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Antrim County News



Local News

PUBLISHED: Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Headed for home



MANCELONA - To even those personally and professionally involved in the Bellaire-Mancelona sports rivalry, there is a unified front to help those in need.

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For Mancelona baseball coach Jim Vanwagoner, the need was a home and everything in it.

March 5, an electrical fire started a blaze, that destroyed his home. Vanwagoner and his family were forced to find shelter elsewhere, and still today, wait for another permanent location.

Tuesday, the baseball coach hopes to finalize a plan with his insurance company, to build a new home on the same location.

No time is a good one, to have such a tragedy. But for Vanwagoner, the fire taking place just before the start of baseball season, was a true nightmare.

"It's been so hectic," he said. "And just before baseball season. That made it worse."

While he tried to organize a move and a baseball team, his two sons sifted through the ashes.

"Our oldest boy Greg (Blanco) lost everything," he said. "Both he, and our youngest son Cole (Blanco) had their rooms demolished. Along with it, all their awards, trophies, University of Michigan and other memorabilia."

Vanwagoner was a bit more fortunate, as much of his collection was recovered.

"My stuff was downstairs and not displayed," he said. "It was floating in the basement in those totes."

While the family lost several articles that can't be replaced, there were those that tried.

Vanwagoner says the response from both Bellaire and Mancelona has been tremendous.

"The community has been awesome," he said. "It didn't matter if it was Bellaire, or Mancelona. I can't say enough about Bellaire and Mancelona."

He said offers for shelter, clothing and other aid were coming from both places, which has helped his family reach the point, of potentially rebuilding their home.

"It's the though that counts, and it makes me thankful that I live in a small community," he said.





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