Fast away the old year passes
**January**
St. Johns ranks high as safest city
A new consumer report ranked St. Johns as #39 out of almost 200 cities for safest cities in Michigan.
DNR announces opening of Fred Meijer Clinton Ionia Shiawassee State Trail
The Department of Natural Resources today announced that the 42-mile Fred Meijer Clinton Ionia Shiawassee State Trail officially is complete and open to the public.
The highly anticipated pedestrian and bike trail runs from the city of Owosso (Shiawassee County) to the city of Ionia (Ionia County), where it connects to other trails to form a 125-mile regional trail system.
Children’s choir starts new season
Vivo Cantando, a community choir for children in Grades 3-5, started a new session on January 13. All children interested in singing with others students from the St. Johns area are invited to join; there is no audition.
Mint City Patchers
by Maralyn Fink
On Friday, I met with the Mint City Patchers, a sewing group that meets every Friday at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home. There are 14 members to the group who enjoy what they are doing and that is sewing. The idea came from a presentation at the train depot that formed this group and hence the quilting club.
SJHS Dance Team heads to Nationals
On Thursday this week, the team, coach and chaperones will leave for the competition at Disney World in Florida. They will compete on January 31st and will return on February 3rd.
**February**
SCH welcomes new CNO
Sparrow Clinton Hospital has named Beth Ann Daugherty, BSN, RN, MPH, CRRN, as Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer.
Focus on Dairy Production meeting
Dairy producers, dairy farm employees, and industry professionals will learn about topics important to managing today’s dairy farms at the Focus on Dairy Production program offered by the Michigan State University Extension Dairy Team.
New Castle may be coming to St. Johns
A payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement has been negotiated between the city of St. Johns and a developer in support of a proposed 30 unit senior citizen housing facility.
The four story building is being developed by Phil Seybert, owner of P.S. Equities, Mt. Pleasant, for property at the southwest corner of Spring and Higham streets. The newly vacated lot had been used as a drive-up banking facility by Clinton National Bank and Citizens Bank and was the site of Cindy’s Ice Cream and Treats until 2012.
SJHS senior selected as National Merit Finalist
St. Johns High School senior Duncan Wright has been selected as a National Merit Finalist. By being only one of 15,000 US High School Seniors to be selected for this honor, Duncan is now considered to be part of
the top 1% of high school seniors in the United States.
SJPS announces Let’s Talk!
Because education is a shared responsibility, it’s important that your voices are included in important conversations about the district. And our innovative communication initiative, Let’s Talk!, enables us to listen and respond to your questions, concerns and suggestions.
To make a submission, visit our district website and click the Let’s Talk! icon. You can choose to provide your contact information or submit anonymously. If you do provide your email address, you’ll receive a response within 3 business days.
Hometown productions this weekend
Done to Death is a rollicking tale of five has-been mystery writers brought together to collaborate on creating a new murder mystery television series. The play is a parody of the genre as each writer offers his/her own style in developing solutions to various murders, bringing frenzied situations and unruly results. A total of five performances are scheduled.
**March**
CIS Trail Opening on Saturday, April 18
The ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the CIS Trail is scheduled for
Saturday, April 18.
Bill Richards Day: Meredith Palen Mills says, “It’s his fault I’m a pilot.”
On 3-14-15, the day math wizards celebrate as Pi Day, there was a gathering of hundreds of people whose lives have been touched directly or indirectly by Bill Richards since the time he and his brothers moved to St. Johns after World War II. It started with Richards’ Creamery.
Clinton County Economic Alliance Names President/CEO
The Clinton County Economic Alliance (CCEA) Executive Committee has named Dru L. Mitchell as its President and Chief Executive Officer. Mitchell has been serving as interim executive director since February, 2014.
Executive Director Opportunity
The Clinton County Arts Council (CCAC) in St. Johns, Michigan, seeks a dynamic and motivated leader to serve as an Executive Director to advance the mission and goals of the organization. This position works closely with, and reports to, the Chair and the Board of Directors.
**April**
Memorial outing to provide dual benefits
You may not have known Hal Rice, but those who did consider his unrelenting optimism as the fundamental force behind an extended struggle with Multiple Sclerosis, commonly referred to as MS. Along with his intense effort on that front, Hal was consistently encouraging others to positive ends, never more so than among his fellow members of St. Johns Kiwanis Club. To them, it was difficult to accept that MS ultimately overcame his strength of spirit.
Jeb Bush to speak at Lincoln Day dinner
The Clinton County Republican Party and Ingham County Republican Party have announced that former Florida Governor Jeb Bush will be the keynote speaker for a special joint Lincoln Day Dinner on Thursday, May 28, 2015.
Ground breaking
St. John’s Lutheran is ready for renovations and a new addition. On April 19 St. John’s Lutheran Church broke ground for a new building addition and renovation.
**May**
City of St. Johns launches crowdfunding campaign for community Spray Park
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the City of St. Johns today announced a new crowdfunding campaign through Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity. The campaign will support the development of a water spray park at St. Johns’ City Park. If the Water Spray Park project attains its crowdfunding goal of $30,000 by July 2, MEDC will provide a $30,000 matching grant.
Mint City Singers to host fundraiser
In memory of Dave Fitzpatrick – Monday, May 18
Habitat begins new home
Habitat for Humanities of Clinton County celebrated the Ground Breaking for the Mansfields home in St. Johns Monday morning. Thank you to all of those who came out and joined us. This is what it’s all about, friends.
SJPD makes awards
During Monday night’s City Commission meeting Chief Knight presented several awards. Officer Michael Brown was presented with a Lifesaving Award for his actions during a medical call in February 2015.
Arrested in rural St. Johns murder
On Tuesday, May 19 the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office obtained four multiple count arrest warrants for four individuals involved in the September 18, 2013 Homicide of Jauwan Gaylord Butler at a residence located on Taft road in Bingham Township.
Concert in the Park series opens June 10 in St. Johns
Summer is nearly here, and that means it’s time for the 2015 Concert in the Park season at the St. Johns City Park Performance Shell. This year’s schedule features perennial favorites and newcomers performing a variety of musical styles. The line-up includes local musicians, bands from across Michigan and Canada, and a performance by a youth band and choir from Flensburg, Germany.
Class of 2000 donates to Spray Park
On May 14 James Kentfield challenged the SJHS Class of 2000 to donate $25 each to help move the Spray Park project along.
**June**
Let’s Talk Trash
Beginning July 1 Granger will become the City’s solid waste and recycling contractor. This change is the result of Granger being the low bidder for this residential service. While routes and pick-up days will remain the same, there will be a significant change in recycling. Granger will provide each residential customer with a 96 gallon wheeled receptacle called a “Curby” in place of the recycling bins currently in use.
SCH Foundation announces Whyman Scholarship winners
Clinton County students pursuing healthcare careers recently each received $1,500 in scholarship assistance from the Sparrow Clinton Hospital Foundation in St. Johns.
2015 Whyman Scholarship winners are Alexandra Davis of St. Johns, Emily Esch of Fowler, Bethany Fransted of St. Johns, Carol Nesbitt of Eagle, Lyndsay Pung of St. Johns, Alex Rosenbaum of St. Johns, Chelsea Rossow of St. Johns, Chase Thelen of Westphalia, Hannah VanValkenburg of St. Johns, and Alexandra Hallenbeck.
Super-Duper Summer Reading Kickoff at the Briggs Library
Students from St. Joseph School in St. Johns, in their traditional final field trip of the year, visited the Briggs Public Library to learn about its summer reading programs and activities.
Museum features Schools in Clinton County
Do your thoughts ever wander back to your early school days? If you lived in the country, you, your parents or grandparents may have attended a one room school house similar to the one above, showing the old outhouse, and the wood pile which was the source of heat that kept you warm in the winter, if your seat was close enough to that old pot belly stove!
St. Johns resident to turn 100
Mary Zilz or “Monnie” (Indian for Mary) was born Mary Lenora Smith on June 18, 1915, and holds the honor of being the oldest living member of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan.
Fireworks reminder
A reminder to residents that city ordinance prohibits the shooting of fireworks in the city limits any time except the day before, day of, or day after a national holiday.
Fallen firefighter’s family unveils memorial sign
Rep. Leonard, R-DeWitt, was the author of a bill memorializing the stretch of roadway beginning at Colony Road and stretching north to M-57 as the Tim Sanborn Memorial Highway. Sanborn, a third-generation firefighter, suffered a fatal heart attack while battling a house fire on June 22, 2007.
Park entrance now one way
The City of St. Johns has converted the Morton Street entrance (corner of Morton and Park) into a One-Way west-bound only driveway.
Card shower for Wanda Humphrey
Please join in a card shower in celebration of Wanda Humphrey’s 90th birthday on July 2, 2015.
**July**
Delbert and Bonnie Bancroft were married on August 24, 1965. James and Ida Bancroft were married on July 6, 1995. Juddson and Joan Bancroft were married on October 23, 1965. Now all three couple will be celebrating a total of 150 years of marriage on July 12, 2015.
The Wonderful World of Disney in Fowler
Most Holy Trinity Parish Festival, Fowler July 23 – 26
St Johns High School Auto Program and RESA Program
This is the 45th Anniversary of the auto program and the first year under the leadership of Chris Richards, a teacher with SJPS. Chris along with volunteers set the date, set up the sight, make up flyers, handle registration and do whatever is needed for this to run.
Train car restoration update
With the summer upon us, w have been able to make some visible progress. Feel free to take a look when you’re in the area. She is located next to St John’s Florist and Greenhouse on Steele Street.
FOMR plans quiet water experience
The Friends of The Maple River invites everyone who is interested in quiet water experiences in a kayak or canoe, to join us as we explore the new Clinton County Park system 80 + acre Clinton Lake on Wednesday July 22nd at 6:30 PM. The lake is just west of Motz Park on DeWitt Road.
SJHS grad finds his own voice
Andy Keilen is a 2003 graduate of St. Johns High School and a freelance photographer currently based in Los Angeles, California. Today Andy is an Executive Assistant and Office Manager at Point Foundation. In his free time Andy continues to do freelance photography and play music.
Many Shopping Opportunities at Annual St. Johns Mint Festival
The 31st Annual St. Johns Mint Festival, scheduled for August 14-16 is sure to please the shopper in everyone. This year the festival will feature many new vendors selling everything from custom cutting boards, pottery and artwork to furniture, chainsaw creations, vintage bags, wine and champagne trees and much, much more.
**August**
New bike racks are in place
Through a grant from the DALMAC Fund the City was able to purchase bike racks for downtown and a bike fix-it station that was placed in Rotary Park next to the FMCIS Trail. The fix-it station has basic tools and an air pump to make minor repairs to a bicycle.
National Night Out is August 4
New Location – St. Johns City Park (Park and Morton Streets)
Grain hauler accident leaves load on M-21
Last Sunday authorities responded to a crash on M-21 near Lowell Rd. A Semi was hauling grain when it came upon a vehicle stopped in the road with no lights on. The semi driver swerved to miss the vehicle and over-turned. Thankfully the several skilled athletes from around the state participated. Area 28 softball teams, the Hawks and the Eagles, both captured gold medals. The competition was fierce, the weather was great, and everyone had a wonderful day.
Fun Part of Kids’ Summer Art Classes
Summer art extends well into fall under a schedule of art classes for kids offered by Clinton County Arts Council.
Dairy Jobs Training
Are you looking for a new job or career? The Michigan dairy industry is hiring.
Spray Park opens
The Spray Park opened at the City Park in time for Mint Festival weekend. Regular hour are 10-8 Monday – Friday and 12-8 Saturday and Sunday.
Hospital Auxiliary Half Way
With a bundle of four fund raising events planned between now and year’s end, members of Sparrow Clinton Hospital Auxiliary hope to reduce the balance on their outstanding pledge of $100,000 in support of the new emergency wing, which opened a little over one year ago.
Elvis closes out SJ Concert in the Park season
Concert in the Park audiences who’ve loved Matt King’s Elvis Presley Tribute Show the past six seasons will be pleased to know that the “Hound Dog” is back again. King “is” Elvis in the August 26 season finale at the St. Johns City Park Performance Shell.
SJHS Equestrian Team
The Equestrian team started over 25 years ago, and they meet twice a week during August and September for riding and class. Kathy Lowell is the Captain and Janice Mehney is the Assistant Coach. Captain of the team is Hannah Campbell. There are 8 girls and 1 male and are from the 9th thru 12th grades. The largest team they have had numbered 25.
Ticket Sales Near Record
No one knows for certain how long members of St. Johns Kiwanis have sponsored the “Peppermint Patty Plop” during the annual Mint Festival, but this year’s ticket sales and proceeds neared record numbers while six winners walked off with some of the money.
**September**
Highway named in honor of local fallen soldier
State Rep. Tom Leonard today introduced legislation to name a portion of Business Route U.S. 127 in Clinton County in honor of a St. Johns man who died on Christmas Day 2006 during a military mission in Iraq. The highway between West Walker Road south to East Townsend Road will be the “PFC Andrew H. Nelson Memorial Highway.”
Have crowns; will travel
A special thing that happens each year during Mint Festival time is a new Queen and court are selected. The new Royalty Court for 2015 includes: Queen-Audrey deAlmeida; 1st Runner Up-McKayla Keener; 2nd Runner Up-Alissa Longoria; Junior Miss Mint-Becca Bovee and Little Miss Mint-Katie Rozen. The new court will participate in over 15-20 parades and activities throughout their reign.
Fall Goose Hunt applications available
Clinton County will hold A Fall Waterfowl Hunt at Clinton Lakes County Park.
Mango Languages
Briggs Public Library is pleased to announce that it now offers the Mango Languages online language-learning system to its patrons. Mango is free for all library patrons and can be accessed anywhere with an Internet connection. Mango offers access to 60 foreign language courses and 17 English courses taught completely in the user’s native language.
New bench heading to City Park
At their September 9th Lions Club picnic at Motz Park, a tribute to the late Lion George Campbell was made by Club President Lion Tim Black. A special Lions Club park bench was presented to his wife Lion Kathy Campbell.
It’s Homecoming, 2015 for St. Johns Redwings
All the usual festivities and some special surprises are on tap this weekend during Homecoming 2015 at St. Johns High School. The fun begins at 5 p.m., Friday, October 2 with the traditional Homecoming parade on Clinton Avenue in downtown St. Johns.
Free Bridge Lessons Offered at Senior Center
Are you someone that has a serious interest in learning how to play bridge, or maybe you played years ago and need a refresher course? Then sign up to take free classes at the Clinton County Senior Center. It is anticipated the first class will start on October 28.
**October**
City to host annual Zombie Run
Join us Friday October 23rd in the St. Johns City Park at 6:15 for the 3rd Annual Zombie Run. This 1.5 mile road/trail race will take runners through post-apocalyptic St. Johns City Park and Clinton County Fairgrounds.
City names William E. Tennant Performance Shell
Congratulations to Bill Tennant as he received recognition from the City of St. Johns.
I Was Here signs available
Paine-Gillam-Scott House Museum has signs to be placed on your historic house to indicate when it was built. The house should be at least 100 years old, located in Clinton County and the homeowner must do the research to determine the age. Clinton County Historical Society, a picture of the old courthouse clock tower and the actual year is printed on your sign.
Adoption finalized in a case with a CASA Advocate
For the first time in Clinton County, an adoption was finalized in a court case which had a CASA Advocate appointed.
Fowler Dedicates new mural
On Saturday, October 3rd Fowler held an unveiling of the Mural of the Fowler Depot circa 1912. Planning started 3 years ago and an artist from Westphalia, Dan Arens was contacted.
Officer installation opens Kiwanis year
Holding positions for the upcoming year are President Shannon Schlegel, President Elect, Chris Bouck, Secretary Karen Crosby and Treasurer Jan Havlik. Directors include Eileen Bostwick, Sue Lounds and Theresa Fedewa Wells. Outgoing officers and directors include Paul Opsommer, Curt Keck, Joyce Crosby and Marilyn Thelen.
Arts Council hosting “Art-ful Treasures” sale
A collection of vintage art items will go on sale Monday and Tuesday, October 19 and 20 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM in the storefront at 315 N. Clinton Ave., St. Johns. All of the art on sale was created by past artists of Clinton County Arts Council. The “Art-ful Treasures” sale will feature a broad selection of wall art, as well as some pottery, jewelry and other items.
Hospice Tree Lighting
The annual Sparrow Clinton Hospice tree lighting honors those who were cared for by Sparrow Hospice Services this past year. Since the Sparrow Hospice Program began in St. Johns in 1983, over 2600 lights have been added to this tree to represent each person cared for during the past 32 years. Michelle Wiseman is the founding and current director of this program.
City needs to hear from you
The City of St. Johns is working to update the 5-Year Parks and Recreation Masterplan.
United Methodists move to temporary home
Beginning Sunday, October 25th, the First United Methodist Church of St. Johns will temporarily be holding their Sunday service and Sunday school classes at the Agro-Liquid Conference Centers on Sundays while they await the installation of a new boiler.
New Art Piece to be unveiled
An unveiling event will be held on November 4 to dedicate the newest art sculpture in St. Johns.
The new polished 3003-aluminum sculpture entitled “Splash” is approximately 14 feet tall and was installed in the Main City Park in St. Johns at the entrance to the new Spray Park. The art installation was made possible by a Public Art for Communities Grant from the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) and the PNC Foundation.
Free Veteran’s Dinner at Lowe Social Hall
Veteran’s and their family are invited to a free dinner and fellowship hosted by the Charge Outreach Group of Lowe and Maple Rapids United Methodist Church.
CAFR giving out batteries
Energizer has given CAFR some 9V batteries to give out to those who need them for smoke detectors.
An Event So Good It’s Scary
On Friday, October 30 the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce along with many businesses in St. Johns will be holding their Annual daytime trick-or-treating event for young children. From 3:30-5:30 p.m. young children that are in costume can trick-or-treat at over 30 businesses.
**November**
Auditorium Committee receives Matching Funds Grant
The Wilson Center Auditorium Renovation Project Committee is kicking off Phase II, the final phase of fundraising, to complete this engaging project. “It is going to take $80,000 to complete all of the work,” said chair Bill Tennant. “The good news is that we have $20,000 in our account; another $30,000 has been pledged to the project in a matching grant the committee has obtained, which leaves us with $30,000 to raise before the end of the year.
City Commission Recognizes the Problem Of Homelessness
At its November 9th public meeting the St. Johns City Commission unanimously adopted a resolution proclaiming November 14th through the 22nd “Homeless Awareness Week”.
Feast on November 26
Again for the 6th year a group of area churches with major support from community members, businesses, and service organizations is hosting the Community Thanksgiving Dinner at noon and at 1:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day in downtown St. Johns in the dining area at the First Congregational Church, across from the courthouse.
Downtown fire destroys building
Fire destroyed a 70-year-old commercial building north of downtown St. Johns early this morning, fire officials said. The leased building is attached to LeVeck’s Power Equipment. No one was in the one-floor brick building in the 506 N. Clinton Ave. at the time of the fire, officials said.
Black Friday Sale to open Holidays at Hospital Gift Shop
Volunteers at Sparrow Clinton Hospital Gift Shop have planned an event filled holiday season with an opening Nov. 27 – “Black Friday” – that surpasses any previous special offering or sale. Shoppers on that busiest of days will receive a full 30% off the total amount of purchase on all regular priced merchandise, whether general, seasonal or holiday. Also included are items of clothing, unique gifting selections and charming novelty pieces.
New Christmas event at the Depot
Join the City of St. Johns Recreation Department at its first ever Christmas Event on Friday, December 11, 2015. Children have the opportunity to explore the St Johns Railroad Depot, including the real life outdoor railroad cars and small model train exhibit. Admission includes: kid friendly food (popcorn, hot chocolate, and pizza), crafts, and movie. Santa will also be making a special appearance.
Something for Everyone at Christmas Festival
Saturday, December 5 the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce will hold its 13th Annual Christmas Festival at the CC RESA Building.
**December**
SJHS Class of 1985 raises $4,500 for Foundation for Excellence
The St. Johns High School Class of 1985 celebrated their 30th Class Reunion during homecoming weekend October 2-3. Prior to the reunion, the class alumni association launched the first-ever St. Johns Alumni Giving Challenge as a fundraiser to benefit the St. Johns Schools Foundation for Excellence.
Frontier offers higher speeds to commercial customers
Frontier Communications (NASDAQ: FTR), the City of St. Johns, Michigan, Quest Software and the Clinton County Economic Alliance have partnered to bring a new age of high-speed Internet to the city. Business customers in the St. Johns Certified Industrial Park will now be served by a new all fiber-optic infrastructure, making the Park one of the most technologically advanced business sites in Michigan.
Rotary donates to SJPS
The St. Johns Rotary Club made a donation of $1,600 to the St. Johns Public Schools for the purchase of a AED defibrillator for the Wilson Center.
Community Christmas Concert
The annual Community Christmas Concert will be held on December 11th at 7:00 pm in the Wilson Center Auditorium. Participants include the St. Johns Community Band, Bases Loaded Tuba Ensemble, the Mint City Singers and Vivo Contando, and the community children’s choir.
Post Office employees donate to CASA
CASA appreciates the generosity of the St. Johns Post Office staff for their holiday giving to support children who have been removed from their parents’ care due to abuse or neglect.
Regarding the Facilities Study
Last night our Board of Education heard an extensive and comprehensive presentation from the Facilities Committee. The committee conducted an in-depth analysis of how our current facilities are utilized and provided recommendations for future needs and direction. During this meeting the Board of Education did not take any action.