Some of the SJ Indy’s favorite stories
January
City budget woes force elimination of positions
Due to a current fiscal year budget shortfall and declining revenues, the City of St. Johns has eliminated two full-time positions and one part time position in its Engineering Department. The positions eliminated are City Engineer, Engineering Assistant and Engineering Aid. Anticipated revenues for this fiscal year have fallen short of current budgetary needs for two main reasons: cuts in state revenue-sharing enacted by the Michigan legislature and declining tax revenues due in large part to decreases in property values.
Clinton County 4-H Mentoring Open House
January is Michigan Mentoring Month and National Mentoring month which was designed to help more people become aware of mentoring. To support the 2010 Michigan Mentoring Month, the Clinton County MSU Extension will mark the occasion by hosting an open house to highlight the work of current mentors within the program, share mentors stories, and highlight impact data from the 2008-2009 program year.
Pool a topic of Jan. 20 meeting
The City of St. Johns Parks and Recreation Board will hold its January meeting on Wednesday January 20, at 7:00 p.m. in the Clinton County Courthouse. One topic to be discussed will be the future of Veterans Memorial Pool. The city pool has served the St. Johns area for more than 50 years but without community involvement and support its doors may close.
Celebrity Night at Big Boy
Chief Mike Madden served as one of the celebrity wait staff at the Big Boy Restaurant recently. The beneficiaries of the event will be the families who work with Habitat for Humanity in Clinton County.
An album by Barry Bauer
[picasa width=”500″ height=”375″ bgcolor=”#000000″ autoplay=”1″ showcaption=”1″ user=”sjindy” album=”es_bboy”]
February
Lack of snow no hindrance to Snow Day at the Emerald
When it came to an exact count, the total attendance was a moving target and reflecting the spirit of nearly 100 attendees who shared activities marking the CMH Auxiliary’s second annual Snow Day at the Emerald. A chili cook-off, tempered by some hot chocolate, and a hamburger/hot dog picnic style dinner left little concern that a January thaw kept the snow day an inside event. For those who did venture out, a bonfire blazed throughout the evening lending ambiance to the winter scene.
Upcoming Census Linked To Receipt Of Federal Funds
In March of this year you will receive a 2010 Census form. This isn’t junk mail; don’t toss it! You may wonder why this particular government form is so important, and why the U.S. Census Bureau counts the number of people in our nation every decade. The answers might surprise you.
Talent takes the stage this spring at Wilson Center
Spring is coming early in mid-Michigan – thanks to singers, dancers and songwriters set to perform in coming weeks at the Wilson Center Auditorium in St. Johns. Proceeds from the music series will be used for lighting and sound upgrades in the renovation project at the auditorium that is a new home for local community theatre and performers.
March
SJHS has a big weekend indeed
St. Johns certainly has a lot to be proud of after this weekend. The wrestlers winning an exciting state championship! It was a hot and especially intense atmosphere in Kellogg Arena. The swimmers placing in 11 of 12 events. The science Olympiad team winning at Okemos. The girls basketball team winning the league title Friday. On Wednesday evening their season their season ended with a loss to East Lansing 45-33. Nevertheless it has been a week to be proud to be a Redwing.
SJMS 6th grade student Milah Montle competed at the Regional Spelling Bee in Mason on Feb. 27th and won. Milah was competing against approximately 30 of the top spellers from the region which included Lansing, Jackson, Ann Arbor, and Grand Ledge. Milah will move on to the State Spelling Bee, on Sat. Mar 6th.
SJHS Science Olympiad took first at Regionals. Why not take a look at the victory lap at the link below?
Academics drive renovations at St. Johns High School
Main component of bond issue
There have been many changes since the Class of 1970 proudly accepted diplomas as inaugural graduates from the “new” St. Johns High School. Computers? Not a one. Internet connectivity – say what? State and federal mandates on student “benchmarks for academic success” and “equality in athletic programming”? Nada. Student safety and security concerns – think Columbine? Thankfully absent from anyone’s crystal ball.
Today’s world is very different. That’s a fact.
April
Board of Education extends superintendent contract
The St. Johns Board of Education voted unanimously at a recent meeting to extend the contract of Dr. Ken Ladouceur for an additional year. In extending the current contract through the 2012-13 school year, the board cited Ladouceur’s strong leadership skills and community relations efforts over the past year during its annual evaluation of the superintendent.
Bender is named Habitat Volunteer of the Year
“We built a house in Wacousta in 2009, and without Mike’s efforts I am sure it would not have happened,” says Sue Carroll, executive director of HFH of Clinton County.
Foundation Plans 5th Annual
Clinton Memorial Hospital name changed
To share its story of success and confidence in an exciting future, Sparrow today introduced its new brand identity, highlighting the ways that mid-Michigan’s leading health care organization is working to achieve its ambitious vision of earning recognition as a national leader in quality and patient experience. Sparrow will transition to its new visual identity in phases throughout 2010.
The brand rollout will include all Sparrow campuses and serve to unite all locations, service lines and affiliates under a single Sparrow banner and single brand identity. As a part of this effort, Clinton Memorial Hospital will change its name to Sparrow Clinton Hospital to better align with other system hospitals including Sparrow Ionia Hospital and Sparrow Specialty Hospital.
Recognition Night April 27
When it comes to recognition, the Briggs Public Library Foundation uses a broad stroke of the brush, and it doesn’t leave anyone brushed off.
Featured speaker is Eric Villegas, PBS television personality, author and chef. Villegas was the initial owner of Dusty’s Cellar in Okemos and his namesake restaurant, the former Villegas, located in the same community.
The speaker joins a guest list of past presenters which includes St. Johns natives Lynn Henning, sports writer for the Detroit Free Press and Janet Sinke, author and publisher of widely acclaimed children’s books. Others were Elsie poet Larry Howland and artist/author Gijsbert VanFrankenhayzen.
Kiwanis Club is ‘Hero’With Gift to New RAVE Program
The title of “Hero” was conferred on the St. Johns Kiwanis club for its hero level support of a new RAVE program entitled “Weaving the Vision.” The program, as explained by RAVE Director Rhoda Hacker, is a community awareness plan to bring visibility to the varied programs of assistance RAVE provides.
Annual Treasures sale scheduled
First Congregational’s 16th annual Attic and Estate Treasures sale will be held on Tuesday, April 20 and Wednesday, April 21 in Wilcox Hall on the lower level of the church.
Downtown Dollars Promotion a Big Success
The St. Johns Downtown Management Board Downtown Dollars promotion has gotten off to an exciting start with 477 entries received during the month of March. The first drawing winner was Ms. Tammy Simon of St. Johns. Here she is accepting her Downtown Dollars gift certificate book as presented by Downtown Management Board President Mr. William Jackson. Tammy’s winning entry form was obtained at Rehmann’s Clothing in downtown St. Johns, and Mr. Brad Rehmann was also on hand to congratulate Tammy as our first monthly drawing winner.
May
Who Doctored the Indians?
PGS Museum and River Wabwaysin Chapter DAR Join Forces
Paine-Gillam-Scott Museum is open for the 2010 season, featuring a special exhibit: “Who doctored the Indians?” The Museum offers an impressive display of Indian artifacts from Michigan. The exhibit also offers a look at Doctors in this area from the mid 1800’s.
St. Johns teachers take pay freeze
District, SJEA reach tentative contract agreement
Bargaining teams for the St. Johns Education Association and the St. Johns School District reached a tentative contract agreement on April 20, following discussions in recent months. Under the agreement, St. Johns Public School teachers will take a pay freeze for the third time in the past five years.
St. Johns school voters say “Yes”
Voters in the St. Johns School District said “Yes” to a $64.3 million bond proposal at regular spring elections May 4. The unofficial tally of 2,753 to 2,375 – a 378 vote margin – was nearly a polar opposite to the outcome from a similar proposal that failed just a year ago by a 466 margin, 2,452 to 1,986.
A majority of the bond funds in the 2010 proposal are targeted for use in renovations and new construction at St. Johns High School and improvements to athletic facilities. St. Johns School Board President Bill Tennant cited the community’s awareness about critical needs at the high school building and adjacent sites as a factor in the successful passage of bond.
Treasure Chest to close
A long-time downtown store will close sometime after May 31. Treasure Chest owner Cindy Ortman says the store will remain open to sell the remaining inventory.
Deputy injured in chase
On Wednesday night May 19, 2010 a Clinton County Sheriff Deputy was injured while attempting to make a traffic stop. According to Sgt Dan Spitzley, the Deputy tried to make a traffic stop on a vehicle under the suspicion that the driver of that vehicle was intoxicated. The driver did not stop and went off the roadway and into a field. The Deputy continued the chase, and eventually the driver rammed his vehicle into the Deputy’s patrol car.
The suspect is a rural Portland area resident who was taken to a local hospital where he was still being treated on Thursday morning. The Deputy was taken to a hospital where he was treated and released.
SJHS graduation has a different look
The St. Johns High School Class of 2010 will graduate as usual on Frank P. Buck Field during commencement ceremonies set for 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 6; but the configuration of staging will take a 180-degree turn.
Due to safety issues with a portion of the home side bleachers at the football field, the seating arrangement will be reversed – parents, relatives and friends of the graduates will be seated on the opposite (east) side of the field, using the visitors’ bleacher area. Other seating arrangements on the east side will also be in place to accommodate the graduates, along with chair seating for guests.
Of course if Mother Nature intervenes and decides to rain on the Class of 2010’s parade, Commencement moves indoors to the high school gymnasium.
June
Summer Swimming Lessons and Open Swim moved to St. Johns High School Pool
The City of St. Johns Recreation Department has moved their lessons at the St. Johns High School Pool. Lessons and Open Swim begin June 14. There are mornings, evenings, two day a week or four day a week classes to choose from. Lessons cost $45 for St. Johns School District residents and $52.50 for non school district residents.
Longoria, Jagwire Country play at Concert in Park
A local Country music favorite is joined by equally talented musicians when Louie Longoria and Jagwire Country take the stage June 23 for the weekly Concert in the Park series at the St. Johns City Park Performance Shell.
St. Johns Summerfest
The St. Johns Downtown Management Board will be hosting Summerfest, the first barbecue of summer on Friday, June 25th and Saturday, June 26th on the St. Johns Railroad Depot lawn at 107 E. Railroad Street in historic downtown St. Johns. Great tasting barbecue will be available, served family style on picnic benches on the depot lawn. Various children’s activities will be available at the Clinton Northern Railway Museum located inside the Depot building, along with marvelous model train exhibits, authentic railroad artifacts and historically preserved train cars on the rails outside.
July
Independence Day Fireworks at City Park
The Annual Independence Day Fireworks Display, sponsored by the Rotary Club of St. Johns and area businesses, will be held Sunday July 4 at the St. Johns City Park. The fireworks will be provided by Night Magic Inc. Live Music will be performed by Flashback, a classic rock band, starting at 8:00pm at the band shell.
And a good time was had by all
Fun Family Fridays in St. Johns kicked off with a bike parade leaving from Cindy’s Ice Cream with an exceptional array of decorated bikes and wheeled vehicles. Prizes were given in three categories: Fanciest (Mallory Smith); Most Patriotic (Garrett Smith) and most original (a train and beauty queen float by Parker and Mya Robertson); Bike helmets were given to any child who did not own a proper helmet courtesy of the St. Johns Police Department with special thanks to Chief Madden. Children of all ages were challenged on an obstacle course and prizes were given to the winners with the best time. Winners were First place: Austin Kinney; Second: Lucy Eckley; and third: Mallory Smith. As a finale to the games, a drawing was held for two brand new bikes graciously donated by Turning Point Youth Center. The overjoyed girl winner was Jordyn Chant and lucky Cy Honeycutt was the winner of the boy’s bike.
[picasa width=”500″ height=”375″ bgcolor=”#000000″ autoplay=”1″ showcaption=”1″ user=”sjindy” album=”es_100702″]
SJ Board of Education elects officers
Members of the St. Johns Public Schools Board of Education elected officers and officially began the 2010-11 school year July 1 at the annual organizational meeting. The slate of officers remains the same as last year: Bill Tennant, president; Scott Marier, vice president; Nick Koenigsknecht, secretary; and Rick Drabek, treasurer.
Flag dedication ceremony July 21
There was a Flag Dedication Ceremony on July 21, 2010, at the Clinton County Veterans Memorial at 5:30 p.m.
In Remembrance of Brent R. Law, who was KIA Vietnam, on July, 21, 1970.
Brent was a graduate of RB Wilson HS in 1968.
SJPS Theater production showing now
The SJPS theatre program is proud to announce that tickets are now on sale for the summer musical and regional premiere of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”. Tickets are available by calling 227-4210. Show dates are July 22, 23, & 24 at 7 pm in the Wilson Center Auditorium. This show is recommended for audiences 12 and up.
2010 Clinton County Idol chosen
21-year-old Alex Clark from Fowler has been chosen Clinton County Idol for 2010. He was the winner of a $200 check. Runners-up Stephanie Hibbler won $50, and Audrey Maier was the $25 winner.
August
St. Johns participates in “National Night Out”
St. Johns city residents were invited to take part in our 17th annual “National Night Out” event Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The community came together, once again, to get to know their neighbors and join forces against crime. Bring the whole family and enjoy inflatables, games for the kids, food and drinks – all free.
Bond Update: A+ rating allows interest savings of more than $43 million
St. Johns Public Schools will save more than $43 million in interest over the life of the bonds recently sold to finance facility improvements throughout the district—most notably an extensive renovation to St. Johns High School.
Andy T: 2010 Mint Festival Grand Marshal
Pumpkins, corn – and mint
Andy Todosciuk is known far and wide for his gourmet sweet corn and fantastic pumpkins. Now, he’s adding mint to his resume as the Grand Marshal of the 2010 St. Johns Mint Festival.
Elvis closes out Concert in the Park season
It’s a three-peat.
Concert in the Park audiences who’ve loved Matt King’s Elvis Presley Tribute Show the past two seasons will be pleased to know that the “Hound Dog” is returning again in 2010.
September
A Benefit Luncheon organized by the friends of Jody Barnes is being held on Sunday, September 12th from Noon – 5pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1108 N. Business 27, St. Johns, Michigan. Please join us for lunch (free will offering) and silent auction. All proceeds will go towards medical expenses related to Jody’s kidney transplant, scheduled for October 4th.
Rails-To-Trails Presentation
Department of Natural Resources and Environment representative Jim Radabaugh made a presentation to the St. Johns City Commission concerning progress on the proposed recreational rail trail which will eventually stretch between Shiawassee, Clinton and Ionia Counties. Mr. Radabaugh, the section manager of the Recreation and Trails section of DNRE, indicated that the Mid-West Trail Authority is meeting on a regular basis to address issues related to the installation and maintenance of this trail. Mr. Radabaugh also indicated that a three million dollar endowment for trail maintenance has been received from the Fred Meijer Foundation. It is anticipated that sections of this rail trail will be installed for use within an approximate three year time period.
Lifetime Movie Network to feature music of Chad Rehmann
St. Johns High School alumnus Chad Rehmann recently collaborated with director John Murlowski of Maple Island Films to compose and record the soundtrack for the upcoming Lifetime Movie Network film, “Next Stop Murder”. This film, starring Brigid Brannagh (Army Wives) and Brian Krause (Charmed), will air on Lifetime Movie Network at 5:00 pm and 9:00 pm on Sunday, September 19th, 2010.
Sheriff’s Dept. makes meth bust
Benjamin Chase Peiffer, 30, and Jennifer Elaine Smith, 30, of St. Johns were arrested on a charge of manufacturing methamphetamin and use of methamphetamine. They were taken to the Clinton County jail.
On September 15, 2010 the Sheriff’s office investigated a complaint on West Mead Road in Essex Township. A homeowner observed a man on his front porch. According to reports the man was delusional. Deputies later determined that the he was going through methamphetmine withdrawal. At that time the man admitted to maintaining a meth lab.
October
Free Pumpkin Fest pumpkins
Youth who are interested in entering the annual Pumpkin Fest Decorated Pumpkin Contest can pick up a free pumpkin this Sunday, Sept. 26, at Andy T’s Farm Market, 3131 S. BR-127, St. Johns. Contest applications that were sent home with students must be presented in order to receive a free pumpkin.
The annual event of the St. Johns Lions and Lioness Club is being held this year at Andy T’s, thanks to the major sponsorship of the local business.
SJHS prepares for a Hollywood Homecoming
Everyone in Redwing land is headed to “Hollywood” for SJHS Homecoming 2010. That’s the theme for the week-long celebration across the St. Johns School District. The annual Homecoming Parade steps off at 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 8, winding its way through downtown St. Johns.
The Redwings clash with East Lansing at Frank Buck Field in the Homecoming game that begins at 7 p.m. The 2010 SJHS Homecoming King and Queen will be announced at halftime of the game.
Team guides SJHS renovations
For the past six months, a planning committee consisting of staff, students, administrators and community members has been meeting to guide the renovation of St. Johns High School. The 27-member planning team has dedicated hundreds of hours to assessing proposed designs, keeping plans within budget and providing overall guidance to project.
May bond issue brings new propane buses
St. Johns Public Schools has taken delivery of 20 new propane fueled buses. The new buses will be on the road once they are inspected and when their communications systems are installed. The bus purchase was approved by the St. Johns Board of Education earlier this summer. Funds from the bond passed in May were used for the purchase. Holland Bus Company of Holland, Michigan supplied the buses.
Halloween at Gateway Elementary
Fourth grade breakdown
November
Veterans Day 2010
Veterans Day ceremonies in St. Johns will take place on Thursday, November 11th beginning with a parade at 11:00 a.m. All veterans are being invited to participate in the proceedings, including the short march from the Wilson Center to the Clinton County Veterans Memorial, site of the observance. Military vehicles and other transportation will be present to provide rides for those vets wishing to join in the parade, but who may be unable to walk the entire route. Parade units will begin forming in the parking lot behind the Wilson Center at 10:30 a.m.
Featured speaker for the event will be Donald Zimmerman, a retired U.S. Air Force Chaplain, who holds this same office in St. Johns’ Post 153 of the American Legion.
The Redwing Marching Band, under the direction of Roy Davis, will provide the musical portion of the observance. Patriotic tunes and the National Anthem will provide a military atmosphere and demonstrate the continuing support that this organization has annually shown for local vets.
Chamber Presents Annual Awards
The highest award of the year, The William Patton Award, went to Dave Hunt Sr. The William Patton Award was developed in 1987 by the Chamber Ambassadors and the annual recipient is someone who conforms to the same high standard of conduct and honor that Mr. Patton lived by, which includes: Community Service, Professionalism, Religious Involvement, and the Highest Standard of Moral Character and Conduct.
Previous recipients included Hugh Banninga (1987), James Moore (1989), Bess Osgood (1990), Eloise Hambelton (1991), Roy Briggs and Muriel Gilson (1992), Stuart Oppenlander and William Richards (1993), Bernard Feldpausch (1994), Paul McNamara (1995), Donald Rademacher (1996), Fred and Mary Meyer (1997), John and Catherine Rumbaugh (1998), Robert Sirrine (1999), Gordon Vandemark (2000), Leon Brewbaker (2001), Edna Flegler (2002), Ken Moore (2003), John Arehart (2004), Alvin (AJ) Thelen (2005), Roger Dershem (2006), Dennis Koenigsknecht (2007), Bonnie Fyvie (2008) and Joann Martis (2009).
SJHS Band to perform in Detroit Thanksgiving Day parade
Marching Band continues Performing Arts Tradition
The Marching Redwings will march in the upcoming Thanksgiving Day Detroit parade. This is an event that the band marches in every other year, and it has become an enduring memory for both students and their families. It has been another banner year for our 144-member marching band. This year’s marching band has had many wonderful opportunities to perform, making the most of each opportunity.
Adoption Day celebrated by two local families
November 23, 2010 was declared Michigan Adoption Day by the Michigan Supreme Court. Counties around the state celebrated with Adoption Day ceremonies and Clinton County was no exception. Clinton County Family Court Judge Lisa Sullivan presided along with Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Marilyn Kelly. This is Judge Sullivan’s 7th year of presiding over Clinton County’s Adoption Day.
Two families adopted a total of five children. The Joseph and Lisa Peter’s family adopted Anthony Ward 16. The Jeremy and Lori Beard family adopted Paul 21, Tyler 18, Katie 13, and Cooper 9. Also on hand were Becky Schroeder and her adopted parents, Dennis and Eydie Schroeder. Becky is handicapped and confined to a specialized wheelchair. Her mom, Eydie, is well known in the community as a piano teacher.
December
It’s time to “Make a Joyful Noise”
Community Messiah sing is Dec. 5
The third annual community sing of selections from Handel’s “Messiah” is set for Sunday, Dec. 5, beginning at 3 p.m. in the Wilson Center Auditorium, downtown St. Johns.
“Everyone is welcome to join in – both singers and listeners,” says Marti Cooper, one of the coordinators along with Bill Tennant and Justin Valla.
Help a Child This Holiday Season
As you are doing your holiday shopping this year, think about all the children in our county that may need a little brighter Christmas. Already the number of family request forms for holiday assistance with toys is greater than last year. So think about purchasing a toy and putting it in one of the many collection boxes throughout the county.
Santa visits the Briggs
An album by Barry Bauer
[picasa width=”500″ height=”375″ bgcolor=”#000000″ autoplay=”1″ showcaption=”1″ user=”sjindy” album=”es_101203b”]
First Congregational presents annual Christmas Cantata
The Chancel Choir of First Congregational Church, 100 Maple Street, St. Johns, MI, under the direction of Dr. Charles Graham, will present “Winter’s Grace” by Joseph M. Martin. All are invited to attend this special musical event. The Cantata will be held during the church service on Sunday, December 19th, beginning at 11:00 a.m. The choir will be accompanied by Rachael Short.
Computers for Kids and Habitat partner to give away computers
Just in time for Christmas, Clinton Conservation District’s “Computers for Kids” program is partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Clinton County to give away three refurbished computers. The drawing will take place on Thursday, December 23 at Noon at the Habitat ReStore, located at 2352 N. US 27, St. Johns.
The “Computers for Kids” program, organized by Gary Fritz, Conservation District Executive Director and his son Chris, is in its third year of refurbishing donated computers and installing updated software for local area kids. In this case, the computers are being donated to Habitat for Humanity of Clinton County, where the proceeds will help Habitat build their next home for a family in need of a decent, affordable and safe place to live. Habitat’s plan is to break ground in Spring 2011 on donated property in Ovid.
Kiwanis delivers dictionaries
With one eye to furthering education and the other to the importance of the printed word, St. Johns Kiwanis members have been keeping a busy schedule of delivering dictionaries to six elementary schools in the St. Johns area. The effort stems from a Kiwanis International program which began in 2002 and has resulted in over eight million dictionaries ending up in the hands of elementary students throughout the United States.