Blue Bus fares go retro
Clinton Transit continues to keep residents connected to the important people and places in their lives by inviting the community to take advantage of discounted fares during new promotional hours.
Beginning March 13 weekday Blue Bus rides within the cities of St. Johns and DeWitt that begin and end between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. now have a discounted one-way fare of only 25-cents. Normal rates apply on Saturdays and for non-city and out-of-county fares.
“With everything getting so expensive, we’re excited to have found a way to offer significant savings to residents. Groceries may cost more, but we can get you to the grocery store for just a quarter. We have riders with small wagons who love that they don’t have to load and unload their cars. And of course, our drivers are always happy to help as well,” shares MaLissa Schutt, executive director for Clinton Transit.
“Many residents plan their entire day using the Blue Bus to get around,” says Schutt. Popular destinations include visiting friends and family, the library, banks, grocery stores, medical appointments and other day-to-day travels. By planning to get those local errands done during promotional hours, residents will save 87% off standard city fares.
Residents can easily schedule their 25-cent rides by using the Clinton Transit mobile app, available in the App Store and Google Play, or by calling the dispatch office at 989.224.8127. Office hours are weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sat. 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Due to anticipated demand, riders are encouraged to schedule rides at least 24 hours in advance; however, Clinton Transit can often provide a ride with as little as two hours’ notice.
As an added option, Clinton Transit offers weekday walk-on service at popular locations in the St. Johns, Bath and DeWitt areas from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Based on route availability, walk-on rides are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Clinton Transit’s standard transportation hours are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The 25-cent promotional rate does not include Saturday rides.
New riders will need to register in advance of their first trip by completing the form available at mybluebus.com/sign-up or by calling the dispatch office at 989.224.8127. Unaccompanied riders under the age of 18 will also need to have a parent or guardian submit an Unaccompanied Youth Rider Registration form two weeks prior to their first ride. Once registered, riders can manage their schedule any time by using the Clinton Transit mobile app or by calling the dispatch office Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
For more information on the Blue Bus, visit mybluebus.com.
Why The Wilson Center?
A new presence appeared on social media on March 8 that asks the question Why The Wilson Center? The entity lists the City of St. Johns as its website. It appears to be asking that residents attend a March 20 meeting of the St. Johns City Commission. All Commission meetings begin at 6 p.m.
The purpose of the new group seems to be to ask whether a 3.5-million-dollar renovation project is more important than creating opportunities, programs and recreation for youth. Is an auditorium more important than the families and the future development of St. Johns, Michigan?
“This community needs to be more informed on the decisions that are currently being made by our city commission,” organizers say.
They go on to say, “The city has a pending purchase agreement and a 3.5-million-dollar bond to renovate a portion of the Wilson Center with your tax paying dollars. This would include acquiring the gym, auditorium and moving city offices out of the courthouse and into the Wilson Center.”
The group also asks residents to email City Commission members. They are:
RCocco@stjohnsmi.gov Roberta Cocco, Mayor
sdzurka@stjohnsmi.gov Scott Dzurka
bgurski@stjohnsmi.gov Brad Gurski
jruestman@stjohnsmi.gov Jean Ruestman
ehufnagel@stjohnsmi.gov Eric Hufnagel
For more information see the Facebook page.
Abandoned vehicle auction is March 22
The St. Johns Police Department is having an abandoned vehicle auction. Information can be found here.
All vehicles are sold as is. Vehicles may be inspected on March 21, 2023 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Bob’s Auto Body, 1005 N. Business 127, St. Johns, MI 48879.
Sealed bids are due no later than 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2020 at the St. Johns Police Department, 409 S. Whittemore Street, St. Johns, MI 48879.
Guest readers help celebrate Reading Month
Last week Eureka Elementary had guest readers to help celebrate March is Reading Month. The students were joined by Kathie Elliott, a St. Johns school board member. Mrs. Elliott read some of her favorite books to 3-5th graders.
School search committee studying community input
The Board of Education for St. Johns Public Schools has begun the search for the next Superintendent. Michigan Leadership Institute is facilitating the search and working with the Board to find the best possible candidate for the position. The Board was asking for community input to assist them in setting the criteria for the next Superintendent.
Responses to their survey will be submitted to the MLI Search Consultant and will be presented to the Board of Education for their consideration. T
Parent Coalition to discuss sensory differences March 21
Parents and caregivers are invited to come to the March 21, 2023 Great Start Parent Coalition and hear CCRESA Occupational Therapist, Paige Veltkamp, MS, OTL, share information about sensory differences in children.
Free dinner and child care are provided. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Clinton County RESA Educational Center located at 4179 South U.S. 27, just 2.5 miles South of St. Johns.
RSVP here or contact Larissa at lcontreras@ccresa.org or (989) 224-6831, ext. 2145.