A quick look back at 2019
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January, 2019
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Looking Ahead: The next planning meeting for the soap box derby will be held on January 9 at the Wilson Center.
Closed and Cancelled: St. Johns joined the rest of Michigan’s lower peninsula in closing most of the week due to harsh weather.
On the March: Dharma the Donkey joined a multi-generational local family as they traveled to Washington, D.C. for the Women’s March last weekend.
The Nordic Pineapple celebrates Grand Opening
Clinton County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors were among those who braved the snow to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Nordic Pineapple Bed and Breakfast on Saturday.
Shopping online and pick up at Krogers
by Maralyn Fink
Kroger in St Johns has opened an online shopping event with same day pick-up. The store started doing this on January 11, 2019.
Deadly crash: This was the scene on Business US-27 south of St. Johns near the Wheel Inn on Tuesday afternoon when a local man sped into the back of a semi truck.
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February, 2019
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City receives grant for Spray Park improvements
The City of St. Johns was awarded the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant in 2016 which has allowed us to move forward with renovations to the spray park bath house.
Renovations began January 2018 and include three family universally accessible bathrooms, a new pitched roof and updated windows and doors. An anticipated completion date is the end of May, weather permitting.
What is happening east of town on M-21?
The City of St. Johns welcomes ITC Michigan to St. Johns. ITC provides electrical transmission infrastructure for Consumers Energy and others. They are building a warehouse and storage facility about a half mile east of St. Johns on M-21. They are beginning to mobilize equipment at the site and are hopeful to begin construction in early spring.
New Owners: Bees Chevrolet is now Young’s Chevrolet of St. Johns.
Potential developers present plan for the Wilson Center
by Maralyn Fink
I attended the City Commission Meeting last evening on the Wilson Center Redevelopment into The Wilson Center Residences.
Early in 2017 the development team of Home Renewal Systems connected with the Clinton County Economic Alliance about the potential redevelopment of the Wilson Center in downtown St Johns. Through engagement with the school board and community leaders in the months that followed, the development team learned that the City and schools were committed to a collaborative approach to ensure that the unique community facilities in the building, especially the gymnasium and the auditorium, would be preserved and would continue to be available for public use. To realize that objective the stakeholders have developed what they believe could be an economically feasible plan for the redevelopment of Wilson Center that meets these objectives.
HRS hopes to redevelop the existing classroom areas of the building into 38 affordable senior apartments. Those senior apartments would become “ The Wilson Center Residences.” The City would be asked to oversee the operation of the auditorium and gymnasium to support continued public access and use. The City, the CCEA and HRS are being asked to be committed to work collaboratively on this multi-use development to insure that this historic landmark continues to serve the greater community.
This company has already built apartments in a comparable building in Freemont, Michigan.
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March, 2019
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Transformation: This weekend the old Reminder building on West Higham becomes the new home of Oh Mi Organics. Here Bruce and Tyler of Michigan Graphics & Signs put on the finishing touches.
St. Johns selects Mark Palmer as next Superintendent
The St. Johns Board of Education has extended an offer to current St. Johns High School Principal Mr. Mark Palmer to serve as their next Superintendent. The board voted unanimously to offer Palmer the position and enter into contract negotiations after completing second-round interviews Monday night. Members of the Board are scheduled to meet with Mr. Palmer within the next week to begin contract discussions.
SJPD bids hail and farewell
The St. Johns Police Department hire a new officer and promoted two officers after the recent retirement of Lieutenant Robert Wilkie.
Eric Verlinde was promoted to Lieutenant.
Ben Helms was promoted to Sergeant.
New officer Stephen Pulling was sworn in by City Clerk, Mindy Seavy.
Congratulations to Lieutenant Robert Wilkie on his retirement from the St. Johns Police Department. Lt. Wilkie retired after 28 years of service.
Revitalization plan: Plans are in the works to bring the old F.C. Mason Building on Railroad Street back to life.
FCM Development, a group of investors headed by Ken Harris, outlined a plan to the City for revitalizing a Saint Johns landmark, the F.C. Mason building on Monday evening.
The investors are asking the City to help alleviate the costs of the clean up by providing property tax abatements similar to the ones granted recently to the Senior housing project, the Castle. They are also working with local and State officials to take advantage of the State of Michigan’s Brownsfield program which also helps to offset the costs of cleaning up abandoned buildings.
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April, 2019
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New Life: Two vacant storefronts on Clinton Avenue are returning to life. Hanover’s Mint Chocolates will be renovating them for use as a candy store and factory.
His Cup Runneth Over Mobile Soup Kitchen starting 5th season 
Suzie Brown, the new president-director of His Cup Runneth Over, is excited to be starting the 2019 season of Free Meals.
His Cup Runneth Over provides nutritional meals at no cost to everyone who stops by. A meal typically consists of a bowl of soup, bread, fruit and dessert that are all served in a lunch bag that can be taken to go or eaten at our table outside. In 2018 they served over 5,000 free meals.
Join experts at premiere Michigan location to watch spring bird migration
Ducks Unlimited, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will host the Maple River Migration Tour Saturday, April 7, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Maple River State Game Area. Attendees can park at the southwest corner of South Baldwin Road and Crapo Road in Washington Township, east of US-127.
Visitors can join waterfowl experts as they watch the skies during spring migration and take a self-guided tour of the Maple River State Game Area’s conservation success story. Learn how Ducks Unlimited and the DNR have conserved nearly 800 acres at this vital waterfowl migration route since 2011 and how this conservation work benefits wildlife of all types.
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May, 2019
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Local Police Chief lifts long time ban on street racing for one day
Thirty two area young people have been granted permission to race down North Clinton Avenue in St. johns on Father’s Day, June 16 for the rebirth of the Soap Box Derby after a forty three year lapse of the annual race.
Police and Firefighters: Remembering Those Who Served 
St. Johns Police Officer and Chief Reed Hall 1931-1949
This year the Paine-Gillam-Scott Museum has decided to honor the memory of those who served our community in the police and fire organizations. They will also showcase some of the major fires that have occurred in Clinton County in years past.
Sheriff Jack Barnes and his deputy Percy Patterson show off their haul of confiscated marijuana back in the late 1930s.
SJHS Theatre celebrates 50th
St. John’s High School Theatre alumni and friends celebrated their 50th Anniversary with a banquet on Saturday, May 11 with special guests including Bob Koger and Barbara Markman.
Relay for Life successful at new venue
by Maralyn Fink
On Friday afternoon I attended the Relay For Life event at the Depot. This was the first year of having the event there. Everything went smoothly, and there was a great turnout.
I mingled with the crowd and was able to talk to Chief Kirk. It seems that he was making an “arrest” of Dave Hunt for walking the wrong way on the street. He was given a “warning” this time.
Eat Healthy, Eat Local Festival 
On Saturday, May 11 in the streets of downtown St. Johns from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. the 2019 Eat Healthy Eat Local festival will be held.
Sample and shop products from over 160 Michigan-Made businesses from local farms, food producers, find natural remedies, learn about nutrition, and physical/mental wellness. Step into the Relaxation Station and meet with massage therapists, experience reflexology, and learn how to unwind.
The EHEL Festival is your one-stop shop for Michigan-Made everything.
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June, 2019
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St. Johns Soapbox Derby, more than a race to many
In 1963 a small committee lead by Bernard Feldpausch brought a new event to St Johns Michigan. It was called Soapbox Derby, and it had two specific goals in mind. The first was to bring families together for the construction of a race car that would be powered by gravity alone. The second was to bring the community together on a race day, when these cars could compete against each other to win a chance to race in a national competition in Akron. This event originally ran for thirteen consecutive years until it ended in 1976.
The race was brought back to St Johns on Father’s Day 2019, through the inspiration of Dan Matson. It was run on Clinton Avenue, the same track last used forty-three years earlier. Over two hundred racers competed in the thirteen years it was originally held, and many were on hand for the revival of the event. With wonderful memories of times gone by, they watched as a new generation of racers enjoyed the thrill of hearing the crowd cheer as they raced down the two-block path.
Happy Returns: After a 43 year pause, the St. Johns Soap Box Derby will return to Clinton Avenue on Sunday, June 16.
Commencement: Dance Team members from the Class of 2019 celebrated their graduation from St. Johns High School last Friday evening.
Louie Longoria Band opens Concert in the Park June 12
Traditional Country music in its purest form – that’s the Louie Longoria Band. The talented performers take the stage at the William E. Tennant Performance Shell June 12 in the opener of the annual St. Johns Concert in the Park summer music series.
Part of the traditional Country music scene for more than 27 years, Longoria brands his style of music “Real Country.” His versatile voice can handle a wide variety of Country tunes by artists like Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, George Strait and many others, bringing small-town America to the big stage.
Farmers Market returns June 8
The St. Johns Farmers Market will open for the season this Saturday, June 8.
The market is open from 8:00 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and is located on Maple Street, just west of the courthouse.
2019 Concerts in the Park Schedule
June 12: Louie Longoria Band; Big Time Country
June 19: Mountain Town Brass; Elite Brass Band
June 26: Lansing Concert Big Band; Big Band Jazz
July 3: Root Doctor: Classic Soul, R&B, Blues
July 10: Sea Cruisers; Good Old Rock & Roll
July 17: Capitol City Chordsmen; Fun Barbershop Chorus
July 24: Dave Bennett Quartet; Swing to Rock
Aug. 31: Miranda & the M80s; Best of Queen & 80s Hits
Aug. 7: Toppermost; Beatles Tribute Band
Aug. 14: Saline Fiddlers; Amazing Youth Fiddlers
Aug. 21: Ross Mead and North Country; All Country
Aug. 28: Matt King; Elvis Impersonator
William E. Tennant Performance Shell; St. Johns City Park, Wednesday evenings; 7 p.m.; Rain or Shine.
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July, 2019
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Our Champ: Cy Honeycutt, representing American Legion Post 153 of St. Johns, Michigan, took 9th place in the International Soap Box Derby in Akron last Saturday.
Inside the City Commission meeting
by Maralyn Fink
On Monday evening I attended the City Commission meeting. This is what I learned.
Community Paint by Number Mural is August 10
The City Commission approved the Art Purchase and Installment Agreement with Tracie Davis Tracie Davis. Whimsical Art Gallery and Tiny by Design and a resident of Greenbush Township, was present. She thanked everyone for the city writing for the LEAP grant and said she is grateful for the opportunity.
The scent of mint is in the air
album courtesy of Carole Livingston via Facebook
As the saying goes around town, they’re into the mint at Livingston Farms right now.
Rotary Club to host 4th of July fireworks celebration
The annual 4th of July Independence Day Celebration will be held at the St. Johns City Park.
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August, 2019
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Farewell to summer: In keeping with tradition Matt King closed out the Concerts in the Park season with his ever popular Elvis performance.
Clinton Transit announces new hours
Beginning on September 3, 2019 Clinton Transit will provide new bus service hours 6:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. New call center hours will be 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wilson Center Auditorium receives major grant 
The Wilson Center Auditorium Renovation Committee is pleased to announce that it has been approved for a $52,000 matching Impact Grant from the Capital Region Community Foundation to replace the lighting system, which was last updated in 1964.
“Receiving this grant was music to our ears,” says committee chairperson Bill Tennant. “Our committee was ecstatic when we received the news. After coming this far with the project, this grant was our only real chance of completing the work. We’re grateful to the Community Foundation and to their review committee who saw our proposal as a wonderful opportunity for our community to experience continued cultural growth.”
Paint by Number: The mural painting on Higham Street at Clinton Avenue was a great hit downtown during the Mint Festival.
National Night Out: Large crowds turned out on Tuesday night, and they watched as Police Chief Kirk had a little fun arresting Fire Chief Dean Mazzolini for driving up in an unlicensed demonstration car.
2019 Mint Festival Royalty Court chosen
Congratulations to the 2019 Mint Festival Royalty Court: Queen-Olivia Powell, 1st Runner Up: Becca Bovee, 2nd Runner Up: Isabella Gunnell, Junior Miss Mint: Sarah Bovee and Little Miss Mint: Savannah Beverly Ann Butler. Come and see these young ladies at the Mint Festival this weekend.
Other pageant participants included
For Little Miss Mint:
Avelyn Johnson-9, Kaitlyn Knapp-10, Elaina K Kriss-8, Kylie Miller-8, Bella Payment-9 and Molly Watts-8.
For Junior Miss Mint:
Katie Rozen-13 and Morgan Watts-12.
For Mint Queen:
Jessica Weinberg-16.
Bonding time: Another 4-H Youth Fair has come and gone. Projects have been judged; livestock has been shown and sold. Soon enough everyone will begin planning for next year.
Dennis Scott is 2019 Mint Festival Grand Marshal
by Rhonda Dedyne
There’s no doubt that Dennis Scott is a man of many talents – published author and journalist, community organizer and public servant, decorated Vietnam War veteran, and devoted family man. Those attributes make him a perfect choice to help lead the 2019 Mint Festival as Grand Marshal of the Mint Parade, says Mint Festival General Chairperson Brenda Terpening.
“Dennis has been a very instrumental member of the St. Johns community, especially in his representation and support of veterans. He was a main player in bringing the Veterans Memorial to St. Johns – something that was definitely a labor of love for him. The Mint Festival Committee is honored to have Dennis as our 2019 St. Johns Mint Festival Grand Marshal.”
As the Grand Marshal, Dennis will have a great view at the parade of the thousands of people who will line the streets from St. Johns High School through to the downtown business district. He will be waving at them all – especially Janet, their children, Bill and Elizabeth, and seven grandchildren. The parade begins at 10 a.m., Saturday, August 10.
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September, 2019
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Downtown St. Johns celebrated the first Fall FEASTival
by Maralyn Fink
Awarding the trophy to the winner of the People’s Choice Food Truck contest are Kevin from Sports Stop, the crew from Nita’s Cocina, Brent and Megen from Eat Healthy Eat Local Foundation, and St. Johns Mayor Eric Hufnagel.
Downtown Mural dedicated
by Maralyn Fink
The City of St Johns unveiled a new mural made possible by a Public Art for Communities Grant funded by the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) with support from the PNC Foundation.
The mural was designed by local artist Tracie Davis. In August members of the community were invited to help in the initial paint by number phase of the project. The mural is located on the south side of Higham Street at the intersection of Clinton Avenue.
God’s Favorite premieres under new lights at the Wilson Center Auditorium 
It’s a race to the wire. Eight actors are perfecting their lines. A team of electricians and a lighting consultant are hanging new fixtures. A backstage crew is building a set one piece at a time around ladders and tools scattered across the stage. Fund raising efforts to reach the goals for matching grants are approaching their deadlines. Every facet of the project must cross the finish line by the time the curtain opens on “God’s Favorite”, a comedy by Neil Simon.
The lighting project is the final phase of renovation of the Wilson Center Auditorium. Since 2006 a group of committed volunteers and generous donors has raised over $200,000 to restore and improve the auditorium to open it for wider use by the community. Upholstered seats, enhanced sound, authentic color schemes, and energy efficient, digitally controlled lighting have polished this gem of a performance space.
Voice for Clinton County’s Children now in two locations
The Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program will be serving from 306 E. Elm Street in St. Johns. Building neighbors include Dr. Rajesh and Sparrow Medical Supply.
The Child Advocate Center (CAC) remains in the building filled with beautiful murals. The CAC is located at 1207 N. US 27 in St. Johns, just to the west of Sundance and next to Redwing Lanes Bowling Alley.
Steel-driving man: On Sunday Gary McCampbell gave his best impression of John Henry as he demonstrated the technique used by gandy dancers when they laid and repaired the railroad tracks.
Mint City Singers and new Junior Mints now enrolling
The Mint City Singers and new Junior Mints community choirs are now enrolling for the Fall Session. No audition or previous experience is needed for either choir. Although being able to match pitch or read music is not a requirement, it is helpful as are a pleasant voice and a sense of humor.
Both choirs rehearse at a new rehearsal space in the South Point Mall in St. Johns.
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October, 2019
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A Night Out: Diane Dershem spent Saturday evening helping out at the Sportsman Raffle Hog Roast and Turkey Fry sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.
A Tradition Continues: Elementary school students in St. Johns have celebrated Fire Safety Week off and on over the past 70 or so years with a ride on the firetruck. Here St. Joseph School 3rd graders continued the tradition this week.
Not So Spooky: The Mid-Michigan Chamber Orchestra conducted by Jill Boots presented a Halloween-themed concert at the Depot. Participants and guests were invited to attend in costume.
St. Peter nears end of special worship services for 150th anniversary year
Hymns of praise for the 150th anniversary of St. Peter Lutheran Church were part of a special worship service on October 13 that featured musical selections sung by the St. Peter Adult Choir and St. Peter Lutheran School’s student choir. St. Peter Principal Paul Weismantel composed the lyrics for “A Firm Foundation We Will Lay,” and long-time St. Peter member Marion Koeppen wrote the lyrics for a composition sung by the adult choir.
Guest speaker for the service was Pastor Jeffrey Heimsoth who served St. Peter for 25 years, 1987-2012.
The Great Pumpkins: The annual pumpkin weigh-in was held at Andy T’s last weekend.
Bancroft receives Terry Cornwell Award
Troy Bancroft is this year’s winner of the Terry Cornwell Award, given by the St. Johns Kiwanis Club 707.
“Troy Bancroft is very much deserving of this award. Troy embodies the concept of “Faith, Family, and Community,” said presenter Rep. Graham Filler.
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November, 2019
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Community Thanksgiving Celebration and Dinner at Smith Hall
The Clinton Community Thanksgiving Celebration and Dinner is a celebration of all that is good about community life in the Mid-Michigan Region. We are an interfaith endeavor put on by volunteers for all people of the area in Smith Hall in St. Johns. This is an inclusive event where everyone is invited to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at no cost and share the day with others.
SJPD No Shave November to support local State Trooper St. Johns Police recently learned of a GoFundMe fund for Trooper Van Ells and will be donating their No Shave November funds to this worthy cause.
Trooper Dane Van Ells graduated from the 135th Trooper Recruit School and is assigned to the Lakeview Post. Trooper Van Ells was recently hospitalized at U of M in Ann Arbor and has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. He will need to undergo radiation and chemotherapy. He is currently waiting for a formal diagnosis from his oncologist.
Pauli Ford is collecting PJs for children until November 31 
Pauli Ford has announced that they are holding a Kids Pajama Drive for The Voice for Clinton County’s Children.
A chilly celebration: Local veterans have been used to cold, wet weather in the past. This year they held their traditional Veterans Day parade on November 11 as usual.
New home: Congratulations to the City of St. Johns Police Department on their new station which was opened officially on Thursday evening.
SJHS Theatre presents Newsies November 8,9,10
St. Johns High School’s theatre program is solely funded by ticket sales and donor contributions. To support their future endeavors they are looking for sponsors for this year’s high school presentation of Newsies on November 8, 9 and 10 and the middle school musicals coming up April 24, 25, 26.
One Last Chapter with Miss Marie is November 8
The Briggs District Library will celebrate over 35 years of story time with Miss Marie on Friday, November 8 from 3 – 9:30 p.m. This fun-filled program includes games, crafts, food, entertainment and a few other surprises.
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December, 2019
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Homegrown Productions Annual Christmas show is December 6 and 7
Beth Webb and Tom Webb; Back: Sara Craft, Darryl Schmitz, Susan DeRosa; Not pictured Jan Ross)
No, really. Don’t miss a Victorian Christmas at the Museum
Share old memories and pick up some new ones when you celebrate a Victorian Christmas at the Paine-Gillam-Scott House Museum on the courthouse square.
[Turn on your speakers.]