2023 Helping Hands event
Fire Chief Jordan Whitford attended the Helping Hands Live Auction between the St. Johns Fire Department and the Mayor Roberta Cocco representing the Police Department. They raised an extra $700.00 for the JAWS of Life for the City of Saint Johns.
Terry Schwartzkopf inducted into MHSTCA Hall of Fame
Midland Dow boys tennis coach Terry Schwartzkopf was inducted into the Michigan High School Tennis Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Schwartzkopf was a hometown boy and a St. Johns High School graduate. In high school he played tennis and participated in Theater productions. Terry is the son of long-time Intermediate School Superintendent Larry Schwartzkopf and his wife Bonnie who now live in Byron Center, MI.
Terry has been with the Midland program for the past 22 years including the last 16 at the varsity level. Schwartzkopf says he found out about the honor on the same day his 2009-2013 teams were being inducted into the Midland County Sports Hall of Fame.
Under his watch the Chargers have won 16 straight Saginaw Valley League championships, 14 consecutive regional titles and seven state titles, with the latest coming this past season.
The Hall of Fame ceremony took place Friday night at Hope College in Holland.
Sheriff’s Department appreciates new trailer
The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Division has been working out of a very old, heavy, outdated trailer for several years. The trailer is used to transport equipment to scenes and events where the Mounted Division has been requested.
Because the Mounted Division is a 501(c)(3), they do not receive funding on an annual basis from anyone other than donations and the annual county concert fundraiser which is not enough to fund replacing this essential piece of equipment.
This year a request was made to the Clinton County Board of Commissioners for assistance in funding a new trailer which will support county residents for years to come.
The Clinton County Mounted Division and Sheriff Dush would like to thank the Clinton County Board of Commissioners for their generosity in assisting with the purchase of a new trailer. Without their support this would never have been possible.
They would also like to thank Becks Trailer Store. They worked to get an amazing trailer that fits their needs with the budget they were given.
Michigan Graphics and Signs did an amazing job as usual in getting the new trailer stickered up. It matches the theme being put on the new patrol cars and looks great.
Pro Reflections Detail and Window Tinting put a protective coating on the exterior surfaces that really shined it up and will help it last for years to come.
Remember When – More memories from the 1950s Band
This week we have included some of the photos that Suzie Jilka Albin culled from albums her parents Frank and Dee Jilka had collected over the years. These include woodwind ensembles, the St. Johns Centennial in 1956 and trips to the Holland Tulip Festival.
Letters – Coffman teams up with Iler for film
Watch out, world! Local celebrity Ivan Iler and I are working on something amazing for our animated film.
Tell your kids to be patient, to roll with the punches and that life begins at 50 for some people. 15 years ago a neighbor’s fire made me a homeless grad school dropout in freezing Chicago. I thought my life was over in 2008, but now I can’t help thinking that without the fire, I wouldn’t have been put in the path of all the good people working on our game-changing film production.
Don’t give up! 50 is the new 20!
– Sam Coffman
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – What Is Catnip? What Does Catnip Do to Cats?
Many people are familiar with catnip, but not everyone knows what type of plant it is or the science behind how it affects a cat’s mood and behaviors.
This article will give you some insight on how catnip works, why cats go crazy for it, and whether there’s such a thing as a cat having too much catnip.
What Is Catnip?
Catnip, or Nepeta cataria, is a common herb that is a member of the mint family.
It’s a plant that is easy to grow in North America and has feather-like, light-green foliage with lavender flowers.
Catnip leaves have actually been used to make tea, and the flowers are said to relieve coughs. It’s also a main ingredient in some natural bug sprays.
What Does Catnip Do to Cats? How Does Catnip Work?
Cats have an extra scent organ called the vomeronasal gland in the roof of their mouth. This special pathway allows scents that are collected in the nose and mouth to be carried to the brain.
Nepetalactone is the oil that’s found within the catnip plant’s leaves that can cause behavioral changes in cats. F or a cat to be exposed to this substance, they have to smell the catnip.
Catnip mimics feline sex hormones, so cats enjoying this substance will often display behaviors similar to a female cat in heat (although both male and female cats can experience the effects).
These behaviors can include overt signs of affection, relaxation, and happiness. Other cats will display active behaviors, such as playfulness or sometimes even aggression.
For cats that have a positive experience with catnip, it can help reduce anxiety and even relieve pain.
Some veterinarians have recommended using catnip to help with separation anxiety if your cat will be home alone for an extended period of time.
Does Catnip Work on All Cats?
Not all cats will respond to the active compound in catnip. Veterinary studies suggest that about 60% of cats will have a behavioral reaction to catnip. If your cat does not react to catnip, you can try silver vine.
There is also evidence that a cat’s response to catnip is a dominant trait that’s based on genetics.
How Long Does Catnip Last?
Catnip effects will vary in length, depending on the cat. Usually, the behaviors associated with smelling catnip will last for around 10 minutes and then wear off gradually.
It could then take 30 minutes without smelling catnip for the cat to become susceptible to the effects again.
Catnip does lose its potency over time, so it is recommended to keep it in an airtight container for maximum freshness.
Can Kittens Have Catnip?
Catnip is not harmful for kittens, but most cats won’t react to catnip until they are 6 months to 1 year of age.
Some cats can be exceptions to this rule, as they will slowly increase their sensitivity over the years.
Can Cats Eat Catnip? Is It Safe?
Cats can ingest catnip, and it may even be helpful for their digestive tract.
The catnip plant has actually been used in people for its antidiarrheal properties. With this said, it is important to prevent your cat from ingesting large amounts of catnip, as this can cause digestive upset.
Can Cats Overdose on Catnip?
Too much catnip can cause health problems in cats such as vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, or having trouble walking. Use just a little at a time, and you can always discuss the correct amount for your cat with your veterinarian.
Fresh catnip is more potent than the dried form, so you won’t need to give your cat as much of it. It is also recommended to avoid highly concentrated catnip oils due to their potency.
How to Use Catnip
Catnip is available in many forms:
– Fresh catnip (growing your own catnip plant)
– Dried catnip
– Catnip sprays or bubbles
– Toys stuffed with dried catnip
Catnip sprays are a good option for cats that get an upset stomach from ingesting the plant. You can spray your cat’s favorite toy or cat tree or cat scratcher. You can also sprinkle dried catnip on a cat tree, scratching post, or cardboard scratcher, or you can roll a toy in it.
Some of the top recommended catnip brands/products include:
– Yeowww! catnip products
– KONG catnip products