Where are the class pictures?
The old school is closed, and many graduates and other community members enjoyed this week’s walk through. The question remained in many minds: What happened to the class photos that hung for many years in the main hallway?
Well, we have the answer.
With the sale of Rodney B. Wilson High School, later known as the Junior High and Wilson Center, the Clinton County Historical Society has obtained the class collage framed photos that graced the halls for many years.
“The collection of class pictures has been kept intact and safely removed from RBW,” says Jan Upton of the Clinton County Historical Museum. “The school system had taken them down before the free day, so they would not be taken individually. They are much bigger and heavier than they looked when high on the wall!”
The Society is in the process of determining what next steps of maintenance are needed. They know that the community has a great interest in this part of St. Johns history, and they want to assure the community that they will update us with their progress to make them accessible to the public. This is an exciting acquisition for the Historical Society and for the whole community.
Most people probably don’t know that without the care these photos received a few years ago, we might not have anything to be talking about. It was a member of the Class of 1961, the late Mary Ritz Elsea, who noticed that the collection was falling into disrepair. As a custodian at the school, Mary took it upon herself and on her own time to take each item down and repair and reposition the the photos that had fallen out of place. Then she rehung the restored pictures, placing them back where they belonged.
“They will have a good home,” Upton assured us.
St. Johns Lioness Club dissolving
After 39 years of serving the St. Johns community and supporting Lions Club International projects, the St. Johns Lioness Club is dissolving. This is not a choice that they made but rather a decision of Lions Club International Board of Directors which voted to end the Lioness program effective June 30, 2021.
The club members have decided not to charter a new Lions Club; however their official sponsor, the St. Johns Lions Club, remains active and serving the community. We are happy to report that the annual Easter Egg Hunt will continue under their direction, with support from several former Lionesses and other community volunteers.
Since 1981 club members have held countless fundraisers and contributed many thousands of dollars to the community and to Lions-supported organizations. Some of the local organizations that have benefited from our donations include Basic Needs Center, Beacon of Hope, Clinton County CASA, Clinton County Senior Center, Habitat for Humanity , Safe Center, Special Olympics, St. Johns Baby Pantry, and more.
They have hosted or participated in numerous activities, most notably the annual Easter Egg Hunt. This year in addition to handing out eggs in a drive-through event, they also distributed $1,000 in gift cards to support area businesses most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Another event they previously co-sponsored with the St. Johns Lions Club was the annual Pumpkin Festival that included a pumpkin decorating contest and a “Pumpkin Trot” 5K run. They also have assisted the Lions Club with its fundraisers including the White Cane Sale and food trailer sales at the Concerts in the Park series.
They say that it has been a privilege to serve the St. Johns community and that they want to thank the business community, organizations, and others who have supported them for nearly four decades. For members and for the community the end of the Lioness program and the club is bittersweet. They almost made it to 40 years.
Members of the St. Johns Lioness Club include Eric and Nikita Becks, Dean and Carrie Hartenburg, Laurie Blackmer,
Cheryl Hickey, Jeff and LuAnn Cannell, Cathy Kelley, Gloria Carnicom, Nancy Presocki (charter member), Pat Dickson, Paul and Sandy Witgen and many former members who left the club for various reasons, including those who passed away while serving.
Sheriff’s deputies respond to home invasion
On June 23, 2021 at 6:03 a.m. the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department was dispatched to a Home Invasion in the 1000 block of W. Taft Rd in Bingham Township.
The homeowner called 911 after discovering that a man had entered the home and attempted to tie the homeowner up while assaulting him. The homeowner and another resident fought and pushed the suspect outside and secured the residence while calling 911.
The suspect fled from the scene in a pickup truck. Clinton County Deputies along with Michigan State Police searched the surrounding area and located the truck unoccupied in a wooded area approximately one mile from the initial scene. Upon a subsequent search of surrounding outbuildings the suspect was located trying to steal a vehicle and was apprehended. The 52 year old male was taken into custody and lodged at the Clinton County Jail awaiting arraignment on June 24.
The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Clinton County Central Dispatch, Michigan State Police and St Johns Police.
Sparrow Clinton names Angie Hufnagel Nurse of the Year
Sparrow Clinton Hospital recently recognized Angie Hufnagel, BSN, RN, CEN, as its Nurse of the Year.
“Angie is a passionate, caring emergency nurse who embraces excellence in every aspect of her life and serves as an extraordinary patient advocate,” said Interim Chief Nursing Officer Mariah Hesse.
Hufnagel embarked on her nursing career as a St. Johns Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) student, moving to patient access clerk, and entering the Emergency Department as a patient care technician. After completion of her licensed practical nurse and advancing to registered nurse, she began working in the Sparrow Clinton Emergency Services Department.
In addition to her hospital role, Hufnagel has served her community as a firefighter and paramedic. She continues to facilitate CPR training classes at Sparrow Clinton and area schools and community organizations. A lifelong resident of Fowler, she shares her life with her husband, Dan, and their three children.
Sparrow Clinton is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Pathway to Excellence® hospital. This designation confirms quality initiatives used to create a positive work environment, substantiates the professional satisfaction of Nurses at Sparrow Clinton, and nationally identifies it as one of the best hospitals in which to work.
SJPD says thanks
St. Johns Police Department officers thank Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan for the cookies!
Author looks forward to September release of next book
Janet Kloeckner Halfmann who grew up on a farm in the St. Johns and Fowler area has received an advance copy of her next book, Yay for Big Brothers! She says that this is a celebration of big brothers inspired by her two youngest grandsons.
The book, scheduled for release on September 10 from Arbordale Kids, is illustrated by Shennen Bersani and is available for pre-order now. This is the perfect gift for a big brother in your life.