Second Annual Coach Mirich Tournament

The Second Annual Coach Mirich Texas Hold ‘em Tournament will be held at the Pine Haven Community Center on Saturday, November 7 this year. The party gets underway at 4 p.m.

This year’s fundraiser benefits the Pine Haven Volunteer Fire Department.

“We are going to, hopefully, raise enough money to buy the Jaws of Life for the fire department,” Councilwoman Karla Brandenburg advocates.

The event will celebrate the memory of long-time coach and friend to many Carl Mirich, who passed away around three years ago, with a Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament.

A silent auction will be held honoring the memory of others who have died; items can be donated for the auction under the name of lost loved ones and money can be donated to the fire department for the Jaws of Life under that person’s name as well.

“R” Place will be providing refreshments and there will be many other games and fun activities for guests to enjoy.

Last year’s event contributed around $4300 to the Volunteer Emergency Services. They hope to double that this year.

The Jaws of Life tool currently used by the department is at least 30 years old and is rapidly reaching the end of its working life, according to fire chief Don Lancaster. Hulett had purchased new jaws 15 years ago, replacing the then-15-year-old tool, and subsequently gave the old set to Pine Haven.

This tool has served the town well for many years, but it is time to invest in a new set.

“[The old jaws] are extremely slow at cutting, slow at opening things up. They are hydraulic operated meaning we have to have a separate motor to run them and if we have below zero weather, we have to let it sit and warm up that hydraulic oil,” says Lancaster.

The chief hopes to acquire a new set that is entirely battery operated with batteries that can be charged from the trucks and allows for fast charging, allowing the work to continue uninterrupted as long as needed. These Jaws of Life will cost approximately $7900.

Brandenburg asks everyone to come join the fun in memory of those who are not here and a very good cause for those who are. “It should be a lot of fun!” she says.