Coffee and Conversation with Clinton County Cops
Chief David Kirk of the St. Johns Police Department, Clinton County Sheriff Sean Dush, Undersheriff Mike Gute, St. Johns City Mayor Roberta Cocco and a member of the Michigan State Police were on hand last Thursday to answer questions, share tips, discuss local issues and connect with community members.
“A majority of our interaction with the community happens during emergencies or emotional situations,” says Chief Kirk. “Meeting people in a more casual environment helps break down barriers and allows for a more relaxed and open conversation.”
“This was a great opportunity for the community to share their perspectives and be heard, and also a chance for local law enforcement officers to build relationships within the community,” says Mayor Cocco.
Learn more at cityofstjohnsmi.com
Kris McCarty named president of Sparrow Clinton Hospital
Kris McCarty, an inspiring and innovative leader who has improved patient care throughout her career, has been named President of Sparrow Clinton Hospital.
McCarty has served as interim leader of the hospital since last June and was given the permanent position after a nationwide search. She succeeds Beth Daugherty, who retired last year.
McCarty has been with Sparrow for 17 years, having previously served as Vice President of Patient Experience for Sparrow Health System, Director of Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital at Sparrow, and Director of Rehabilitation Services. Since joining Sparrow Clinton, she has helped cultivate community partnerships and overseen an increase in patient volumes and surgical services.
“It is with a grateful heart that I share my excitement to lead the dynamic team at Sparrow Clinton Hospital,” McCarty said. “I look forward to opportunities to further cultivate relationships with key partners in St. Johns, regional partners and the exceptional caregivers, medical staff and volunteers who share in the honor of serving our community. This appointment is a true honor to provide passionate and inspired leadership to the team at Sparrow Clinton Hospital.”
Inspired by her own life experiences, McCarty brings a holistic approach to healthcare and leadership, with the needs of patients and caregivers always coming first. She is a passionate, thoughtful, and skillful leader who will guide Sparrow Clinton through the many challenges facing community hospitals.
“I am extremely pleased that Kris will transition into the permanent role,” said Kira Carter-Robertson, Senior Vice President, Regional Hospitals for Sparrow Health System. “Kris is someone who leads with integrity, compassion, accountability, respect, and excellence. I look forward to continuing to work with Kris. Her leadership skills and experience will be very important as we continue to grow and serve the greater St. Johns community.”
For more information on Sparrow Clinton, go to Sparrow.org/Clinton.
United Way awards Coalition co-founder
Andrea Ryan, co-founder of the St. Johns Call-In Coalition, received an award as the 2022 Adult Volunteer of the Year from the United Way of South Central Michigan – Capital Area.
Ryan was recognized for her community service efforts in Clinton County from a field of eight other volunteers serving Calhoun, Eaton, Ingham, Jackson and Kalamazoo counties.
Annually, the UWSCM Capital Area Volunteer Center recognizes community volunteers for their significant impact on nonprofits in Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties through their gifts of time and talent.
This award recognizes an individual who provides valuable volunteerism to the community through their dedication and hard work, making a difference in the lives of those who benefit from their service.
“I was surprised,” says Ryan. “I knew I was nominated for the award by the coalition, but I didn’t actually think I would win. It was very heart-warming. “You don’t do this type of work on your own. The whole coalition is deserving of this award because of their passion, devotion and commitment to the human and civil rights of residents in St. Johns.
The St. Johns Call-In Coalition is a nonprofit organization of mental health therapists, social workers and residents who foster and advance the culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Members advocate and actively work as an allyship with marginalized or oppressed groups in all areas of society, not as a member of that group but in solidarity with its struggle and point of view.
Persons interested in becoming a part of their cause can contact the coalition
at sjcallincoalition@gmail.com or visit their web site: sjcallincoalition.wixsite.com/sjcall-incoalition.
Local restaurant named one of America’s Best
Ryan’s Roadhouse, a popular restaurant in St. Johns, received a special visit Monday morning from America’s Best Restaurants, a national media company that highlights the best eateries around the world.
The media crew came to the restaurant to sample some of its most popular dishes and feature them in an upcoming episode.
Ryan Colthorp, the owner of Ryan’s Roadhouse, expressed his gratitude for being nominated for such an honor. “I was very, very, very honored. And just to pick up the phone from other producers and them to tell us we were nominated, just shows, we put a lot of thought into our food,” Colthorp said. We put a lot of thought into the service and I think it shows that’s by somebody nominating us, of course.”
The Roadhouse tradition of “Good Food and Great Drinks” all began in 1959 when Colthorps grandparents, “Big” Jim and Rosie Nuser, acquired what was then known as the Parkway Inn. The location stayed the same; however, little else did. The first change occurred in 1961 when the name was changed to the Roadhouse. Throughout the 60s and 70s extensive remodeling was undertaken on the interior and exterior of the building.
After a brief change in ownership in the 80s, the Roadhouse was back in the hands of the people who loved it and make it what it had become, with only one change – the name. It thus became known as Ye Ol’ Roadhouse to symbolize that the old Roadhouse was back.
Colthorp helped run the restaurant with his grandparents until 1997 when the reins were handed down to the youngest generation of the family, Ryan Colthorp.
In 1998 he started some changes of his own by trying to bring in the northern Michigan theme to St. Johns. A total renovation, inside and out, has brought the look that he personally loves. At the start of 2005 the largest project of all began. The bar was changed from 12 seats to 30+ seats to accommodate the growing business. All of these changes would not have been possible without the strong support of our community.
Along with being known around the state for great food, the 350+ guns that adorn the walls give credence to its becoming known as the Real Roadhouse.
The Easter Bunny is coming April 8
The annual City of St. Johns Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by the St. Johns Lions Club with support from many local contributors, comes with a special feature this year on Saturday, April 8, 2023 – rain or shine – at the St. Johns City Park.
After a two-year hiatus due to Covid, face painting is back this year. There will be other fun activities for kids, and the Easter Bunny will be at the event for photo opportunities. These activities will take place in the pavilion beginning at 12:30 p.m.
In cooperation with the St. Johns Lions Club, Lions of Michigan Foundation, and Lions of District 11-C2, the Project KIDsight mobile testing facility will onsite at the St. Johns City Park during the Easter Egg Hunt. Vision screening will be available from 11:30 a.m. to approximately 1:30 p.m. near the city park pavilion.
The portable vision screener performs a binocular test of both eyes within one second, and it instantly and accurately (98% accuracy rating) identifies potential vision problems. When problems are detected, our vision screener reports a “Fail” or “Refer” status, and a detailed report identifying potential problems is provided to the child’s parent or guardian for further follow-up with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. No advance reservations required.
The City Police siren will sound at 1:00 p.m. to start the “organized mayhem.” The area around the pavilion will be sectioned off by the following age groups: under 3 (with parent), 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, and 9-10. Kids under the age of 3 may also pick up eggs in the pavilion, if preferred. Only kids are allowed in the Egg Patch. No adults please except for under 3.
There is one egg in age groups 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, and 9-10 that has a special ticket inside to win an Easter Basket filled with goodies, so open your eggs while you are there to claim your prize. The baskets will be available for pick-up in the pavilion.
Please recycle your eggs at the event. There will be recycling containers around the Egg Patch and near the pavilion. A recycling container also will be available at the Lions Recycling Center located at 605 N. Swegles Street in St. Johns.
If you have any questions, call Lion Nancy at (989) 307-9872. For more information about this vision screening project on Saturday, April 8, contact Lion Gloria Carnicom at 989-627-0072 (voice or text).
Duplain Church of Christ to host Easter Fair April 1
On Saturday, April 1 the Duplain Church of Christ from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The event will feature and Egg Hunt, Inflatables, Petting Zoo, Concessions and more.
Everything is free. Duplain Church of Christ is located at 5565 E. Colony Road north and east of St. Johns.
April Parent Cafes scheduled
Do you ever feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day? Join our April Parent Cafes and talk with other parents and caregivers about the joys and struggles of family life.
In Person: April 11, 2023 | 9:30 a.m. – noon
Register at https://forms.gle/FaTxJ9SUipS2FSGK8 or call 989-224-1010
Free childcare available on site, plus snacks and drinks.
Virtual: April 24, 2023 | 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Register at https://forms.gle/HZspXfWFp8xRqQF2A or call 989-224-1010
A Zoom link will be sent to you prior to the Cafe.