2014 in Review
January
Big Winners In The 2013 Santa Parade Of Lights
The Santa Parade of Lights took place on December 6, 2013 in Downtown St. Johns, and it was a delightful sight to see the 25 beautifully lighted floats and parade entries as they walked through Downtown St. Johns as part of the Christmas holiday. Three high school marching bands participated in this year’s parade, along with entries from area elementary schools, civic clubs, and businesses. At the end of the parade down at the depot, St. Johns Mayor Dana Beamon presented Santa with the key to the city, and Little Miss Mint, Audrey Rademacher, lit up the community Christmas tree to everyone’s wonder and joy.
This year three parade entries won a total of $750 for their participation in the Santa Parade of Lights, each winning a $250 prize. Winning $250 for the best general float was Lansing Community College and their restored 1947 REO Speedwagon truck with 6,000 lights, operated by Tom Helms and Kristie Mackie. Splitting the prize and winning $250 for the best educational float was St. Joseph School from St. Johns with their float made up of their school choir. Also splitting the prize for best educational float and winning $250 was Cub Scout Pack #15 coming from DeWitt and North Lansing. Their float represented a day at camp, with over 5,000 lights.
Girl Scouts donate to Clinton County Sheriff’s Department
The St. Johns Area Girl Scouts recently donated candy and nuts from their Fall Product sales to the Clinton County Sherriff’s Department as part of their Hometown Heroes project. Any time you see a girl selling nuts and candy, or Girl Scout cookies, you have the option to purchase some for yourself, or to purchase products that will be donated to local community heroes.
SJHS Student Council honors fallen soldiers
February
Spray Park receives donation
Consumers Energy has donated to the proposed Spray Park. Pictured are: Bob Craig, Craig Bishop, Dana Beaman, Chris Thelen (Consumers), John Sirrine, Bill Schafer.
Clarizio announces candidacy
After over 23 years of public service, Clinton County Assistant Prosecutor Mike Clarizio is taking his exemplary leadership record to another level by announcing his candidacy for 65A District Court Judge in Clinton County.
Judge Richard D. Wells, who is retiring at the conclusion of his current term, has endorsed Clarizio’s candidacy.
Sparrow Clinton Hospital names new Medical Executive Staff
Sparrow Clinton Hospital recognizes the contributions of its physician leaders, announcing the 2014 Medical Executive Staff roster. Stepping up as Chief of Staff is Dr. Christopher Beal. Dr. David Brandon Minnick accepts responsibility as Vice Chief of Staff. Secretary/Treasurer for 2014 is Dr. Paul Minnick
Other members of the Medical Executive Staff include Cardiology Service Chief Dr. Matthew Wilcox, Emergency Medicine Service Chief Dr. Gregory Glatz, Family Practice Service Chief Dr. Paul Minnick, Internal Medicine Service Chief Dr. BP Rajesh, Pathology Service Chief Dr. Edwin Marinas, Pediatrics Service Chief Dr. Gregory Holzhei, Radiology Service Chief Dr. Robert Hills, and Surgery and Anesthesia Service Chief Dr. Donald Porter.
March
Fire destroys two-family home
Two St. Johns families with young children are without homes after a fire destroyed the home where they lived . Officials believe the fire started on the first floor of the older home on the 300 block of North Whittemore (Business US-27).
The burning house was home to two families. One apartment housed two adults and a five-year-old, and the other unit had two adults and three children aged 5, 7 and 10. Everyone was taken to Sparrow for smoke inhalation. They are said to have been treated and released.
Community pledges more than $1.6 million to build new Emergency Services Department
Soon quality emergency care will be even easier to access at Sparrow Clinton Hospital – thanks to the generosity of individuals, businesses and organizations in St. Johns and its surrounding communities. The community has contributed more than $1.6 million to the Sparrow Clinton Hospital Foundation’s Right Here, Right Now Capital Campaign, surpassing the fundraising goal in support of hospital’s new, state-of-the-art Emergency Services Department.
From private, high-tech treatment rooms to innovative patient-flow efficiencies, the new Emergency Services Department is designed to maintain and enhance the quality of care with comfortable, first-class accommodations for Patients and families. Features include eight private rooms and two trauma treatment rooms as well as an exclusive lobby, a family conference room, an observation room where Patients can wait for test results, a centralized nursing station, and a decontamination treatment area.
April
SJHS Orchestra returns from Florida
St. Johns Orchestra students, staff and chaparones have returned from their trip to Florida where they visited Disney World and performed at Epcot Center.
Museum opens 36th Season
Clinton County is proud of its rich and diverse history. The items and information amassed at PGS represent a significant legacy. With goals of preservation and education, volunteers work together to reveal the past to our community as a springboard for the future. Please notice our new logo: “Preserving the Past, Enhancing the Present, and Investing in the Future”.
Oakland Place: an historical perspective
Elements of a St. Johns’ landmark were available for sale this week in the form of furnishings contained within the brick walls of Oakland Place.
May
Politico Tim Skubick highlights Library Honors & Authors Night
Briggs Public Library Foundation announces the 9th annual event to raise funds and bring awareness of needed support for our library. The event at the Emerald Golf course from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday May 6th provides almost dinner like hors d’oeuvres along with an open bar. Come early, stay late. Doors open at 6:30.
Friends recall Catherine Rumbaugh and her legacy
A comment by Paine-Gillam-Scott Assistant Director Bill McCarthy about Catherine Rumbaugh captures the essence of a woman who is most deserving of the titles Historian and Director Emeritus, honors she received in 2010 from the Clinton County Historical Society and the Museum – a place that was most certainly her second home.
First CASA Volunteers sworn in by Probate Judge Lisa Sullivan
The Voice for Clinton County’s Children held a Swearing In Ceremony for Clinton County’s first CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Volunteers.CASA volunteers are appointed by the court to work with children involved in court proceedings due to abuse or neglect; there are currently approximately 60 children in out of home placements in Clinton County.
Opolis sculpture unveiled
The newest art piece in the City of St. Johns was unveiled Wednesday morning at a ceremony in Rotary Park on the Depot grounds and across from Briggs Library. The art sculpture created by local artist Timothy Higgins.
Dedication Committee – April Wilson, Timothy Higgins, Bob Trezise, Jenny McCambell, Heather Hanover, Dennis Laforest, Bill Brewbaker and Gordon Shipley
Senior Center Celebrates 35th Anniversary
The Clinton County Senior Center, located at 201 E Walker Street in St. Johns is excited to be celebrating their 35th Anniversary in St. Johns. For 35 years the Senior Center has provided a safe place for senior citizens to go to for activities, meals and socialization. Since it’s inception and continuing today, most activities are free or offered for a very low price to individuals aged 55 and over.
June
St. Johns Police Department hold annual Bike Rodeo.
The winners of the two new bikes from the Bike Rodeo this past Saturday are Tanner Cockrum, Boy’s bike winner; Gregory Martin, Turning Point Youth Center; Chief Madden, St. Johns PD; Bailey Vancamp, Girl’s bike winner. The St. Johns Police Department wants to thank Turning Point Youth Center for donating the bikes for the giveaway.
Local man heading to Africa
He has only wanted to go to Africa since he was four years old, and now Justin (JD) Link is getting his chance. JD graduated from St. Johns High School and Michigan Tech in Houghton before applying for a two-year stint with the Peace Corps. When his assignment came up, he learned that he would be going to Togo on the central west coast of Africa.
Flash flooding in St. Johns
Here is what Wednesday’s 3 inches of rain – and its aftermath looks like.
July
St. Johns 4th of July celebration
Rotary Club of St. John’s 4th of July fireworks was another success. Thank you St. Johns Rotary Club for sponsoring another fabulous fireworks display.
It’s what doesn’t change that matters
For the last thirty-eight years I sat down a couple weeks before the annual Clinton County 4-H and Youth Fair and tried to write about what is new and different about the event that year as compared to previous years. It’s not what’s different that makes the Clinton County 4-H and Youth Fair special, it’s what hasn’t and doesn’t change! It’s what has stayed the same for over 77 years that makes this event one of a kind and touches the lives of children and families and the community as a whole. No – carnivals and big name concerts are not our style; this fair is just about kids and families.
August
Sparrow Clinton Hospital celebrates new Emergency facility
Community and Sparrow leaders officially “cut the ribbon” today on a new Emergency Services facility at Sparrow Clinton Hospital during the first of three special celebrations that allowed donors, Caregivers and the public to visit and tour the new site.
Meet the Mint Royalty
Congratulations to our 2014 Mint Royalty Court, Queen-Cassandra Rapelje, 1st Runner Up-Audrey DeAlmeida, 2nd Runner Up-Caitlyn Theis, Junior Miss Mint-Madisyn Kotowicz and Little Miss Mint-Gabriella Gunnell.
September
St. Peter Lutheran School hosts Hidden Treasures auction
Save the date for Saturday, Oct. 11, when you can find “Hidden Treasures” at the St. Peter Lutheran School Silent and Live Auction. The fun-filled evening begins at 6 p.m. at the St. Peter Lutheran Church Fellowship Center, 8990 Church Road, St. Johns.
Proceeds from the Hidden Treasure Silent Auction will expand and enhance academic and Christ-centered opportunities for students at St. Peter Lutheran School.
Team SJMS
A very active community literacy organization called Bikers for Books is hosting ” The Run,” an annual event to promote literacy and positive family involvement in the St. Johns area. The exciting news, the proceeds this year benefit our very own St. Johns Middle School!
Meet St. Johns
Videos by Jason Denovich www.facebook.com/Meetsaintjohns
October
Help welcome the Weber/Schalow family into their new home
One of the most amazing parts of Habitat is the celebration that happens at the Clinton County Habitat for Humanity house when the construction is complete and the new homeowners receive their keys.
Fraser MacKinnon: a gentleman businessman
It’s not often in today’s world that the word “gentleman” is used to describe an individual – probably for good reason. Fraser MacKinnon was most certainly a gentleman. His personal life and professional career as a businessman in St. Johns stand as a wonderful example of the character traits that the somewhat archaic word implies: integrity, dignity, respect for others.
Trail work nearing the home stretch
The sections of the Fred Meyer CIS Trail from Ionia to Fowler and then Ovid to the end have been rolled, compacted and graded. Crews plan to be paving in St. Johns within a couple of weeks. Work will begin around the veterans memorial in Clinton Street. We and the contractor are coordinating work with the City of St. Johns and the Veterans Group to make sure that the memorial is treated properly and carefully.
November
Living Estate Sale
After 38 years, Jack and Marta Giesecke are leaving the historic Hicks House. On the way out the door they want to share some of the treasures they have lived with over the years.
Many wonderful items have been found in the attic, carriage house and basement and brought to the main floors of the house. And they are all on sale the weekend of November 6 – 8.
Pumpkin Trot donation helps SafeCenter
A recent donation from Andy T’s Pumpkin Trot race is helping victims of domestic violence in Clinton and Shiawassee counties via programs offered by SafeCenter, a non-profit organization formerly known as Relief After Violent Encounter (RAVE).
Chief Mike Madden retires
Three generations of St. Johns Chiefs of Police: Future Chief Kyle Knight and Former Chief Lyle French were on hand Wednesday to wish Chief Mike Madden well in his retirement.
December
Crossing over from Advent to Christmas and Epiphany
Back in spring 2014 the hollow crucifix in front of the First Congregational Church in St. Johns held panels designed by T. Zuker. After a respite during summer and the fall, now the cross has risen again. During the Advent season the panels invite people to think about the parts of the Bible keyed to the coming of God in human form by His holy birth.
Chamber names Patton Award recipient
This year the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce named Mr. Bill Brown the Patton award winner. Bill Brown is a respected name in the insurance industry and has been a life long member of the St. Johns community. He has been employed as an insurance agent at Mckenzie Crosby Insurance Agency for more than 20 years. He is a former EMT and past president of the Downtown Business Association, past Deacon at the Seventh Day Adventist Church as well as a former member of the Cemetery Board.
Bill naming section of highway for fallen firefighter heads to Gov’s desk
A local section of US-127 will soon bear the name Tim Sanborn Memorial Highway, after legislation authored by state Rep. Tom Leonard cleared the state House and Senate. The “Tim Sanborn Memorial Highway” will cover the portion of US-127 in Clinton County beginning at the intersection of Colony Road and extending north to M-57.
Oakview Students play Santa
Oakview Elementary 4th graders are in the holiday spirit. Mrs. Dambrun and Mrs. Jury’s classrooms donated wonderful gifts to our CASA kids in lieu of having their own classroom holiday gift exchange.