West Branch, Michigan
West Branch, Michigan | |
|---|---|
| City of West Branch | |
 Downtown West Branch along Houghton Avenue | |
| Nickname: "The City with Oliver in it" | |
| Motto: "Up North. Down Home." | |
 Location within Ogemaw County | |
  West Branch Location within the state of Michigan  West Branch Location within the United States | |
| Coordinates: 44°16′32″N 84°14′07″W / 44.27556°N 84.23528°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Ogemaw |
| Incorporated | 1885 (village) 1905 (city) |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor–council |
| • Mayor | Paul Frechette |
| • Manager | John Dantzer |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.54 sq mi (3.99 km2) |
| • Land | 1.54 sq mi (3.99 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 955 ft (291 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • Total | 2,351 |
| • Density | 1,527.62/sq mi (589.92/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) | 48661 |
| Area code | 989 |
| FIPS code | 26-85580[2] |
| GNIS feature ID | 1627248[3] |
| Website | Official website |
West Branch is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 2,139. It is the county seat of Ogemaw County.[4] West Branch is mostly surrounded by West Branch Township, but the two are administered autonomously.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.53 square miles (3.96 km2), all land.[5]
Climate
This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, West Branch has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.[6]
| Climate data for West Branch, Michigan (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1900–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 62 (17) |
62 (17) |
86 (30) |
91 (33) |
96 (36) |
105 (41) |
107 (42) |
103 (39) |
97 (36) |
89 (32) |
77 (25) |
68 (20) |
107 (42) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 27.4 (−2.6) |
30.4 (−0.9) |
40.9 (4.9) |
53.7 (12.1) |
67.0 (19.4) |
76.3 (24.6) |
80.3 (26.8) |
78.5 (25.8) |
71.4 (21.9) |
57.8 (14.3) |
43.6 (6.4) |
32.7 (0.4) |
55.0 (12.8) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 18.9 (−7.3) |
20.3 (−6.5) |
29.9 (−1.2) |
42.0 (5.6) |
54.6 (12.6) |
64.2 (17.9) |
68.3 (20.2) |
66.5 (19.2) |
58.9 (14.9) |
46.9 (8.3) |
35.3 (1.8) |
25.5 (−3.6) |
44.3 (6.8) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 10.4 (−12.0) |
10.1 (−12.2) |
18.9 (−7.3) |
30.3 (−0.9) |
42.2 (5.7) |
52.2 (11.2) |
56.4 (13.6) |
54.5 (12.5) |
46.4 (8.0) |
36.0 (2.2) |
26.9 (−2.8) |
18.2 (−7.7) |
33.5 (0.8) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −30 (−34) |
−36 (−38) |
−33 (−36) |
−11 (−24) |
15 (−9) |
25 (−4) |
30 (−1) |
30 (−1) |
21 (−6) |
5 (−15) |
15 (−9) |
−27 (−33) |
−36 (−38) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 2.05 (52) |
1.61 (41) |
1.83 (46) |
3.40 (86) |
3.48 (88) |
3.53 (90) |
3.48 (88) |
3.44 (87) |
2.73 (69) |
3.31 (84) |
2.55 (65) |
2.15 (55) |
33.56 (852) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 14.7 (37) |
11.7 (30) |
6.9 (18) |
2.9 (7.4) |
0.1 (0.25) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.3 (0.76) |
3.8 (9.7) |
12.6 (32) |
53.0 (135) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 13.1 | 9.5 | 9.0 | 11.4 | 12.3 | 11.4 | 10.6 | 10.5 | 11.0 | 13.4 | 11.8 | 13.3 | 137.3 |
| Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 10.7 | 8.8 | 5.0 | 1.6 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 3.3 | 9.4 | 39.0 |
| Source: NOAA[7][8] | |||||||||||||
Major highways
Demographics
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1880 | 139 | — | |
| 1890 | 1,302 | 836.7% | |
| 1900 | 1,412 | 8.4% | |
| 1910 | 1,276 | −9.6% | |
| 1920 | 1,105 | −13.4% | |
| 1930 | 1,164 | 5.3% | |
| 1940 | 1,962 | 68.6% | |
| 1950 | 2,098 | 6.9% | |
| 1960 | 2,025 | −3.5% | |
| 1970 | 1,912 | −5.6% | |
| 1980 | 1,785 | −6.6% | |
| 1990 | 1,914 | 7.2% | |
| 2000 | 1,926 | 0.6% | |
| 2010 | 2,139 | 11.1% | |
| 2020 | 2,351 | 9.9% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[9] | |||
2010 census
As of the census[10] of 2010, there were 2,139 people, 1,006 households, and 489 families living in the city. The population density was 1,445.3 inhabitants per square mile (558.0/km2). There were 1,147 housing units at an average density of 775.0 per square mile (299.2/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 96.9% White, 0.5% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.7% of the population.
There were 1,006 households, of which 24.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 28.9% were married couples living together, 15.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 51.4% were non-families. 45.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.99 and the average family size was 2.74.
The median age in the city was 44.3 years. 20.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21% were from 25 to 44; 25.2% were from 45 to 64; and 24.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 42.9% male and 57.1% female.
2000 census
As of the census[2] of 2000, there were 1,926 people, 833 households, and 475 families living in the city. The population density was 1,447.6 inhabitants per square mile (558.9/km2). There were 916 housing units at an average density of 688.5 per square mile (265.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 95.17% White, 0.10% African American, 0.52% Native American, 2.60% Asian, 0.16% from other races, and 1.45% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.73% of the population.
There were 833 households, out of which 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.8% were married couples living together, 14.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.9% were non-families. 37.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.95.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.6% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 30.5% from 25 to 44, 19.7% from 45 to 64, and 15.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $30,132, and the median income for a family was $35,385. Males had a median income of $30,677 versus $21,343 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,852. About 9.9% of families and 14.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.4% of those under age 18 and 15.7% of those age 65 or over.
Education
West Branch-Rose City Area Schools is a local public school district. Residents are served by Surline Elementary and Middle Schools, as well as by Ogemaw Heights High School, which serves both West Branch and Rose City. The high school's mascot is the falcon.[11] Saint Joseph Catholic School is a private parochial elementary school in West Branch, serving students from preschool through eighth grade.[12] It is affiliated with the Diocese of Gaylord of the Roman Catholic Church, and is a member of the National Catholic Educational Association. Post-secondary education in the area is provided by Kirtland Community College. Ogemaw Heights High School is known for their enthusiastic traditions, especially at sporting events. Football games get a little rowdy, not only on the field but in the student section too. A game ritual is the freshman shuffle. Basically what this is, is when the football team runs out onto the field, the whole school forms a tunnel for the players to run through and the freshman don’t know it’s coming, but they get pushed into the herd of players. The freshman really do get picked on but it’s in their best interest. Us upperclassmen have to make sure they mature over their time in high school , know their place, and school spirit. The reason this all began was because a class of freshman started the battle cry off roughly one year at a home football game, which is not allowed under any circumstances! Our battle cry is something we do at every game. One person will stand at the head of the student section and will say, “freshman freshman don't be shy, stand up give your battle cry” and then the whole freshman class would stand up and say, “v-i-c-t-o-r-y that's our falcon battle cry” but they spell out victory so it sounds cool and it is supposed to be super loud. Every grade level does this and it’s kind of the student’s way of hyping up the team. With that said, one year the freshman class did not participate and when we said freshman give your battle cry they all were silent. No one stood up. Ever since that day, it has been a tradition to pick on the freshman to make sure they are ready for the rest of high school chants and Ogemaw Heights High School's culture when it comes to sports.
Medical facilities
MidMichigan Medical Center – West Branch (formerly West Branch Regional Medical Center before April 2, 2018) is located on 2463 S. M-30.[13] They offer many different specialties, such as rehabilitation programs, condition-specific educational sources, and a revolutionary wound care center.[14] The rehabilitation programs offered range from neurological to physical. The three main programs offered are physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. A couple of the physical therapy treatments offered are post-surgical hip rehabilitation and even a weight management program. Their occupational therapy program offers functional capacity evaluations and shoulder pain and post-surgical shoulder rehabilitation. Speech therapy programs help with speech and cognitive disorders and also swallowing disorders.[15]
The Wound Care Center at West Branch Regional Medical Center offers many opportunities to patients who suffer from non-healing wounds or from chronic pain related to a wound. This program offers cutting-edge treatment, including but not limited to debridement, specialized wound dressings, compression therapy, bio-engineered skin grafts, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Non-healing wounds can be caused by poor circulation to the wound or if the patient is unable to move shortly after surgery or a serious wound. The Wound Care Center is a place that gives patients that they will one day heal from their serious wounds.[16]
On July 1, 2010, West Branch Regional Medical Center closed its obstetrics ward, no longer serving expectant mothers in the community. No other units were anticipated to close at the time, and expectant mothers were referred to nearby hospitals in cities like Tawas, Saginaw, Midland, or Bay City for delivery, after consulting with their physician.[17] On Monday, March 1, 2021, at 10 a.m, MidMichigan Medical Center – West Branch reopened its obstetrics ward with a virtual grand reopening.[18]
Local activities and attractions
West Branch contains Irons Park, a city park established in 1955 and named for former landowner Archie Irons. Many events are held in the park yearly, including an Easter egg hunt, the Humane Society Mutt March, the Summer Music Series, the Victorian Art Fair, a fishing derby, and duck races, to name a few. The park is also the home of Fort Austin, named in memory of Austin Clark, which consists of a large, complex, modern, wooden play-scape. The park has many activities available, including biking, fishing, bird-watching, and many children's activities; the park also has two tennis courts, basketball courts, picnic tables, grills, and two bathroom facilities. In the winter, Irons Park is often used for sledding.
In 2014, the John Tolfree Hospital installed the Tolfree Wellness Park on the West Branch Regional Medical Center’s campus. This was the first step to WBRMC's Go Outside! project to address childhood obesity in poverty-stricken families. The park houses a 3.3 mile trail, gardens, a greenhouse, and a pavilion. The park also sponsors the Soles for Cardio Run/Walk to promote fun and healthy lifestyles; all proceeds go to health and wellness programs at the medical center and to help maintain the Tolfree Wellness Park.[19]
West Branch also has two bowling alleys, Ogemaw Lanes and Hi-Skore. West Branch Cinema 3, the local movie theater, is located in the downtown Victorian district. Special seasonal activities also abound in the area. Kirtland Community College hosts the R.O.A.R. (Rock Out Against Rape) Battle of the Bands to benefit Grayling's River House shelter, which serves survivors and victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse in Crawford, Ogemaw, Oscoda, and Roscommon counties. In February, West Branch is home to the Ogemaw County Winterfest. The Ogemaw County Fair is held on the third week in August on Rifle River Trail, just 8 miles east of the city.[20] During the last week of July, West Branch hosts Relay for Life in Irons Park, supporting the fight against breast cancer, raising money for charities, and increasing awareness of breast cancer.[21]
Notable people
- Catherine Laurion, Miss Michigan Teen USA 2005 and first runner-up in the national Miss Teen USA 2005 pageant
- Alex Rose, athlete who represented Samoa at the 2016 and 2020 Summer Olympics
- Dita Von Teese, vedette, burlesque dancer, model, and businesswoman, known as the "Queen of Burlesque"
- Dave Walter, former NFL quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals
- Daniel Way, comic book writer, known for his work on Wolverine: Origins and Deadpool
- Joy Williams, singer and songwriter who performed as half of the duo The Civil Wars
- Donny Winter, Pushcart Prize nominated poet
- Anthony Zettel, NFL defensive end who played for several teams and is currently a free agent
Images
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U.S. Post Office in West Branch -
West Branch Library and City Hall -
Former West Branch train depot
References
- ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
- ^ a b "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: West Branch, Michigan
- ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
- ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
- ^ "West Branch, Michigan Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase)". Weatherbase.
- ^ "NowData - NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
- ^ "Station: W Branch 3SE, MI". U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
- ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2012-11-25.
- ^ "West Branch Rose City Area Schools > Home". wbrc.k12.mi.us.
- ^ "St Joseph Catholic School > Home". wbstjoseph.com.
- ^ "Chronology - MidMichigan Health". www.midmichigan.org. Retrieved 2021-06-05.
- ^ "West Branch Regional Medical Center | West Branch Michigan". www.wbrmc.com. Retrieved 2021-06-05.
- ^ "Rehabilitation Services | West Branch Regional Medical Center | Michigan". www.wbrmc.com. Retrieved 2021-06-05.
- ^ "Wound Care Services | West Branch Regional Medical Center". www.wbrmc.com. Retrieved 2021-06-05.
- ^ "WBRMC not planning to suspend additional services - Ogemaw County Herald". ogemawherald.com. Retrieved 2016-04-27.
- ^ 2021. "New maternity unit opens | Ogemaw County Herald". www.ogemawherald.com. Retrieved 2021-06-05.
{{cite web}}:|last=has numeric name (help) - ^ "West Branch Regional Medical Center: Go Outside! – MiCare Matters". Retrieved 2021-06-05.
- ^ "West Branch Visitors Bureau". visitwestbranch.com.
- ^ "Relay For Life of Ogemaw County". acsevents.org.
External links
Municipalities and communities of Ogemaw County, Michigan, United States | ||
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| Cities |  | |
| Village | ||
| Civil townships | ||
| CDPs | ||
| Other communities | ||
| Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | |
| International | |
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| National | |
| Geographic | |
