Joanne Lindholm photo Golden K chairperson Bill Roberts introduces Dickinson County Sheriff Scott Rutter as the guest speaker at the Golden K meeting on Monday.

KINGSFORD — John Boswell said, “Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour.”

On a chilly Monday morning as the Golden K gathered, this quote serves as a good reminder.

Chairman Bill Roberts got the meeting started. Alyce Derwinski accompanied the members as they sang, “God Bless America,” “Blue Skies,” “Dear Hearts” and “Gentle People,” and ended with “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.” Before Derwinski left the piano, members sang the welcome song for Dickinson County Sheriff Scott Rutter and the birthday song for Laverne Calcari, who was celebrating a birthday that day.

Bob Bowman, a long-time member, recently passed away. “Auld Lang Syne” was sung in his memory.

Sick call was announced for members who are experiencing health issues. Ongoing prayers were extended to them.

Judy Sielaff was the winner of the Pot of Gold. Gary Proudfit read the Happy Dollar messages, which included many happy folks over the Packers’ and Lions’ playoff wins. Sarah and Leon Gospodarek commented on the frigid temperatures but reminded us that many have it worse. Don Pedo noted that he is thrilled to be back with the Golden K.

On Dr. Martin Luther King Day, they were reminded of his many contributions to America. Roberts quoted MLK by saying, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is … what are you doing for others.” And “We may have come on different ships, but we’re all in the same boat now.”

Roberts introduced Rutter of the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office. Rutter reviewed his department’s year-end activity report, expounding on each one.

The office consists of three departments: road patrol, correctional center and dispatch center. Their aim is to do things to benefit the community and make it a safer place to live.

The correctional center is a 71-bed facility that last year averaged 45 inmates per day. With more opportunities to avoid incarceration such as lower bond payments and plea bargains, inmate numbers have decreased. There was a total of 700 inmates booked in 2023.

Road patrol includes civil processes, transports, traffic accidents, property checks, traffic stops, complaints and arrests. Included in the 172 arrests were 33 felony and 87 warrants. Traffic stops resulted in 248 citations and 1,339 verbal warnings.

The dispatch center receives 911 calls, non-911 calls, law enforcement calls, EMS dispatch calls and fire dispatch calls. Improved technology allows the 911 dispatcher to see all local law enforcement units’ locations on a screen for quicker response time by locating the closest unit to send on a call.

The Upper Peninsula was the first area in the United States to be able to text 911. This has been an extremely vital component of assisting people in need, especially for those who may not be able to speak due to illness or fear of being heard in a volatile situation.

New to the office are two drones to aid in search and rescue. Those flying the drones receive training and must be certified. A K-9 dog will also be joining the department through donated funds.

Rutter will be retiring in the near future after serving seven years as sheriff and a total of 28 years in law enforcement.

The Golden K thanked him for his service to our community and wished him well in his future endeavors.

Next week’s speaker will be Karen Klenke. The Golden K meets at 10 a.m. on Monday at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. All are invited to attend.