The fourth class of inductees will include: Harold and Marcia Bernhardt, Mel Holme, George Orchard and Dale Safford, the 1929 Stambaugh High School basketball team, the 1977 football team and the 1975 girls basketball team.

The induction ceremony honoring the Class of 2026 will be at George Young’s Recreational Complex on Saturday, Oct. 17, beginning with a social hour at 5 p.m. followed by a dinner and the program at 6 p.m. Contact the West Iron County High School office to buy or reserve tickets.

Introducing the Class of 2026 inductees —

— Harold and Marcia Bernhardt were longtime educators, historians and civic leaders whose work helped shape the cultural and historical identity of Iron County. Harold, a World War II Army veteran, served in eight military campaigns including Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge before earning degrees from Michigan State University and the University of Wisconsin. After returning to Iron River in the 1950s, he became a teacher and coach and earned statewide recognition in 1954 when he coached the Iron River Redskins to a perfect undefeated season and was awarded the prestigious Barber Trophy. Known for his leadership in academics, athletics, and outdoor education, Harold later worked alongside Marcia to help establish the Iron County Historical Museum and promote local historical preservation efforts throughout the region.

Mel Holme (Submitted photo)

Marcia devoted her life to education, historical research and community service. Born in Williamston, Mich., in 1926, she attended Michigan State College and later taught in Amasa, Stambaugh and Iron River schools, influencing more than 4,000 students during her career. She became a founding member of the Iron County Historical Society and spent more than 50 years serving as curator, archivist, researcher and author for the Iron County Museum. Marcia edited or wrote more than 15 published books on regional and family history and helped establish the West Iron County District Library. Community members widely regarded Harold and Marcia Bernhardt as the driving forces behind preserving Iron County’s heritage and fostering appreciation for the history of the Upper Peninsula.

— Mel Holme of Stambaugh was one of the U.P.’s outstanding football players of the postwar era and was inducted into the U.P. Sports Hall of Fame in 1983. A powerful all-state fullback at Stambaugh High School, Holme helped lead the 1949 Stambaugh football team to the prestigious Barber Trophy, awarded annually to the top high school football team in the U.P. Known for his toughness, blocking ability and leadership on the field, he became one of the region’s most respected athletes during an era when U.P. football was gaining statewide recognition.

After his high school success, Holme continued his football career at the University of Minnesota, where he played fullback in the Golden Gophers’ famed single-wing offense. He served as the blocking fullback for All-American halfback Paul Giel, helping Minnesota maintain one of the nation’s strongest rushing attacks during the early 1950s. Holme’s accomplishments at both the high school and collegiate levels earned him lasting recognition as one of Iron County’s great football figures and a proud representative of Upper Peninsula athletics.

His athletic activities were not confined to football, as he won three letters in basketball and was an infielder and pitcher in baseball and softball. He played for Stambaugh in the Interstate League and was a member of the softball team that won the district championship.

When he graduated in 1950, he ranked in the upper third of his class scholastically, was a member of the National Honor Society and president of the student council.

George Orchard (Submitted photo)

— George Orchard was a lifelong leader, mentor, and advocate for youth and athletics in Iron River. A graduate of Iron River High School, Orchard was active in band, basketball and track and field before enlisting in the United States Air Force at the age of 17. He proudly served his country for 23 years while raising a family with his wife, Sylvia, and their three sons. After retiring from the Air Force in 1977, Orchard returned home to Iron River, where he dedicated himself to improving opportunities for student-athletes at West Iron County Schools and throughout the community.

His impact on West Iron County athletics and youth programs spanned decades. He volunteered and coached cross country, track and field, and volleyball, helping establish the first girls cross country and volleyball programs at WIC. He also played a key role in developing the all-weather track at Nelson Field and helped organize the original “Rodeo Run” road race. Known for his love of running, Orchard competed in races and marathons across the U.P. and northern Wisconsin, including the Boston Marathon. More importantly, he inspired generations of athletes through his leadership, mentorship, and dedication to helping young people succeed both on and off the field.

— Dale Safford was a respected educator, historian, and community volunteer whose lifelong commitment to Iron River, left a lasting impact on Iron County. Born in Chicago in 1950 and raised in Midland, she earned degrees from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan before beginning a career in education. Safford worked as a high school librarian in Iron Mountain and later at West Iron County High School from 1991 until her retirement in 2007. Known for her dedication to students, she carefully assembled newspaper and activity portfolios for graduating seniors and became a strong advocate for literacy, local history, and public education throughout the region.

Beyond her work in education, Safford became widely known in Iron River as the community’s “Cemetery Lady” for her annual historical cemetery walking tours that highlighted local legends, veterans, pioneers, and notable families. She served as treasurer and active member of numerous organizations, including the Iron County Genealogical Society, Lee LeBlanc Audubon Society, Beechwood Historical Society, and Wesley United Methodist Church. Safford also cataloged local gravesites on FindAGrave and supported organizations such as the Iron County Museum, the West Iron District Library, and local youth sports programs. Proud of her adopted hometown, she became one of Iron County’s most recognizable local historians and preservation advocates, remembered for her enthusiasm, community spirit, and deep knowledge of the area’s heritage.

— The 1929 Stambaugh High School boys basketball team was defeated by Grand Haven in the Michigan Class B state championship game. Stambaugh posted a 13-2 regular season record and 19-3 overall.

Dale Safford (Submitted photo)

— In only their second year of existence, the 1975 West Iron County High School girls basketball team, under the direction of Sue Hautala, won the U.P. championship and advanced to the Class B state quarterfinals, where they were defeated by West Branch. No girls basketball team at West Iron County has surpassed this feat, with only the 1986 girls also reaching the state quarterfinals.

— The 1977 West Iron County football team was defeated by Orchard Lake St. Mary in the Pontiac Silverdome, then the home of the Detroit Lions, in the 1977 Class C state championship game. The Wykons posted an overall record of 10-2, winning the Great Northern Conference with a 6-1 record, losing only to Iron Mountain by the score of 6-0. The Wykons defeated Shelby 17-0 in the state quarterfinals and Saginaw St. Peter & Paul 38-14 in the state semifinals.

The West Iron County Wall of Fame was created in 2023 under the West Iron County Public Schools to recognize the accomplishments of its graduates and the great commitments and contributions to the West Iron County Schools. This year, and in the future, the West Iron County Wall of Fame will honor contributions and accomplishments of those individuals who are worthy of recognition and are examples for others to emulate, including students currently attending the West Iron County schools.

These accomplished individuals may be, but certainly not limited to: distinguished alumni, contributor, coach/teacher/administrator, athlete, pre-consolidation, or someone who made outstanding contributions in his or her field. Those being honored will have attended the Iron River, Stambaugh, Bates and/or West Iron County Public Schools. Up to, but not more than, four individuals will be inducted into the Wall of Fame in 2027 and the years that follow.

Those looking to nominate someone for the Class of 2027 must submit a completed form by May 1, 2027. Only individuals who have been nominated will be considered for induction onto the Wall of Fame. Inductees will be decided by June 1, 2027. An individual must be nominated by someone other than himself or herself. All nominations must be submitted on the official Wall of Fame nomination form. This form is available online at www.westiron.org/wall-of-fame. A form can also be picked up in the athletic director’s office at the high school.

The 1929 Stambaugh High School basketball team (Submitted photo)

The Wall of Fame Committee stressed that this is an achievement Wall of Fame, not just a sports Wall of Fame. Anyone from the Iron River, Stambaugh, Bates and/or West Iron County schools who have made great contributions or achievements in their field of work or career are eligible for this Wall of Fame. Once a person is nominated for the Wall of Fame, they will be open for induction onto the Wall of Fame forever, even if they don’t get in the first year.

The West Iron County Wall of Fame is looking for donations from alumni, community members and businesses to help with the costs. The Wall of Fame committee will run solely on donations, so the public’s generosity will make honoring upcoming inductees possible. The funds will be used to cover the cost of the plaques and the annual banquet for the new inductees. Donors’ names will be included on a plaque that will also be on display on the

Wall of Fame at the high school.

Donations can be made to the West Iron County Schools Wall of Fame.

The West Iron County Wall of Fame Committee members include Kevin Schmutzler, Mike Berutti, Dan Hinch, Jim Kralovec, Bernadette Coates, Jay Barry, Gary Scalcucci and Glen Treado.

The 1977 West Iron County football team (Submitted photo)

The 1975 West Iron County girls basketball team (Submitted photo)