Staff Writer

IRON MOUNTAIN — Kleiman Pump & Well Drilling Inc. of Iron Mountain was selected as the People Choice Award recipient for best display at the 2024 Lights at the Lake event at Lake Antoine Park in Iron Mountain.

Taking second place was Guardian Flight, with third going to Domino’s in the seasonal light contest.

About 50 businesses and organizations took part in the fourth-annual community event hosted by Lake Antoine Park Partners. Spectators were able to enjoy the free, drive-through evening activity from Thanksgiving Day through New Year’s Day.

Guardian Flight presents its $125 donation to the Dickinson County Cancer Unit Loan Closet. From left are Base Lead Pilot Trent Tell, Loan Closet President Diane Schabo and LAPP Treasurer Ann Hruska.

LAPP asked that the light displays depict something about the group or business it represents. “Each year they are creative and fun to see,” LAPP Treasurer Ann Hruska said. “We had a great turnout — it has become a tradition for many families.”

The top three vote-getters received a cash prize from LAPP for the charity of the winners’ choice, as well as bragging rights.

Kleiman Pump & Well Drilling Inc. presented its $300 to Dickinson County Salvation Army of Kingsford.

President and co-owner Erik Kleiman noted that the “heavy lifting” for their holiday-themed site was done by his wife, Sara Kleiman, and father-in-law David Fornetti.

The Kleimans said they selected the Salvation Army “because of the kids.” Sara Kleiman noticed how delighted kids were when driving through the lights and they recognized all the amazing things the non-profit does for kids in need in the community — including the Angel Tree program and back to school program.

Domino’s presents a check to the Veteran Drop-In for $575. Dominos added $500 to the $75 prize. In front, from left are Sarah Costello, Iron Mountain Domino’s district manager; Veteran Drop-In Center leadership team member Heidi Schleisser; Bobbi Lambert of CDA Pizza Inc., owners of the local Domino’s; and Ann Hruska, LAPP treasurer. In back are Veteran Drop-In Center leadership team members Dr. AJ O’Sickey, Susie Carpiaux and Jill Mondloch.

The Kleimans were also excited about all the smiles and traditions they see starting with the Lights at the Lake event.

Guardian Flight of Iron Mountain, which was the 2023 People Choice Award winner, chose the Dickinson County Cancer Unit Loan Closet of Kingsford to receive its $125.

Selecting the Loan Closet was a “no brainer,” said Trent Tell, Iron Mountain base lead pilot, as someone close to him was faced with cancer and knows the importance of the unit for the community. In addition to helping patients with variety of services, including medical equipment at no charge, the Loan Closet provides financial assistance for travel expenses for out-of-town appointments.

Domino’s was the third-place recipient, receiving $75. They selected the newly formed Veteran Drop-In Center as its beneficiary. Bobbi Lambert of CDA Pizza Inc., owners of the local Domino’s, learned about the Drop-Ins mission and donated an additional $500 to help with establishing their non-profit status.

The Veteran Drop-In Center is a safe and sober place for area veterans to gather without the obligation of a fraternal organization. Veterans of all branches, eras, ages, genders and background are invited to come and connect with their peers. The center is open from 1 to 3 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month at 332 S. Carpenter Ave. in Kingsford.

Kleiman Pump & Well Drilling

The LAPP anticipates Lights at the Lake will again take place this year from Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day, with registration to begin April 1.

All three winning businesses plan to be back again next year.

The Lake Antoine Park Partners thanks all site sponsors and the community for voting and helping make the event a success.

Guardian Flight of Iron Mountain

Domino’s