Fred Behnke News Today

Did you hear about the Michigan man who crossed Lake Michigan in a bathtub (sitting backwards, no less) because of a $5 bet? Well, the 54-year anniversary of his voyage was this week, so we’re telling his story.

One day at work, Lake Michigan came up in conversation when Jackson’s boss, Fred Behnke -- who Jackson called “a fellow loudmouth” -- confidently told coworkers it takes a large boat to cross any Great Lake, including Lake Michigan.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com Therese Wells of Hubbard, left, has ashes sprinkled on her head by the Rev. Michael Swierz, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Hubbard, during Ash Wednesday Mass held at Hubbard High School auditorium Wednesday evening. After a fire did serious damage to the church last month, most services are being held at the parish hall, but Wednesday’s Mass was moved to the high school to accommodate more people. Staff photo / Bob Coupland HUBBARD — Since they can’t worship ...

Staff photo / R. Michael Semple Bishop David Bonnar of the Diocese of Youngstown, right, sprinkles ashes on the head of Vaughn Myers of Youngstown during Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Columba Cathedral. This is the bishop’s first Lenten season since he was installed last month. Because of COVID-19 protocols, ashes were sprinkled on heads instead of being placed on foreheads with the sign of the cross. HUBBARD — Since they can’t worship in the sanctuary at St. Patrick Parish because of a f...