Edwardsburg residents will recall 2013 as the year of ups and down.

On the positive side, this year’s Relay for Life raised more than $35,000 for cancer research and the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics also turned in a big fundraising effort.

On the other side of the coin, G.W. Jones Exchange Bank was robbed.

 

Relay for Life

Sixteen teams took part in the 2013 Relay for Life event held at Edwardsburg Middle School.

Approximately 300 people took part and 56 cancer survivors were honored during the opening ceremonies. This was the fifth annual Relay for Life event held in Edwardsburg.

 

Polar Plunge

Heavy snow and frigid temperatures didn’t stop 24 brave, or perhaps crazy depending on your perspective, individuals from diving into the icy waters of Pleasant Lake to raise money for Special Olympics.

The 2013 event raised $4,200. Now in its third year, the Polar Plunge has raised $21,000 and had 80 plungers.

 

G.W. Jones Exchange Bank robbed

A quiet, sunny summer afternoon turned into a swarm of activity July 10 when G.W. Jones Exchange Bank was robbed by two individuals who got away with an undetermined amount of money.

Officers from the Ontwa Township-Edwardsburg Police Department, Cass Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation were at the scene and investigated the armed robbery.

 

Other top stories of 2013:

• For the first time, the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Land Management held a wild horse and burro adoption in Cass County. Forty wild horses and burros were available for adoption at McKinleys Harmony Acres. The adoption was a success.

• The Edwardsburg Food Pantry and Edwardsburg Emergency Fund were faced with the possibility of a shortfall when it came to its busiest time in the fall and winter. Due to heavier than usual summer activity, both the pantry and the EEF were asking for additional donations and funds during the late summer months to help make sure they would be able to help those in need when the weather turned cold.

• The Eagle Scout Project of Dustan Long was completed in late August. Long decided to raise $15,000 to build a new playground at Hope United Methodist Church.

• In early September, the Ontwa Township-Edwardsburg Police Department discovered a marijuana growing operation on North Shore Drive near Eagle Lake Road. They recovered $70,000 in equipment and plants at the residence.

• The US-12 Garage Sale celebrated its 10th anniversary.

• Barn Swallow Theatre held its first full season of productions in its new home located at east of Edwardsburg on US-12.