Features

Foreback gets a hole in one

Congratulations to Bob Foreback on getting a hole in one at the Emerald on #8 Wednesday, June 3, 2020! He used his 8 iron and was 92 yards out. Witnesses were: Bud Walters, George Smith and Craig Knight.


St. Johns High School Orchestra Seniors Class of 2020


David Suidgeest earns Presidential Honors recognition

Three Alma College seniors were named as having completed the requirements to be named as Presidential Honors Scholars. The students received certificates confirming completion of the necessary requirements.

Honors students participate in special seminar opportunities and faculty-guided research projects that fit and enhance their majors and interests. The Program’s primary goals include stewardship, citizenship and leadership. Honors scholars are encouraged to immerse themselves in campus and community service and act as role models for their student peers. Students have specific requirements to complete during each of their four years of enrollment in college.

David Suidgeest of St. Johns, MI, is majoring in marketing and new media studies. He is a graduate of St. Johns High School.


Area law enforcement agencies send message to community

On Sunday evening June 7, 16 law enforcement agencies with 29 cars from Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties met at the Mason High School to send a message to our community. That message is this:

We love the communities we choose to live and serve in.

The St. Johns Police Department was proud to join with other departments to make this video.



A Look Back Again
– Hot off the press
by Barry Bauer

This photo takes us back to a time when local newspapers printed their own paper instead of outsourcing the job. In 1962 our senior class of Rodney B. Wilson took a field trip to the Clinton County Republican News to see the workings of a newspaper. What we’re seeing is the newspaper coming hot off the press.


Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Can Dogs Get Sunburned?

Whether we’re hitting the beach, taking the field at a ball game, or simply heading out for a walk, we know that during the summer months, wearing sunscreen is key to our health and safety. But what about our four-legged friends?

In addition to providing your dog with access to shade and hydration during the summer months, sunscreen should be part of your warm-weather care routine.

Should I Worry About My Dog Getting Sunburned?

Just like us, dogs can get burned from sun exposure, particularly on parts of the body that are sparsely covered with hair.

Millie Rosales DVM, DACVD, of Miami Veterinary Dermatology, says that a sunburned dog can suffer from red, inflamed skin that becomes irritated and painful. Sunburns on dogs can also lead to hair loss and scaly skin.

Do Dogs Need Sunscreen?

Yes, you should put sunscreen on your dog.

“It’s actually very important to put sunscreen on dogs, especially those with light skin and white fur or hair,” says Richard Goldstein, DVM, and chief medical officer of the Animal Medical Center in New York City. “A dog’s skin can be damaged by the sun just like our own, so they require the same protection against the development of sunburn and skin cancer.”

Dr. Rosales points out that the types of skin cancer in dogs that can be associated with sun exposure include:

– Squamous cell carcinoma
– Malignant melanomas
– Hemangiomas
– Hemangiosarcomas

She urges that if a dog has to be outdoors during peak sun exposure hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), sunscreen should be reapplied to sun-sensitive areas of the body—the nose, around the lips, tips of the ears, the groin, and the belly—throughout the day.

Dr. Goldstein says if the dog has gone swimming, the sunscreen should be immediately reapplied.

What Is the Best Sunscreen for Dogs?

The safest and most effective sunscreen to put on your dogs is one that is specifically designed for canine use, says Dr. Rosales. These sunscreens are designed with dogs in mind and don’t pose any health risks.

If dog sunscreen isn’t available, Dr. Goldstein says that pet parents can purchase a broad-spectrum sunscreen for babies and children with an SPF of 15 or higher.

Make Sure It Is Pet-Friendly

It’s EXTREMELY important for pet parents to read the labels on baby sunscreen before applying it, since dogs may lick their skin and accidentally ingest the sunscreen, many of which contain ingredients that are potentially toxic if ingested.

“When choosing baby sunscreen, pet owners should choose a fragrance-free product that doesn’t contain zinc oxide,” Dr. Rosales explains. “Ingestion of zinc oxide can lead to hemolytic anemia.”

Titanium dioxide is widely regarded as being a safe active ingredient in sunscreens for dogs, but when in doubt, ask your veterinarian for a recommendation. Never apply tanning lotions or oils to your pet.
How to Apply Your Dog’s Sunscreen

“Pet owners may want to apply the sunscreen to a small area on the body first to see if it causes a reaction before using it all over the body,” Dr. Rosales says. She adds, “When applying sunscreen to the face region, it is important to be careful with it getting into the eyes.”

After applying sunscreen, allow the lotion or cream to soak in or set for several minutes, and monitor your dog to be sure they doesn’t lick it, says Dr. Rosales.
Which Dog Breeds Are More Likely to Get Sunburned?

“White dogs with short hair, like Bull Terriers, Pit Bulls, Dalmatians, French Bulldogs, Greyhounds, and Boxers, are more susceptible to sunburn than dogs with darker skin and thicker coats,” Dr. Goldstein points out.

Still, even though these breeds are more likely to burn, all pet parents should consider the use of sunscreen for their dogs in the summer.

Additional Heat and Sun Protection for Dogs

If your dog has to be outside during peak sun hours, you can also utilize accessories like bodysuits, shirts, and hats with ultraviolet protection to prevent sunburns. Dog goggles can also be used to protect your pet’s eyes from the sun, which is particularly important if your dog has been diagnosed with an eye disease known as pannus.
Tips to Protect Your Dog From Sun Exposure and Heatstroke

While adding sunscreen to your dog’s summertime safety routine is a good idea, you should still be aware of the risks associated with excessive sun exposure.

In addition to potential sunburns, dogs can also experience heatstroke in the summer. Making sure your dog has access to water and shade is an essential part of keeping your pet safe on hot days.

“The use of sunscreen should not give pet owners the sense of security that their pet will not get skin cancer,” Rosales says. “Keeping a dog indoors from 10 am to 4 pm is the best way to protect from the sun’s harmful rays.”