INTRODUCING your 2026 nATIONAL TROUT FESTIVAL® ROYALTY

The Directors of the National Trout Festival received a record number of nominations this year for Trout King and Trout Queen. Our community really stepped up in wanting to honor their fellow Kalkaska County residents. Every nominee was very deserving of the titles so it made the decision difficult. In the end, we are all confident we selected two people who are wonderful role models and inspirations.

Watch in February when we will begin accepting nominations for the 2027 National Trout Festival King & Queen.

Karl and his wife, Barb built their permanent home on Crawford Lake in 2009. Having been raised on the importance of contributing to your community, he has always spent significant time and energy volunteering. “To me, ‘volunteering’ builds healthy communities from the inside out. Connecting with our neighbors and supporting initiatives makes for a better culture and overall economy.”  

Along with leadership in the Village, county, the local Kiwanis, community members and several fellow pilots, Karl helped organize two successful fly-ins at our local airport. At Crawford Lake, he is spearheading an effort to protect and responsibly manage the health of the lake. Most recently, he has been a Board Trustee for Kalkaska Memorial Health Center. 

Now in his third year as chairman, he thoroughly enjoys working with our community board members, the medical staff, leadership and all members of the KMHC family. The past few years included the campaign to allow our shift to a 501c3 organization, coordination of a national executive search for our new CEO, refinement of Board member education and committees, establishing good relationships with local and regional community leaders and more.

 “It is truly an honor to be so involved with the great teams at KMHC. The hospital leadership has demonstrated their commitment as good stewards of taxpayer dollars and has earned the trust of our community. An obligation we do not take lightly.”

Introducing our 2026 National Trout Queen, Jodi Magee.

Jodi is a hometown girl, leaving for college, living elsewhere for a job, and then back to Kalkaska where she hopes to spend the rest of her days with husband James. Jodi is the eldest daughter of RuthAnn and Darel Willison and sister to Darci. One of her favorite roles in life has been Aunt to her nine nieces and nephews, along with the countless numbers she has “adopted”.

When Jodi moved back to Kalkaska 10 years ago, it was to take the position of Director at the Kalkaska Commission on Aging. She writes this about her job, “I believe I am blessed to be a part of the Commission on Aging. What an amazing organization and service to our community. I am very proud of what we are accomplishing! I believe we have the absolute best team here and I’m excited to live life with our COA team and family here in Kalkaska. I love what I do, who I get to work with, and those I get to serve! It really is a joy every day.” 

Jodi has been involved with this community for many years in diverse ways. She plays piano often for her church, Calvary Baptist, is the secretary for the Kalkaska Kiwanis, past director for the National Trout Festival®, Kalkaska Genealogy member, and with no surprise, she sits on the board of or is involved with several boards and committees that advocate for senior citizens.

Jodi feels everyone has something to give. She encourages people to give what they can, when they can, and they will find it to be very rewarding. 

Besides working and volunteering, Jodi does enjoy her bit of free time by card making (she’s a Stampin’ Up demonstrator), hiking, reading, line dancing, playing games, playing piano, hiking, spending time with her family and friends, especially if there’s nearby water. 

When asked if she had a favorite volunteering memory or story, she responded that she always enjoys meeting new people while she’s volunteered at the Trout House each year. Spending time with the other volunteers during her shift at the Trout House, such as Chris Helberg and the late Paula Homan, has always had a special place in her heart.