Longtime Briggs Library staff member receives recognition
Marie Geller was awarded the 2016 Patron Services Award on May 5, 2016 in front of approximately 500 librarians at the Loleta Fyan Small and Rural Libraries Conference held on Mackinac Island. The award is given at the bi-annual conference recognizing a librarian from a small or rural library who has made significant contribution to, and a positive impact on, library services to patrons through outstanding program(s) or services.
Marie was nominated by Library Director, Sara Morrison. The nomination packet included letters of support written by a colleague, a former Library Board Member and several patrons.
Marie started working at the Library when she was still in high school. After taking several years off, Marie returned in 1978 and has served the Briggs Library and community for over 37 years. She is currently the Children’s Services Coordinator.
“Marie is the heart and soul of our Library. Without her dedication, creativity and drive the Library would not be where it is today. She does not seek out or expect accolades for a job well done. She goes the extra mile because she believes in the value of the Library to change lives and she truly enjoys what she does. After over 37 years of service to the Briggs Library, Marie Geller deserves to be recognized by her peers for a job well done. The Library and community have been very lucky to have been blessed with such a talented individual.” said Library Director, Sara Morrison.
The Briggs District Library is located at 108 E. Railroad Street in St. Johns, Michigan. For more information on the Briggs District Library, visit www.briggsdistrictlibrary.org, or contact Library Director Sara Morrison at (989) 224-4702 or via e-mail at: director@briggsdistrictlibrary.org.
Louie Longoria plays pure Country at June 22 Concert in the Park
Country music in its purest form – that’s Louie Longoria. The talented performer takes the stage June 22 at the weekly Concert in the Park series at the St. Johns City Park Performance Shell. There is no admission charge for the show that begins at 7 p.m.
If it’s great traditional Country music that you’re looking for, look no further than Longoria. Born and raised in Michigan, his roots trace back to Pearsall, Texas, where his parents were born. Growing up in a small community Longoria has always been around Country music and brands his music as “pure Country.” His style ranges from Johnny Cash to Merle Haggard and George Strait, and brings small-town America to the big stage. Longoria has a versatile voice that can handle a wide variety of music including both old and new Country music.
His talent and relaxed humor never fail to win the hearts of audiences, providing him with opportunities to open shows for some of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry legends like Little Jimmie Dickens, Jeannie Seely, the late Jack Greene, Jim Ed Brown, the late Ray Price, Billy Joe Royal, Baillie & The Boys, Michael Twitty and Neal McCoy. He has toured with Tommy Cash, a brother of Johnny Cash who he has performed with on two duets: “Six White Horses,” a No. 1 song for Cash, and “Walk The Line Revisited,” a No. 1 song for Longoria.
Longoria has been in the music business over 23 years and has five Top 10 hits including a trio of No. 1 songs. He continues to tour around the state keeping Country music alive. He lives in Michigan with his wife and children.
Concert in the Park is sponsored by the Clinton County Arts Council and the city of St. Johns, with support from the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Concerts are held each Wednesday evening, beginning at 7 p.m., in the beautiful outdoor concert venue at the St. Johns City Park. The St. Johns Lions and Lioness Club staff a concession stand that offers light refreshments. All concerts are held rain or shine.
For information on Concert in the Park call the Clinton County Arts Council, (989) 224-2429, or visit FaceBook or the CCAC web site at http://www.clintoncountyarts.org/.
St. Johns Concert in the Park 2016 Schedule
St. Johns City Park Performance Shell
Wednesday evenings, 7 p.m.
June 22: Local Country, The Louis Longoria Band
June 29: Barbershop Chorus, Mountain Town Singers
July 6: Great Evening of Folk, Blue Water Ramblers
July 13: Real Motown, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas
July 20: Orchestra Pops, Mid-Michigan Festival Orchestra
July 27: Canadian Roots/Ragtime, My Sweet Patootie
Aug. 3: Eagles Tribute Band, Motown Eagles
Aug. 10: The Music of Ireland, Monday’s Supper
Aug. 17: Beatles Tribute Band, Toppermost
Aug. 24: All Brass, Capital City Brass Band
Aug. 31: Elvis Impersonator, Matt King
SJPD makes arrest in thefts
The St. Johns Police Department recently arrested Justin McMahon, an 18 year old Detroit resident, for the July 4, 2015 theft of three zero-turn lawn mowers from Bee’s Sports and a van stolen from Bee’s Auto, both located in St. Johns.
The arrest came from solid police work by officers from the St. Johns Police Department. On July 6, 2015 the stolen vehicle was located in Detroit, where it had been left unattended. St. Johns Police Officers processed the van for evidence, collecting fingerprints and DNA evidence; which were sent to the Michigan State Police Lab for analysis.
Once analyzed, the DNA evidence linked McMahon to the vehicle. Officers located McMahon in Detroit and interviewed him. McMahon admitted to driving to St. Johns, stealing the van and lawn mowers to take them back to Detroit to pawn for money. McMahon is set for a Preliminary Examination in the near future.
Officers of the St. Johns Police Department continue to train in evidence collection because Chief Knight feels it is an important task of all officers. The Police Department recently added an Evidence Technician and updated their DNA Collection Kits. The collection of the DNA evidence from the van was a key element in closing this case and with changing technology, evidence collection will continue to be placed as a priority at the St. Johns Police Department.
SJPS lauds retirees
St. Johns Public Schools would like to congratulate and express our deepest appreciation to this year’s retiring teachers. Congratulations to
 Mrs. Bernie Wagner – 38.5 years |
 Mrs. Andrea Makarauskas – 30 years |
 Mrs. Cindy Deveau – 22 years |
St. Johns Public Schools would also like to congratulate the other retirees from this past school year:
Pat Fox-Paseka – Bus Driver – 26 years
Cathy Ommen – Kitchen – 26 years
Deb Quisenberry – SSP – 18 years
Janell Barber – SSP – 16 years
Nick Platte -Custodian – 10 years
Amy Emmert – SSP – 7 years
Thank you to all of these individuals who have touched the lives of so many St. Johns students.
Government Day visit
Mayor Dana Beaman visited Ms. Foreback’s 4th Grade Class on Government Day at East Olive Elementary.