Free food for kids during school closing
The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved a waiver from the Michigan Department of Education on Friday, March 13 allowing school lunches to be distributed without the requirement that students eat meals in a group setting or at school. The program is called Unanticipated School Closure SFSP.
911 radio millage proposal passes handily
The County-Wide E-911 Emergency Dispatch millage proposal on the March 10 ballot passed by a 2 to 1 margin. The vote totals were Yes 12297, No 6090.
Clinton County voters were asked to approve a millage proposal in the amount of .85 mills for
9-1-1 center operations, and the local voter approved surcharge was to be reduced to no more than $1.50 for the radio system infrastructure.
The Clinton County 9-1-1 Central Dispatch is the point of contact for all your emergency and non-emergency public safety needs for police, fire and ambulance services.
Library adds Spanish collection
The Briggs District Library has started a small Spanish language collection.
They now have have books, audiobooks, and movies for all ages, and are adding titles each month.
FOMR to hold bi-monthly meeting March 18 (Cancelled)
The Friends of the Maple River will hold their March Bi-Monthly meeting at the Clinton County Courthouse, Board of Commissioner’s Room, in St. Johns at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18.
The Friends are excited to have a MDNR Furbearer Specialist at the meeting to talk about the State of Furbearers in the Maple River Watershed, particularly beavers. It appears many of these water loving mammals are enjoying a newfound resurgence in the watershed and we are interested to learn if this is really the case and why.
There will also be a business meeting with focus on preparation for the April 18 River Clean Up event.
The courthouse is located at 100 E. State Street in St. Johns, 48879. Those driving should park in the parking lot at the rear of the building. Everyone should come in the rear entrance. There is no charge to attend.
Oakview student artwork chosen
Congratulations to Oakview 4th Grade student, Callan Cockrum, for having her artwork chosen to be featured on a billboard in the Lansing area. Kudos to her teacher, Mr. Gove, for inspiring young creative artists.
Habitat DreamBuilders Gala scheduled for May 7
Clinton-Gratiot Habitat for Humanity will slip into a groovy state of mind on May 7 when the affiliate holds its sixth annual DreamBuilders Gala at Smith Hall on the Clinton County Fairgrounds in St. Johns.
The evening’s theme, “Peace, Love & Habitat,” celebrates the music, lifestyle and ideals of the 1960s and 1970s.
Dinner and dancing are included in the $35 per person admission, and attendees are encouraged to wear period clothing … so dig deep into that closet for those bell bottoms, go-go boots and tie-dyed shirts.
Be sure to bring plenty of money for “can’t-live-without” silent auction items like a VIP tour and tasting for six at Leelanau County’s Chateau Chantal, a tour for two of Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester Hills and a sewing machine from Alma Sewing Center valued at $400! There will be auction items in every price range, including gift certificates from local businesses.
All proceeds from the event further CGHFH’s mission of providing safe, decent and affordable housing to people in need through its housebuilding, critical home repair and wheelchair ramp programs.
Plans for 2020 include building two houses; one in Ithaca beginning May 16 and a second in St. Johns starting in late summer, plus five critical home repairs and nine wheelchair ramps, along with various small and neighborhood revitalization projects.
To learn more, including how to volunteer or become a sponsor, call 989-227-1771 and then choose option 3.
Relay for Life spotlights West Side Walkers
Mahle’s West Side Walkers is a team formed by employees at the Mahle Corporation in St. Johns MI. This team is a returning team to the Relay For Life Event. They have been participating since 1996.
Joan Whitford and Olivia Davis are leading this team as Team Captains for the 2020 event. Chris Cobb, a retiree of Mahle, was a team captain for many years prior to her retirement. When asked “What is your Relay Story? Why do you Relay?”, this is the response we got:
“Cancer has touched all of us in some way. And we want to stop this disease in its tracks. We’ll spend the next few weeks fundraising for the American Cancer Society. Then, on the day of the event, we’ll honor the lives lost to cancer, celebrate survivors, and support the caregivers who so selflessly help others.
Together, we’ll be a part of making a difference in this important cause.”
Not sure what a Relay For Life event is? It’s an overnight walk where teams are formed by family and friends, businesses, civic organization, schools and faith-based groups. These teams come together in the fight against cancer.
Schools rely on your census participation
An accurate census count is critical to our state’s future. Nearly $30 billion is at stake for essential services like police and fire, school reading programs and food programs for seniors.
Make sure you’re counted.