are current council trustee Kathryn Heath and planning commission member Randy Showerman. The term is for two years. There are also three people running for three four-year terms on the Fowlerville Village Council. They are Mary Gallagher, Brent Kilpela, and James Mayhew. Mayhew is an incumbent.

    There are three openings on the Fowlerville District Library Board with two current incumbents on the ballot seeking re-election. They are Paul Harmon and Karl Witt. There are also two write-in candidates, Katie Pikkarainen and Kimberly Roberts. The top three vote-getters will be elected to four-year terms.

    The board of education, village, and library races are on the non-partisan ballot.

    While the township races are part of the Presidential Election cycle, there are partial terms being voted on due to resignations that occurred since the last election in 2024. Conway Township has three appointees who are seeking to fill out the remaining two years of their respective offices. They are Bonnie Flanery, supervisor; Tara Foote, clerk; and Debra Grubb, treasurer. All three are on the Republican ballot and are unopposed.

    In Howell Township, Robert Spaulding, who was appointed as supervisor, is seeking the remaining two years of that office. He is a Republican and is unopposed. A vacancy for a board trustee position had three candidates listed on the Republican ballot in the August Primay, with John Marhofer II emerging as the nominee. He is unopposed for the General Election and will also serve a two-year term.

    One of the more publicized area races is the open seat for the Livingston County 44th Circuit Court judgeship. Running for a six-year term are Andrea Banfield and Kristina Lyke. Another judicial race is the Livingston County 53rd District Court where the incumbent, Daniel Bain, is unopposed for a six-year term. Both of these county races are on the non-partisan ballot.

    The area Michigan legislative races include the 50th District House seat where Republican incumbent Jason Woolford faces Democratic challenger Cassie Canedo and the 22nd Distict Senate seat where Rob Hower, a Democrat, is facing off against Mike Murphy, a Republican. The incumbent senator, Lana Theis, could not run again due to term limits. The House seat is a two-year term, while the Senate seat is a four-year term.

    The 7th District U.S. House race pits GOP incumbent Tom Barrett against Democrat candidate William Lawrence. There is also a Green Party candidate, Shane Dedrick. Livingston and Ingham counties are part of this district with the term of office being two years. This race, being competitive, has gained national attention since the outcome will help decide which party controls the U.S. House.

    The premier statewide race has turned out to be the open U.S. Senate seat between Abul El-Sayed, who is the Democratic Party nominee, and Mike Rogers, the Republican Party standardbearer. Similar to the 7th District Congressional contest, the outcome in this race might determine which party holds the majority in the U.S. Senate. The winner will serve a six-year term.

    Running for governor and lieutenant governor are Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat and current Secretary of State, and her running mate Winnie Banks, and John James, a Republican Congressman, and his running mate Jay DeBoyer. Banks is the Senate Majority Leader and DeBoyer is a member of the Michigan House

    Running for Secretary of State are Anthony Forlio, a Republican who is the current Macomb County clerk, and Garlin Gilchrist II, a Democrat who is now serving as the lieutenant governor.

    Vying to be the next Attorney General are GOP nominee Doug Lloyd, who is the Eaton County Prosecuting Attorney, and the Democrat candidate Eli Savit, the current Washtenaw County Prosecuting Attorney.

    All these state offices are for four-year terms.

    Voters will also decide who will fill seats on the Michigan Supreme Court, the Michigan State Board of Eduction, the University of Michigan Board of Regents, the Michigan State University Board of Trustees, and the Wayne State University Board of Governors. Each of them has two seats up for election and all are for eight-year terms.

    There are also two State of Michigan Ballot Proposals. Proposal 1 asks voters if a constitutional convention should be convened to draft a general revision of the state constitution which would then be put up for voters to approve or reject. Proposal 2 seeks to prohibit campaign contributions by certain regulated utilities and government contractors.

 Halloween to be celebrated on Saturday, Oct. 31st

    Halloween will be celebrated on Saturday, Oct. 31st, with several extras planned in Fowlerville and Webberville along with the evening ‘trick or treating’.

    As in the past, the official hours set by the two Villages for youngsters to be ‘trick or treating’ is 6 to 8p.m. In the Fowlerville area, ‘Trunk & Treat’ events are planned at Fowlerville United Bretheran Church from 6 to 7p.m. and Fowlerville First United Methodist Church from 6 to 8p.m. Several Downtown businesses will also be offering treats.

    Iosco Township will once again host its ‘Trail & Treats’ from 5 to 7 p.m. with area residents invited to bring their kids or candy to hand out.

    In Webberville, the local United Methodist Church will be handing out candy and serving hot cocoa at the Downtown park next to the Blue Star Memorial and the NIESA fire station will be passing out candy and providing fire prevention materials. Both of those events are taking place from 6 to 8p.m.

 Fowlerville District Library

Upcoming Events

Monday – Wednesday: 9:30 am to 7:00 pm

Thursday: 9:30 am to 8:00 pm

Friday: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm

Saturday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Sunday: Closed

For any questions, or to register for programs, call us at                517-223-9089.

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KIDS & FAMILY

Family Storytime (Ages 1-5)

For families with “littles” to learn, play and grow through a variety of stories, songs, rhymes, movements, and activities. Playtime and crafts included! 

Tues. ● 10-11am

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Toddler Storytime (Ages 0-3)

A storytime for the “littlest littles” to learn, play, and grow through a variety of stories, songs, rhymes and movements that appeal to short attention spans. 

Wed. ● 10-11am

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Kids Club (Ages 6-12)

All the fun of Lego Club, but with more! Now you can play a game, complete a craft or activity, and still build with your favorite bricks. 

Thurs. ● 4pm

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Graphic Novel Book Club

Read the book and then come to discuss it. Snacks provided. Books are available at the front desk and are yours to keep. We will be discussing BUNNICULA James Howe. 

Mon., Oct. 26 ● 4pm

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Book Boxes (All ages)

Fill out the online form by visiting the events page on our website. Let the librarians pick a surprise selection of books for you. Register the first two weeks of every month to get next month’s box, which will be ready to pick up the first of the following month.

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Reading Dragons (All Ages)

Game on! Read to earn creature cards to collect and play games! Can you collect them all? Stop by the library to grab a reading log and a starter set to begin your adventure.

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Live Homework Help

Free with your library card! Log on to HelpNow, click “Live Help”, Enter subject and grade level and enter the online classroom for expert assistance. You can find a link on our homepage.

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Sensory Playtime (Ages 2-5)

This is a drop-in playtime filled with unstructured, sensory fun! Watch your littles use their imaginations to turn everyday things into toys. Caregiver supervision is required. 

Friday, Nov. 20 ● 10-11am

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Homeschool Hangout (Ages 6-12)

A program for homeschoolers to connect over fun games and activities. Each session features a special STEM activity! 

Wed., Nov. 4 & Nov. 18 ● 1-2pm

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Spooky Special

Get ready for a sPOOHktacular film featuring some of our favorite woodland friends! Popcorn and light refreshments will be provided. The movie is rated G with a runtime of 1 hr. 7 min. 

Wed., Oct. 28 ● 1pm

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Reading With Remington

Read a story to Remington the dog! Pick out a short story or a few chapters to read to Remington. Time slots will be assigned first come, first served. 

Saturday, Nov. 7 ● 11-12pm

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TEENS

Dungeons & Dragons (Ages 12-18)

Come play D&D 5th Edition! No prior experience needed.

Wednesdays ● 2:30-5pm

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Switch Free Play (Ages 10-18)

Open gaming time with the library's Switch.

Fridays ● 2:30-5pm

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Teen Center

Let’s hang out! Come as you are. All are welcome. Free food, fun and friendship in partnership with Linsey’s Llama Promise Youth Center. 

Wed., Oct. 28 & Nov. 11 ● 6-8pm

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ADULTS

Board of Trustees Meeting

Board will meet to discuss library business, the public is invited and encouraged to attend. 

Thurs., Oct. 22 ● 6pm

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Unraveling the Ribbon (film), Book and Indigenous Tea Tasting

Unraveling the Ribbon, is a short documentary (20 mins.), exploring the deep cultural, spiritual, and political meaning of the Native American ribbon skirt. Worn with pride, each skirt tells a personal and collective story of resilience, identity, and ancestral connection. Once forced underground, the ribbon skirt reemerged after the 1978 Religious Freedom Act, becoming a powerful symbol of Indigenous survival and sovereignty. Women across generations share how the skirts are part of ceremony, personal healing, political resistance, and creative expression. Event includes a reading of Stitches of Tradition, the beautiful picture book by Native American author, Marcie Rendon.  Synopsis: The story follows an Ojibwe grandmother (nookomis) who sews beautiful handmade ribbon skirts for her granddaughter to wear during ceremonies and milestone moments in life. It highlights family love, resilience, and the cultural significance of ribbon skirts in Ojibwe traditions. Copies of the book will be given away to participants. One per household, while supplies last. A variety of brewed indigenous teas will be served for tasting. 

Tues., Nov. 17 ● 6pm

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Thanks-Giving and Taking: The Factual and Fictional History of an American Holiday

There's probably no holiday cozier than Thanksgiving. brimming with family, friends, and way too much food, the holiday brings us all together every year as a nation and a community. Our warm fuzzy feelings are real, but they are built upon one of the nation's most enduring myths: that of the peaceful friendship of the Pilgrims and the Native Americans. The feast this holiday is meant to commemorate was the briefest of reprieves from a century of conflict between Indigenous New Englanders and the colonists who increasingly preyed upon Indigenous goodwill until they had taken every piece of the pie. How do we square this ugly history with the warm-fuzzies of the season supposedly built upon love and togetherness? Join us for this exploration of the reasons for the season, where we will dive into the foundations of American history to explore the actual events of "the first Thanksgiving" and how this myth became so strongly embedded in the nation's collective memory. Presented by Eric Toups, professor of history at the University of Michigan. He studies and teaches the history of colonial-Indigenous interactions and contact in pre-revolution American history in addition to environmental history. Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, he has made Michigan his home for the past two years alongside his wife, Ananya, and their little mop of a dog, Oscar. 

Tues., Nov. 10 ● 6:30pm

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American Indian Boarding Schools in Michigan

Reporting for her local newspaper, Odawa Anishinaabe journalist Sierra Biidaaban Nadeau stumbles onto a family's--and a nation's--buried stories. In enrollment records of Michigan boarding schools, she finds the names of ten of her ancestors thrown into the maw of American settler colonialism: Her great-grandfather and his siblings, along with generations before them, were forced to attend Indian boarding schools. Sierra will talk about the history of American Indian boarding schools in Michigan, her family story, and read from her book, What the Ancestors Say: One Journalist's Intimate Investigation into Indian Boarding Schools. Books will be available for purchase. No registration is required. 

Thurs., Nov. 5 ● 6:30pm

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Ladies Night

We will be participating in the Village Wide event with live music @ 5:30 and a young person craft show. We will have refreshments and we hope you stop by. 

Thurs., Nov. 12 ● 5-8pm

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Repair Cafe 

Don't throw it away! Bring your broken items here to see if they can be repaired at our Repair Cafe. Local expert handy folk will be on hand to assist and advise. 

Sat., Nov. 21 ● 10-12pm

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Appy Hours for Everyone

Register for a 30-minute, 1-on-1 personalized session for confidential help with your technology needs. Call the front desk at 517-223-9089 to reserve your spot. 

Nov. 11 & Nov. 18 ● 2-4pm

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Cardmaking (Adults)

Enjoy camaraderie and cards at this popular program. You will make four different cards to take home. All supplies included. Registration is required, sign ups begin 10/22.

Fri., Nov. 6 ● 11am

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Scrapbooking (Adults)

Make the most of your memories and join us for a fun day of scrapbooking your favorite photos. Stay the whole time or for just a few hours. Everyone gets their own table. Light refreshments will be provided. 

Sat., Nov. 21 ● 10:30am – 3:30pm

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Shelf Indulgence Book Club (Adults)

Members take turns facilitating discussions. Come and enjoy some literary camaraderie! Register to get a free copy of the book, while supplies last. Registration begins one month before each scheduled meeting. Next meeting, we will discuss A FLOWER TRAVELED IN MY BLOOD by Haley Gilliland. 

Thurs., Nov. 19 ● 2pm

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Sewing (Adults)

Bring your sewing machine and learn from a master seamstress. All levels of skill are welcome. Registration is required. 

Wed., Nov. 18 ● 5:30pm & Fri., Nov. 13 ● 10-2pm

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Holistic Wellness (Adults)

Lyndsey Johnson from Natural Roots and Wellness presents workshops for promoting health and vitality through holistic practice. Lyndsey Johnson will be here to discuss Iridology, your eyes have a story to tell. Please register for these popular classes. Registration is required. 

Mon., Nov. 16 ● 5pm

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Heartfulness Relaxation & Meditation (Adults)

Join us for a meditation session to help you de-stress, find inner calm, improve sleep and for general emotional well being. This one hour session is free and will put you in a meditative state. Registration is required, as space is limited.

Tues., Oct. 27 ● 5:30pm

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Urban Pole Walking (Adult)

Learn the basics and benefits of pole walking by joining the Fowlerville Pole & Stroll Group (Loaner poles are available). 

Tuesday & Thursday mornings. ● 9am

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Puzzle Challenge

Register your team of up to 4 people to compete to complete an identical puzzle in the fastest time. Single registrants will be paired with other singles. Prizes will be awarded, and refreshments served. Sign ups are open. This puzzle will feature a Halloween theme. 

Thursday, Oct. 29 ● 6pm

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Fowlerville Area Historical Society Meeting

The Historical Society will meet here. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. 

Thurs., Nov. 5 ● 6pm

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Library Closed

The library will be closed on November 26 & 27 in observance of Thanksgiving. On Wednesday November 25, we will close early at 5pm. We wish everyone a joyful holiday.

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A Friendly Reminder

We are happy to be fine-free, however after a book is 8 weeks overdue, the item will be withdrawn from our system and can no longer be returned. A library lost/replacement fee will be applied to the account. Please return your items on time so that others can enjoy them too.