City Commission votes to purchase Congregational Church Building
At Monday evening’s regular meeting of the St. Johns City Commission members approved a Purchase Agreement to buy the Congregational Church property. The vote was 3 -2 with Mayor Eric Hufnagel and Commissioners Jean Ruestman and Brad Gurski voting in favor of the motion and Commissioners Bob Craig and Tammy Kirschenbauer dissenting.
Ruth Nihart and other individuals who had hoped to save the building as a church were upset with the outcome.
“We are hanging on by a thread,” she said after the commissioners voted 3-2 to purchase the property. “People are heartsick. It’s unbelievable.”
The brick church building and grounds serve as a landmark for thousands of people who have passed through its doors.
The Congregational Society of St. Johns decided to build a new church in 1899, five years before St. Johns became a City.
It was said that the members were convinced that their original building was inadequate for good, active, progressive Christian work. Besides, the public had begun to indicate that the present building was no longer an ornament to the village.
The cornerstone was laid on October 13 of that year. The cost of the building and lot amounted to $24,000.
Eat Your ART Out Celebration is June 5
The Clinton County Arts Council will be engaging our Clinton County community in their first major event of the year. The first annual Eat Your ART Out! festival will take place on Saturday, June 5, 2021 in downtown St. Johns from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
This new event will include booths being set up on Clinton Ave featuring artists and crafters from around mid-Michigan. Food trucks and vendors will allow people to grab some delicious items while they wander through the downtown area.
“This is a great opportunity to get outside and see what people have been doing while cooped up and social distancing,” says Jamie Madar, event coordinator. “Some have been crafting, some trying out new recipes, and some creating masterpieces that will fit a vision in your living space. It will all be available at this year’s event.”
There will be an edible art contest that will take place as well as a coloring contest for the youth, along with a best booth contest. Local businesses have been asked to extend their hours to allow the community to check out new places that have opened in the last year along with viewing new items in businesses that have lined the streets for years.
“We’re hoping that people come out and support our newest event,” explains Janell Kebler, CCAC Activities/Events Chairperson. “It will be fun to finally get outside, walk around, viewing the creative efforts of our area artists. I can’t think of a better way to kick off the start to our summer.”
For more information please visit the CCAC website at: www.clintoncountyarts.org or call 989-224-2429.
SJHS and Strive Academy graduations set for June 2, 4
At Monday night’s regular meeting of the St. Johns Public School Board of Education Superintendent Mark Palmer announced that both the Strive Academy and High School graduations will take place outdoors. Because of the State of Michigan’s loosening of COVID-19 restrictions, graduation exercises will be open to all friends and family.
The Strive Academy graduation will take place at the William Tennant Performance Shell in St. Johns City Park on June 2 at 6 p.m.
St. Johns High School will hold their graduation ceremony on the football field at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 4 with a weather date of June 5 should it be needed.
When the Class of 2021 receives their diplomas, they will do so on a stage that will be set up at the north end of the field. This will allow family and friends to view the exercises from the bleachers on either side of the field.
Applications now available for the Mint Festival Pageant
Applications are now being accepted for the 2021 Mint Festival Pageant. The pageant will be held on July 22, and applications will be received through June 18.
Contestants will compete in three categories. The Little Miss Mint contest includes girls ages 8-11, and Junior Miss Mint contestants are ages 12-15.
Girls and young women ages 16 – 21 will vie for the title of 3032 Mint Queen.
Applications can be found at http://clintoncountychamber.org/mint/.
Other applications available at the website include:
2021 Arts & Craft Application
2021 Commercial Application
2021 Commercial Vendor Information
2021 Flea Market Application
2021 Flea Market Information
2021 Garage Sale App
2021 Parade Application
2021 Parade Guidelines
2021 Mint Pageant Application
Dance team Seniors celebrate last day of school.
It’s the last day of school for these three awesome dancers. Good luck to Riley, Cortney, and Dakota!
St. Joseph students enjoy SJPD visit
Begindergarten students at St. Joseph School thanked Officer Verlinde of the St. Johns Police Department for visiting them on Thursday. They loved exploring the police car and talking with him. The school appreciates their service to our community.